Meng leads charge for federal anti-Semitism monitor

Rep. Grace Meng drafted a letter signed by more than 50 colleagues calling on President Joe Biden to appoint an ambassador to monitor and combat anti-Semitism. AP Photo

By David Brand

Rep. Grace Meng on Thursday organized more than 50 colleagues in a call for President Joe Biden to immediately nominate a federal monitor to combat international anti-Semitism.

Meng and her fellow members of Congress, both Democrats and Republicans, sent Biden a letter outlining the need to fill the year-old position of “Ambassador-at-large to monitor and combat anti-Semitism.” The position was previously known as the “Special envoy to monitor and combat anti-Semitism.”

“Violence inspired by anti-Semitism is an everyday concern for Jewish families, who must weigh the decision to freely practice their Judaism against the risk of violence that these rituals can invite,” the letter states. “With threats of anti-Semitism increasing every year, strong American leadership is required to address them.”

Several local representatives signed onto the letter, including for members representing parts of Queens: Reps. Hakeem Jeffries, Carolyn Maloney, Gregory Meeks and Tom Suozzi. 

“Anti-Semitism is a scourge that must be rooted out wherever and whenever it arises,” Meng said in a statement. “From cities in Europe to the halls of Congress, Jewish communities have been terrorized by despicable acts of anti-Semitism and hate.”