B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission applauds Italian Prime Minister Renzi for his strong stance on anti-Semitism and the BDS

 July 23, 2015

ROME, ITALY - DECEMBER 15: Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi (L) welcomes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before their meeting at the Palazzo Chigi on December 15, 2014 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Evren Atalay/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

The B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission (ADC)  has praised Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi for his unwavering commitment to combat anti-Semitism and for condemning the BDS movement. Addressing the Knesset,  Prime Minister Renzo emphasised the importance of recognising Israel as a Jewish state and noted that, “Whoever boycotts Israel does not realize that he is boycotting himself, betraying the future. Italy will always stand at the forefront of cooperation, never of boycott. It is stupid and futile.” On countering anti-Semitism, Renzo declared that Italy is,  “absolutely committed to continue the fight against anti-Semitism because it is really an enemy of peace and a key for terror”.  PM Renzo concluded his speech by observing that, “peace for Jerusalem is peace for the whole world. Our fate is your fate. Together, we will build a more just world.”

Dr Dvir Abramovich, Chairman of the ADC, issued the following statement:

“We commend Prime Minister Renzi for his admirable conviction and for his steadfast stance in condemning and confronting the issue of anti-Semitism. It is heartening that someone with such a firm and powerful commitment to combatting the evil of Jewish-hatred leads one of the most important countries in the world. The continuing rise of violence against Jewish communities across Europe requires a substantial and public response. PM Renzi’s passionate words send a clear and reassuring message that Italy will stand by Israel in dealing with a hostile world and in fighting those who seek to isolate and defame the Jewish state. For this, we express our deep appreciation and thanks.”

For more information, please contact Dr. Dvir Abramovich on, 9272-5677.