Pod Save America Hosts Call on Democrats to Cut All Israel Military Aid, No Longer Accept AIPAC Funding
Jews, Israelis Targeted in Austria Amid Surge in Antisemitic Incidents; Local Jewish Community Calls for Action
‘All of Our Strength’: Over 1,000 Pro-Israel Activists Gather in DC for Solidarity Conference
‘Devastated’: Wesley LePatner, Killed in Manhattan Mass Shooting, Was a Jewish Communal, Philanthropic Leader
Sen. Angus King Vows to No Longer Vote for Israel Military Aid Until Gaza Conditions Improve
Europe Won’t Pressure Israel to ‘Commit Suicide’ Amid Gaza Backlash, Palestinian State Push, Says Israeli FM
Israel’s National Soccer Coach Attacked in Athens Before Soccer Fans Chant ‘F–K Israel, Free Palestine’ at Match
New York Judge Sentences Neo-Nazi to 5 Years for Livestreaming Bomb Threats Against Jewish Hospitals
US Pressures Lebanon to Issue Cabinet Decision to Disarm Hezbollah Before Talks Continue
UK Plans to Recognize Palestinian State in September Unless Israel Meets Conditions, Starmer Says
Obama Taps First Rabbi for International Religious Freedom Post
Error: Contact form not found.
by JNS.org
Rabbi David Saperstein. Photo: Religious Action Center.
JNS.org – U.S. President Barack Obama has nominated Rabbi David Nathan Saperstein to fill the post of U.S. ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom at the State Department. If confirmed, Saperstein would be the first non-Christian to hold the post.
“I am grateful that Rabbi Saperstein has chosen to dedicate his talent to serving the American people at this important time for our country,” Obama said. “I look forward to working with him in the months and years ahead.”
Saperstein, 66, has headed the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism for 30 years and teaches law at Georgetown University. He previously served as a member of the President’s Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships from 2010-2011 and served on the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom from 1999-2001. He was also named by Newsweek Magazine as the most influential rabbi in America in 2009.
The ambassadorial position, which has been vacant for nearly a year, was created in 1998 to monitor religious freedom and abuses around the world.
Saperstein now faces confirmation in the U.S. Senate, where some conservatives have voiced concerns over his liberal-minded views, including comments he made concerning the recent Supreme Court decision on Hobby Lobby.
