WASHINGTON (JTA) — A bipartisan slate of members of the U.S. House of Representatives urged the Obama administration to press European security authorities to partner with Jewish communities.
The nonbinding resolution introduced Thursday calls on European governments and umbrella bodies like the European Union to “formally recognize, partner with, and train Jewish community groups focused on strengthening preparedness, mitigation, and response related to anti-Semitic attacks.”
It notes spikes in anti-Semitic attacks in recent years and praises the efficacy of partnerships between law enforcement and Jewish communities in the United States, Britain and France.
Law enforcement in Europe, the resolution says, should help Jewish communities develop standards that “focus on preparedness, mitigation, and response, including for training, controlling access to physical facilities, physical security measures, crisis communications, emergency exercises and simulations, mapping access to facilities, and sharing of information with law enforcement agencies.”
The bill was introduced by Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., the co-chairman of the Helsinki Commission, the congressional body that monitors compliance with human rights overseas.
Joining him in co-sponsoring the resolution were his co-chairs of the Bipartisan Taskforce for Combating Anti-Semitism: Reps. Nita Lowey, Eliot Engel and Steve Israel, all D-N.Y.; Ted Deutch, D-Fla.; Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Fla.; Kay Granger, R-Texas; and Peter Roskam, R-Ill.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
