Tony Blair takes new role in fighting anti-Semitism

Former British PM will chair European Council on Tolerance and Reconciliation, which aims to combat intolerance through legislation

Former British prime minister Tony Blair. (AP/Matt Rourke)
Former British prime minister Tony Blair. (AP/Matt Rourke)

Britain’s former prime minister, Tony Blair, is taking a new role in combating anti-Semitism in Europe, days after stepping down as the international community’s Mideast envoy.

Blair revealed Thursday he will chair the European Council on Tolerance and Reconciliation, a group which champions legislation and dialogue on tolerance.

Writing in The Times newspaper, Blair and businessman Moshe Kantor argue that racism in the name of religion must be tackled with new laws. They cited a report by the Kantor Center at Tel Aviv University, which found 2014 was one of the worst years in the past decade for anti-Semitic incidents.

Blair quit last week, leaving a post that had begun with great hope but which struggled to deliver in its quest to promote peace between Israel and the Palestinians.

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press.

Most Popular
read more:
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
Join The Times of Israel Community
Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Confirm Mail
Thank you! Now check your email
You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.