We welcome the news that the U.S. Senate has passed a bill that would elevate the position of Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism to the level of Ambassador-at-large. At a time when we have seen an alarming resurgence of anti-Semitism around the world, this bill provides an important signal that the United States Government takes the threat of rising anti-Semitism very seriously and is fully committed to fighting against this pernicious and enduring evil. Since its inception, the Special Envoy position has attracted an impressive cadre of dedicated men and women that have worked tirelessly for this important cause under distinguished but sometimes austere conditions. This bill will not only send a strong message about the gravitas of the position – it will also strengthen the U.S. Department of State’s vital work to monitor and combat anti-Semitism in very real and practical terms, by increasing the funding for this office and expanding access to the Secretary of State for the Ambassador-at-large.

The role of Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism was established by the Global Anti-Semitism Review Act of 2004. The Foundation’s namesake, the late Congressman Tom Lantos, originally introduced the House version of this law and advocated passionately for its adoption. As the only Holocaust survivor ever elected to Congress, Tom knew better than almost anyone about the dangers of allowing anti-Semitism to grow unchecked. He was deeply committed to ensuring that America, his beloved adopted homeland, played a significant and leading role in stemming the tide of anti-Semitism globally. We know that Tom would applaud the elevation of the Special Envoy role to that of Ambassador-at-large. He would remind us that we are, indeed, our brother’s keeper and that discrimination, hatred or violence directed against any group is a danger to us all.

We look forward to seeing this bill become law in the near future and to continuing to work with the State Department on the issue of combatting anti-Semitism.