Mike Levin: “Today, people in Israel and around the world are joining in solidarity to commemorate January 27, 2004, as a ``National…”

“Today, people in Israel and around the world are joining in solidarity to commemorate January 27, 2004, as a ``National Day to Combat Anti-Semitism.'' At a time when many Jewish communities are facing a rising tide of anti-Semitism, it is important that all people of goodwill work together to educate and fight anti-Semitism. This insidious form of hatred has lingered in this world for so long that it has been dubbed ``the longest hatred.'' Today marks the 64th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. While six decades have passed since the genocidal regime of Adolf Hitler fell, the urgency of combating anti-Semitism has never ceased. In the past year, numerous anti-Semitic acts have occurred across the world. In many European countries, including several countries that are amongst our closest allies, the frequency of anti-Semitic attacks are increasing. Jewish cemeteries, schools, synagogues, and individuals have been the center of an increasing number of violent incidents. These targets have essentially remained the same over the millenia. Such attacks seek to intimidate and threaten individuals and desecrate institutions. We face an increasing array of groups who would perpetrate these acts. In November 2003, people across the world were horrified when suicide bombers targeted two synagogues in Istanbul, Turkey. At least 25 people were killed and almost 300 people, both Jewish and Muslim, were wounded.”