HIAS Applauds Senate Resolution on Anti-Semitism in Europe

WASHINGTON—Earlier today, Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Senator Mark Kirk (R-IL) introduced a Senate Resolution that expresses dismay at the violence perpetrated against Jews and Jewish institutions in Europe. The resolution, supported by 53 Senators, calls upon the U.S. government to work closely with European partners to respond to and prevent anti-Semitism. 

Mark Hetfield, President & CEO of HIAS, issued the following statement:

"HIAS, the world's oldest refugee organization, was founded in New York City more than 130 years ago to assist Jews fleeing anti-Semitic violence in Europe and elsewhere.  We have been deeply disturbed by the resurgence of anti-Semitism in Europe and elsewhere, along with rising xenophobia, Islamophobia, and other forms of hatred.  One thing that has changed, however, over the last century is Congressional support for standing up against bigotry and hatred, so we welcome this bipartisan effort by Senators Menendez and Kirk to proactively speak out against and pursue strategies against the resurgence of anti-Semitism in Europe.”