The committee on anti-Semitism of the European branch of the World Jewish Congress met here last week with the participation of representatives of Jewish communities in France, Great Britain, West Germany, Italy, Belgium and Switzerland to review recent anti-Semitic and rightwing extremist outrages in Europe.
The participants agreed that there is an obvious link between such manifestations in the various countries and that they should therefore be looked upon as an international phenomenon. While the committee expressed the view that the terrorist and rightwing excesses are aimed primarily at destabilizing democratic society, the participants also pointed out that Jews have once-again been prime forgets in such attacks.
The committee felt encouraged by the massive public reaction against anti-Semitic and neo-Nazi activities and noted that this proves that public opinion, democratic political parties, trade unions and the churches have not forgotten the lessons of the past and that the hatemongers represent only a fringe element in the body politic.
The committee also expressed appreciation of the resolution of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, adopted Oct. 1, on the need to combat fascist propaganda. It particularly appreciated the suggestions contained in the resolution calling for improved legislation and education for living in a democratic society as well as the endorsement of the European youth conference on intolerance to be held in Strasbourg Dec. 9-11.
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