The S&D Group today backed a resolution calling for more effort to be made to tackle the rising trend of anti-Semitism in Europe.

Speaking after the vote, S&D Group president Gianni Pittella said:

“The fight against anti-Semitism is and remains one of the cornerstones on which Europe was founded. The rising number of anti-Semitic attacks and abuse in Europe are of grave concern and we must do all we can to counter this trend. The resolution today shows that we will not accept any form of racism or religious intolerance against any group of people.

“However, we must not equate anti-Semitism with criticism of the current Israeli government. We reiterate our firm position against the Israeli government’s illegal policy on settlements in Palestinian territory.  We will fight anti-Semitism with all our strength but we will never let it be used as a way of delegitimizing criticism of the policies carried out by the Israeli government.”