[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 103 (Thursday, July 25, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1398]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        CONDEMNING ANTI-SEMITISM

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 25, 2002

  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to condemn the terrible acts of 
anti-Semitism that have taken place in the last year in the United 
States and abroad. We cannot stand by in silence and fail to speak out 
against violence and intimidation.
  Recently, Congress passed H. Res. 393, a measure I was proud to 
cosponsor and support. H. Res. 393 decries the rising tide of anti-
Semitism in Europe and cites an alarming list of examples that stretch 
across the continent. Synagogues have been attacked; Jewish cemeteries 
have been defaced; Jewish students have been assaulted.
  This resolution condemns anti-Semitism in Europe, as we should. We 
must also condemn it closer to home.
  In my own district, in Oakland, California, federal agents are 
investigating suspicious fires at Beth Jacob Congregation. These acts 
of arson scarred a century-old building, but did not dim the spirit of 
this synagogue. Nor did they diminish the bonds of community: instead 
these acts of violence inspired gestures of friendship and support. 
Students at the Zion Lutheran School donated toys to replace playthings 
lost in the fires. These children have a lot to teach us about the 
power of friendship.
  Sadly, we have much to learn. In addition to the fires at Beth Jacob, 
there have been other disturbing cases of intimidation and hatred 
against Jews.
  In the Bay Area, on college campuses where traditions of tolerance 
and freedom of expression run deep, Jewish student centers have been 
vandalized. In the birthplace of the Free Speech movement, people have 
been harassed on the basis of their beliefs.
  Diversity is one of our great strengths. Tolerance is one of our 
finest virtues. Hatred must not cloud these fundamental principles. We 
must strive to plant the seeds of peace and renew our commitment to 
these basic freedoms.
  Burning a house of worship, a synagogue, is an act of terror. It is 
designed to instill fear and inspire hatred. And, yes, we must condemn 
such acts in Europe. And in California.
  Violence and intimidation are utterly wrong. We must all condemn 
anti-Semitism, in all its forms.
  Such acts are hate crimes. Just as I supported H. Res. 393, I 
strongly support other legislation to recognize hate crimes and to 
express the sense of Congress condemning violence and prejudice.

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