U.S. Ambassador Claims No Antisemitism Before 1948, Defends Iran

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U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack has drawn sharp criticism for his controversial remarks at the Global Security Forum in Doha, where he claimed there was little to no antisemitism before the establishment of the modern state of Israel in 1948 and defended the Iranian regime as not evil.

Historical Revisionism and Antisemitism Claims

Barrack asserted that antisemitism was not a significant issue before 1948, stating, “There was no antisemitism in the U.S. It just didn’t exist. Very little antisemitism even in the region.” This claim has been widely condemned as historically inaccurate, with the region marked by centuries of persecution, including forced conversions, massacres, and systemic oppression of Jewish communities.

Defending Iran Amid Human Rights Concerns

Barrack also defended the Iranian government, calling it “not an evil regime” and stating that its actions are rooted in religious practice, which he said should be respected. However, Iran’s human rights record includes the execution of thousands of political prisoners in 1988, the “Chain Murders,” and the violent crackdowns on protesters in 2026, which resulted in thousands of deaths.

Controversial Remarks and Political Statements

These remarks are part of a broader pattern of Barrack’s controversial statements, including questioning Israel’s democratic status and drawing moral equivalencies between Israel and Hezbollah. He has also praised anti-Israel figures like Sen. Chris Murphy and called Qatar “endlessly patient” with the U.S.

International Reactions and Diplomatic Fallout

Barrack’s comments have sparked widespread criticism, with U.S. lawmakers and commentators condemning his historical revisionism and political stance. His recent assertion that the Golan Heights is “occupied territory” led to a diplomatic retraction, highlighting the growing controversy surrounding his position.

Source: Daily Wire

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claire.thomson