LABDIEN [Hello]! My name is Hannah Rosenthal, and I am the
Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism at the U.S.
Department of State. In Latvian, envoy means “Īpašā sūtne”.
Thank you for inviting me here today to speak to you about the
importance of diversity and respect for others. I am always
eager to speak to young students because so much of my work
depends on your help. As the Special Envoy, it is my job to
monitor anti-Semitic incidents and combat such intolerance.
“Anti-Semitism” simply means hatred for Jewish people. I monitor
anti-Semitic incidents such as vandalism of religious places,
anti-Semitic speech, and even violence against Jews. But the
truth is, I am in the relationship-building business. I am here
today to tell you that young people and students can have an
impact and do what I do. We must all share and strive for the
same mission: to combat hate and intolerance to create a more
peaceful and just world. In order to fight hatred, we must begin
with respecting the dignity of every i