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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, We respect the rule of law and love of our neighbors; |
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and |
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WHEREAS, The U.S. Department of State defines anti-Semitism |
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as: "a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred |
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toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of |
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anti-Semitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals |
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and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and |
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religious facilities;" and |
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WHEREAS, There is clear evidence of increasing incidents and |
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expressions of anti-Semitism throughout the United States; and |
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WHEREAS, Anti-Semitic acts committed and recorded since the |
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Presidential election on November 8, 2017 have increased and |
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include violent attacks and death threats against Jews, arson, |
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graffiti and property desecration at Jewish cemeteries, places of |
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worship, schools and community centers; and |
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WHEREAS, The very recent acts of vandalism on more than 100 |
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gravestones at a Jewish cemetery in Missouri, as well as 11 reported |
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bomb threats against Jewish community centers across the United |
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States in one day have given rise to concerns about an increase in |
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anti-Semitism across the country; and |
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WHEREAS, The United States government has played an essential |
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role in counteracting the resurgence of anti-Semitism worldwide and |
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has consistently supported efforts to address the rise of |
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anti-Semitism through its bilateral relationships and |
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participation in international organizations such as the United |
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Nations, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, |
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and the Organization of American States; and |
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WHEREAS, The State of Texas applauds the United States and |
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those foreign leaders who have condemned anti-Semitic acts and |
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calls on those who have yet to take firm action against |
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anti-Semitism in their countries to do so; and |
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WHEREAS, The members of the Texas House of Representatives |
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strongly condemn the recent acts of anti-Semitism and call on the |
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President of the United States and members of Congress to follow |
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suit; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the members of the Texas House of |
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Representatives support expanded anti-bias education programs in |
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Texas public schools to increase awareness, counter prejudice and |
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enhance efforts to teach the universal lessons of tolerance and |
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inclusivity; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That the Chief Clerk of the Texas House of |
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Representatives forward official copies of this resolution to the |
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President of the United States, and to all members of the Texas |
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delegation in Congress and request that this resolution be entered |
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in the Congressional Record as a memorial to the Congress of the |
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United States of America. |