U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism Visits Queens for Event with Congresswoman Meng to Address the Rise of Antisemitism
With antisemitic incidents on the rise in NY and across the globe, Meng brought Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt to the borough to highlight U.S. efforts to fight this surge in hate; event included local Jewish leaders and took place at Kupferberg Holocaust Center at Queensborough Community College; Lipstadt is also a Queens native
QUEENS, NY – This afternoon, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) brought the State Department’s Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt, to Queens to address increased attacks on the Jewish community around the world and in New York City, as well as to meet with local Jewish community leaders.
Ambassador Lipstadt, who is based at the State Department in Washington, D.C., leads U.S. efforts to fight antisemitism across the globe. She has served in the role since May 2022, after she was nominated by President Biden and confirmed by the United States Senate. She is also a Queens native who was raised in Far Rockaway.
During the event with Meng, Ambassador Lipstadt discussed how the Biden administration is working to protect the Jewish community from the rise in antisemitic hate crimes, including initiatives such as the White House’s new national strategy to combat antisemitism, which the Congresswoman contributed to earlier this year. Lipstadt also spoke with local Jewish leaders in attendance at the event.
The fireside chat with Meng and Lipstadt took place at the Kupferberg Holocaust Center located on the campus of Queensborough Community College in Bayside.
In addition, the two visited CHAZAQin Kew Gardens Hills, which provides a wide range of social services to residents of the Jewish community.
“I thank Ambassador Lipstadt for visiting Queens. It was an honor to host her in my congressional district,” said Congresswoman Meng. “Her position as Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism is more important than ever amid increased attacks on the Jewish community. I thank her for addressing the concerns that our local Jewish leaders have about their safety and for listening to the challenges they face. Unfortunately, my constituents have not been spared from these hateful incidents. I will continue doing all I can to fight this despicable and disgusting surge in hate, and look forward to continuing to partner with Ambassador Lipstadt on this vital effort.“
“Congresswoman Meng is an essential partner and exemplary leader in the fight against antisemitism,” said Ambassador Lipstadt. “I deeply appreciate her steadfast support on the Hill and continuing to act on a local level to ensure the safety of Jewish communities.”
In Congress, Meng serves as a Co-Chair of the House Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism which works to ensure that Congress plays an integral role in condemning antisemitism, and spearheads initiatives that promote tolerance worldwide. She has also worked to address the increase in antisemitic incidents, and two weeks ago, helped secure an historic $2.5 millionfor the Office of the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, an increase of $1 million over the amount it received last year.