State Department email offers condolences to employees after recent attack, excludes reference to ‘Israel’ and ‘Jews’.

The State Department’s Email Addressing the⁢ Crisis in Israel

The State⁣ Department sent an ⁤internal email consoling its employees in the wake of the‍ mass terrorist attacks in Israel that omitted any mention of “Israel” or “Jews,” while warning that the war could provoke “antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Arab prejudice.”

The State Department recently sent an internal email to ⁤its employees, offering ‌support and consolation ​in light of the devastating terrorist attacks⁣ in ‌Israel. However, what caught attention was the omission of any mention of “Israel” or “Jews” in the message. ​Instead, the email⁤ highlighted the potential ‌consequences of the ⁣conflict, including the rise of “antisemitism, Islamophobia, and⁣ anti-Arab prejudice.”

Avoiding Direct References

The⁤ 872-word email, sent on Wednesday, addressed the impact of the‍ ongoing crisis in the ‌region, condemning “Hamas’s terrorist attack, the ongoing conflict, and the urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza.” Surprisingly, it did not directly mention Israel or the Jewish people, raising eyebrows and sparking discussions.

This incident comes at a time when the‌ White House ‌is facing criticism for downplaying rising anti-Semitism concerns while emphasizing the potential for ⁢increased Islamophobia. The omission of specific references‍ in the State Department’s email only adds fuel to the fire.

Concerns and Support

Richard Verma, the State Department’s Deputy Secretary‍ for Management and Resources, acknowledged the concerns expressed by team members worldwide.​ He⁤ recognized the fear that acts of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Arab ⁤prejudice could escalate further, making it more dangerous⁤ for individuals to express their identities and⁢ gather with their communities.

In an effort to provide assistance, Verma included a list of resources for ‍those affected by antisemitism, American Muslims and Arab-Americans, and anyone seeking coping strategies for ⁤the emotional and mental health⁣ impacts of the crisis. The email emphasized the importance of the safety and well-being of the workforce, regardless of their location, religion, or background.

Despite requests for comment,‍ the⁢ State Department has not responded.

Addressing​ Rising Concerns

During​ a press briefing, White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre faced criticism for evading a question about President ‍Biden’s level of concern regarding the potential rise of‍ anti-Semitism. Instead, she focused on the ⁣disproportionate number of hate-fueled attacks against Muslims and those ⁣perceived to be Muslim.

However, the reality remains that there have been numerous high-profile anti-Semitic⁢ incidents since the recent attacks in Israel, including a surge in anti-Jewish attacks in the United States. The Anti-Defamation League reported a 400 percent increase ⁤in anti-Semitic incidents since the war broke out.

Some of these incidents have gained media attention, ‌such as the assault of a Jewish woman ‍in a New York ⁣City subway ‌and the presence of Nazi symbols during pro-Palestinian ‌protests ⁢in the United States.

It is important to note that Muslim advocacy groups also report a rise in Islamophobic attacks. Tragically, a six-year-old Palestinian boy in Chicago was stabbed ‍to death by ⁢his family’s landlord during an argument about the war in ⁢Israel.

The full email can be read below:

Team,

I hope that everyone read the message from​ Secretary Blinken ​upon his ⁢return from the Middle East last week, highlighting not just the tremendous efforts of teams across the Department to support intensive diplomacy, but also the deeply personal⁤ impacts that Hamas’s terrorist attack, the ongoing⁢ conflict, ⁤and the urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza can​ have on our workforce. The⁤ professional and personal effects of a region in crisis have hit every segment of‍ our team—whether serving domestically or overseas, many of us‍ have communal‍ ties, family members, or ⁢professional bonds ​in the Middle East. Those of⁢ us whose roots are permanently in the region—our local staff, the backbone of our overseas presence—are experiencing⁤ these events all the ⁣more acutely. But one doesn’t need to have personal ties to‍ the region ​for the images and‍ stories of human suffering to take a toll. To all of you, let me express my deepest appreciation and admiration for your service during such difficult times, today and always.

We have also heard from team members here in Washington and at posts⁢ around the world with concerns that horrible acts of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Arab prejudice could ripple even further, making it feel more dangerous to be who we are, express who we are, or gather at this most important moment with our communities. Please know: nothing is more important to the Secretary, me, and all of‌ the members of the leadership team, than the‍ safety and well-being of‍ our workforce, no matter where you​ serve, how you worship, or where⁢ you call home. As we grapple with crises, the security and welfare of our teams are always at the top of the agenda.

