May 23, 2003
The President
The White House
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. President:
We write today in light of the upcoming Group of 8 (G-8) summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, to express our concern about a significant resurgence of anti-Semitism and related violence in many European countries, as well as the United States. Seven of the countries represented at the summit are participating States in the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), with Japan included as a Partner for Cooperation. As the G-8 summit provides a timely opportunity to address political as well as economic issues facing societies represented and the wider international community, we respectfully urge you to raise this matter of mutual, international concern, and seek a joint commitment to work closely together to counter this disturbing trend.
Mr. President, last summer, Europe experienced an alarming spike in anti-Semitic violence. Members of Congress have been actively engaged, working with our European counterparts through the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly to respond to this problem at the parliamentary level. We have seen some positive reactions as a number of governments have taken meaningful steps such as the enactment of new laws, more vigorous law enforcement, and the introduction of educational programs aimed at combating anti-Semitism. Many government officials and parliaments, including our own, have spoken out to denounce these anti-Semitic acts. We fully understand the problem, as the United States is not immune from sporadic acts of vandalism and violence against members of the Jewish community and their institutions.
The G-8 summit provides an important and extraordinary occasion for leaders to discuss international issues of the day, and we hope you will take the opportunity to set anti-Semitism as an international priority. We believe that a joint, public commitment from the political leaders, reflected in the summit communique, will bolster further efforts to eradicate the disease of anti-Semitism, deliver an unmistakable message to those who would promote bigotry and hatred, and encourage other leaders to speak out on this problem.
With your leadership we are confident that a strong and vigorous coalition will be formed to fight anti-Semitism.
Sincerely,
Ben Nighthorse Campbell, U.S.S.
Christopher H. Smith, M.C.
Christopher J. Dodd, U.S.S.
Steny H. Hoyer, M.C.
Gordon Smith, U.S.S.
Zach Wamp, M.C.
Saxby Chambliss, U.S.S.
Robert B. Aderholt, M.C.
Hillary Rodham Clinton, U.S.S.
Benjamin L. Cardin, M.C.
Barbara A. Mikulski, U.S.S.
Alcee L. Hastings, M.C.
Jim Bunning, U.S.S.
Barbara Lee, M.C.
Bill Nelson, U.S.S.
Joseph Crowley, M.C.
Evan Bayh, U.S.S.
Jo Ann Davis, M.C.
Larry E. Craig, U.S.S.
Gary L. Ackerman, M.C.
Byron L. Dorgan, U.S.S.
Timothy J. Ryan, M.C.
Mitch McConnell, U.S.S.
Carolyn B. Maloney, M.C.
Frank R. Lautenberg, U.S.S.
Brad Carson, M.C.
Eliot Engel, M.C.
Martin Frost, M.C.
Joseph M. Hoeffel, M.C.
Henry A. Waxman, M.C.
Jim Saxton, M.C.
Betty McCollum, M.C.
Nita Lowey, M.C.
Edward J. Markey, M.C.
Dianne Feinstein, U.S.S.
