U.S. Ambassador to Belgium Howard Gutman will remain in his position, despite his statements that Israel’s treatment of the Palestinians is prompting global anti-Semitism.
State Department spokesman Mark Toner told reporters that Gutman’s remarks were his own views and not made as a representative of the administration.
Gutman, who is Jewish, said last week at a conference in Brussels on anti-Semitism organized by the European Jewish Union that “a distinction should be made between traditional anti-Semitism, which should be condemned, and Muslim hatred for Jews, which stems from the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.” He added that “an Israeli-Palestinian peace treaty will significantly diminish Muslim anti-Semitism.”
Gutman, an attorney, raised major funds for Obama’s 2008 election campaign, after which the president appointed him as ambassador.
This week, Gutman said he regretted that his statements to the conference were “misinterpreted,” adding, “My personal history and the history of my family testify to the importance I attach to this subject and my unwavering commitment to fight anti-Semitism.” Gutman is the son of a Polish Jewish Holocaust survivor.
Jewish groups condemned the remarks. Some Republican presidential candidates have called for Gutman’s firing. — jta