House resolution would urge European law enforcement to partner with Jewish communities

Ron Kampeas

WASHINGTON (JTA) — A bipartisan slate of members of the U.S. House of Representatives urged the Obama administration to press European security authorities to partner with Jewish communities.

The non-binding resolution introduced Thursday calls on European governments and umbrella bodies like the European Union to “formally recognize, partner with, and train Jewish community groups focused on strengthening preparedness, mitigation, and response related to anti-Semitic attacks.”

It notes spikes in anti-Semitic attacks in recent years and praises the efficacy of partnerships between law enforcement and Jewish communities in the United States, Britain and France.

Law enforcement in Europe, the resolution says, should help Jewish communities develop standards that “focus on preparedness, mitigation, and response, including for training, controlling access to physical facilities, physical security measures, crisis communications, emergency exercises and simulations, mapping access to facilities, and sharing of information with law enforcement agencies.”

The bill was introduced by Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., the co-chairman of the Helsinki Commission, the congressional body that monitors compliance with human rights overseas.

Joining him in co-sponsoring the resolution were his co-chairmen of the Bipartisan Taskforce for Combating Anti-Semitism, Reps. Ted Deutch De-Fla., Nita Lowey, D-N.Y., Eliot Engel D-.N.Y., Ileana Ros-Lehtinen R-Fla., Kay Granger R-Texas, Steve Israel D-N.Y. and Peter Roskam R-Ill.

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