[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 78 (Wednesday, May 20, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E759]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN SUPPORT OF THE TOM LANTOS FOUNDATION FOR HUMAN RIGHTS ANNUAL 
                           SOLIDARITY SABBATH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 20, 2015

  Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Tom Lantos 
Foundation for Human Rights' annual Solidarity Sabbath. Held on May 22, 
2015, this trans-Atlantic event provides a timely and unique framework 
within which leaders here in the United States and Europe can express 
solidarity with the Jewish community at a time when acts of social 
cohesion are more urgent than ever.
  The Solidarity Sabbath encourages leaders of all faiths, races, and 
backgrounds to band together in support of Jewish communities across 
North America and Europe by participating in a range of Sabbath 
services and related activities. In the current geo-political climate, 
where we have seen the ugly resurgence of anti-Semitism and Holocaust 
denial, particularly in Europe, it is imperative that we unite against 
intolerance and baseless hatred. I urge leaders both at home and abroad 
to participate in this important event and stand up for tolerance, 
peace and co-existence. When leaders of diverse backgrounds come 
together in defense of fundamental human rights, all of our communities 
are the beneficiaries.
  Indeed, this Solidarity Sabbath initiative is most timely. Sadly, in 
the past few months we have witnessed a dramatic surge in anti-Semitic 
incidents across Europe, including the January murders of four Jewish 
customers at a kosher supermarket in Paris, and the murder of a Jewish 
man guarding a synagogue in Copenhagen in February. Painful, vivid 
memories are being resurrected as Jewish communities around Europe are 
once again living under the cloud of social hostility, embarrassment 
and violent threats.
  It is imperative that we stand with the Jewish community and demand 
that our European allies work diligently and without delay to confront 
and put an end to these heinous acts. Hatred and persecution based on 
race or religion have no place in our world. Each and every one of us 
has the responsibility to make our own communities safer and more 
tolerant.
  For this very reason, I am pleased to have recently introduced a 
bipartisan resolution with Representative Robert Dold of Illinois to 
combat the rise of anti-Semitism in Europe, which encourages our 
European friends to counter this disturbing trend while also committing 
the United States to abetting this effort in every way possible.
  Mr. Speaker, the power of togetherness cannot be overemphasized. 
Indeed, it is the bond shared by those of us dedicated to love and 
tolerance that will form the basis upon which we will defeat bigotry 
and demagoguery in all of its forms. I urge my colleagues to stand with 
me in this important expression of tolerance and co-existence.

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