US envoy reports ‘tidal wave of antisemitism’ worldwide amid Gaza war
Biden administration antisemitism envoy Deborah Lipstadt said there is a difference between protesting in support of Palestine and attacking Jews, and praised European governments for their efforts to fight bigotry.
US Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism Deborah Lipstadt told reporters on Friday there is a “tidal wave of antisemitism” around the world related to the Israel-Hamas war, reiterating the Biden administration’s support for peaceful pro-Palestinian protests and condemnation of antisemitic acts.
Lipstadt gave an online briefing to reporters on the global situation and the administration’s efforts to counter hatred towards Jews. She pointed out that the administration supports pro-Palestinian protests, “even when what the protesters might be protesting is something that runs counter to our policy.”
But she drew a distinction between protesting in support of the Palestinians and calling for violence against Jews.
“When you see people chanting or hear people chanting, ‘kill the Jews’ or calling for a violent intifada, for saying ‘gas the Jews’ … that’s not support for the rights of the Palestinian people. That’s antisemitism,” she said.
