Re: “Don’t Weaponize Anti-Semitism,” Editorial, March 15: When the Anti-Defamation League, of which I am a past national chair, was founded in 1913, it adopted a mission statement that remains the mission of the ADL today: “to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and secure justice and fair treatment for all.” The mission statement recognizes the critical need to combat not only anti-Semitism but all forms of bigotry and hate.
The recent House resolution recognizes that same critical need, but its emphasis is on combatting anti-Semitism and, in particular, the canard of “dual loyalty.” In its very first paragraph it speaks out strongly and clearly against “the perpetuation of anti-Semitic stereotypes, including the pernicious myth of dual loyalty and foreign allegiance, especially in the context of support for the United States-Israel alliance.”
While Rep. [Ilhan] Omar was not mentioned, it was obvious that this paragraph of the Resolution was directed at her.
The next two paragraphs of the Resolution condemn all anti-Semitic acts and statements and reaffirm support for the mandate of the United States Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism. The Resolution then goes on to condemn anti-Muslim bigotry and all forms of hate.
I disagree with those who say that the Resolution was “watered down” and, therefore, meaningless. I suggest that its strong condemnation of anti-Semitism and Rep. Omar, even though not named, as well as bigotry and hatred directed at any group, reflects the reality that until hatred and bigotry directed at any group is eliminated, no group is safe.
Manhattan
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