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EST 1917

White House issues statement following ambassador’s comments on anti-Semitism

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The White House has distanced itself from the American ambassador to Belgium, following his declaration that Israel’s conflict with the Palestinians has stoked global anti-Semitism.

"We condemn anti-semitism in all its forms, and that there is never any justification for prejudice against the Jewish people or Israel," the White House said in a statement that was sent tonight to Jewish leaders and others. A copy of that statement was forwarded to the Washington Jewish Week.

At least one source close to the Obama campaign implied that the administration must take concrete action.

"Anti-Semitism is anti-Semitism," said the source, who does not work for the campaign. But "if the Obama administration’s rebuke of its Belgium ambassador is to be taken seriously, we expect greater action than a statement."

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