In the evolving political climate of 2024, a notable change is occurring within the American Jewish community. Amid rising protests on college campuses and growing dissatisfaction with President Joe Biden’s approach to Israeli issues, the Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) has begun an extraordinary fundraising campaign.
The initiative represents the largest effort in the RJC’s history, aiming for a minimum of $5 million, and is poised to significantly bolster former President Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, according to Fox News. The RJC, a leading grassroots organization representing Jewish Republicans across the United States, is spearheading this effort. Sam Markstein, the group’s national political director, emphasized the commitment, stating that this will be “the RJC’s largest effort ever to mobilize support in the Jewish community for President Trump.”
The fundraising drive is in addition to a $15 million independent expenditure. This move comes amid weeks of nationwide protests on college campuses sparked by Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza. These protests have not only garnered media attention but also underscored the growing divide within the Democratic Party.
While many Democrats are divided in their support for these demonstrations, Republicans remain largely united in their opposition. A recent Fox News poll revealed that 80% of Republicans opposed the protests, with only 15% in favor. In contrast, 50% of Democrats surveyed supported the demonstrations, while 41% opposed them.
Dissatisfaction within the Jewish community is very real. Many American Jews are increasingly uncomfortable with the Democratic Party’s leniency towards anti-Semitic sentiments and its handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict. The Pew Research Center’s 2020 comprehensive survey of Jewish Americans found that while a significant majority still identify as Democrats, the Orthodox Jewish population is increasingly leaning towards the Republican Party. The survey revealed that 75% of Orthodox Jews were Republicans or leaned Republican, marking a significant increase from previous years.
The shift is not merely a political anomaly but reflects a generational and ideological divide within the Jewish community. Younger Jewish adults are more likely to identify as either Orthodox or secular, with the latter group feeling a weaker connection to religious practices and traditional Jewish communal life.
Despite these differences, both groups share a common concern over rising anti-Semitism. The Pew survey indicated that three-quarters of Jewish Americans believe there is more anti-Semitism in the U.S. now than five years ago, with just over half reporting that they feel less safe.
The RJC’s endorsement of Trump is based on their belief that he is “the most pro-Israel president in U.S. history.” In their announcement, the RJC highlighted the importance of having a “trusted friend” during these perilous times, especially given the rise in anti-Semitic incidents and hostile campus environments. Trump’s steadfast support for Israel and his policies have strongly resonated with pro-Israel advocates within the Jewish community.
Markstein noted, “As antisemitism spikes to record highs and America’s relationship with our ally Israel continues to reach new lows, the Jewish community is more energized than ever to turn the page from the failures, broken promises, and betrayals by Joe Biden.”
