Our Platform

As the voice of Jewish Democrats, JDCA’s platform highlights issues of concern to Jewish Americans, all in line with our core Jewish and Democratic values. These include defending the future of our democracy, the rule of law, and fundamental rights, combating resurgent antisemitism and ensuring Israel’s long-term security, and more. As Jewish Democrats, we are committed to a just and equitable society, safe and secure Jewish communities, and strong and vibrant democracies in the United States, in Israel, and around the world. JDCA’s platform focuses on a wide range of issues and policies, all of which are in service of these goals. 

JDCA’s positions on key issues of concern to the Jewish community are:

Democracy: Threats to democracy and to Jewish people have been connected for centuries. The systematic breaking down of democratic institutions that once led to the near annihilation of all of European Jewry must never happen in the United States, or anywhere in the world. A safe and free Jewish future depends on the presence of civil and human rights, equal protection under the law, democratic norms, and the values of pluralism and inclusion. 

The threats to American democracy posed by Donald Trump are unprecedented. First, we oppose efforts by the Trump administration to challenge the authority of Congress, including his threats to impound funds appropriated by Congress, cut spending without Congressional approval, or dismantle agencies established by law. Second, we oppose efforts to erode the independence of the Judiciary and the rule of law, including threats to impeach judges or to ignore court orders. Third, we oppose efforts to weaponize the U.S. government against political opponents, journalists, civil servants, and other institutions he deems insufficiently loyal. 

After launching a violent attack on our Capitol and trying to subvert the peaceful transfer of power on January 6, 2021, Trump continues to threaten our democracy and the separation of powers codified in the Constitution, efforts we strongly oppose. The foundation of our Constitution is a system of checks and balances with three coequal branches of government. But actions by the Trump Administration like usurping Congress’s power and then challenging the authority of the courts represent a grave threat to our democracy and Constitution. 

Fighting Antisemitism and Other Forms of Bigotry: America must vigorously oppose all forms of antisemitism at home and abroad. All government officials must forcefully and unequivocally condemn antisemitism wherever and whenever it occurs. The recent resurgence of antisemitism both in public rhetoric and in hate crimes illustrates the critical need to call upon our elected officials to denounce such egregious behavior and take aggressive and appropriate steps to help eradicate it. Both antisemitism on the far right and antisemitism on the far left must be opposed at all levels. Social media platforms should be used to fight such movements. Schools must adopt anti-bias education that educates children to respect differences. We reject any effort to weaponize antisemitism in ways that undermine our democratic principles, freedoms, or institutions.

Abortion and Reproductive Freedom: The right to an abortion and the right to access quality reproductive health care are sacrosanct. The Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson to overturn Roe v. Wade directly violates judicial precedent, the will of the people, and the fundamental rights of Americans to make these deeply personal decisions rather than being subject to government interference. We unequivocally oppose any attack on the right to abortion and on healthcare professionals who provide reproductive care. We support codifying Roe v. Wade and the vital work of organizations providing critical health services to women, people of color, LGBTQI+ individuals, and all who need it. We oppose Republican efforts to pack the courts with judges who would restrict access to abortion and contraception and any legislation that erodes or limits access to abortion care, makes abortions more expensive, interferes in the doctor-patient relationship, or prevents clinics from operating. In addition, we affirm our deep support for the longstanding constitutional rights potentially in jeopardy due to the Dobbs decision, including, but not limited to, access to contraception and same-sex marriage. JDCA supports ballot initiatives and other efforts to codify abortion rights and reproductive freedom.

Campaign Finance Reform and Integrity in Government: We support a constitutional amendment to overturn the Supreme Court’s devastating Citizens United decision, which has unleashed billions of dollars in secret money into our political process. We support disclosure of political donors’ names and holding our leaders and their appointees to the highest standards of accountability and transparency, as well as strict enforcement of existing laws regarding foreign campaign contributions and lobbying for foreign countries.

Election Security: We oppose all efforts to undermine, cast doubt on the legitimacy of, and subvert free and fair elections. We must be vigilant in combating and strengthening our elections against any unlawful interference in our elections, including from state or federal officials, as well as hostile foreign governments or interests. We unequivocally reject election subversion efforts, such as state legislative seizure of control over election results and responsibilities, and efforts to intimidate or create criminal penalties for election officials.

Electoral College Reform: The current Electoral College system often results in the undemocratic election of a president opposed by a majority of the voters. Since elimination of the Electoral College would require a Constitutional amendment, we support the adoption of the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, which provides that, upon adoption by states whose electoral votes total at least 270, the states in the Compact would cast their electoral votes for the presidential candidate receiving the most popular votes nationally, irrespective of the results in their particular state.

