Statement from the Orthodox Union (OU):
Today, the leadership of the Orthodox Union welcomed the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee’s approval of Holocaust historian and author Deborah Lipstadt as the State Department’s special envoy to combat antisemitism with the rank of ambassador and issued the following statement:
“We are extremely pleased the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee has approved Prof. Lipstadt for the position of special envoy to combat antisemitism as attacks and threats continue against the global Jewish community. We are grateful for Prof. Lipstadt’s steadfast, vigilant and vocal leadership and look forward to working with her upon her confirmation. She is the right person, at a time of tremendous need, to take on this challenge; we call upon the full U.S. Senate to confirm her without delay.”
The Orthodox Union, through its nonpartisan, Washington, D.C.-based Advocacy Center, has pressed lawmakers for almost a year on this issue, joining other major Jewish organizations in sending a letter to President Biden in May 2021 to fill the special envoy position in light of the surge in antisemitic attacks at that time. Six months later, the Orthodox Union again took part in a group letter to the Senate calling on the body to hold a hearing on Lipstadt.
Statement from Agudath Israel of America:
Agudath Israel of America commends the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for voting today in favor of the nomination of Dr. Deborah Lipstadt as the State Department’s Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism. Agudath Israel urges the full Senate to act swiftly to confirm the nomination and allow Dr. Lipstadt to promptly assume her responsibilities.
“As antisemitism continues to rise around the world, it is increasingly important that this position be filled as soon as possible,” said Rabbi Abba Cohen, Agudath Israel’s Vice President of Government Affairs and Washington Director. “Dr. Lipstadt’s background makes her uniquely qualified for this job, and Agudath Israel looks forward to working closely with her in the years ahead.”
Agudath Israel commends Senate Foreign Relations Committee for moving nomination of Dr. Deborah Lipstadt forward as @USEAntisemitism . We urge swift vote by full Senate. Antisemites and antisemitism won’t wait. https://t.co/CAlRd3Ndax
— Abba Cohen (@AbbaCohen1) March 29, 2022
The ADL as well praised the appointment:
Dr. @deborahlipstadt’s confirmation has been approved by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. ADL has worked with Dr. Lipstadt for several years – she is a pillar of our community, and if confirmed, will be highly effective at combatting #antisemitism. https://t.co/YkPiOtC7FL
— ADL (@ADL) March 29, 2022
