In the run-up to the United States' presidential election, Donald Trump has pointedly blamed Jewish voters, suggesting that if he doesn't win it will be their fault. This statement is not merely an insult; it carries a dangerous undertone, turning them into future scapegoats. The Jewish community, with its long history, is all too familiar with the perils of being blamed for society's misfortunes.
Trump's rhetoric risks further energizing his antisemitic and white supremacist supporters, who already see Jews as outsiders. These groups, fueled by hate and violence, now have a perceived endorsement from Trump to target potential scapegoats. Should he lose, some of the violence that his followers might unleash could be directed against Jewish communities.
Trump struggles to grasp why American Jews traditionally support Democratic presidential candidates. Perplexed by this, he labels those who don't support him as "mindless." More troubling, he accuses them of hating Israel and having dual loyalties, casting them as traitors despite their strong American identity. This is a sensitive issue for American Jews, who find it offensive when Trump casually refers to "your prime minister, Netanyahu," suggesting they cannot separate their Israeli and American identities. In his eyes, if they don't vote for him, they are not loyal Americans, as he equates himself with the nation.
Trump's rhetoric risks further energizing his antisemitic and white supremacist supporters, who already see Jews as outsiders
Polls indicate most American Jews do not vote primarily based on the "Israel factor." They seek a president who upholds democratic values, ensures a just economy, supports the middle class, and represents America's best qualities. It is unlikely that they would support a candidate who makes unfounded accusations against immigrants, threatens dictatorship, undermines the justice system, and disrespects the rights of women, minorities, and those who are different.
Trump's belief that he was the best U.S. president for Israel leads him to boast at campaign rallies about a recent Israeli poll suggesting that nearly 70% would vote for him if they could. He sees American Jews as ungrateful for not acknowledging his perceived greatness.
It remains unclear why Trump enjoys such significant support in Israel, not only among the public but also within the leadership, headed by Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump was, in fact, detrimental to Israel. In 2015, the U.S. and other powers signed an agreement with Iran to curb its nuclear ambitions, led by former President Barack Obama, whom Trump despises.
Although not perfect, the deal included unprecedented oversight mechanisms, ensuring compliance. American and some Israeli security experts endorsed it, and Iran adhered to its terms. However, Trump, encouraged by Netanyahu, dismantled the deal, not because he found it flawed, but because it was an Obama achievement, and Trump sought to erase anything associated with Obama.
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If Harris and Walz win, Trump knows who to blame
(Photo: Jim Watson and Chris Kleponis / AFP)
The result: Trump shattered the framework, and Iran made significant progress toward a nuclear weapon during Trump's and Netanyahu's tenure. The Middle East, and the world, might be vastly different today if the agreement had been preserved.
Furthermore, Trump's promises of a "deal of the century" between Israel and the Palestinians were unfulfilled, buried alongside his other grandiose promises. While he moved the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem and facilitated the Abraham Accords, these actions did not significantly alter the Middle Eastern landscape. Now, he boasts that if he had been president, the events of October 7 would not have occurred, demonstrating a lack of awareness and understanding. His bluster has caused damage to Israel.
His aggressive courting of Jewish voters in America is unlikely to significantly alter the electoral landscape: Jews are liberal, enlightened, and seek a president who commands respect and depth, someone they can be proud of. They will not overwhelmingly support a bully. However, the damage he is causing now could result in bloodshed if liberal America breathes a sigh of relief at his defeat.
Orly AzulayIn his loss, he might incite his violent factions to act as they did at the Capitol, this time against Jews, whom he would blame. And if he loses, he will quickly forget how to spell Netanyahu's name, despite Netanyahu's substantial support for him. Netanyahu has placed all of Israel's eggs in Trump's basket, burning bridges to the Democratic Party and its presidential candidate.