Voinovich praises new Anti-Semitism envoy

Earlier today, Sen. George Voinovich, R-Cleveland, attended the swearing-in of Gregg Rickman (pictured at right) as the State Department’s Special Envoy on Anti-Semitism. In 2004, the Senate unanimously passed the Global Anti-Semitism Review Act, legislation authored by Voinovich that required the position to be created. The bill also requires the State Department to provide a country-by-country report on anti-Semitic acts and harassment and the governmental response.

“I am thrilled that the State Department has finally appointed Mr. Rickman to this vital position. There is an undeniable rise in hate and anti-Semitism throughout the world, and it is critical that we stop it,” Voinovich said. “We are waging the battle not only to protect Jewish people — although the safety of any one group is intrinsic to the safety of all — but also because we want to ensure that we do not again sink into barbarity. ... This appointment is another step in that direction, and it is critical to promoting tolerance and countering messages of hate throughout the world.”

Rickman is charged with working with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), the European Union and with other countries to examine this problem, monitor what is happening, and get countries to institute better hate crimes legislation and better education.