Voting Rights: We oppose deliberate and subtle forms of voter suppression, including but not limited to “Voter ID” laws,  voter roll purges, restricting voting by mail, restricting assistance in returning a voter’s mail ballot, limiting ballot drop boxes, increasing barriers for voters with disabilities, banning snacks and water to voters waiting in line, and reducing polling place availability and accessibility. All states should adopt or expand early voting, vote by mail, same-day registration, ballot-return assistance, mail ballot drop box access, access to voters with disabilities, automatic registration programs, and restoring voting rights to people with past convictions. JDCA supports passage of the For the People Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.

Gerrymandering: We support an end to partisan gerrymandering, which has resulted in Congress and state legislatures creating districts designed to frustrate the will of the voters. JDCA supports federal and state efforts to establish independent redistricting commissions. 

DC Statehood and Puerto Rican Self-Determination: American citizens who live in the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico deserve equal representation in Congress and self-determination. We support statehood for DC with appropriate modifications to satisfy constitutional requirements, as well as for the people of Puerto Rico to determine their own future. Both deserve home rule without interference or budget cuts from Congress. 

Gun Safety: Inaction from our political leaders in confronting the epidemic of gun violence must not be tolerated. The Second Amendment does not preclude robust background checks and limits on the purchase of dangerous weapons. Congress and state legislatures must strengthen and adopt gun safety measures involving bump stocks, silencers, high-capacity ammunition clips, and “cop-killer” bullets and reauthorize an effective assault weapons ban. JDCA supports common sense laws ensuring that guns do not end up in the hands of children, criminals, and others unfit to bear weapons responsibly, including eliminating the nexus between gun violence and white supremacist violence.

Religion and Government: Separation of church and state has always been a fundamental feature of American society. We respect the religious beliefs of all Americans, but religion has no place in the public square. All Americans must feel free to practice their religion without fear of government discrimination or government favoring one religion over another. Religious institutions that receive nonprofit status should not be able to endorse political candidates.

Protecting our allies and security interests abroad is critical to the safety of the United States in a global and interconnected world. Jews and Americans are safer and better off when the United States is engaged in maintaining global security and prosperity. This requires adequate funding for development and diplomacy efforts including USAID, Voice of America, humanitarian assistance, food aid, global health initiatives, and funding for a strong U.S. military. JDCA strongly supports the NATO alliance, which has an almost 80-year history of creating a safer and more prosperous world bolstered by democratic alliances. JDCA also stands with Ukraine in its defensive war against Russian occupation and a return to a diplomacy-first, multilateral approach to foreign policy and national security. 

Israel: JDCA strongly supports Israel as a Jewish and democratic state. We support a robust and constructive leadership role for the United States in the Middle East. The U.S. and Israel maintain a strong and unbreakable bond in view of the two countries’ shared security interests and common values. JDCA believes the United States should continue vital security assistance to Israel with no cuts or conditions, and provide Israel with emergency supplemental assistance as needed, to ensure the Jewish state maintains its qualitative military edge and ability to defend itself.

JDCA believes that supporting Israel’s security and right to self-defense and supporting Palestinian human rights, aid, and safety are not mutually exclusive. We support a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However distant a two-state solution currently appears, it remains the best and only path to ensure Israel’s future as a secure, Jewish, and democratic state. Israelis and Palestinians should refrain from actions that undermine future prospects for two states. Palestinians must cease terrorist activity, efforts to support terrorism, and denying Israel’s right to exist. On the Israeli side, these include steps towards annexation of territory, settlement expansion by Israel, and forced displacement of civilian populations. 

Israelis deserve to live in safety and security, free from terror and incitement, in a state that is recognized by Palestinians and its Arab neighbors, and we support efforts to normalize Israel’s diplomatic relations with all nations, including Arab and Gulf states. Palestinians should be permitted to realize their national aspirations in an independent, demilitarized state that recognizes Israel’s right to exist and lives alongside a strong and secure Jewish state of Israel.

We recognize that Israel’s capital is Jerusalem, and with the U.S. Embassy now located in Jerusalem, it is essential that Jerusalem remain open to people of all faiths and backgrounds. Even as it acts as a mediator in the Middle East, the United States must vigorously oppose the global Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement, other international efforts to delegitimize the state of Israel, and anti-Israel bias at the United Nations. 

The October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, during which Hamas murdered more than 1,200 people and took hostage at least 240 people, marked the largest slaughter of Jews on any single day since the Holocaust. We will never forget the atrocities committed by Hamas, including torture and horrific acts of sexual violence, nor will we forget those who remain in captivity or unaccounted for. The United States must prioritize the release of the hostages. 

