Why the Next Antisemitism Envoy Must Adopt a Global Strategy

Antisemitism is on the rise, both globally and within the United States. This alarming trend highlights the importance of selecting the next special envoy tasked with monitoring and combating antisemitism. For the current administration, this decision holds significant weight, especially in light of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks’ assertion that antisemitism acts as an early warning sign of threats to freedom. This issue affects us all.

Therefore, the incoming special envoy is imperative to embrace a broader and more proactive strategy than previous appointees.

The Role of the Special Envoy

The U.S. Department of State outlines the role of the special envoy in combating antisemitism. This position has traditionally focused on foreign affairs, specifically monitoring antisemitism abroad, shaping U.S. policy responses, and developing strategies to mitigate this ancient hatred on the world stage.

Historically, some individuals in this position have neglected the domestic aspect of antisemitism, citing jurisdictional limits as a reason to focus exclusively on international issues. However, it is crucial to recognize that domestic and global antisemitism are intertwined. The next special envoy must acknowledge this reality from the outset.

Responding to Rising Antisemitism

Antisemitic incidents in the U.S. often spike significantly following conflicts in the Middle East, with recent data showing a staggering 400% increase. This pattern underscores the need for the envoy to take immediate and decisive action against campaigns of misinformation, scapegoating, and conspiracy theories. Such narratives are often propagated by foreign state actors, targeting Jewish communities and institutions.

Furthermore, anti-Zionist rhetoric that disguises outright Jew-hatred must be identified as such, especially when perpetuated in international arenas like the United Nations or the International Criminal Court.

Confronting Institutional Bias

Organizations such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, which have established records of bias against Jews, frequently use their platforms to lend support to antisemites. They distort legal frameworks and manipulate norms while fueling anti-Jewish blood libels. The special envoy has a responsibility to counteract this influence by publicly correcting falsehoods and offering reliable citations.

The Impact of BDS on Antisemitism

The Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement is another factor contributing to the rise of antisemitism in the United States. Research indicates that engagement with BDS activities correlates strongly with increased anti-Jewish sentiment, particularly on college campuses.

Moreover, financial support for BDS organizations often leads to funding of terrorist groups. With over 30 leaders of these organizations being directly linked to violent terrorism, the special envoy must prioritize exposing and combating these dangerous movements.

The Role of Universities

American universities stand at the frontlines in tackling antisemitism, but they also face challenges stemming from global influences. The federal government enforces transparency laws mandating that institutions disclose foreign funding under Section 117 of the Higher Education Act.

However, recent studies reveal widespread noncompliance, with billions of dollars flowing from authoritarian states into U.S. educational institutions without proper reporting. Research indicated a strong correlation between accepting undisclosed funds and an alarming increase in antisemitic incidents. An analysis from the Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy showed that schools receiving undocumented funds experienced, on average, 300% more antisemitic incidents compared to those that did not.

Collaborative Efforts in Academia

There is promising news on this front. Recent collaborations between the State Department and the Department of Education led to the closure of Confucius Institutes, which had spread propaganda in American academia at the behest of the Chinese government. This successful initiative serves as a model for the special envoy to emulate, demonstrating that political and public pressure can compel educational institutions to resist harmful foreign influences.

Allegations have surfaced suggesting that numerous groups instigating antisemitism in the U.S. are coordinating with Foreign Terrorist Organizations. The State Department and Department of Justice are already enforcing laws prohibiting support for terrorism. The special envoy should think broadly and become an integral part of these discussions, revealing the networks behind domestic antisemitism.

Proactive Stance Against Online Hate

The next special envoy cannot afford to languish as a passive observer. This position requires actively pushing social media platforms to take stringent measures against online hate speech. Collaborating with both national and global authorities to limit the spread of antisemitic rhetoric before it translates into violence is essential.

Addressing a Global Problem

Antisemitism transcends borders; it is both a global and domestic concern. To effectively tackle this issue, we need an envoy willing to confront it on multiple fronts. This will involve a choice to act decisively and strategically to safeguard the rights and dignity of Jewish people everywhere.

The Call to Action

To combat antisemitism effectively, a renewed commitment to a comprehensive approach is necessary. A specially empowered envoy must be ready to respond to the challenges posed by antisemitism in all its forms, ensuring the Jewish community’s safety and fostering a more inclusive society.