A surprising shift is taking place within the American Jewish community in the increasingly heated political landscape of 2024. As protests escalate on college campuses and dissatisfaction with President Joe Biden’s handling of Israeli issues grows, the Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) has launched an unprecedented fundraising effort.
The initiative marks the largest in the RJC’s history, with a minimum target of $5 million, and is set to significantly boost former President Donald Trump’s presidential campaign according to Fox News. The RJC is a prominent grassroots organization representing Jewish Republicans across the United States. The group’s national political director, Sam Markstein, highlighted the commitment, stating that the effort 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. The move comes amid weeks of protests on college campuses nationwide, sparked by Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza. These protests have not only grabbed media attention but also highlighted the deepening divide within the Democratic Party.
While many Democrats are split on their support for these demonstrations, Republicans remain largely united in their opposition. A recent Fox News poll found that 80% of Republicans opposed the protests, compared to just 15% who supported them. In contrast, half of the Democrats surveyed supported the demonstrations, with 41% opposed.
The dissatisfaction within the Jewish community is palpable. 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 comprehensive survey of Jewish Americans in 2020 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, a significant increase from previous years.
The shift is not merely a political anomaly but reflects 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 feeling less safe.
The RJC’s endorsement of Trump is grounded in their view of him as “the most pro-Israel president in U.S. history.” In their announcement, the RJC emphasized the importance of having a “trusted friend” in these perilous times, especially in the wake of increasing anti-Semitic incidents and hostile campus environments. Trump has been a staunch ally of Israel, and his policies have resonated strongly with pro-Israel advocates within the Jewish community.
The RJC’s fundraising efforts could significantly impact the upcoming election, potentially swaying Jewish voters who have traditionally supported the Democratic Party. As 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.”
As the 2024 election approaches, Trump’s campaign stands to gain significantly from the unexpected but crucial support.