A year after the devastating Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, fresh data indicates a surge in antisemitism, influencing some Jewish voters to lean towards Republican candidates in the upcoming November elections.
The survey, conducted by the Combat Antisemitism Movement and released on Monday, gauged the experiences of Jewish Americans with antisemitism in the aftermath of last year's Hamas attacks. As reported by Newsweek, these attacks resulted in nearly 1,200 fatalities and approximately 250 hostages, according to Israeli officials. Israel's subsequent invasion of the Gaza strip led to over 35,000 deaths, as per United Nations data.
The study revealed a significant shift in voting behavior, with 43 percent of respondents indicating that antisemitism would influence their vote. Of these, 17 percent, who typically voted Democrat, expressed their intention to vote Republican, while a mere 9 percent stated the opposite.
The survey also found that 61 percent of Jewish Americans had encountered antisemitism since the October 7 attack. The most common forms of antisemitism reported were Holocaust denial and conspiracy theories about Jewish control of the media.
Several respondents cited the college campus protests over the past year as a pivotal factor in their changing political allegiance. These protests, held at some of the most prestigious educational institutions in the U.S., disrupted classes and organized encampments in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza during the Israel-Hamas conflict. The protests, which demanded a ceasefire to prevent further civilian casualties, were criticized by several high-profile politicians for their destructive nature and for providing a platform for antisemitism on college campuses.
One respondent stated, "I usually vote Democrat but will vote Republican unless I get some real assurance from the Harris campaign that they won't bow down to student protestors." Another respondent echoed this sentiment, saying, "The fact that I'm considering voting Republican for any office is a complete shift since the college campus protests."
Historically, Jewish Americans have shown a strong Democratic leaning in elections. Between 1992 and 2008, the Democratic candidate in a presidential election never received less than 74 percent of the Jewish vote. Ira Sheskin, the researcher behind the study, revealed that approximately 70 percent of Jews were registered Democrats.
However, the survey exposed a growing disillusionment among Jewish Americans with the Biden Administration. A mere 17 percent of respondents felt that the federal government was doing enough to combat antisemitism.
One respondent lamented, "I don't even know where to start. It is terrifying and sad and something I never thought that we'd be living through again. I wish that the government and law enforcement were doing more." Another respondent echoed this sentiment, stating, "The U.S. government is not doing enough to combat antisemitism. Colleges and universities are not teaching history appropriately. The rioters should be prosecuted to the fullest. We need to elect prosecutors and judges who enforce the law."
The Biden administration has strongly condemned the October 7 attacks and has made efforts to counter antisemitism, including enhancing security for Jewish institutions, urging social media platforms to combat antisemitic content, and reinforcing anti-discrimination laws on college campuses, according to the White House.
Former President Donald Trump, on the other hand, has highlighted key policy initiatives from his tenure, such as moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, and brokering the Abraham Accords. The Republican nominee for president has also been vocal about combating antisemitism, criticizing the Biden administration for what he perceives as a failure to address rising antisemitic sentiments on college campuses and across the U.S. He pledged to take stronger actions, such as cutting federal funds to universities that tolerate antisemitic activities and reinstating a travel ban on regions linked to terrorism, including Gaza.
Despite these promises, Trump has faced backlash for comments that some perceive as perpetuating antisemitic stereotypes, particularly when he suggested that Jewish voters who support Democrats "should have their head examined" and that they would bear responsibility if he loses the election. His remarks have raised concerns among Jewish leaders, even as he continues to position himself as Israel's strongest ally.
The Combat Antisemitism Movement research indicated a reluctance among respondents to fully embrace the Republican party; 10 percent of respondents said that while they would vote for Republicans in down-ballot races, they would still vote for Vice President Kamala Harris in the presidential election.
Harris released a statement on Monday expressing sorrow for the victims of October 7 and reaffirming her commitment to Israel's security. She pledged continued efforts to eliminate Hamas, free hostages, and support both Israel and the Palestinian people in achieving peace, dignity, and security. The Democratic presidential nominee highlighted the importance of not forgetting the tragic events while advocating for a ceasefire and humanitarian solutions.
Eight percent of those who said antisemitism would affect their vote said that they would vote third party, and another 5 percent said they would not vote at all. "I cannot vote for the current Republican party," said one respondent. "Their candidates are insane and dangerous. However, I find the current support for Israel's right to exist sorely lacking on the left.
"I also feel strongly that the Democratic process was subverted by the Democratic party establishment, as there was no primary that elected Harris as the nominee. I may not vote, or I may vote for a third party candidate (but definitely NOT that wack job RFK Jr.)."
Login