US Ambassador to Brazil faces criticism for silence on anti-Semitism
Mounting Concerns Over U.S. Ambassador’s Silence on Anti-Semitic Comments by Brazilian President
The silence of the U.S. ambassador to Brazil regarding a series of anti-Semitic remarks made by far-left Brazilian president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has raised alarm bells on Capitol Hill. Lawmakers are increasingly concerned about the Biden administration’s failure to address the rise of anti-Semitism in Latin America.
Elizabeth Bagley, the top U.S. diplomat in Brazil, who has previously criticized the “influence of the Jewish lobby” in politics, has chosen to remain silent on Lula’s comments. In these remarks, the Brazilian president accused Israel of acting like Nazis and perpetrating a genocide in the Gaza Strip. The Washington Free Beacon reported last week that Bagley refused to condemn the rhetoric or provide an interview on the matter.
The Free Beacon‘s report sparked bipartisan concerns during a recent House hearing on anti-Semitism in the Western Hemisphere. Far-left leaders like Lula are forging alliances with Iran and other enemies of the Jewish state. Representative Bill Huizenga (R., Mich.) expressed worry about Bagley’s silence, urging her to strongly condemn anti-Semitism in Brazil, especially considering her own past comments about the “Jewish factor” in politics and its association with money.
“I’m concerned about our own ambassador to Brazil, Elizabeth Bagley,” Huizenga stated during a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing. “She has made some documented, very hateful comments about Jews, and it almost derailed her Senate confirmation. Has her track record affected her ability or the U.S. ability to forcefully condemn da Silva’s comparison of Gaza to the Holocaust?”
State Department’s Response
Deborah Lipstadt, the State Department’s anti-Semitism envoy, declined to comment on Bagley’s past remarks but assured that the U.S. Embassy in Brazil takes the issue seriously. While Secretary of State Antony Blinken and State Department spokesmen have condemned Lula’s comparison of Israel to the Nazis, Bagley has not made any public statements on the matter.
“I guess I’m more concerned about us having a forceful voice when we see this,” Huizenga added, emphasizing the importance of ambassadors speaking out against anti-Semitism. The lack of public condemnation sends the wrong message to allies in Latin America. “I want to make sure our ambassadors are not just speaking out. I want them to be forcefully screaming about this.”
Representative Kathy Manning (D., N.C.) also expressed shock at Lula’s anti-Semitic comments and asked Lipstadt about the State Department’s response.
Lipstadt revealed that Blinken had directly addressed the issue with Lula and that many political and government leaders in Brazil had taken issue with the statement. However, she acknowledged that the situation was deeply disturbing.
It remains unclear why the U.S. ambassador to Brazil has not publicly condemned Lula’s remarks, especially since the State Department has publicly disputed them. Bagley narrowly passed her Senate confirmation hearing despite opposition from Republican lawmakers who cited her previous comments about Jews.
In a 1998 interview reported by the Free Beacon, Bagley criticized “the influence of the Jewish lobby because there is major money involved.” She claimed that Democrats tend to align with the Jewish constituency on Israel due to the “Jewish factor” and its association with money.
A State Department spokesman confirmed that Bagley was present when Blinken confronted Lula about his statements on Israel. The spokesman stated, “While in Brazil, Secretary Blinken, alongside Ambassador Bagley, conveyed directly to President Lula that the United States disagreed with his comparison.” The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Brazil have also held numerous meetings with leaders of the Brazilian Jewish community.
How does Ambassador Bagley’s silence on anti-Semitic comments affect the credibility and influence of the United States in combating anti-Semitism globally
Mned Lula’s comments, Bagley’s silence has generated skepticism among lawmakers and advocacy groups.
The rise of anti-Semitism in Latin America has been a growing concern among international observers. In recent years, there has been a surge in anti-Semitic incidents, including physical attacks, vandalism of synagogues, and online hate speech targeting Jewish communities. Latin American leaders, such as Lula, have contributed to this dangerous trend by making derogatory and offensive remarks about Jews and Israel.
Lula’s comparison of Israel to Nazis and his accusations of genocide in the Gaza Strip are not only factually incorrect but also deeply offensive and inflammatory. Such rhetoric not only perpetuates harmful stereotypes but also fuels hatred and hostility towards the Jewish community. It is crucial for world leaders to unequivocally condemn such remarks and take a firm stand against anti-Semitism.
While the Biden administration has been vocal in condemning anti-Semitism domestically and globally, the silence of Ambassador Bagley on this issue raises questions about the administration’s commitment to combatting anti-Semitism in Latin America. The role of the U.S. ambassador is not merely symbolic but carries significant diplomatic weight. An ambassador’s public condemnation of anti-Semitic remarks made by a foreign leader can send a strong message about the values and principles that the United States stands for.
Representative Huizenga’s concerns about Bagley’s track record and its potential impact on her ability to forcefully condemn Lula’s comments are valid. It is essential for the U.S. ambassador to Brazil to not only distance herself from past anti-Semitic remarks but also to demonstrate a strong and unwavering commitment to combating anti-Semitism in all its forms.
The State Department’s response, or rather lack thereof, further adds to the mounting concerns. While the State Department’s anti-Semitism envoy declined to comment on Bagley’s past remarks, it is crucial for the department to address these concerns transparently and thoroughly. The American public deserves clarity and confidence in the actions and statements of its diplomatic representatives.
Furthermore, the silence of Ambassador Bagley also sends a troubling message to the Jewish community in Brazil and across the region. It implies that the Biden administration may not prioritize the safety and well-being of Jewish communities in Latin America, which are already facing significant challenges and threats. It is paramount for the United States to stand in solidarity with these communities and actively work towards combating anti-Semitism.
Advocacy groups, such as the Anti-Defamation League and the American Jewish Committee, have also expressed their concerns over Ambassador Bagley’s silence. They argue that her inaction undermines the United States’ credibility and influence in combating anti-Semitism globally. It is essential for the Biden administration to reassess its approach and ensure that its diplomatic representatives actively promote tolerance, respect, and understanding in their host countries.
The fight against anti-Semitism requires consistent and resolute action. It demands that leaders, diplomats, and lawmakers speak out against hate speech, challenge stereotypes, and foster dialogue and understanding. Ambassador Bagley’s silence on anti-Semitic comments made by Brazilian President Lula raises significant concerns regarding the Biden administration’s commitment to this cause. It is imperative for the United States to reaffirm its dedication to combating anti-Semitism in Latin America and across the globe.
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