The State Department has appointed a special envoy to monitor and combat anti-Semitism as a new report documents a global increase in incidents of anti-Semitism and Holocaust denial.

Ira Forman, former CEO of the National Jewish Democratic Council, was chosen as special envoy as the State Department released its annual report on religious freedom around the world. The report said expressions of anti-Semitism by government officials, religious leaders and the media were of great concern, particularly in Venezuela, Egypt and Iran.

At times, the report said, such statements led to desecration and violence.

Secretary of State John Kerry called the report a “clear-eyed, objective look at the state of religious freedom around the world” and said that in some cases, the report criticizes U.S. allies and would-be allies.

(AP)