Deborah Lipstadt Reflects on Antisemitism Surge Post-Hamas Attack

As her tenure ends, Lipstadt shares her insights on the rising antisemitic sentiments and the impact of her mission.

Deborah Lipstadt, who recently served as the U.S. special envoy to combat antisemitism, has expressed deep concern over the rising antisemitic sentiment following the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Reflecting on her time in office, Lipstadt noted that the ramifications of the attack have significantly altered the discourse surrounding antisemitism, making it “almost normalized.”

Upon her appointment, Lipstadt aimed to foster dialogue between the U.S. and prominent Muslim nations, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE. “It was all very promising,” said Lipstadt, who has a solid background in studying antisemitism and genocide. She hoped that leaders in the Gulf could help counteract antisemitic ideologies prevalent in various parts of the Muslim community.

However, the events of October 7 marked a devastating turning point. The attack resulted in the deadliest day for Jews since World War II’s Holocaust, leading to a brutal conflict that lasted over a year, with a staggering death toll among Palestinians in Gaza. Dr. Lipstadt remarked, “Oct. 7 of course changed everything,” underscoring the far-reaching societal shifts this tragedy incited.

Now back at Emory University as a Distinguished Professor, Lipstadt is compiling her experiences into a memoir while also declining an offer to teach a course at Columbia University. Her reflections carry weight as communities grapple with rising hatred and seek pathways to understanding.