Opinion: An argument for what political party Jewish voters should stick with

As we inch closer to the 2024 election, antisemitism and U.S.-Israel relations are at the forefront of many Jewish voters’ minds. In the aftermath of Oct. 7th and with the explosion of antisemitism, for the first time in a generation, many American Jews – secular and religious alike – are concerned for their safety at home and the survival of their ancestral homeland in Israel. Consequently, many Jews are contemplating changing political parties in the upcoming election. Jewish voters are increasingly concerned with U.S. policy towards Israel. Pew's research shows that “eight-in-ten U.S. Jews say caring about Israel is an essential or important part of what being Jewish means to them.” As the majority of Jews identify as Zionists (believing in the right of Jewish people to self-determine in their ancestral homeland), a question on their minds is: “which political party will be a better advocate for Jews at home and abroad”? Though feeling betrayed by the extreme left, American Jews would be wrong to think that a Democratic White House administration would turn a blind-eye to antisemitism or turn its back on Israel. 

Historically, the majority of American Jews have identified as liberal or aligned themselves with the Democratic party. The Jewish commitment to social justice often aligned with Democrats’ focus on equality for minority groups. In the past, protecting minorities included protecting Jews. In recent years, however, the public perception of Jews has drastically changed. Jews are now largely perceived as white and rich, making them a privileged class, not a marginalized minority.  Perception, however, doesn’t change reality. Jews originate from the Middle-East (Judea/modern-day Israel), they have diverse socio-economic backgrounds, and are disproportionately victims of hate and discrimination. According to the FBI and the Biden-Harris U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism, as of May 2023, 63% of all religiously motivated hate crimes were against Jews, despite them comprising just over 2% of the U.S. population.

With the surge of left-wing antisemitism, former life-long Democratic Jews are now considering voting Republican. Whether genuine or for political gain, the Republican party is successfully perpetuating the notion that they will be better allies to the Jewish people and to the State of Israel than the Democrats. Antisemitism has become a focal talking point of the Republican party. They have fear-mongered within the American Jewish community – itself an unsavory use of American Jews as a political football. Donald Trump has declared that any Jew who votes for a Democrat is a fool, is disloyal to their people, hates Israel, and hates their religion.

While many Republicans are less openly critical of Israel than Democrats, this does not mean that they are “better” for Israel or American Jewry. Nor does it mean that a Democratic president would put the Jewish community at risk. Israel is an invaluable ally to the United States. As the only democracy in the Middle East, and a key economic and military partner, its survival is vital to American foreign-policy. It is, therefore, improbable that any American president, regardless of political party, would risk endangering that partnership. Simply put, it is not in the U.S.’ best interest to cut ties with Israel.  

Even amidst the pressure coming from far-left politicians, uncommitted voters, and those pushing for an arms embargo on Israel, Harris has not caved to these demands. There is no shortage of evidence that Kamala Harris is a friend of Israel.  Here are just a few statements she has made regarding her views on Israel and antisemitism, compiled by the Zioness Action Fund:

On the U.S. relationship with Israel: “At the core of the U.S.-Israel relationship is America’s ironclad commitment to the security of Israel. This endures not only because it is in America’s strategic interest, but because it is the right thing to do.”    – June 7, 2023

On antisemitism: “To all the Jewish people around the world…we will fight antisemitism with the full force of the U.S. government, including through the first-ever National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism. We will continue to stand with the people of Israel and its right to defend itself from those that threaten its existence.”

 – May 6, 2024

On October 7th: “Israel has a right to defend itself…Hamas cannot control Gaza, and the threat Hamas poses to the people of Israel must be eliminated.” 

 – March 3, 2024

On recent protests: [We have seen] “despicable acts by unpatriotic protestors and dangerous hate-fueled rhetoric. I condemn any individual associating with the brutal terrorist organization Hamas, which has vowed to annihilate the State of Israel and kill Jews. Pro-Hamas graffiti and rhetoric is abhorrent and we must not tolerate it in our nation.” 

 – July 25, 2024

More recently, after hearing the tragic news of Hamas murdering six Israeli hostages, including Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin, on August 31st, Harris stated:

“Hamas is an evil terrorist organization. With these murders, Hamas has even more American blood on its hands. I strongly condemn Hamas’ continued brutality, and so must the entire world. From its massacre of 1,200 people to sexual violence, taking of hostages, and these murders, Hamas’ depravity is evident and horrifying. The threat Hamas poses to the people of Israel – and American citizens in Israel – must be eliminated and Hamas cannot control Gaza…President Biden and I will never waver in our commitment to free the Americans and all those held hostage in Gaza.”

During the presidential debate between Harris and Trump just over a week ago, on Sept. 10th, she once again publicly declared, “I will always give Israel the ability to defend itself, in particular as it relates to Iran and any threat that Iran and its proxies pose to Israel.” 

While some American Jews may find her public criticism of Benjamin Netanyahu, his tactics in the war with Hamas, and his refusal to address settler violence in the West Bank unpalatable, her critiques mirror those of a majority of Israelis who, themselves, have disdain for the current Netanyahu administration, and still maintain that a two-state solution is the only realistic means of securing peace, safety, and self-determination for Israelis and Palestianins alike. We must recognize that a true friend is not just one who offers unconditional support. It is one who lets you know when you’ve misstepped, encourages you to be the best version of yourself, and helps you to achieve your potential. 

If American Jews can shut out the noise and divisive fear-mongering from the right, perhaps they will realize that the ironclad U.S.-Israel relationship will not be so easily undone by a vocal anti-Israel minority within the Democratic party. They should vote for the best candidate on any number of issues, understanding that either one will support Israel in important ways.