Formation of Jewish Democratic Council of America announced early spurred by Trump’s hate

The Jewish Democratic Council of America (JDCA), a new and vital 501(c)(4) political organization, is going to be launched this fall. While we planned to wait until then to issue any public statements, President Trump’s outrageous handling of the tragic events in Charlottesville compelled us to speak out now.

JDCA will actively promote national and local policies and people supportive of our Jewish community’s values and will fight for a strong U.S.-Israel relationship. This new organization will provide a strong voice for Jewish Democrats and fill a serious recent void in the national political discussion. It will unify and mobilize Jewish Democrats with other like-minded groups supporting mutually beneficial and agreed upon issues and actions.

Today, we join many individuals and groups, Democrats, Republicans, and independents to speak out and condemn President Trump’s reaction to the events in Charlottesville. Replacing white hoods and burning crosses with polo shirts and tiki torches does not dilute the anti-Semitism and racism of the neo-Nazis and white supremacists who marched in Charlottesville. In fact, their torchlight parade was eerily reminiscent of Nazi rallies in Munich in the 1930s, and the dark history of lynch mobs in America.

To the horror of many of us, then candidate Trump pandered to these groups during the campaign and eagerly accepted their political support. Now, as president, his unprecedented rhetoric and hesitance to unequivocally and universally condemn neo-Nazis, white supremacists, and racists empower and embolden these groups. The deafening silence of some members of Congress and Trump’s cabinet contribute to the dangerously toxic environment that Trump has created. By refusing to speak out against Trump’s failing and pitifully equivocating responses to Charlottesville, they abdicate their Constitutional and moral obligation to our country and its citizens.

As Jewish Americans, we call on our fellow Jews and all Americans across the nation to fulfill their moral obligations and stand united against anti-Semitism, racism, bigotry and hatred.

Signed,

JDCA Board of Directors (in formation)

Ron Klein, Acting Chair, Boca Raton, FL
Michael Adler, Miami, FL
Daniel Berger, Philadelphia, PA
Diane (Dede) Feinberg, Bethesda, MD
Michael Gelman, Washington, DC 
Peter Gillon, Washington, DC
Barbara Goldberg Goldman, Potomac, MD
Benjamin Gordon, Palm Beach, FL
Steve Grossman, Boston, MA
Elaine Hamilton, San Jose/San Francisco, CA
Michael Horowitz, Detroit, MI/Atlanta, GA
Ada Horwich, Los Angeles, CA
Beth Kieffer Leonard, Minneapolis, MN
Israel “Izzy” Klein, Chevy Chase, MD
Marcia Riklis, New York, NY
Joel Rubin, Chevy Chase, MD
Jim Segel, Boston, MA
Jeffrey Solomon PhD, Miami Beach, FL
Marc R. Stanley, Dallas, TX
Susan Stern, New York, NY