Jewish Groups Applaud Trump, Anticipate Support for Israel and Anti-Semitism Efforts

American Jewish organizations have expressed congratulations and hope following Donald Trump’s election as the 47th President of the United States. Key Jewish leaders see this as an opportunity to reinforce support for Israel and to strengthen the fight against rising anti-Semitism in the U.S. and globally.

The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, a coalition representing many prominent Jewish groups, extended their congratulations to Trump and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance. Leaders Harriet Schleifer and William Daroff voiced optimism that the incoming administration will continue its previous efforts to strengthen the U.S.-Israel relationship. They expressed hopes for building on Trump's accomplishments, particularly the Abraham Accords, which opened the door for historic peace deals between Israel and several Arab nations.

The Conference emphasized the urgency for the incoming administration to address key challenges, from countering Iran’s nuclear ambitions to supporting Israel's efforts to defend itself against terror threats like Hamas and Hezbollah. Schleifer and Daroff acknowledged that the administration would have little time to spare with pressing challenges both at home and abroad. "We stand ready to provide our help, counsel, and prayers," they said, underscoring their commitment to work alongside the new administration.

The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) also congratulated the president-elect. They noted their ongoing commitment to “flourishing” Jewish communities and highlighted the importance of continuing to secure strong support for Israel. In response to the recent divisive election, JFNA announced plans to host a “Stand Together” event in Washington, D.C., to foster unity and reaffirm the Jewish community’s priorities for the year ahead.

Similarly, the American Jewish Committee (AJC), represented by CEO Ted Deutch, shared their optimism about collaborating with the new administration on both domestic and international issues impacting Jewish advocacy. Deutch praised the Trump administration's previous strides, including its recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and steps taken to curb anti-Semitism on college campuses. AJC leaders expressed readiness to support renewed efforts on these fronts.

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) joined in acknowledging Trump’s election, with CEO Jonathan Greenblatt noting the ADL’s commitment to working with the administration to combat hate and extremism. The ADL, whose mission to "stop the defamation of the Jewish people" spans over a century, emphasized its resolve to tackle the alarming rise of anti-Semitism in the U.S. and around the world.

Morton Klein, president of the Zionist Organization of America (ZOA), expressed strong support for Trump and Vance, referring to their victory as “a mandate from the American people.” Klein highlighted their longstanding friendship with Israel and the Jewish people as foundational, stressing his confidence in the administration’s support for the Jewish state.

The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) expressed a nuanced stance. While congratulating Trump, the organization conveyed their hopes for his commitment to democracy, justice, and the rule of law. The URJ pledged to back initiatives protecting vulnerable groups and promoting the well-being of both Israelis and Palestinians. Alongside their congratulations, they acknowledged past policy disagreements with Trump but affirmed their readiness to support meaningful efforts to combat anti-Semitism.

The Orthodox Union (OU), another prominent Jewish organization, conveyed congratulations to the president-elect and his administration. Leaders pointed to several policy priorities, such as expanding religious liberty, improving education, and enhancing U.S.-Israel ties. The OU’s leadership underscored the importance of countering anti-Semitism, which has been on the rise across many parts of American society. The organization also extended their congratulations to other newly elected members of Congress, signaling a commitment to bipartisan collaboration on these vital issues.

Rabbi Yoel Schonfeld, representing the Coalition for Jewish Values, applauded Trump’s outreach efforts to the Jewish community and noted that his campaign received robust support among Jewish voters, particularly from the Orthodox community. Schonfeld highlighted Israel’s security and the fight against anti-Semitism as top concerns within the Jewish community, and expressed optimism that Trump’s presidency would continue to make significant strides in these areas.

Across the board, American Jewish organizations are welcoming the incoming administration with a blend of congratulations and optimism for progress on critical issues affecting Jewish communities and the U.S.-Israel alliance. As Trump and Vance prepare to take office in January, Jewish leaders remain hopeful that they will prioritize the values and safety of Jewish communities both in America and abroad, helping to foster peace, security, and mutual respect in the face of contemporary challenges.

As the new administration takes shape, Jewish organizations continue to offer their support, hoping to advance shared priorities with the administration, Congress, and elected officials. In the words of these leaders, the hope is that the success of this administration will be the success of the entire country, bringing greater unity and strength to Jewish communities and allies worldwide.

Let us continue to stand together to promote these shared values. If you found this article insightful, consider sharing it or subscribing to our newsletter for more updates on these vital issues.