With overwhelming support from the country’s main political parties,
the German parliament has passed a resolution committing itself to
renewed action against anti-Semitism.
Thursday’s resolution committed Germany to producing a report on “all
the issues surrounding the theme of anti-Semitism in Germany, as a
special form of group-oriented xenophobia, setting specific
priorities.” The resolution also emphasized the special relationship
between Germany and Israel and stressed the fact that solidarity with
Israel is essential to the German state. It also condemned
Israel-related anti-Semitism and terrorist organizations like Hesbollah.
The resolution was supported by the Christian Democratic Union, the
Social Democratic Party, the Free Democratic Party and the Greens.
The Left Party reportedly abstained due to the resolution’s declaration
that solidarity with Israel’s security is “Staatsräson” for Germany — an
essential aspect of the German political identity.
Adopted amid reports that the number of violent anti-Semitic attacks
rose to 36 in 2012, up from 22 the year before, the resolution was
welcomed by German Jewish leaders.
Dieter Graumann, head of the Central Council of Jews in Germany,
praised the Bundestag for “giving such a credible signal” of its
commitment to combat anti-Semitism.
Deidre Berger, head of the Berlin office of the American Jewish
Committee, said in a statement that “an action plan is now urgently
needed from the federal government and Ministry of Education and the
Arts, on how and when the measures that have been agreed on will be
carried out.”
Friday 14 June 2013
Germany adopts anti-Semitism resolution
Posted @ 19:49
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