By Jackson Richman, JNS—
Elan Carr was sworn in on Thursday as the U.S. Special Envoy for Monitoring and Combating Anti-Semitism.
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo administered the oath of office to Carr, who placed one hand over a Hebrew Bible, or Tanach, that was held by his wife, Dahlia. The secretary remarked that the Iraq War veteran and attorney was chosen for “fierceness and vigor that he’ll bring to combating anti-Semitism,” according to a source at the event, which was closed to the press.
Despite criticism, the Trump administration has made fighting anti-Semitism and BDS a priority. This comes amid a rise in anti-Semitic and anti-Israel vitriol and attacks nationwide, including the Oct. 27, 2018 shooting at the Tree of Life*Or L’Simcha Synagogue in Pittsburgh, as well as rhetoric being used by House Reps. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) and Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.).
“No leaders more than President Trump and Secretary Pompeo have reflected more force on this issue, more passion for protecting the Jewish people and more love for the Jewish people and the State of Israel than President Trump and Secretary Pompeo,” said Carr, according to a source at the ceremony.
Others in the Trump administration welcomed the swearing-in of Carr.
“Welcome aboard to our U.S. Special Envoy for Monitoring and Combating anti-Semitism Elan Carr. Great to attend your swearing-in ceremony today—looking forward to continuing our collaboration on this crucial mission. I’m sure you will be a strong warrior for this critical cause!” tweeted U.S. special envoy for international negotiations Jason Greenblatt. Continue Reading….