Urgent response to Trump: Stop politicizing anti-Semitism
Friends,
The Jewish Democratic Council of America (JDCA) has been unwavering in its condemnations of anti-Semitism, regardless of whether it comes from Republicans or Democrats. We are principled and committed to promoting our values, including speaking the truth.
We are deeply disappointed – but not surprised – to see President Trump take a different approach. In the past week, the president has aimed to exploit the Jewish community’s concerns about rising anti-Semitism for his own perceived political gain. He is politicizing anti-Semitism and we denounce it in the strongest possible terms.
We’re not going to allow the president to shed crocodile tears about anti-Semitism and blatantly lie to the American people about the Jewish vote. Facts still matter, and the president’s Twitter feed is increasingly disconnected from the truth.
Today, I responded to the president’s latest tweets with the following:
“President Trump may think he can present the American people with alternative facts, but these are lies, plain and simple. There is no loss of support for Democrats among the Jewish community. Republicans have lost support among Jewish voters since President Trump took office. According to exit polling, support for Trump among the Jewish electorate in 2016 was 24%, while support for Republicans among Jewish voters in 2018 fell to 17%.
“Support for the Democratic Party among Jewish voters has increased from 71% in 2016 to 79% to 2018 because Jews overwhelmingly reject Trump’s policies and his failure to address the rise of anti-Semitism in our country. President Trump has trafficked anti-Semitic conspiracy theories and tropes for many years, and the Republican response has been complete and utter silence. Contrast that with Democrats, who have consistently spoken out against hatred and just last week unanimously condemned anti-Semitism and intolerance in all its forms.
“The Democratic Party is and will remain the home of Jewish Americans because Democrats support policies that are aligned with Jewish values. Just like Trump’s shallow attempts to make inroads with other minority communities based on mistruths and political calculation, this too will fail.”
The Jewish Democratic Council of America is committed to the truth and for fighting for our values. Please consider supporting our efforts today.