Anti-Semitism, racism marring Hungarian politics, Jewish leadertells CoE

 
The head of Hungary’s federation of Jewish organisations Mazsihisz, Peter Feldmajer,



EU leaders vow to fight anti-Semitism in Europe

 Thursday, October 15, 2009 Print this article Forward this article  
Click here to read the original article in The European Jewish Press

The European Jewish Press

By Yossi Lempkowicz

Speaking at the opening of the new European Jewish Congress Brussels office, European Commission President José Manuel Barroso stated : „We must firmly reject all attempts to rewrite history or to deny the dignity of fellow human beings. We must condemn all forms of intolerance, racism, xenophobia and anti-Semitism.”

Stressing the need to be „vigilant,” he reminded that a few weeks ago Europe solemnly commemorated the 70th anniversary of the start of the Second World War „to pay tribute to those who fought for freedom and and to honour the memory of millions of victims of barbarism.”

He paid tribute to the memory of Marek Edelman, the last survivor of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising, who died recently in Poland.

„The European Union, Barroso said, „represents the victory of law over arms, solidarity over nationalism and justice over all forms of oppression,” adding that the Jewish communitires of Europe have played a full part in building Europe „because they have been able to bring their ideal of justice and peace to the European project.”

European Commission Vice-President Jacques Barrot, who is in charge of justice, freedom and security, said the European Union will continue to fight anti-Semitism „with all its powers” through anti-discrimination laws and to ban tv satellite channels preaching hatred.

Jerzy Buzek, the Polish president of the European Parliament, underlined his „personal commitment” to the promotion of tolerance and reconciliation, as well as to the combat against anti-Semitism and all forms of discrimination based on race or religion.

He said Europe addresses these threats to our democratic values by taking positive steps to encourage intercultural dialogue and, in particular, dialogue with different religions and faiths