US antisemitism envoy faces backlash over remarks on Lebanon pager attacks

U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt, has sparked backlash following comments made during a recent event regarding the deadly pager explosions in Lebanon, which have been attributed to Israel.

During the event hosted by the Israeli-American Council, a moderator remarked on global perceptions of Israel post-October 7, saying, “after Oct. 7, there was a feeling around the world that Israel was weaker.” In response, Lipstadt quipped, “Do you want a beeper?” The moderator followed up by stating, “I have a few.”

These comments have drawn sharp criticism from the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), which has since called for Lipstadt’s removal. CAIR’s Government Affairs Department Director, Robert McCaw, described her remarks as “dangerous.”

“Special Envoy Lipstadt’s callous remarks are not only disgusting, but also dangerous,” McCaw said in a statement. He further criticized the envoy for what he described as a “flippant celebration of state-sponsored terrorism,” which, according to McCaw, undermines ongoing U.S. diplomatic efforts to ease tensions between Israel and Lebanon.

McCaw added that such comments could give the impression that the U.S. condones or even celebrates violence against Arab and Muslim civilians. “This is not just immoral, it’s irresponsible,” he said, demanding that the Biden administration take swift action and fire Lipstadt. “The U.S. government must make clear that it does not support or celebrate state violence and terrorism against vulnerable populations.”

Ambassador Lipstadt was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in March 2022 as the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, a position that holds the rank of ambassador.

The controversy follows a series of explosions in Lebanon on September 17 and 18, which killed at least 37 people and injured over 3,000. Lebanese authorities and Hezbollah have blamed Israel for the explosions, though Tel Aviv has neither confirmed nor denied involvement.