By: Anchia H.R. No. 603
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, We respect the rule of law and love of our neighbors;
and
WHEREAS, The U.S. Department of State defines anti-Semitism
as: "a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred
toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of
anti-Semitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals
and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and
religious facilities;" and
WHEREAS, There is clear evidence of increasing incidents and
expressions of anti-Semitism throughout the United States; and
WHEREAS, Anti-Semitic acts committed and recorded since the
Presidential election on November 8, 2017 have increased and
include violent attacks and death threats against Jews, arson,
graffiti and property desecration at Jewish cemeteries, places of
worship, schools and community centers; and
WHEREAS, The very recent acts of vandalism on more than 100
gravestones at a Jewish cemetery in Missouri, as well as 11 reported
bomb threats against Jewish community centers across the United
States in one day have given rise to concerns about an increase in
anti-Semitism across the country; and
WHEREAS, The United States government has played an essential
role in counteracting the resurgence of anti-Semitism worldwide and
has consistently supported efforts to address the rise of
anti-Semitism through its bilateral relationships and
participation in international organizations such as the United
Nations, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe,
and the Organization of American States; and
WHEREAS, The State of Texas applauds the United States and
those foreign leaders who have condemned anti-Semitic acts and
calls on those who have yet to take firm action against
anti-Semitism in their countries to do so; and
WHEREAS, The members of the Texas House of Representatives
strongly condemn the recent acts of anti-Semitism and call on the
President of the United States and members of Congress to follow
suit; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the members of the Texas House of
Representatives support expanded anti-bias education programs in
Texas public schools to increase awareness, counter prejudice and
enhance efforts to teach the universal lessons of tolerance and
inclusivity; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Chief Clerk of the Texas House of
Representatives forward official copies of this resolution to the
President of the United States, and to all members of the Texas
delegation in Congress and request that this resolution be entered
in the Congressional Record as a memorial to the Congress of the
United States of America.