by Mark M. Bello
Wake-Up Call for Jewish Americans
As a Jewish American, I have a strong commitment to civil rights and fighting hate and bigotry. I support hate crimes legislation and believe that all Americans should work to strengthen ties with minority communities. Adherence to these values aligns with Jewish values and teachings about justice and what Jews call tikkun olam (heal the world) or caring about human welfare. I am also a strong supporter of Israel.
Many of my faith now suggest that these values are incompatible—they support Donald Trump because, they say, he is “stronger on Israel.” But how can that be? How can anyone commit to civil rights and fighting hate (especially anti-Semitism) while supporting a foul-mouthed bigot who argues that there are “good people on both sides” in a debate about white supremacists and Jewish Americans?
Some say that Kamala Harris is not strong enough when speaking about Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorists. Others say that the left wing of the Democratic Party is too supportive of Palestinian rights. I agree with my right-leaning Jewish brothers and sisters about the far left. Will these Jewish Americans agree that right-leaning politicians like Donald Trump embracing White Supremacy is equally offensive and dangerous? It seems they are willing to ignore Trump’s bigotry and casual anti-Semitism because, symbolically, he’s “strong on Israel.”
There are more important questions for Jewish Americans and all other American minority citizens who go to the polls in November 2024: Where do Donald Trump and Kamala Harris stand on tolerance, peace, equality, civility, freedom, the Constitution, and American values? And how do these issues relate to foreign policy and support of Israel? I submit that they are crucial to your analysis of which candidate would be “better for Israel.” Let’s compare the candidates, shall we?
Commitment to Pluralism and Social Justice
Kamala Harris has been a strong advocate for pluralism, tolerance, and social justice. She has stood up to anti-Semitism and supported hate crimes legislation. She’s worked to strengthen minority communities.
Donald Trump spews anti-minority and anti-immigrant rhetoric daily. Since his 2015-16 presidential campaign and term in office, he has consistently said things that embolden far-right extremists, most of whom harbor anti-Semitic views. Do Jewish Americans feel uneasy about the rise in hate crimes, including anti-Semitic incidents, during his presidency? If not, why not? Do his Jewish supporters believe, as he does, that there are “very fine people on both sides?” Can these supporters not see that when he and his running mate J.D. Vance attack Haitians and call them and other immigrants “scum,” vermin,” “criminals,” or “illegals,” they behave as the Nazis did toward German and Polish Jews? Trump has suggested that many Jewish Americans are motivated by money or loyalty to Israel over the U.S. which I find quite offensive. Why don’t you? Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric has, without question, contributed to rising tensions.
Support for Religious Freedom and Reproductive Rights:
Kamala Harris strongly supports reproductive rights and freedom of choice, a position that aligns with a large majority of American Jews. who tend to support these policies. Most Jewish Americans support reproductive autonomy. They view this as a fundamental issue of religious and personal freedom. Like most Jewish Americans, Harris also strongly supports LGBTQ+ rights and civil liberties.
Donald Trump appointed three right-wing Supreme Court Justices and bragged when they overturned Roe v Wade. He did so to earn the support of the religious right, taking an ultra-conservative position on reproductive rights and personal freedoms. Do we only care about civil rights and personal freedoms when Israel’s right to exist is the issue? Where do American Jews stand on the right to worship as we please, love who we please, and other individual rights? With Donald Trump? I don’t think so.
U.S.-Israel Relations and Diplomatic Strategy
Kamala Harris has expressed strong support for Israel’s security and U.S.-Israel relations. Admittedly, she has chosen to espouse a more balanced approach that emphasizes diplomacy and a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Her platform supports Israel as a key ally but also recognizes the importance of addressing the humanitarian needs of Palestinians and pursuing long-term peace. Many Jews who support Israel right to defend itself against terrorism believe her support for Israel should be unconditional. Do we care about gaining the support of her Arab neighbors? If so, we must include compassion for people caught in the crossfire. Whether there are “innocent Palestinians” is an open question. I understand that. But aren’t we Jews also concerned about Israel’s long-term security (which requires an alliance with peaceful Arab neighbors) and the moral implications of the conflict?
Donald Trump’s support of Israel has been largely symbolic. He was praised for recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and helping to broker the Abraham Accords. However, his transactional approach to foreign policy and disregard for Palestinian autonomy will undoubtedly foster instability in the region over the long term. Jewish Americans who seek a more comprehensive and peace-oriented approach should prefer Harris’ more pragmatic approach to diplomacy.
Character and Leadership Style
Kamala Harris offers a leadership style that is more focused on unity and coalition-building, qualities important to Jews who see a rise in anti-Semitism as a major issue. Harris’ approach fosters inclusivity and tolerance, in line with Jewish values that emphasize respect for human dignity and justice for all people.
Do I need to remind anyone that Donald Trump’s leadership style is authoritarian, isolationist, narcissistic, and divisive? His confrontational style, inflammatory language, and controversial statements have been “dog whistles” to white nationalists. Wouldn’t most Jewish Americans prefer a leader who promotes national cohesion, defuses rather than escalates tensions, and calls out anti-Semitic rhetoric? Do American Jews truly want the Proud Boys to “stand by?” Do they want a president whose inflammatory remarks create an environment that makes another event like the 2018 Tree of Life synagogue shooting more likely than not? Trump attacked Jewish Americans who voted for Democrats, suggesting they’re “disloyal” to Israel or their own Jewish community. Do Jews not understand that his “America first” foreign policy might one day apply to Jews coming to America from Israel? Trump is a clear and present danger to American Jews.
Conclusion
For Jewish Americans who prioritize pluralism, social justice, and a balanced, long-term approach to U.S.-Israel relations, Kamala Harris offers a far better alignment of values than Donald Trump. Jewish Americans concerned with domestic civil rights, the rise in anti-Semitism, and a diplomatic approach to Middle East peace should easily find Harris to be the better candidate. Jews value strong democratic institutions, and Trump’s attacks on the rule of law, an independent judiciary, and democratic norms raise alarms. Jewish history, particularly in Europe, demonstrates the danger of eroding democratic systems and embracing an authoritarian. As Vice President Harris says on the stump: “We can’t go back.”
Mark M. Bello is an attorney and author of the Zachary Blake Legal Thriller Series and children’s social justice/safety picture books. He also hosts the popular bi-weekly podcast, Justice Counts (https://www.spreaker.com/show/justice-counts_1). Mark’s books may be found at all online booksellers and on his website, at https://www.markmbello.com.