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Alan Dershowitz & Lizzy Savetsky Emerge as Leading Contenders for Trump’s Special Envoy on Anti-Semitism
Edited by: Fern Sidman
Harvard Professor Alan Dershowitz and social media influencer Lizzy Savetsky are reportedly among the frontrunners for the position of Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism in a potential second Trump administration, according to a detailed report in The New York Post. The ambassador-level role, currently held by historian Deborah Lipstadt, is pivotal in advancing U.S. foreign policy on anti-Semitism and requires Senate confirmation.
Dershowitz, a renowned constitutional lawyer and Harvard Law School professor, has long been an outspoken advocate for Jewish causes and a defender of Israel on global platforms. As The New York Post report noted, Dershowitz previously served on former President Trump’s 2020 impeachment defense team, where his legal arguments played a significant role in Trump’s acquittal.
Known for his unwavering defense of free speech and opposition to anti-Semitism, Dershowitz has also been a frequent commentator on Fox News, where he has consistently spoken against anti-Semitic rhetoric in both political and academic circles, according to the information provided in The New York Post report. His association with Trump has, however, drawn backlash in some liberal circles, leading to what he described as being “canceled” in Martha’s Vineyard, where he owns a home. Dershowitz also hosts an exceptionally popular podcast in which he cogently addresses and analyzes issues pertaining to the escalation of global anti-Semitism as well as issues dominating the headlines.
Sources cited by The New York Post describe Dershowitz as a “brilliant defender of the Jewish people” with “enough intellectual integrity to oppose all the lawfare against Trump, even when he was a Democrat.” Dershowitz was recently spotted at Mar-a-Lago, engaging with club members, further fueling speculation about his candidacy.
On the other side of the equation stands Lizzy Savetsky, a 39-year-old social media influencer and staunch advocate for Israel and Jewish causes. Known for her online activism, Savetsky gained national attention when she joined the cast of Real Housewives of New York in 2022 but ultimately stepped away after receiving a torrent of anti-Semitic abuse online.
As reported by The New York Post, Savetsky’s efforts to combat anti-Semitism have earned her widespread recognition, including an official acknowledgment from New York City Mayor Eric Adams at his recently held pre-Chanukah festivities at Gracie Mansion. Her husband, Dr. Ira Savetsky, also made headlines for his humanitarian gesture of offering free reconstructive surgeries to victims of the October 7 Hamas attacks, an act that tragically drew death threats.
Savetsky’s nomination is reportedly being pushed by Trump fundraiser Blair Brandt, with insiders noting that her polished social media presence and public appeal could resonate with Trump’s media-savvy style, as per The New York Post report. Her candidacy represents a modern approach to combating anti-Semitism, leveraging social platforms to reach broader audiences.
Two other names have also been floated for the position. Ellie Cohanim, who served as the Deputy Special Envoy on Anti-Semitism during Trump’s first term, brings a wealth of experience and insider knowledge to the table, as indicated in The New York Post report. Her tenure in the role was marked by diplomatic initiatives aimed at curbing anti-Semitism globally.
Another candidate is Brooke Goldstein, the founder of the Lawfare Project, a nonprofit organization specializing in using litigation as a tool to combat anti-Semitism. According to the report in The New York Post, Goldstein is aggressively pursuing the role, with one insider claiming she “wants it badly” and believes she was “born for this job.” Goldstein herself told The New York Post that she would be “honored” to receive the appointment and would happily accept the role if offered.
Established in 2004 following the Global Anti-Semitism Review Act, the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism plays a crucial role in advancing U.S. foreign policy objectives related to anti-Semitism worldwide. The New York Post report said that the office operates with an annual budget of $1.75 million and has historically focused on addressing hate speech, violence, and discrimination against Jewish communities globally.
During Trump’s first term, the position remained vacant for two years before Elan Carr was appointed in 2019. The report in The New York Post indicated that Carr’s tenure emphasized combating anti-Semitism on international platforms, fostering interfaith dialogue, and holding governments accountable for rising anti-Semitic incidents.
Anti-Semitism has become a cornerstone issue of Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign. He has pledged to prioritize the fight against anti-Semitism both domestically and internationally, with promises to address hate speech on campuses, support Israel unequivocally, and bolster global partnerships to prevent anti-Semitic violence.
As The New York Post report highlighted, the next holder of the Special Envoy position will likely wield more influence and visibility than ever before, given the rising global tide of anti-Semitism and its increased prominence in U.S. political discourse.
Whoever assumes the role will face significant challenges, from addressing anti-Semitic rhetoric on college campuses to confronting hostile foreign governments that perpetuate anti-Semitism. The position demands not only strategic diplomacy but also a powerful voice capable of navigating complex cultural, political, and global dynamics.
As The New York Post report emphasized, the stakes for this appointment are high, and Trump’s choice will undoubtedly set the tone for America’s approach to combating anti-Semitism in the years to come.
