Wiesenthal Center Says Feds Must Expand Effort To Combat Anti-Semitism
Marvin Hier Image by Getty Images
By Ron Kampeas February 28, 2017
WASHINGTON (JTA) — A senior Republican congressman and a Jewish defense group called for the funding of federal positions to monitor anti-Semitism a day after reports that the Trump administration was considering nixing the international anti-Semitism monitor role.
“Ever since its creation under President George W. Bush, the Special Envoy on anti-Semitism has made clear America’s unflinching commitment to fight history’s oldest hate,” said a statement Tuesday by the Simon Wiesenthal Center. “Given the reality of the multiplicity of anti-Semitic threats, our nation’s leadership should redouble America’s commitment to combat this scourge.”
The Wiesenthal Center did not mention the report that the Trump administration was considering eliminating the position as part of budget cuts.
Neither did Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., who authored the 2004 law creating the position. However, Smith said a similar position should be created to combat domestic anti-Semitism.
“It is vital that one senior law enforcement official has the mandate to lead efforts across the government to anticipate, prevent and respond to threats and attacks — especially violent ones — against the American Jewish community,” he said.
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