NEW YORK - The World Jewish Congress United States (WJC US) has joined a coalition of concerned religious and human rights organizations in the US in sending a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urging him to quickly fill the position of the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism. Other signatories to this letter include ADL, B’nai B’rith, Hadassah, and NCSEJ, inter alia.
The letter states that as this position is still vacant, “We cannot afford further delay in fully addressing the problems and threats facing Jewish communities around the world. By appointing a respected and effective advocate, and equipping the office of the Special Envoy with adequate resources and staffing, you will be reasserting US moral leadership on this issue and reassuring Jewish communities that the United States stands with them.”
Rabbi Joel H. Meyers, Chair, WJC US, said: “In light of the rising number of anti-Semitic incidents taking place in many areas of the world, including physical attacks on Jews, it is most important that the position of Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism be filled as soon as possible. The appointment to this position, mandated by law in 2004, sets an example to other countries in the world that anti- Semitism and racism will not be tolerated and that it is necessary for governments and civil society to combat anti-Semitism together.
“The United States has always served as a world leader in making sure this age-old hatred is fought diligently and must continue to remain so. As this position is still vacant in the State Department, our allies in Europe and elsewhere lack an important partner in this fight. Secretary Pompeo’s appointment of an individual to this post who can bring wisdom, knowledge, and diplomatic expertise in helping freedom loving countries to stand up to hatred and bigotry will demonstrate the United States’ commitment to this crucial endeavor. We wish Secretary Pompeo every success in his important work and urge him to make the appointment as soon as possible,” added Meyers.
