Deborah Lipstadt’s first overseas tour as antisemitism czar will be in Saudi Arabia, a signal of the kingdom’s efforts to change its image.

Deborah Lipstadt’s first overseas tour as the State Department’s antisemitism monitor will start in Saudi Arabia, a signal of the kingdom’s efforts to change its image in the West and among Jews.

Lipstadt who was confirmed to the ambassadorial post in March said she proposed the visit to the Saudis, who were immediately receptive. She saw it as an opportunity to reach a nation influential in worldwide Muslim education because of its wealth and its status as the land of Islam’s holiest sites.

Source: INN - Photo: Deborah Lipstadt - Credit: Shahar Azran