Trump Warns Jewish Republicans: ‘Israel Is Gone’ If Harris Wins

Former President Donald Trump recently addressed a gathering of Jewish Republicans, asserting that if Vice President Kamala Harris wins the upcoming presidential election, “Israel is gone.” He urged Jewish Democrats who support President Biden to reconsider their choices, stating they should have their “head examined.”

During his remarks to the Republican Jewish Coalition, Trump emphasized, “If they win, Israel is gone. Just remember that. If they win, Israel is gone.” He insisted that Jewish voters need to rally behind him come November, warning that a failure to do so could lead to dire consequences for Israel.

Trump, who has previously faced criticism for his comments about Jewish Democrats, reiterated his belief that those who support Harris are not truly looking out for their own interests. He suggested that they are betraying their own community, saying, “They have been very bad to you.” His comments come amidst heightened concerns about antisemitism, particularly following the recent attacks in Israel.

During the event, Trump also acknowledged the tragic loss of six Israeli hostages, including Hersh Goldberg-Polin. Mistakenly referring to Goldberg-Polin as “Hersh Goldman,” Trump once again claimed that the attacks on October 7 would not have occurred had he been in office.

“I will keep America safe and I will work with you to make sure Israel is with us for thousands of years,” Trump asserted, affirming his commitment to maintaining a strong alliance with Israel. He declared, “We’re not going to let go of it.”

The remarks drew immediate response from the Harris campaign. They characterized Trump’s statements as self-serving and indicative of a willingness to abandon Israel for personal gain. They stressed that Harris remains steadfast in her commitment to ensuring Israel’s security and its right to defend itself.

“Donald Trump openly demeans Jewish Americans,” stated Morgan Finkelstein, spokesperson for the Harris-Walz 2024 campaign. She referenced instances where Trump has made disparaging comments and associated with controversial figures, emphasizing that his statements reflect a dangerous pattern.

Finkelstein recalled that Trump has previously dined with a neo-Nazi and has made comments suggesting admiration for Adolf Hitler. She also mentioned Trump’s remark about wanting “short guys wearing yarmulkes” to manage his finances, which she argued highlights his problematic views on Jewish people.

In the context of rising tensions and fears related to antisemitism, Trump’s remarks appear designed to galvanize support among Jewish voters who may feel alienated by the current Democratic leadership. His comments on Israel and Jewish identity resonate within a broader narrative he has constructed that frames Democrats as a threat to Jewish interests.

Critics of Trump, including members of the Democratic Party, highlight the danger of his rhetoric. They assert that his declarations regarding Jewish identity and loyalty could further exacerbate divisions within the community, particularly in a sensitive political landscape marked by rising violence against Jewish people.

Trump’s comments are part of a well-established campaign strategy that aims to position him as the defender of Israel and the Jewish community, leveraging current geopolitical tensions to reinforce his candidacy as the best option for ensuring Israel’s future. The former president’s unwavering focus on Israel seems to be a calculated move designed to solidify his support among Jewish Republican voters.

As the 2024 election approaches, the discourse surrounding Israel and Jewish identity is increasingly becoming a focal point of political debates. The tensions and alliances forged within this context will undoubtedly shape the narrative as candidates vie for the endorsement and votes of the Jewish community.