The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“ON THE RECENT ARSON ATTACKS ON THE ETZ-HAYYIM SYNAGOGUE ON THE ISLAND OF CRETE” mentioning the U.S. Dept of State was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E129 on Feb. 2, 2010.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
ON THE RECENT ARSON ATTACKS ON THE ETZ-HAYYIM SYNAGOGUE ON THE ISLAND
OF CRETE
______
HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY
of new york
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Mrs. MALONEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to strongly condemn the recent arson attacks on Jan. 5 and 16 targeting the historic Jewish synagogue in the port-city of Hania on the island of Crete.
The Etz-Hayyim Synagogue holds a library of religious books and functions as a museum and memorial in the ancient harbor city of Chania. Etz-Hayyim dates back to the Middle Ages and serves as one of the last Jewish monuments on the island of Crete, in addition to serving as a house of worship.
I applaud the Greek authorities' quick action and recent arrests of the suspected perpetrators of the attacks and urge the individuals responsible be swiftly brought to justice. The State Department has praised the Greek government for condemning the attacks and taking a strong stand against anti-Semitism and racism. I join them in their praise and congratulate the Greek government for its swift and decisive reaction.
These are only the most recent in a series of anti-Semitic incidents to surface in Greece from Veria to Ioannina and to Volos in the recent past. In fact, this type of virulent anti-Semitism continues to rise worldwide and must be met with equal defiance and determination to defeat those who would perform these despicable acts.
We must not let this type of anti-Semitism percolate as the world has seen the evil that stems from this type of hatred and bigotry. I stand firmly with Greece and the Jewish community of Hania, and Jewish communities around the world, and implore the international community to voice their outrage against this intolerance.
I urge my colleagues to do the same.
____________________
