A Jewish lawmaker who spearheaded Romania’s toughest legislation to date against antisemitism and xenophobia found himself at the center of a political storm after tearing down a protest poster from the parliamentary rostrum, an act he later said he regretted and for which he publicly apologized.
Silviu Vexler, a member of parliament and head of the Federation of Jewish Communities in Romania, removed and then ripped up a poster bearing photographs of several prominent Romanian figures from before World War II, some of whom held openly antisemitic views. The poster had been affixed to the lectern in the lower house as a protest, suggesting the new law could be used to censor Romania’s national heritage, including historical figures whose attitudes toward Jews remain controversial.
Jewish lawmaker removes nationalist images
(Photo: Romania chamber of deputies)
The incident unfolded days after parliament approved legislation proposed by Vexler that imposes heavy penalties, including prison terms of one to five years, for disseminating antisemitic, racist, fascist or xenophobic content. The law also significantly toughens penalties for supporting or joining organizations “of a fascist or racist nature,” defining such activity as a crime punishable by three to 10 years in prison.
The legislation includes an exemption stating that an act will not constitute a crime if carried out for artistic or scientific purposes, research, education or for discussion of a matter of public interest.
As Vexler approached the rostrum, he removed the poster displaying images of 10 historical Romanian figures, including playwright Ioan Slavici, who opposed granting citizenship to Jews and published virulently antisemitic writings. In one article, Slavici referred to Jews as a “disease” and called for them to be “thrown into the Danube.” Others shown included Nicolae Paulescu, a far-right, antisemitic physician; poet Vasile Alecsandri, who opposed Jewish citizenship; and Octavian Goga, Romania’s prewar prime minister who espoused antisemitic views.
Romania's parliament approved legislation proposed by Vexler that imposes heavy penalties, including prison terms of one to five years, for disseminating antisemitic, racist, fascist or xenophobic content
Vexler later addressed the episode in a Facebook post, expressing regret over his actions. He said his response was “instinctive and spontaneous,” coming after what he described as sustained verbal abuse, attempts to physically assault him, hate speech and death threats directed at him and his family. He said he had been accused of “genocide,” “national treason” and “crime” by lawmakers from the SOS, POT and AUR parties, both on the day of the incident and in the weeks and months leading up to it.
“Regardless of all this, I should have handled the situation differently,” Vexler wrote. “I did not, and I was wrong.”
He said he apologized publicly and immediately on the floor of the chamber for tearing the paper, after first moving it aside and asking those surrounding him aggressively to display it elsewhere, while he was repeatedly prevented from delivering his speech.
The lawmaker, who wore a kippah as he spoke from the rostrum, said the incident followed an “unprecedented wave” of antisemitic and extremist statements and actions inside parliament and beyond. He said such attacks, threats and intimidation were not isolated events and had largely gone unaddressed or condemned in the public sphere.
In interviews with the media, Vexler reiterated his apology and stressed that his actions were not directed at the historical figures depicted on the poster.
He also invoked the history of Romanian Jewry, saying Jews in Romania had consistently demonstrated loyalty to the country, even during periods when state leadership sent innocent people to their deaths. “This loyalty was proven not only in words but also in blood spilled in defense of the state and through enormous contributions to Romania’s development,” he said, adding, “True reconciliation cannot exist without one fundamental element: truth.”
The European Jewish Congress expressed support for Vexler, condemning what it described as "antisemitic harassment and threats against him" during and after last week’s parliamentary vote. The group said the law, approved on December 17, is widely seen as one of the strongest pieces of antisemitism-fighting legislation in Europe.
“We welcome the adoption of this law, but strongly condemn the antisemitic harassment and threats directed at Silviu Vexler, the initiator of the legislation,” said Dr. Moshe Kantor, president of the European Jewish Congress. He said the attacks on a Jewish lawmaker following the promotion of anti-hate legislation underscored the necessity of such a law and were in Romania’s vital interest.
The World Jewish Congress echoed that support, calling the episode a reminder of the urgent need to confront antisemitism wherever it appears, including through stronger legislation. “Harassment of members of the Jewish community for standing up against hate is unacceptable,” the organization said in a statement.
The bill passed with 173 votes in favor, 106 against and six abstentions. Two lawmakers were absent. Among other provisions, it criminalizes the public promotion of genocide crimes, crimes against humanity, or individuals who were part of the leadership of fascist or racist organizations, with penalties ranging from three months to three years in prison or fines and the loss of certain rights. It also bans granting or maintaining public honors or place names for people guilty of genocide crimes or who led fascist organizations.
Opponents argued the law could restrict literary or historical works with racist backgrounds and said Romania also needed safeguards to protect democracy. After amendments were introduced, the lower house approved the bill. Under Romania’s constitution, it cannot be appealed further. The law passed despite opposition from Romania’s president, Nicusor Dan.
Vexler welcomed the legislation’s adoption, saying it closed a legal loophole that had effectively made the glorification of Adolf Hitler lawful in Romania. In several Central and Eastern European countries, Nazi collaborators have at times been portrayed as heroes for opposing the Soviet Union, which occupied large parts of Romania after World War II.