Watson Coleman Joins Anti-Semitism Taskforce
For Immediate Release
Washington DC (April 27, 2015) ― Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement announcing her decision to join the Bipartisan Taskforce on Anti-Semitism, a group of Members of the House of Representatives dedicated to ensuring that Congress develops and implements policies that condemn anti-Semitism and promote tolerance around the world through education for Members of Congress, engagement with the Executive branch and foreign leaders, and cooperation with civil society organizations.
“As a society built upon universal liberties and basic human rights, it is our responsibility to protect and encourage those values around the world. Where any group is threatened or persecuted and we fail to push back, we threaten the foundations of this country. Jewish populations have been the target of increased violence and attacks at their schools, synagogues, homes, and places of business. I’m committed to making sure that we prevent these incidents, and I look forward to working with my Taskforce colleagues to bring an end to anti-Semitism once and for all.”
The Taskforce is chaired by Reps. Chris Smith (NJ-04), Nita Lowey (NY-17), Eliot Engel (NY-16), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-27), Kay Granger (TX-12), Steve Israel (NY-03), Peter Roskam (IL-06), and Ted Deutch (FL-21). Recent news reports and polls have found evidence of increased anti-Semitism across Europe, resulting in additional attention from Congress, including the House Foreign Affairs Committee.