Neither Israel nor the region will be safe until Hamas is no longer a threat and can never again exert control over Gaza, the West Bank, or any other areas.

Climate Change: We must slow climate change and address its inevitable consequences without delay. The United States should return to the Paris Agreement on climate change and play a leading role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the use of clean energy and other incentives. Climate change already has resulted in extreme weather events and temperature increases, destabilizing many areas around the world. Climate change is a national security, environmental and ethical issue that must be addressed in every facet of US economic and foreign policy.

Democracy Promotion: Promoting democratic institutions abroad remains a vital interest of the United States. International aid that strengthens civil society and democratic elements in countries that are transitioning to democracy or those that are still ruled by authoritarian regimes must be supported. We strongly oppose Trump Administration efforts to dismantle U.S. government efforts promoting democracy, including undermining NATO allies and abandoning long-standing partners abroad. But promoting democracy must include, first and foremost, protecting and strengthening our democracy at home, and holding our leaders and our democracy accountable. The “power of our example” remains the foremost tool in promoting democracy around the world. 

Human Trafficking: There are more slaves in the world today than at any other point in human history. We are concerned by the global trafficking of people in activities connected to labor trafficking and commercial sex acts through force, fraud, and coercion. We urge the State Department and the entire American domestic and foreign policy establishment to assist in the eradication of all forms of human trafficking. All efforts to prevent human trafficking in any government contracts or procurement program must be supported and enforced.

International Aid: We support iIncreased international aid to promote global health and wellness, conflict resolution, disaster relief, democracy promotion, and economic development. Military aid to Israel and other allies working to foster global security and democracy must be supported and continued. JDCA strongly opposes the United States’ withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the dismantling of USAID.

Iran: Iran must not be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons. The Trump administration’s withdrawal from the Iran Nuclear Deal moved Iran closer to nuclear weapons capability and made the United States and our allies less safe. JDCA supports diplomatic efforts to constrain Iran’s nuclear ambitions. We must also work to counter Iran’s other nefarious activities, including missile testing, support for proxy terrorist organizations that promote violence across the Middle East, and destabilizing activities in Syria, Lebanon, and other areas around the globe.

Nuclear Proliferation: Nuclear proliferation remains an existential threat to America and throughout the world, including nuclear proliferation in North Korea and Iran’s progression in its nuclear capabilities We believe in exploring all necessary avenues to defuse the North Korean situation and prevent other dangerous regimes from developing weapons of mass destruction. The Trump administration’s dangerous disengagement from multi-lateral arms control agreements and negotiations has left the United States and the world less secure. We support the renewal of the New START treaty signed between the United States and Russia in 2010 and a strategic return to the multilateral arms control regime.

Russia: Russia’s interference in our presidential elections is a threat to the most important institution in the United States — our free and independent elections. Russia’s campaign of intimidation and disruption directed against Western countries and their electoral processes must be countered with robust sanctions. We urge Congress to hold Russia accountable for its interference in the 2016 elections, as well as its ongoing meddling in our democratic institutions, including through measures to strengthen election security. We condemn Russia’s human rights abuses, including its crackdown on LGBTQI+ communities, the poisoning and jailing of political dissidents, and the shutdown of independent media.

Ukraine: We urge our government and the international community to uphold the territorial integrity of Ukraine, whose sovereignty has been violated, and to support the territorial integrity of other former Soviet bloc countries. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is illegal under international law, and Russia’s military has committed crimes against humanity, especially in its detestable mass murders throughout Ukraine. The United States must do its part to ensure Ukraine and all its neighbors have the right to secure and sovereign borders, and JDCA supports efforts to bolster the Ukrainian military, provide humanitarian assistance, and apply wide-reaching sanctions to stop Russia’s ability to further its aggression. JDCA supports international efforts to significantly reduce reliance on Russian oil and gas. JDCA also strongly supports efforts to aid and resettle Ukrainian refugees, including Jewish refugees, in the longstanding American tradition of welcoming refugees and asylum seekers.

Trade: Trade agreements when properly negotiated further the security and economic interests of the United States. Attention to how trade deals affect U.S. workers and an insistence on environmental protection are necessary conditions in crafting and agreeing to fair and equitable trade deals. While tariffs can be a useful tool when applied to specific industries with specific goals, we oppose broad tariffs like those proposed by the Trump administration because they weaken the U.S. economy, raise prices on American consumers, and isolate us from our allies. 

