U.S. Antisemitism Envoy Reports Rise in Hostility Post October 7

As she wraps up her role, Deborah Lipstadt reflects on the increase in antisemitic incidents that followed the attack by Hamas on Israel, describing this rise in hostility as becoming alarmingly routine.

Beginning of Her Mission

Deborah Lipstadt, upon her appointment by the Biden administration as the ambassador-level special envoy tasked with combating antisemitism globally, embarked on initial visits to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. These trips involved promising dialogues with leaders from the two predominantly Muslim nations.

She anticipated that influential voices in the Gulf region might positively impact the global Muslim community, potentially diminishing antisemitic sentiments.

The Impact of the Hamas Assault

However, the events of October 7, 2023, marked a turning point. A Hamas-led offensive against Israel resulted in the highest number of Jewish casualties in a single day since the Holocaust.

In the war that ensued over the next 15 months, Israel launched a forceful retaliation that resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands in Gaza, with nearly all two-plus million of its residents displaced, leaving the region thoroughly devastated.

Retrospective Insights

Reflecting from Jerusalem as her term was nearing its end, Dr. Lipstadt acknowledged the seismic shift in the situation, observing how antisemitism had become more prevalent.

Returning to her academic roots, she has resumed her position at Emory University as a Distinguished Professor, where she is currently focused on authoring a memoir detailing her experiences in public service. She decided against taking on a teaching position at Columbia University for the following academic year.