In May of 2017, the Lantos Foundation joined with past Religious Freedom Ambassadors and Special Envoys on anti-Semitism in urging the Trump administration to move quickly to nominate qualified candidates for these important posts. A year and a half later, the post of Special Envoy to Combat anti-Semitism remains unfilled in the Trump administration.
During the past 18 months the need for American leadership in confronting anti-Semitism has only become more acute. From the disturbing efforts in Poland to criminalize honest discussion about the Holocaust, to the murder of French Holocaust survivor Mireille Knoll in Paris, the news is filled with grim reminders of the growing strength of anti-Semitism globally. And just a few days ago, 11 innocent worshipers at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh PA, were massacred by a homegrown Nazi.
Now more than ever, it is urgent that the Trump administration demonstrate its determination to confront this evil wherever it rears its ugly head. One important step in this regard is the appointment of the Special Envoy to Combat anti-Semitism with no further delay.
The Lantos Foundation is encouraged by news reports suggesting that an individual will be named to this position in the coming days. We will continue to monitor developments and urge the administration to not only name a Special Envoy, but to make the fight against anti-Semitism and racism a priority both at home and abroad.