German lawmakers pass anti-Semitism resolution on eve of Nazi anniversary News
German lawmakers pass anti-Semitism resolution on eve of Nazi anniversary

[JURIST] Members from all parties of the German parliament [official website] passed a resolution [PDF text, in German] Wednesday seeking to counter anti-Semitism [JURIST news archive] in the country. The measure requires the government to develop a report on anti-Semitic behavior and feelings in the country, and to provide funding for school programs designed to combat anti-Semitism. The legislation was approved five days before the 70th anniversary of Kristalnacht [PBS backgrounder], or the "Night of Broken Glass," when Nazi troops destroyed thousands of Jewish businesses and synagogues. The day is remembered as marking the beginning of the Holocaust [JURIST news archive]. The legislation was delayed last month [UPI report], over objections from the opposition Left Party. As a result, two identical resolutions were passed on Wednesday – one signed by the Left Party [PDF text, in German], and the other signed by the remaining four parties. DPA has more.

The US State Department now issues yearly reports [2008 report, text] to Congress on anti-Semitism around the world in the wake of President George W. Bush's 2004 signing [JURIST report] of the Global Anti-Semitism Review Act of 2004 [text, PDF]. The Act created an anti-Semitism office within the State Department and mandated an annual review and report on global anti-Semitism, in much the same way that the Department already reported on human rights and religious freedom.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Pope Urban II sparks First Crusade

Pope Urban II threw his support behind what would become the First Crusade on November 27, 1095 during the Council of Clairmont. The Pope urged the council's participants to render aid to the Byzantine Empire, which was being attacked by the Seljuks. Pope Urban called for a wide coalition of rich and poor to combat the threat, which eventually resulted in the conquest of much of the Muslim-controlled Levant by the Crusaders and the establishment of the Crusader States. Read Pope Urban's address.  

Catholic Code of Canon Law revised

On November 27, 1983, the revised Code of Canon Law of the Roman Catholic Church went into effect. Learn more about the history of Canon Law from Professor Kenneth Pennington of the Catholic University of America's Columbus School of Law.

Alfred Nobel creates Nobel Prize in his will

On November 27, 1895, Alfred Nobel signed his will, creating the Nobel Prize. Learn more about the history of the Nobel Prize and the Nobel Commission.