Donald Trump’s presidency sparked considerable discussion, not least concerning voting patterns among different demographics. Notably, his administration expressed surprise and frustration regarding the consistent majority of Jewish Americans who did not vote for him in the 2016 and 2018 elections, and projections indicated this trend would likely continue into 2020. Trump himself publicly questioned the political choices of Jewish voters, suggesting a “lack of knowledge” or “great disloyalty” for those voting Democrat. Referencing comments that Jewish people in Israel loved him “like he’s the King of Israel,” it became clear the administration struggled to understand the American Jewish electorate’s perspective.
However, the assumption that Jewish people constitute a monolithic voting bloc reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of the Jewish community itself. While shared cultural touchstones exist, such as a fondness for certain foods and expressive communication styles, the Jewish population encompasses a wide spectrum of political and ideological viewpoints. Throughout history, Jews have been found across the political landscape, embracing capitalism, socialism, and various shades of liberalism and conservatism. Diverse opinions exist within the community regarding international relations, Israeli politics, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This diversity mirrors the broader American population, where assuming any religious or ethnic group is politically uniform is inaccurate and often unwelcome.
While it’s impossible to speak for the 79 percent of American Jews who voted Democratic in the 2018 midterms, understanding the core values and historical experiences prevalent within the Jewish community offers crucial insight into this voting pattern. Many, including this author, believe that a fundamental divergence in values explains why a significant majority of Jewish Americans did not cast their ballots for Donald Trump.
Core Values: Immigration, Civil Rights, and Diversity
One of the primary reasons for this political divergence lies in the strong connection of American Jews to the immigrant experience. With many tracing their roots to recent generations of immigrants, there is a deep-seated empathy for those seeking refuge and asylum. The historical narrative of Jewish people is punctuated by forced migrations, from expulsion from Spain to pogroms in Russia and escapes from Nazi persecution. This history fosters a profound understanding of the plight of refugees and a belief in America as a haven for those fleeing persecution. This historical consciousness translates into support for contemporary refugee populations, recognizing their struggles as echoes of their own ancestors’ journeys.
Furthermore, a commitment to civil rights and diversity is deeply ingrained in the American Jewish ethos. Drawing upon the biblical injunction, “You shall not wrong or oppress a stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt,” Jewish individuals are acutely aware of the experience of being a minority. While many Jewish Americans feel secure and integrated within American society, they are highly sensitive to any form of “othering” or targeting of minority groups. Whether it’s the accusations against Mexicans or the stereotyping of Muslims, such rhetoric resonates uncomfortably with the historical experience of Jewish people who have frequently been subjected to prejudice and discrimination.
The historical tropes of the “Jew with horns,” the “Jewish moneylender,” or accusations of dual loyalties serve as stark reminders of the dangers of societal scapegoating. Observing intolerance directed towards other minority groups raises concerns within the Jewish community, recognizing that such prejudice can easily extend to them. As history has shown, groups that harbor animosity towards racial, ethnic, or religious minorities often include Jewish people in their prejudice, as evidenced by the overlap in ideologies between white supremacists and antisemites.
Distrust of Authoritarianism and Erosion of Democratic Norms
Another significant factor contributing to Jewish voting patterns is a deep-seated suspicion of authoritarianism. Jewish history demonstrates that periods of flourishing have coincided with pluralistic democracies, such as in America, Great Britain, and Israel. Conversely, authoritarian regimes have historically posed threats to Jewish communities. Consequently, signs of democratic erosion raise alarm bells. These warning signs include the demonization of a free press, the propagation of false claims regarding electoral processes, and the undermining of an independent judiciary. When a leader employs charismatic rhetoric to scapegoat minority groups for societal problems and declares, “I alone can fix it,” it triggers historical anxieties within the Jewish community, evoking historical patterns of persecution and oppression under autocratic rule.
Conclusion: Values as the Deciding Factor
In conclusion, while Donald Trump’s administration may have struggled to comprehend the voting patterns of Jewish Americans, the reasons are deeply rooted in core Jewish values and historical experiences. It is not a matter of “disloyalty” or “lack of knowledge,” but rather a fundamental divergence in values. For many Jewish voters, the commitment to immigration, civil rights, diversity, and the preservation of democratic norms are paramount. These values stand in contrast to policies and rhetoric perceived as undermining these principles, leading to a significant political divide. Ultimately, for many Jewish Americans, voting decisions are driven by a commitment to values they consider essential to their identity and their vision for a just and inclusive society.
