Tony Blair, former U.K. PM, appointed head of the European Council on Tolerance and Reconciliation.
- Within the Council’s mission to combat antisemitism, xenophobia, and racism across Europe, Blair hopes in particular to counter the increase in anti-Semitic sentiment.
- Blair notes that such sentiment tends to increase during times of economic slowdown, as was the case in the periods preceding both World Wars.
- Blair hopes to push for strong counterextremist measures, including more aggressive responses to hate speech and expanded educational programs to promote tolerance.
“It is our firm belief that it is not religion or faith per se that causes or foments conflict. It is the abuse of religion, which then becomes a mask behind which those bent on death and destruction all too often hide. The real issues are far more complex and demand greater tolerance, understanding and legislative powers to achieve a solution.”
More on this story at The Guardian.
(Image Credit: Chris Jackson/PA, via The Guardian)
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