A State Department diplomat is facing backlash for maintaining an anti-Semitic blog, sparking controversy and demands for accountability. Fritz Berggren, a foreign service officer working in the State Department’s division overseeing special immigrant visas for Afghans, came under scrutiny earlier this year when it was discovered that he runs a blog that espouses deeply anti-Semitic views. Despite the media attention and concerns raised, Berggren continues to serve as a State Department diplomat, actively contributing to the nation’s foreign policy.
In February 2021, reports emerged about Berggren’s blog, which included posts claiming that Jews are the enemies of God and the children of the devil and that Jesus Christ came to save the world from them. The content of Berggren’s blog, BloodandFaith.com, spread quickly, leading to a media firestorm. However, the State Department seemed unfazed by the revelations, with a spokesman stating that they do not comment on personnel files or records.
This lack of action has drawn significant criticism, particularly with the recent surge in anti-Semitic incidents around the world, including the terrorist attacks by Hamas on Israel. Senator Chuck Grassley raised concerns about Berggren’s continued employment at the State Department, emphasizing that anti-Semitism is wrong and appalling. Grassley expressed his outrage that the State Department has not done more to address his oversight questions on Berggren’s role within the agency.
Berggren’s blog, which he updates regularly, reflects his extreme views. In his posts, he refers to Jews as the enemy and expresses hateful beliefs about the Jewish people. His most recent blog entry, titled That Middle-East Thing…, perpetuates harmful stereotypes and calls for self-defense against what he perceives as an invasion by traitors and Jews who allegedly hate the White race.
The State Department’s perceived inaction in response to Berggren’s views has raised concerns about how the government agency is handling the issue of anti-Semitism. This comes at a time when both the White House and the State Department have faced criticism for their handling of the recent attacks on Israel. The State Department, in particular, came under scrutiny for an internal email sent to employees after the attacks, which made no mention of Jews or Israel.
As Senator Grassley demands more information about Berggren’s day-to-day responsibilities, the State Department is under pressure to address the issue and explain why this diplomat, who holds such hateful beliefs, is fit to serve as a representative of the United States. Public opinion calls for accountability and a clear stance against anti-Semitism, especially considering the rising instances of hate-fueled attacks targeting Jews and the need to support the nation of Israel in its fight for survival.
The State Department’s response to this situation will be closely watched, as it not only affects the agency’s reputation but also reflects the government’s stance on combating anti-Semitism. The diplomatic community and the public expect clear action to be taken to ensure that individuals espousing such hateful ideologies are not able to contribute to shaping the country’s foreign policy. The need for accountability is paramount, both for the sake of the Jewish community and for upholding the core values of tolerance and respect.
