WJC applauds upgrade of State Department’s Antisemitism Envoy to rank of ambassador
14 Jan 2021NEW YORK – The World Jewish Congress lauds the upgrade of the US State Department’s Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism to the rank of ambassador, simultaneously increasing the office’s influence and demonstrating the United States’ bipartisan commitment to the security and rights of Jewish communities around the globe.
In elevating the special envoy to the ambassador-level, the United States enhances the efficacy of its chief diplomat countering the world’s oldest hatred—antisemitism. This office is vital in developing and promoting initiatives and policies to combat the persistent current of anti-Jewish incitement and violence and raising the profile will amplify its impact. The World Jewish Congress will continue to call on other countries to appoint similar officials in 2021 and work with these representatives in our Special Envoys and Coordinators Combating Antisemitism (SECCA) forum.
Ultimately passed with broad support by both chambers of Congress, the US signals that the unified fight against antisemitism rises above partisanship and politics. We commend the efforts of Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ), Brad Schneider (D-IL), and Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) and their colleagues in the House and Senate for spearheading this effort.
In addition to the aforementioned legislators, the WJC extends its grateful thanks to Representatives Eliot Engel (D-NY) and Senators Gardner (R-CO), Gillibrand (D-NY), Graham (R-SC), Menendez (D-NJ), and Warren (D-MA), and all cosponsors in both chambers.
The office of the US Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism plays a pivotal role in securing the safety and wellbeing of Jewish communities. Since its inception in 2004, the special envoy has been critical in dozens of diplomatic achievements and has advanced US foreign policy on minority rights. The office sets an important example that other governments have followed in appointing their own envoys and coordinators combating antisemitism. The World Jewish Congress and Jewish communities worldwide have greatly benefited from working with US special envoys from the past three presidential administrations and will continue to offer our support.
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