Former President Trump addressed the Republican Jewish Coalition’s annual leadership meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada, suggesting that he could win up to 50% of the Jewish vote in the 2024 election. He criticized Jewish Americans who do not support him, claiming that without evidence, Israel will no longer exist if Vice President Kamala Harris wins the White House in November’s election. The speech came shortly after the recovery of the bodies of six Israeli hostages, further escalating tensions.
The Harris campaign responded to Trump’s address, highlighting the former president’s past criticism of Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu and questioning his commitment to Israel’s interests. Vice President Harris has been described as a lifelong supporter of the State of Israel, despite growing strained relations between President Biden and Netanyahu during the recent war. The Vice President aims to balance her support for Israel with concerns over civilian casualties caused by Israel’s military actions.
Trump reiterated his confusion over why Jewish Americans would vote for the Democrats, claiming that the party’s stance on Israel and Jewish people is unfavorable. He questioned the motivations of Jewish voters who support Democrats, accusing the party of being bad to the Jewish community. The Republican Jewish Coalition reported a rise in Jewish support for GOP presidential candidates, with predictions indicating that Trump may capture a significant portion of the Jewish vote in battleground states.
Republican Jewish Coalition members have intensified efforts to engage Jewish voters, building a robust voter file and deploying resources in key states such as Nevada, Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Arizona. The group is investing millions of dollars in various outreach strategies, including digital and TV ads, direct mail, phone calls, and door knocking campaigns. Trump, introduced at the gathering by prominent Republican donor Miriam Adelson, was hailed as a friend to the Jewish people, with Adelson expressing eagerness for him to enter the White House.
The 2024 campaign trail has become a battleground for support among Jewish Americans, with Trump aiming to secure a significant portion of the Jewish vote by highlighting the GOP’s stance on Israel. The Harris campaign remains steadfast in its commitment to Israel, emphasizing Vice President Harris’s lifelong support for the State of Israel. The election season has further deepened divisions within the Jewish community, as Republicans and Democrats vie for support among Jewish voters. The outcome of the 2024 election may hinge on the level of support each candidate can garner from the Jewish electorate.
As tensions between Israel and its neighbors continue to escalate, the role of Jewish Americans in shaping US foreign policy remains a key issue in the 2024 campaign. Trump’s speech at the Republican Jewish Coalition highlighted his commitment to securing Jewish support, while the Harris campaign aimed to rebut his claims and reaffirm their dedication to Israel. The months leading up to the election will likely see intensified efforts by both parties to engage with Jewish voters and secure their support, making the Jewish vote a significant factor in determining the outcome of the 2024 election.
