At a Pennsylvania rally on Saturday, former President Donald Trump asserted that the current climate for Jewish Americans is more perilous than any time since the Holocaust. This statement came shortly after he hosted an event dedicated to combating antisemitism.
Trump reiterated his claim that Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro was not chosen as Vice President Kamala Harris’s running mate due to his Jewish background. This accusation, first made by Trump’s running mate JD Vance, has been denied by both the Democratic Party and Shapiro, who maintains that antisemitism did not influence the decision.
Trump accused Democrats of sidelining Governor Shapiro from Harris’s ticket due to his Jewish background, a claim denied by Shapiro and the party
Trump continued by suggesting that any Jewish individual supporting Harris or the Democrats should reconsider their choices. He emphasized that the present environment for Jewish people in America is unprecedentedly dangerous, comparing it to the Holocaust era.
Throughout his campaign, Trump has been vocal about rising antisemitism and criticism of Israel. At a recent event at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, he expressed similar sentiments and claimed that the recent attacks by Hamas would not have occurred if he were in office. Trump criticized President Joe Biden and Harris for advocating a ceasefire in Gaza, arguing that it would only allow Hamas to regroup.
Trump also highlighted his pro-Israel record, including withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal and recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. He vowed to address campus antisemitism and threatened to withdraw federal funding from universities where antisemitism persists.
Additionally, the Trump campaign launched a Jewish outreach initiative, “Jewish Voices for Trump,” emphasizing his pro-Israel achievements and support from Jewish Republicans. Despite this, Trump has faced criticism for perpetuating antisemitic stereotypes, including accusations of disloyalty against Jewish Democrats.
A recent survey showed that Jewish voters favor Joe Biden over Trump by a huge margin, contrasting with polls of the general electorate that suggest a closer race between the two leading candidates.
