Blinken says incident investigated, is 'a painful reminder that antisemitism not a relic of past'; comes amid administration's vow to fill position to combat bigotry targeting Jews

US president says he won't allow Americans to be attacked because of who they are; bipartisan letter signed by 132 lawmakers urges more forceful response to targeting of Jews

Trump left State Department position unfilled for two years; changes to law mean nominee will have to be approved by Senate

Move would give envoy extra funding and status while pressing other governments to combat anti-Semitism