Offering New York’s bias crime law as an example, Gov. George Pataki told delegates to the international Conference on Anti-Semitism and Intolerance in Cordoba, Spain, on Wednesday that the world must step up its efforts to confront a rising tide of hatred against Jews.
"Anti-Semitism must be specifically targeted because of its unique and tragic history," Pataki said in his opening address. The governor was tapped by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to represent the United States at the conference held by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.
Referring to the bill enhancing penalties for hate-motivated crimes passed here in 2000, Pataki said the measure "has sent a clear message that the people of New York are unified in their opposition to acts of intolerance and hatred." He said New York was standing up to anti-Semitism by promoting awareness and respect, enacting tough laws and policies and enforcing those laws aggressively.
"We must define, discover, quantify, study and eradicate anti-Semitism," he said.
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