Bringing attention to Levinson

Three Florida members of Congress have introduced a resolution urging the Obama administration to engage the Iranian government regarding a Florida Jewish man who disappeared in Iran.

Robert Levinson, a private detective and former FBI agent from Coral Springs, Fla., disappeared in Iran in March 2007 while apparently researching a case. The resolution, introduced by Democratic Reps. Robert Wexler, Alcee Hastings and Debbie Wasserman Schultz, also commends the Embassy of Switzerland in Tehran and the Swiss government for assisting the Levinson family and the U.S. government on the matter, and asks the Iranian government — as a humanitarian gesture — to intensify its cooperation on the case with the Swiss Embassy. Here’s the press release:

Today, Congressman Robert Wexler (FL-19) introduced a resolution with Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (FL-23) and Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-20) calling on the Obama Administration to engage the Iranian government regarding the case of former FBI agent Robert Levinson, a constituent from Coral Springs who disappeared in Iran in 2007. Mr. Levinson’s wife, Christine Levinson, and other members of the Levinson family traveled to Iran to visit the hotel where he was last seen and meet with Iranian officials to discuss his whereabouts.  The resolution, which has also been introduced in the Senate by Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL), is part of an effort by Florida lawmakers to raise awareness about the Levinson case and to urge the Obama Administration to make every effort possible to bring Mr. Levinson back to the United States. Finally, the resolution urges Iranian officials to cooperate with the Levinson family, the American government, and the international community to determine Mr. Levinson’s whereabouts.

The resolution is available for download here.

"The Levinson family has worked tirelessly to locate Robert Levinson and bring him back home. It is critical that the United States government use every diplomatic tool at our disposal and raise his case at the highest levels internationally and with the Iranian government," said Congressman Wexler.  "I look forward to seeing this resolution pass in both the House and the Senate and will continue to support the Levinson family in whatever way possible as they continue to search for answers and Robert’s safe return home."
"I remain deeply troubled over the circumstances of Robert Levinson’s disappearance," said Congressman Alcee L. Hastings. "My thoughts and prayers go out to the Levinson family at this most difficult time.  It is my sincere hope that every viable diplomatic option is exhausted to ensure his safe return."

"I am appalled that it has been nearly two years since fellow South Floridian Bob Levinson went missing in Iran," said Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz. "For nearly two years, his wife, seven children, and two grandchildren, have endured daily the nightmare of not knowing his whereabouts.  For nearly two years, the government of Iran has neglected their duty to locate him and send him back to his family. With utmost urgency, I call on the government of Iran to disclose any information they have on Bob, and to work diligently towards his prompt and safe return to the United States, and to his loving family."