Integrity First for America Statement on Dr. Lipstadt Confirmation Hearing

Lipstadt’s Testimony Played Key Role in IFA’s Successful Charlottesville Case; She’s Joined Today by Fellow Witness

Integrity First for America Executive Director Amy Spitalnick released the following statement on today’s U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on the nomination of Dr. Deborah Lipstadt to serve as Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism:

“Over the last few years, we’ve witnessed record-level antisemitism and extremism here and around the globe, with far too little accountability and far too little understanding.

“Our lawsuit uniquely took on the neo-Nazis, white supremacists, and hate groups responsible for the Charlottesville violence — and Dr. Deborah Lipstadt’s powerful expert testimony during trial helped us hold them accountable, resulting in a historic verdict.

“Dr. Lipstadt's testimony during our trial demonstrated how eminently qualified she is to serve as Special Envoy. She explained to the jury why antisemitism is at the core of the white supremacy on display that weekend, and during so many other recent violent attacks. And she stood up to the defendants’ horrific attempts to normalize their extremism, so effectively, in fact, that most knew better than to try to cross-examine her.

“We are grateful for her expertise and leadership at such a crucial moment for the Jewish community and for so many others. Like all forms of hate, we know that antisemitism makes nearly every single community — not just Jews — less safe, and that all of our security and futures are inextricably linked. As Dr. Lipstadt said today, in discussing our case, ‘neo-Nazism, racism, and antisemitism are intimately intertwined.’

“We’re also heartened by Dr. Lipstadt's words today on the formative role our case played in preparing her to serve as Special Envoy. It’s particularly meaningful that she’s joined at the hearing by Diane D’Costa, a fellow witness in our case and Jewish UVA student who fled her dorm as violent neo-Nazis marched through her campus.

“It’s been nearly 200 days since Dr. Lipstadt's nomination was announced, and the scourge of antisemitism has only grown more dangerous. It’s well past time for the Senate to confirm Dr. Lipstadt without further delay."