Deborah Lipstadt Reflects on Tenure as U.S. Antisemitism Envoy Ahead of Trump Administration Transition

The outgoing ambassador highlights progress in combating global antisemitism while expressing cautious optimism about her successor's approach under President-elect Trump.

• Deborah Lipstadt, the U.S. special envoy to counter antisemitism, concludes her tenure after three years of expanded efforts to address rising global antisemitism.
• Under her leadership, the office's budget quadrupled, its staffing grew, and key initiatives like international guidelines to combat antisemitism were implemented.
• Lipstadt expressed cautious optimism about the incoming Trump administration's commitment, particularly praising Secretary of State nominee Marco Rubio for his understanding of the issue.
• She acknowledged the challenges posed by a surge in antisemitism following the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent global response.
• Critics from both the left and right have scrutinized her approach, particularly her stance on the intersection of antisemitism and criticism of Israel, while mainstream Jewish organizations have lauded her efforts.

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Haaretz Jewish Telegraphic Agency The Forward