First Jew to represent US for international religious freedom

Saperstein, a leader in the American Reform movement, will begin work at the State Department after earning 61 Senate votes in his favor on Friday.

 

The ambassador travels the world making the case for minorities facing persecution or discrimination. In recent years, ambassadors have taken up the causes of Muslims in Burma and Christians in China and Sudan, among other cases. Saperstein, a veteran civil rights activist, had served as director and counsel of the Religious Action Center for Reform Judaism since 1974.

 

American Jewish organizations widely praised the nomination, including the National Jewish Democratic Council, Jewish Council for Public Affairs and the Rabbinical Assembly.

Read More: First Jew to represent US for international religious freedom – Israel News – Jerusalem Post.