From: Washington Post

Monday, August 17, 2009

As an American Jew who attended the United Nations’ conference on racism in Durban, South Africa, with former Irish president Mary Robinson, I disagree with Rich Cohen’s Aug. 8 op-ed regarding President Obama’s decision to honor her with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

I was invited to speak on a panel about anti-Semitism, organized by Jewish organizations, at the 2001 conference. I, too, was horrified by the anti-Semitism that I encountered in Durban.

I cannot speak for Ms. Robinson’s every word or action regarding anti-Semitism. I can say, though, that she took several courageous stands as an ally to Jews at the conference that deeply moved me.

One evening, when someone showed Ms. Robinson a pamphlet with caricatures of Jews, she responded: "I am a Jew." The headline in the next morning’s daily conference newspaper read: "Robinson Says, ‘I Am a Jew.’ " For speaking out against anti-Semitism, she was booed by members in the audience at the closing ceremonies.

Ms. Robinson deserved the medal on many counts; it’s entirely appropriate that the honor was not derailed by charges of anti-Semitism.

CHERIE BROWN

Executive Director
National Coalition Building Institute