U.S. Reps. Commend Annan - 08.02.2004

Text of letter (.pdf)

News Coverage:

JTA

Jerusalem Post

---

 JTA - 08.02.2004

Politicians commend Annan


(JTA) —  A bipartisan group of congressional representatives commended Kofi Annan for denouncing anti-Semitism. 

In a letter organized by Reps. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) and Christopher Smith (R-N.J.), the congressmen said the U.N. secretary-general’s recent speech condemning anti-Semitism exemplifies “the kind of leadership and commitment which can advance the fight against anti-Semitism and all forms of intolerance.” The letter, which accumulated 74 signatures, urged further measures, including a General Assembly resolution condemning anti-Semitism and a review of textbooks used by U.N. agencies administering to the Palestinians.

return to top

---

 Jerusalem Post - 07.31.2004

Jerusalem Post

Congress urges Annan to combat anti-Semitism

By Melissa Radler

More than 70 members of Congress urged UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan to implement a series of measures aimed at combating anti-Semitism at the world body. 

The July 30 letter, signed by 74 members of the Congressional Task Force Against Anti-Semitism and the United States Helsinki Commission, praised Annan for his speech at the UN's first-ever seminar on combating anti-Jewish hate, held last month at UN headquarters in New York, and called on him to follow up with concrete action. 

The recommendations, some of which were culled from Annan's speech, included calls for Annan to repeat his condemnation of anti-Semitism and the use of anti-Semitic hate speech at UN forums; work toward the passage of a General Assembly resolution condemning anti-Semitism; review educational materials distributed by the UN Relief and Works Agency in Palestinian areas that incite violence against Jews and deny Israel's legitimacy; speak out against the programs on Palestinian rights that are aimed at undermining Jewish and Israeli human rights; and promote the establishment of a permanent Holocaust memorial at UN headquarters and adoption of an International Holocaust Remembrance Day. 

"Secretary-General Annan gave a very bold, sincere, and inspiring speech. Now it is time to turn words into action and for the United Nations to lead in the fight against anti-Semitism," said Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA), who co-chairs the task force on anti-Semitism.

return to top