A group of 62 bipartisan lawmakers is urging President Donald Trump to appoint a special envoy to monitor and combat antisemitism, citing a troubling rise in global Jew-hatred. The position, which holds ambassadorial rank within the U.S. State Department, has been vacant since historian Deborah Lipstadt stepped down to return to teaching at Emory University.
The initiative is being led by Rep. Grace Meng (D-N.Y.), who emphasized the urgency of reaffirming the United States’ commitment to fighting antisemitism. In a letter addressed to the president, Meng and her colleagues stressed that filling the role is critical to maintaining America’s leadership in confronting anti-Jewish hate.
“The United States must continue sending a strong message that antisemitism has no place in our world, and that those who engage in illegal antisemitic conduct must be held accountable,” the letter states.
Lawmakers pointed to the bipartisan nature of the special envoy position, which has been consistently supported by both Republican and Democratic administrations since its creation in 2006.
The request comes amid a significant surge in antisemitic incidents following Israel’s response to Hamas’s October 7, 2023, massacre. The lawmakers described this rise in hate as a “tsunami of hatred” and warned that without a dedicated envoy, the U.S. risks losing momentum in the fight against global antisemitism.
The letter also referenced an international initiative launched under the Biden administration, which established global guidelines for countering antisemitism and garnered support from at least 42 countries and international organizations. Lawmakers stressed that continued diplomatic efforts are essential in maintaining these achievements.
Citing Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s recent confirmation hearing, the letter reinforced the idea that antisemitism is a “unique danger” that not only threatens Jewish communities but also undermines broader societal stability. “Thanks to the Office of the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, the United States has a dedicated entity within the State Department uniquely positioned to counter this hate,” it states.
Among the lawmakers backing the initiative are Reps. Don Bacon (R-Neb.), Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), Ted Lieu (D-Calif.), Randy Weber (R-Texas), Marc Veasey (D-Texas), Haley Stevens (D-Mich.), and Dan Meuser (R-Pa.), all of whom serve as co-chairs of the House Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism.
The letter concludes with a call for immediate action, warning that the failure to fill the position could hinder efforts to combat rising antisemitism. “The swift nomination and confirmation of a qualified special envoy is essential to preserve and build on these significant gains,” the lawmakers urged.
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2 Responses
Trump makes a big deal about caring about antisemitism but primarily uses it as a tool to go after his ideological opponents on the left. He hounds Ivy League universities and pro- Palestinian demonstrators but has no problem hiring rabid antisemities for administration position. He is also virtually silent and claims “he doesn’t know” on all instances of right wing antisemitism. He is fine with Tucker and Elon promoting Holocaust denial, right wing racist extremists in Europe and platforming antisemites.
Although it is well-intentioned, I think appointing a special envoy is counter-productive. The responsibility of fighting anti-semitism falls on ALL government representatives.
Once there is an envoy, everyone can shrug off the responsibility and point to the envoy saying, “It’s his/her job”.
Right now, there are a few very vocal government officials, including Rubio, who stand up against anti-semitism. Suddenly, they would be stepping on the envoy’s toes.
The envoy will not be able to control those other officials who are openly anti-Semitic, including within the State Department, but might hamper the abilities of those who help us.
Indeed, the envoy has very little power to accomplish anything, even WITHIN the USA administration and within the State Department – which the envoy would be part of!.
I question, what if anything has such an envoy accomplished in the past, other than an honorary position?! But, as stated, it removes the mandate of fighting anti-semitism from anyone else who actually does.
As far as monitoring, there are quite a few organizations that monitor anti-semitism and their date can be relied upon.