Following President Joe Biden’s calls in recent days for Israel to implement a ceasefire in Gaza, former President Donald Trump said his opponent has “abandoned Israel.”
Speaking to the media yesterday, Trump said, “Biden has totally lost control of the Israel situation. He has abandoned Israel, totally abandoned Israel … . and any Jewish person who votes for a democrat or votes for Biden should have their head examined. “
Trump’s remarks drew immediate condemnation from those on the left.
“Had my head examined. All is well,” wrote Representative Jared Moskowitz on X/Twitter. “I appreciate the president’s concern.” Moskowitz also pointed out that Trump had dinner with Nick Fuentes, a white supremacist who has praised Hitler, and singer Kanye West, who was blasted for his antisemitic views in recent years.
“Trump’s assertions about Jewish Democratic voters are as unfounded as they are divisive,” Mark Mellman, CEO and president of the Democratic Majority for Israel told the JC. “The Democratic Party, under the leadership of President Joe Biden, has consistently supported Israel, affirming its right to defend itself while also advocating for a peaceful resolution to conflict in the region.
“Donald Trump has shown us time and again who he is – a bigot and a con man. Political leaders across the political spectrum should join us in condemning his repugnant remarks,” he continued.
But not everyone thinks Trump is wrong.
"President Trump is exactly correct, any Democrat that continues to stand with Joe Biden as he unfreezes billions to Iran while dictating terms to Israel need to have their heads examined,” said Bryan E. Leib, a senior fellow at the Center for Fundamental Rights. “Furthermore, this is the same president that has never once condemned the pro-Hamas protestors that run rampant throughout government buildings and college campuses.”
The American Jewish community has long been a strong source of support for the Democratic Party, with some 65 per cent of Jews identifying as “democrat or leaning democrat” in the 2020 National Profile of the Jewish Electorate.
Though there have been some inroads in recent years, the Republican Party still lags behind when it comes to Jewish support for their candidates. One area where the party has gained a following is among New York’s Orthodox Jewish community.
In a February poll by Sienna College, 44 per cent of Jews in New York said they had a “favourable” opinion of Trump and 53 per cent said they would vote for the Republican candidate as president.
