Agudath Israel of America, a national Orthodox Jewish organization, is applauding President Donald Trump’s selection of Governor Sam Brownback to be the nation’s next Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom. It is urging the Senate to swiftly confirm his nomination.

During Governor Brownback’s tenure in the U.S. Senate, Agudath Israel had the opportunity to work closely with him on a wide range of issues of importance to its community, particularly in the realm of religious liberty. “We know Sam Brownback to be a man of deep personal faith and conviction, and a champion of religious rights of Americans of all faiths,” noted Rabbi Abba Cohen, Agudath Israel’s Vice President for Federal Affairs and Washington Director. “We are confident that, as Ambassador, he will effectively employ his commitment to religious freedom and diversity, and his extensive experience and talents, to help protect religious minorities around the world and the free exercise of their faiths.”

Agudath Israel was one of the organizations that helped create and support the State Department’s Office of International Religious Freedom, and closely follows its work. “Governor Brownback is an excellent choice to fulfill our nation’s unique role of protecting religious adherents abroad from suffering, suppression and persecution,” Rabbi Cohen observed.