I get it: Jews have always favored liberal causes, supporting individuals and organizations that purport to help those diminished in the eyes of a ruling regime.

Many Jews are influenced by religious and cultural teachings emphasizing social justice, community responsibility, and the pursuit of equality, which align with many liberal causes. Moreover, support for liberal causes can also stem from a sense of community solidarity and the belief in collective action to address societal issues.

Jewish communities have faced significant persecution throughout history, including the Holocaust. This shared history of discrimination and victimization has fostered a strong empathy for other marginalized groups.

I get it: Jews are cerebral people, endlessly debating options and outcomes.

As my late mother (may she rest in peace) used to say, “Ten Hadassah women equals twelve opinions.”

In the early days of Hitler’s rise to power, many Jews debated the implications of his policies and rhetoric primarily because they were trying to understand and respond to a rapidly changing and increasingly dangerous political climate. Initially, some Jewish leaders and communities believed that Hitler’s extremist views would not gain widespread support or that they could be countered through political means or moderated when he assumed power.

I get it: Some Jews are secular and have no ties to a more orthodox form of religion, and some Jews identify as Americans and Israel is just another country.

Secular Jews, someone who identifies as Jewish culturally or ethnically rather than through religious beliefs or practices, may hold a range of opinions about Israel, from strong support to critical viewpoints. Those who feel more distanced from religious or nationalistic narratives may prioritize social justice issues, democracy, and human rights over a unifying nationalist sentiment toward Israel.

Some secular Jews in the diaspora may view themselves primarily as Americans first and foremost. For them, Israel may be perceived similarly to any other nation-state—an essential part of global politics but not central to their identity. This perspective can lead to a focus on domestic issues over foreign ones.

Younger generations of Jews, especially those who identify as secular and want to fit in with their peers or the border population, might feel even less connected to Israel as a central aspect of their identity. 

I get it: Donald Trump can often appear to be self-centered, boorish, and boastful.

Part of this derives from his New York Queens heritage, where boorish and boastful behavior is the norm for boys who lack the prestige and polish of Manhattanites and the fighting skills of the Bronx or Brooklyn. Part of this derives from being a property developer, where sharp deals, shortcuts, influence buying, and unsavory practices are the norm in the toughest market of all: New York real estate.

Bottom line…

Consider what President Trump Donald Trump has already done as opposed to empty promises.

• Strong Support for Israel: Trump’s administration was known for its pro-Israel policies, including recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital against longstanding State Department advice and fostering normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab nations, which strengthened Israel’s security,

• Economic Policies: Proponents may highlight Trump’s economic policies, such as tax cuts and deregulation, which they argue benefited the economy and, by extension, the Jewish community, many of whom are involved in business and entrepreneurship.

• Combating Antisemitism: Initiatives taken under Trump’s administration to combat antisemitism included an executive order aimed at addressing discrimination against Jews on college campuses. The Trump Organization hired and promoted Jews to the top levels of the company. Trump openly embraces his daughter’s conversion to Orthodox Judaism and delights in his Jewish grandchildren.

• Law and Order: Prioritizes law and order where Trump’s tough stance on crime aligns with concerns about safety in Jewish communities.

• Judicial Appointments: Some see Trump’s appointments of conservative judges as beneficial for preserving specific values, which might appeal to those prioritizing religious freedom and rights.

Former President Donald Trump on October 7, 2024, the anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel...

"We stand with you, and we make you this sacred and sacred vow, very simple vow, a vow you've heard many times, and sometimes it's honored, and sometimes it's not, but this will be honored. Never again, never again,"

"We pray that through the darkness, they know that we have not forgotten them, that we have not forsaken them, we will never forsake them, and we will never abandon them, and with God's help, they will come safely home. And it will be soon. We hope it will be very soon."

But for me, this is not a contest between Harris/Walz or Trump/Vance; it is an existential fight between Hamas and Israel, good versus abject evil. Decency versus barbarism, where women are treated as chattel, rape is a religiously-condoned activity, and burning babies alive can be justified.

Hold your nose if you must, but support Donald Trump lest the anti-Semites and pro-terrorists win and act out against Israel. 

We are so screwed if Harris continues Barack Obama’s anti-Semitic and un-American policies in what would be considered Obama’s fourth term in office.

AVOID ELECTION-DAY PROBLEMS, GET OUT THERE AND VOTE NOW!

The choice is not Trump or Harris, it's Israel or Hamas.

Steve