B’nai B’rith International President Allan J. Jacobs and Executive Vice President Daniel S. Mariaschin have sent a letter to Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras expressing concern following the appointment of new health minister Adonis Georgiadis.

In the letter, Jacobs and Mariaschin wrote: “Mr. Georgiadis has a history of making anti-Semitic remarks, including accusations that Jews control all major banks, and that the fate of Greek foreign debt was in the hands of the ‘Jewish lobby.’ His publishing house printed and promoted the book The Jews: the Whole Truth, written by Konstantinos Plevris, a self-professed Nazi.”

Jacobs and Mariaschin also note: “As you know, we have watched the growth of anti-Semitism in Greece, especially with the rise of the Golden Dawn party, with dismay. Given Mr. Georgiadis’ stated views, we feel it is inappropriate to give him the legitimacy associated with a high-profile position in your cabinet. Mr. Georgiadis’ inclusion in your government will make it more difficult to confront intolerance in Greece, an issue of mutual concern.”

Jacobs and Mariaschin asked Samaras to reconsider Georgiadis’ appointment.