NEW YORK –The World Jewish Congress has welcomed the Senate of Berlin’s decision to cancel an appearance by the convicted terrorist Rasmea Odeh.
In letters to Felix Klein, the Commissioner of Jewish Life in Germany, and Michaela Kuchler, the German Foreign Ministry’s Special Representative for anti-Semitism and Jewish organizations, WJC CEO and Executive Vice President Robert Singer wrote:
“This is exactly the kind of action which needs to be taken against such extremist speakers who stoke anti-Israel sentiment and prejudice against Jews in the heart of Europe. It is a case of ‘best practice’ which is notable following the recent EU Declaration on combatting antisemitism and we hope that it will serve as an example to others.
“I am pleased to see that the authorities were responsive to the interventions made not only by the Israeli Government but also by the WJC affiliate, the Central Council of Jews in Germany, who did much to bring this matter to public attention. So-called activists cannot be allowed to peddle hate in what is a very sensitive environment.
“WJC will continue to support authorities across Germany and yourself in taking important steps to deal with this problem,” Singer concluded.
