Capital District Times

President Donald Trump's decision in late March not to appoint Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) as the next ambassador to the United Nations has been met with disappointment by many supporters of Israel. Since the Hamas-led attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023, Stefanik has become a notable leader in the U.S. House of Representatives, actively fighting against antisemitism and expressing strong support for Israel.

Stefanik has committed to continuing her efforts at the United Nations. During her appearance before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations in January, she criticized the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). Despite not securing the U.N. ambassador role, Stefanik remains resolute in combating antisemitism and anti-Israel terrorists.

Her leadership in the House could lead to further development of what some term "The Stefanik Doctrine." This approach differs significantly from that of the Biden-Harris administration, known for perceived inaction against anti-Israel extremism. Deborah Lipstadt, a historian and former U.S. special envoy for combating antisemitism, noted in The New York Times, "… there were too many moments that were met with silence."

The current administration is removing anti-Israel extremists from the U.S., which has drawn criticism from groups such as J Street and Jewish Voice for Peace. J Street issued a press release condemning actions against Columbia protest leader Mahmoud Khalil, stating it violates constitutional rights. American Jews are reminded of similar rhetoric from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) during the neo-Nazi threats in Skokie, Illinois, nearly five decades ago.

Rahm Emanuel, former U.S. ambassador to Japan, opposed such hatred as a young activist, but it is now figures like Stefanik leading efforts to protect Jewish communities. Stefanik has referred to the rising antisemitism at Columbia University and criticized the institution's response to such incidents.

Stefanik's views on the Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria, known as the West Bank Settlements, differ from those of groups like J Street and the Jewish Voice for Peace. During Senate hearings, Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), supported by JStreetPac, questioned Stefanik's stance on Israel's rights to Judea and Samaria. Stefanik affirmed her belief in Israel's biblical right to the entire West Bank.

JStreetPac, which supports Van Hollen, regards him as a key ally in Congress. The influence of groups like J Street in the Jewish community, however, continues to face opposition.