StandWithUs has commended Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin for signing into law an executive order barring state agencies from doing business with companies which boycott Israel. The new executive order prohibits state agencies from entering into contracts with companies that boycott Israel and other countries with which the U.S. has free trade agreements.
During the November 15 signing ceremony, Governor Bevin reaffirmed the ties between the blue grass state and the blue star state, “The State of Israel is an important friend and trading partner to the Commonwealth,” Bevin said in a statement. “We will not allow state resources to benefit entities that intentionally engage in discriminatory practices to harm the sovereignty and economic prosperity of any ally nation. Today’s executive order makes it clear that Kentucky condemns the BDS movement and that we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our friend, Israel.”
Roz Rothstein, CEO of StandWithUs, an Israel education organization, applauded Governor Bevin, “In this executive order, Kentucky follows 25 other states in protecting its citizens from becoming de facto participants in discrimination and anti-Semitism. We commend his leadership at a time when we see anti-Semitism rising.” — From StandWithUs
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American Jewish Committee mourns Romanian Ambassador Mihnea Constantinescu
The American Jewish Committee (AJC), the global Jewish advocacy organization, expressed its sadness over the death of Romanian Ambassador Mihnea Constantinescu. He was 57 years old.
“Mihnea Constantinescu was a stalwart supporter of the State of Israel, a leader in the fight against anti-Semitism, and a true friend of the Jewish people. His untimely passing is a great loss for all of us,” said AJC CEO David Harris.
A respected career diplomat, Constantinescu held senior positions in the Romanian Foreign Ministry and served as a diplomatic advisor to several prime ministers. Notably, he also led Romania’s delegation to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), comprised of 31 countries, including 24 members of the European Union, the U.S., and Canada.
In 2016, Constantinescu became chair of IHRA when Romania assumed the rotating helm of the international organization. The IHRA had already adopted a universally-accepted definition of Holocaust denial and distortion, and Constantinescu believed it should take the further step of endorsing a comprehensive definition of anti-Semitism.
Largely due to the determination of Romanian President Klaus Iohannis and Constantinescu to make combating anti-Semitism a priority, the IHRA Working Definition of Anti-Semitism was adopted by the organization’s member states in May 2016.
“By adopting this working definition, the IHRA is setting an example of responsible conduct for other international fora and hopes to inspire them also to take action on a legally binding working definition,” Constantinescu said at the time. — From American Jewish Committee
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