Chris Smith: Trump Will Name Anti-Semitism Envoy Soon

Rightly or wrongly, President Trump has been criticized for the anti-Semitic murders that happened Saturday in Pittsburgh. Trump planned to visit Pittsburgh yesterday, but leaders of a Jewish group there said he would not be welcome unless he denounces America's growing white nationalism movement.

But yesterday, Oct. 30, Monmouth County Congressman Chris Smith announced that the special envoy to monitor and combat anti-Semitism will soon be named by the Trump administration. It was Rep. Smith, a Republican, who actually wrote the provisions in the Global Anti-Semitism Act, which created the envoy position back in 2004. It has yet to be filled, however.

According to NBC News, Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan told Smith late Monday that the Trump administration had planned to name someone two weeks ago but that the candidate withdrew due to health reasons. Sullivan then told Smith the administration has settled on another person and is preparing to name them to the job. The person chosen would need to be confirmed by the Senate. But when?

“Hopefully, yesterday, because the problem is very real," Rep. Smith said. "I don’t think we can wait any longer for this.”

Smith's congressional district, NJ District 4, includes a substantial Jewish population, including the Orthodox Jewish enclave of Lakewood. Smith held a vigil Monday night with Jewish leaders in Lakewood.

"This barbaric manifestation of anti-Semitism underscores a dangerous and escalating trend both here in the United States and throughout the world," Smith said in the days immediately following the attack. "Americans must leave no stone unturned in calling out and condemning the purveyors of anti-Semitism on the internet including social media."

Josh Welle, the Democrat who is seeking to unseat Smith from the Fourth District congress seat, said on Monday that the Pittsburgh shooting shows a need for stricter gun laws.

"Government’s job is to keep families safe, and it is failing," said Welle. "People can be safe by balancing individual freedoms with common sense gun laws. We must reassess why America’s public spaces, schools, and houses of worship are no longer safe from gun violence."

Last year, Rep. Smith introduced the “Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism Act,” which would elevate the position to the level of Ambassador, which would require Senate confirmation.

“America has a proud history of leading the fight against anti-Semitism — a history we must build upon and expand," said Smith. "The Special Envoy is critical to focusing and redoubling our leadership.”

Smith is also the co-chair of the House Bipartisan Taskforce for Combating Anti-Semitism.

The election for the District 4 Congress seat is next Tuesday, Nov. 6. See if you live in NJ District 4 here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...

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