BRIEFING ROOM

JAC IN THE BIG APPLE

September 13, 2024

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More than 100 would-be JAC activists filled a venue in Chelsea, NY, to learn about JAC and participate in a riveting discussion on Jewish values and the Democratic Party. We were honored to have Amanda Berman of the Zioness Movement and Oren Jacobson of Project Shema and Men4Choice as our guest speakers. 

 

As we face an enormously consequential election, who we choose to support will impact our lives and the Jewish community for years to come. The Democratic party has long been home to Jewish voters because it represents all of our values, not just only Israel. 

 

Below are some highlights from that discussion:

 

DEMOCRATIC PARTY

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• Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, both from New York, are strong advocates of Israel.

• Within Congress, those opposing Israel within the Democratic Party have minimal influence and represent a small faction.

• Since 1948, the Democratic Party has proudly upheld its legacy of support for Israel, with President Harry Truman being the first world leader to recognize the state.

• When Vice President Kamala Harris affirmed Israel's right to exist at the Democratic National Convention, the entire stadium erupted in applause—an unmistakable sign of the party's united support for Israel. These delegates are the decision-makers shaping the party's direction, and their stance is clear.

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JEWISH SAFETY

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• The Jewish community's safety cannot thrive in a society where the leadership of the opposing party actively undermines the principles of democracy, freedom, and fairness.

• Historically, Jewish safety in the diaspora has only been ensured in inclusive, democratic societies. When those societies falter, it inevitably puts the Jewish community at risk.

• A return of Donald Trump, who disregards democratic norms, poses a threat to the well-being of the Jewish community.

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HARRIS ON ISRAEL

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• The Biden-Harris administration has been unmatched in its commitment to Israel. Vice President Harris has played a direct role in the key decisions.

• Donald Trump’s 90-minute convention speech made no mention of the Jewish community. Harris, however, dedicated two minutes of her 48-minute speech to reaffirming her unwavering commitment to Israel's security.

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A SINGLE-ISSUE VOTER

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• For those who vote primarily based on support for Israel, the Democratic Party remains the wiser long-term choice.

• The current Israeli government poses the greatest threat to Israel. Netanyahu's interests align closely with Donald Trump, and Netanyahu’s desire to see Trump return to office centers on securing his political agenda—an agenda that could ultimately undermine the security of the Jewish people.

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DONALD TRUMP

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• There is little reason to believe that Trump would replicate his first-term policies if re-elected. His statements after October 7th reveal a shift in stance.

• Trump has shown little regard for NATO, seeking to empower Vladimir Putin. Meanwhile, the Russian government continues to target American Jews and undermine democracy, knowing that most American Jews align with Democratic values.

• Russia and Iran are exchanging weapons, with Iran sending arms to Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis to attack Israel.

• Trump, in pursuit of a self-serving deal, may push an agreement detrimental to Israel's interests to claim a diplomatic victory.

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ABORTION

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• Donald Trump doesn't need to pass a new law to ban abortion nationwide if he's reelected. The people he appoints to his administration are already planning how to make it happen.

• Currently, 6 out of 10 abortions are performed using medication, which is legal and available because of FDA approval. To cut off access to 60% of abortions in the U.S., all that’s needed is to appoint a new FDA leader aligned with Trump’s agenda, who can revoke this approval.

• Trump also plans to use the Comstock Act to make it illegal to mail any device used for surgical abortions, which would prevent doctors from accessing necessary tools. By directing the Department of Justice to enforce the Comstock Act and the FDA to reverse its approval, he could significantly restrict abortion access.

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