Press release issued by the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly

VIENNA, 24 March 2011 - The following is a press release issued by the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly on 10 March. The views expressed in this press release do not necessarily reflect those of the OSCE Chairmanship, nor of all OSCE participating States.

Smith calls for more people to be involved in fight against anti-Semitism

COPENHAGEN, 24 March 2011 – The struggle to fight anti-Semitism requires more participation and a redoubling of efforts, Rep. Chris Smith (U.S.) said today upon conclusion of the OSCE meeting on Confronting Anti-Semitism in Public Discourse.

“This week's high-level OSCE/ODIHR meeting in Prague on best practices to combat anti-Semitism specifically as it relates to public discourse was comprehensive, challenging, and timely, especially in light of turmoil in the Middle East which often corresponds with spikes in anti-Semitic hate,” said Mr. Smith.

Smith joined participants at the Prague meeting calling for decisive steps to counter expressions of intolerance and hatred while preserving freedom of speech.

“Solidarity fatigue and indifference enables the purveyors of anti-Semitic hate. Each of us must re commit and redouble our efforts particularly in monitoring, reporting, and vigorous prosecution of anti-Semitic crime and enhanced protection of Jews and Jewish institutions.”

Speakers at the event organized by OSCE’s Lithuanian Chairmanship and the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) proposed improving tracking expressions of hate, strengthening government leadership confronting hate speech, and increasing investments in tolerance education.

“We must seek ways to expand ownership of this issue by encouraging more people to get involved,” Mr. Smith said.