Hastings' Statement on the Lantos Foundation's Solidarity Sabbath 2015

Press Release

Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement on his participation in the Tom Lantos Foundation's Solidarity Sabbath, held on May 22, 2015:

"I am proud to support the Tom Lantos Foundation's Solidarity Sabbath initiative, an event that transcends geographical borders and religious affiliations and provides an opportunity for leaders in North America and Europe to express solidarity with the Jewish community at a time when acts of social cohesion are more urgent than ever.

"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.

"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

"By encouraging leaders to join with our European friends in participating in a variety of Sabbath services or related activities, the Solidarity Sabbath provides a framework for leaders of all faiths to band together in solidarity with Jewish communities around the world. In recognition of this important day, I encourage leaders both at home and abroad to unite in support of tolerance, peace and co-existence. When individuals of all religions, backgrounds and races come together in defense of fundamental human rights, all of our communities benefit."

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