Growing income disparity attacks on the working class, and the erosion of the middle class endanger our democracy. Actions must be taken to close those gaps and strengthen the American working and middle classes.

Jobs: Everyone should have the opportunity to fulfill his or her potential in a rewarding job. Providing programs which enhance employment opportunities for all Americans by preparing workers for new jobs created by economic, technological, and environmental changes is a top priority. We support retraining and aid to displaced workers and a much-needed increase in the federal minimum wage to at least $15/hour. We oppose efforts to discourage, inhibit or prevent workers from organizing. We support the right to collective bargaining. JDCA supports initiatives to breathe life back into American manufacturing and ingenuity, while simultaneously improving infrastructure, investing in clean energy jobs, and ensuring that corporate America pays their fair share of taxes to support the common prosperity.

Education: Working and Middle-class families are falling victim to the continued rise in higher education costs. College, univers­ity, and technical schools should be affordable for all students. We must take action to lighten the tuition burden at long-underfunded public colleges, and federal student loan program reforms must include student-appropriate loan forgiveness efforts. Changing technological advances and economic conditions are creating new job opportunities. Therefore, community college education and skills training to help prepare the next generation of students and displaced workers for these new jobs must be bolstered. We support a strong Department of Education and oppose efforts to erode or eliminate this important agency and move such services to the states.

Health Care: Quality health care should be a right, not a privilege. Every American deserves access to affordable health insurance, including affordably priced prescription drugs and lowered out-of-pocket costs. We applaud the gains made during the Obama and Biden administrations through the Affordable Care Act that extended health insurance to millions of Americans and lowered the cost of drugs through the Inflation Reduction Act. However, gaps in access and quality remain. Congress should strengthen — not repeal — the ACA and the IRA, including the creation of a public healthcare option. We oppose efforts to block-grant Medicaid or to privatize Medicare, each of which could lead to Americans losing coverage. Similarly, we oppose cuts to Medicare and Medicaid and believe these programs should be expanded to provide more Americans with health care coverage. Mental health care should be funded and insured in the same manner as other forms of care. We support the reauthorization of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The FDA, CDC, and NIH are critical resources to advance health research and resources, and weakening their capacity will disproportionately impact working-class families and will endanger public health and jeopardize medical advances. JDCA opposes any effort to limit, politicize, or shut down departments within these agencies. 

Paid Family Leave: The United States stands alone in the industrial world in not providing citizens with paid family or parental leave. Parents deserve adequately compensated parental leave following childbirth or adoption. We also support paid family and emergency leave for other life-cycle situations.

Social Security and Welfare: The government must establish a social safety net that protects the health and dignity of all persons, including veterans, children, and seniors. We oppose any effort to privatize or means-test the Social Security program, which has allowed Americans to live out their retirement with dignity. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) and WIC programs have been a lifeline to millions of families;  We oppose any effort to decrease funding for, or restrict access to SNAP and WIC, and we, and believe they should be expanded to provide more Americans with greater assistance. We support programs like the expanded Child Tax Credit, which cut child poverty in half in 2021 before lapsing, and free school meals to provide relief for children impacted by poverty. Nineties-era welfare reform, which block-granted and time-limited cash assistance to at-risk populations, has failed to adequately help those living in extreme poverty and should be reconsidered.

Public Safety: Government has a vital role to play in ensuring quality of life and laying the foundation for a safer and more prosperous society. Law enforcement agencies like the FBI, the CIA, the Justice Department, and more play a critical role in keeping Americans safe from crime. For the Jewish community, they play a particularly important role in preventing and investigating hate crimes. We oppose efforts to defund or weaponize these agencies. In addition, the government plays a critical role in ensuring public safety in all aspects of life. We support measures that strengthen these agencies and promote public safety, including fully funding and protecting civil servants at the Federal Aviation Administration to protect travelers from air disasters; the U.S. Department of Agriculture to strengthen family farms and prevent foodborne illness; National Institute for Health and Center for Disease Control to progress treatments to major diseases and prevent outbreaks; the National Park Service to conserve public lands and serve as emergency first responders; and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to advocate for consumers and protect us from fraud. These agencies, along with many others, are on the frontlines of ensuring Americans’ safety and we oppose efforts to fire their workforce or to slash funding for their critical work.

Taxes: Tax policy in America must be fair and equitable. We oppose efforts to enact massive tax cuts for the wealthiest one percent and corporations, which only worsen the deficit and contribute to economic inequality. Disproven economic theories that do not stimulate job growth and only increase income disparity must not be the basis for America’s policies. The IRS must be empowered and funded to enforce equitable and fair tax policy and ensure the wealthiest Americans pay their fair share.