For Immediate Release
Toronto, October 2, 1996...B'nai Brith Canada has initiated dialogue with the government of Romania in response to the recent desecration of the Jewish cemetery in Jasi. In a letter to Romanian Charge d'Affaires Ioan Anastesescu, Frank Dimant, Executive Vice-President of B'nai Brith Canada expressed the organization's ongoing concern for the safety of Romania's Jewish community and interest in this particular case. This was the fifth time that the Jasi Jewish cemetery has been vandalized.
Mr. Dimant issued the following statement: “While the Romanian government has undertaken to counter anti-Semitic incidents, extremist elements continue to operate in Romania and to threaten the Jewish community. B'nai Brith Canada will maintain its vigilance in monitoring anti-Semitism both in Romania and elsewhere and will continue to engage in dialogue with government officials to encourage efforts to thwart racism and anti-Semitism.”
B'nai Brith Canada has a special interest in Romania, having sent official delegations of Canadian Jewish leaders to Romania to meet with government leaders and members of its Jewish community. It has also met in the past with Romanian dignitaries on a variety of issues, including the development of legislation designed to combat anti-Semitism.
Reports indicate that one individual has been arrested in the cemetery desecration and police are continuing their investigation to locate other suspects. B'nai Brith Canada has requested to be kept apprised of developments in the case.
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