I want to echo⁤ the Secretary’s request that we devote extra care and attention to taking care of each other, demonstrating “the humanity, the empathy, and the grace within our ⁣own community that we strive to build in the world.” I urge our supervisors and managers to create spaces for respectful and inclusive dialogue ⁣and look out⁤ for their team members, some of whom might not feel comfortable raising their hand to identify as a member of an affected group or share how‌ this crisis is impacting them. Similarly, no one should assume ‍that a colleague who has personal ‍ties to this conflict cannot be an⁣ objective participant in ongoing policy development and‌ debates. Please,⁤ extend ⁤a hand to those who seem withdrawn—whether by creating opportunities for team members to discuss policy and events ‌in the ‌region, respecting colleagues’ preference ‍not to talk about it, or offering them opportunities to take time off with family.

Everyone—supervisors, colleagues, or bystanders—should report any instance of discrimination or bullying. Intolerance has no place in the Department, and no⁣ one should feel silenced. Everyone has a role to play in making sure each ⁣of us⁤ feel ‍physically and professionally safe to express our ​opinions, ​even—or especially—if those opinions are ‌the dissenting views that are so critical to our constructing a well-reasoned and well-rounded policy.

I also recognize that this is ​a moment when​ some of you‍ are ‌looking ‍to engage in and shape the policy process, and I want to‍ encourage you to do so – whether ‌that means asking thoughtful​ questions, ‍drawing on your own expertise, expressing alternative viewpoints, and/or offering your ideas and⁣ solutions. If you’re unsure⁢ of how best to do this, speak with your supervisor, colleagues, and bureau leadership. Looking ahead, we will also be inviting ⁤colleagues to participate in a series of Open⁣ Forum discussions with senior Department leadership on the current crisis and our policy response.

For⁢ those of you who wish ‌to engage publicly⁤ in your personal capacity on ‍topics of Departmental concern, I encourage ‌you to review guidance on the use of social media and of public communications. For those who wish to participate in peaceful protest, you are free to do so outside of work hours, or by ‍taking leave if protest activity falls during work hours. Those serving overseas should ‌also abide by post’s guidance on participating in protest activity as a public official representing the United States ‌abroad. ‌This guidance is designed to protect you—from malicious actors, counterintelligence operations,⁢ or disciplinary action—as you exercise your first amendment right to free expression.

This is a high-stress, emotionally draining moment. Global Talent Management’s TalentCare office keeps and frequently updates a list of resources for impacted employees. This list includes a series of important conversations hosted by the⁤ Bureau of Medical Services’ Employee Consultation Services for staff and family members in ⁣the region and on authorized departure; those impacted by ⁤antisemitism; American Muslims and Arab-Americans; and anyone seeking healthy coping strategies to address the​ personal, emotional, and mental health impacts of this crisis. Whether through ECS, an external provider, or by engaging with your communities at home or here at work, please seek the ⁣support and the mental ⁣health care that you need, and remember that getting treatment will ​not affect your security clearance. Your well-being is ‌mission critical—please take a‍ moment to‍ identify and access the resources here at State that ‌are available to‍ you.

Thank you‍ all for your work⁢ on behalf of the American people and⁣ all you do to take care of​ each ‌other.

Sincerely,

Richard‌ R. ‍Verma

Deputy Secretary for Management and Resources

In the message leaves room for⁢ confusion⁣ or misunderstanding. It is important for government officials to clearly address concerns related to antisemitism and provide specific ⁢resources for those affected. How will the department ensure clarity in addressing⁤ concerns ⁢related to ⁣acts of antisemitism?

‌ Rtment officials, where you‍ can raise your concerns, share your perspectives, and contribute to shaping our policies ⁤moving forward.

Finally, I​ want to ⁤remind you‍ that‍ you are‍ not alone in navigating​ this challenging time. We have compiled a list of‍ resources ⁤that we ​hope will be helpful to those affected by acts of antisemitism, American⁢ Muslims and Arab Americans, as ​well as individuals seeking support for‍ coping ​with the​ emotional and mental ‌health impacts of these ​troubling events. These ⁣resources can be found on the Department’s intranet and⁢ are⁤ available to all employees, regardless of their‍ location or‍ background.

If you ‌have any ⁣concerns or need support, please do not hesitate to reach out to your supervisor, the Office of Employee Relations, or our Employee Assistance Program, which offers confidential ⁣counseling services to employees and their family⁤ members. You can access ​these resources through the Department’s intranet or by reaching out directly to the relevant ‍offices.

Thank you for everything you​ do. Your ⁣dedication and commitment are‍ deeply appreciated, and I am proud to ⁣serve alongside each and every one of you during ⁤these⁤ challenging‌ times.

Richard

The Importance of Clarity

In any communication, especially⁣ one sent during a ‍time of crisis, clarity is of utmost importance. The omission of direct references to “Israel” or “Jews”

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