Biden's Antisemitism Envoy Reflects on Post-Hamas Attack Surge of Hate

Deborah Lipstadt, the U.S. special envoy to combat antisemitism, emphasizes how the Hamas-led attack on Israel shifted the global dialogue on antisemitism, marking a troubling increase in hate after October 7, 2023.

Deborah Lipstadt, who served as the U.S. special envoy to fight antisemitism, has spoken candidly about the challenges of her tenure in the wake of the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Her initial efforts included diplomatic visits to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, where she engaged with Muslim leaders, aiming to leverage their influence to combat antisemitism.

"I found those conversations quite promising," said Dr. Lipstadt, reflecting on the constructive dialogues she hoped would steer attitudes within Muslim communities. However, the attack marked a dramatic turning point, described by her as the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust. In the aftermath, Israel's military response led to extensive casualties, displacing countless Palestinians and devastating Gaza's infrastructure.

"October 7 changed everything," she noted in a recent interview, addressing the normalization of antisemitism that followed these events. As she returns to academia at Emory University and embarks on a memoir recounting her experiences, Dr. Lipstadt contemplates the lasting impact of her role during a period marked by increased hostility and division. Despite an opportunity to teach at Columbia University, she declined, focusing instead on her writing and teaching at her current institution.