Madam, - It is a mater of immense regret that Ireland withdrew its motion condemning anti-Semitism at the UN General Assembly recently (The Irish Times, December 5th).
Had the Irish delegation pursued its case wholeheartedly, it might very well have succeeded in obtaining the first ever UN resolution specifically condemning anti-Semitism.
Anti-Semitism has been the most tragic form that racist ideology has assumed in human history and unfortunately it has not gone away. It is kept alive throughout the world with the support of governments, organisations and media. As a result attacks on Jewish communities and synagogues have multiplied in recent years.
It is a lie to suggest that intolerance against other religions and other ethnic groups is on a par with anti-Semitism. It is not. The merciless ideology that inspired the Shoah not only despises the faith and human dignity of the Jewish people; it also denies their very right to exist.
As Ireland assumes the EU presidency, it could show the world what authentic political and moral authority is by placing the resurgence of anti-Semitism in Europe at the top of its agenda. One way to begin would be to publish the EU's own report on anti-Semitism. - Yours, etc.,
NOREEN O'CARROLL, Blackrock, Co Dublin.