UPDATE: In a critical move, the U.S. Senate has confirmed Yehuda Kaploun as the new Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, replacing Deborah Lipstadt. This appointment comes amid a troubling rise in antisemitic incidents globally, underscoring the urgent need for decisive action.
The confirmation was announced earlier today, marking a pivotal shift in the U.S. government’s approach to combating antisemitism. Kaploun, a prominent Chabad rabbi and Miami businessman, is known for his strong support of former President Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign. His appointment is seen as a direct response to recent antisemitic violence, including the tragic Bondi Beach Chanukah attack, where 15 people were killed.
Kaploun’s new role carries ambassador-level status and oversees a significantly increased budget of $2 million, a fourfold increase from previous allocations. Upon his appointment, Kaploun stated, “The president is sending a very strong message … I am walking off with a yarmulke, and I have kosher food, and embassies will have kosher food. It is a game-changer.”
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) welcomed the appointment, highlighting the alarming statistics from their Global 100 survey which reveals that 46 percent of adults globally—approximately 2.2 billion people—harbor elevated levels of antisemitic sentiments. This figure has more than doubled over the past decade, emphasizing the critical need for Kaploun’s leadership.
Israeli officials have also expressed their support. Gideon Sa’ar, Israel’s Foreign Minister, remarked, “We appreciate the Trump administration’s strong commitment to combat antisemitism. This joint fight is more important now than ever.” Meanwhile, Amichai Chikli, the country’s diaspora affairs minister, hailed Kaploun as the right person for this vital role, particularly during a time of increasing antisemitism globally.
In a post on Truth Social, former President Trump congratulated Kaploun for his new position, calling him a “staunch advocate for the Jewish Faith.” Trump emphasized the significance of Kaploun’s role in fighting rising antisemitism, stating, “Yehuda will be the strongest representative for Americans and Jews across the globe, and promote peace.”
Kaploun has pledged to prioritize education about the Holocaust as a means to combat antisemitism effectively. During his confirmation process, he faced questions from Senate Democrats regarding the administration’s stance on right-wing antisemitism, particularly in relation to extremist figures. Kaploun asserted the administration’s clear condemnation of antisemitism, stating, “Antisemitism is anti-American. Racism is anti-American.”
He has also advocated for a shift toward “pro-semitism” through education, emphasizing the need for widespread awareness and understanding. At the Jerusalem Post Washington Conference on December 10, 2023, he expressed the urgency of addressing antisemitism: “We need to educate, educate, educate.”
As global antisemitic rhetoric continues to rise, Kaploun’s mission is more critical than ever. He aims to lower the antisemitic rhetoric globally and to foster an environment of respect and understanding among diverse communities. The world is watching as Kaploun steps into this pivotal role, and his actions will be scrutinized in the fight against antisemitism.
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