Doug Emhoff led a virtual meeting from Washington, D.C. with a coalition of prominent Jewish organizations and members of the Biden administration to create a joint effort to quell the massive increase in recent antisemitic incidents in the U.S.
A brick crashes through a window of a kosher pizzeria on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. In Los Angeles, Jewish diners are attacked by men shouting anti-Semitic threats. Synagogues in Arizona, Illinois and New York are vandalised. The NYPD arrests a second person connected to the beating of a Jewish man last week. In Salt Lake City, a man scratches a swastika into the front door of an Orthodox synagogue. In New York City a Jewish man wearing a Star of David necklace was punched by a man who allegedly asked him, “What is that around your neck, does that make you a f*****g Zionist?"
According to a report released the Anti-Defamation League on May 20, reports of domestic anti-Semitic incidents increased by 75 percent during the 11-day conflict between Israel and Hamas. Many of the incidents resulted from individuals targeting Jews because they were angered by the Israeli government’s treatment of Palestinians.
Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti Defamation League (ADL) stated, “As the violence between Israel and Hamas continues to escalate, we are witnessing a dangerous and drastic surge in anti-Jewish hate right here at home. We are tracking acts of harassment, vandalism and violence as well as a torrent of online abuse. It’s happening around the world— from London to Los Angeles, from France to Florida, in big cities like New York and in small towns, and across every social media platform.”
It is clear that the deadly clash between Israel and Palestinian militants has intinsified the rising trend of antisemitic attacks, threats, and violence. Protestors at a virtual rally held on Thursday demanded action from government leaders to stop the violence in the U.S.
In response to the increased antisemitism and the call for action, the administration held virtual meetings with leaders of Jewish community organizations. These included the National Security Council and the Departments of Justice and Education. Stepping in to represent the administration was Doug Emhoff, the husband of Vice President Kamala Harris.
Emhoff began the meeting by stating:
“I am here on behalf of the administration to express to all of you that we stand united against antisemitism and to assure you that our administration is working around the clock to counter this violence and hate, to keep everyone safe.” He added that nobody should fear for their safety in America.
Responses to the meeting were extremely favorable and Emhoff’s involvement was seen as a positive sign that the administration considers fighting antisemitism a high priority. Karen Paikin Barall, government relations director for Hadassah, the Women's Zionist Organization of America remarked:
"It was clear that the Biden administration's hearts are in the right place and we have an ally in the White House who rejects the notion that Jews should be subject to violence and intimidation. However, we are watching closely how the White House responds with specific actions and policies."
This includes the immediate filling of key roles such as a Department of State special envoy tasked with monitoring antisemitism and a White House liaison to the American Jewish community which is a position that was kept vacant during the Trump administration.
Officials from a number of White House departments discussed how they are coordinating federal resources to fight the growing violence and hate speech against the Jewish community. They also said that the administration is currently vetting process candidates in order to quickly nominate a State Department Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism.
Emhoff’s effort has been viewed as evidence that he has the ability to establish his own platform as Second Gentleman, beyond cheerleading, campaigning, fundraising on behalf of the Democratic party and being a high-profile supporter of the administration's pandemic relief plan.
A White House official dismissed the idea that Emhoff could serve as liaison and that his involvement in the meeting was not part of any official platform or administration agenda. They stated that he became involved in the meeting because his relationship with the Jewish community "is a core part of his values, it's a part of who he is and his family's background."
Friends remarked that Emhoff is extremely proud of his Jewish heritage and that he has a strong Jewish identity. They said that they're certain he'll use his influence, even if it's not in any official capacity, to fight against antisemitism and keep it at the front and center in the Biden-Harris agenda.
Doug Emhoff is a lawyer and the husband of U.S. vice president Kamala Harris. He is the first-ever Second Gentleman of the United States. Before relocating to Washington, D.C., Emhoff served as liaison to Jewish groups and donors on the 2020 campaign trail, sharing personal stories about growing up Jewish.