Attacks on Jews increasing, antisemitism monitor nominee Lipstadt tells Senate panel

US President Joe Biden’s nominee for special envoy to combat and monitor antisemitism Deborah Lipstadt begins her opening statement at her Senate Foreign Relations Committee confirmation hearing with a Hebrew blessing thanking God “who frees the captives.”

She says the prayer was recited by Jews worldwide after the 11-hour hostage standoff at a synagogue in Colleyville, Texas, ended with the Jewish worshipers escaping Congregation Beth Israel last month unscathed.

Lipstadt says the Colleyville standoff was “not an isolated incident” and that attacks targeting Jews are on the rise.

The Holocaust scholar lauds the Senate decision to elevate the position of antisemitism envoy to the ranking of ambassador, demonstrating the seriousness with which the US takes the topic. Notably, however, the purview of the post only allows the envoy to address antisemitism abroad and not within US borders.

Lipstadt is best known to the wider public from her appearance in a landmark British legal case in which she fought a libel suit brought by Holocaust denier David Irving. That experience was portrayed by superstar actor Rachel Weisz in the Hollywood feature film “Denial.”

She mentions the experience among three “life-changing moments” during which she “confronted real world antisemitism,” qualifying her for the post.

“If confirmed, I shall fight antisemitism worldwide, without fear or favor, and with that one goal emblazoned before me to make a difference,” she says.