House unanimously approves anti-Semitism condemnation

Ron Kampeas

WASHINGTON (JTA) — A bipartisan congressional resolution urging increased action by the United States and other countries to address resurgent anti-Semitism passed unanimously.

The non-binding resolution passed Thursday condemns anti-Semitism particularly when it is used “as an acceptable expression of disapproval or frustration over political events in the Middle East or elsewhere.”

It also “decries and condemns the comparison of Israel to Nazis perpetrating a Holocaust or genocide as an insult to the memory of those who perished in the Holocaust.”

Reps. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), Pete Roskam (R-Ill.), Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.) and Kay Granger (R-Texas) initiated the resolution, which was introduced on July 31.

A wall-to-wall array of Jewish groups backed the resolution.

“This resolution sends a resounding message to the world about what is best in America and America’s resolve to confront this ugly and dangerous hatred,” the anti-Defamation League said in a statement. “We deeply appreciate the House’s leadership in providing a moral voice and standing up for the safety and security of those Jewish communities around the world who are once again being threatened by anti-Semitic violence and intimidation.”

Ron Kampeas is JTA’s Washington bureau chief. Follow him on Twitter at @kampeas