'It's not only Musk and Kanye, there's a broad normalization of antisemitism in the U.S.'
Feb 17, 2025
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Amy Spitalnick, CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, delves into the troubling rise of antisemitism in the U.S., emphasizing the role of influential figures in normalizing hate. She discusses how most American Jews, a predominantly liberal community, oppose Trump's divisive policies despite some appreciation for his recent actions. Spitalnick highlights the complexity of Jewish identity amidst political polarization and stresses the urgent need for solidarity and diverse opinions to safeguard democratic values and combat escalating threats.
The emotional responses to the Gaza ceasefire highlight the tension between Israeli gratitude for Trump's role and American Jewish discontent towards his controversial policies.
Spitalnick emphasizes the need for the Jewish community to combat normalization of anti-Semitism while upholding democratic values amidst divisive rhetoric.
Deep dives
Hostage Release and Political Implications
The recent release of hostages under a Gaza ceasefire agreement has generated significant emotional responses in Israel, highlighting the complex interplay between politics and humanitarian concerns. Notably, hostage Keith Siegel expressed gratitude to President Trump in a video, emphasizing how vital his leadership was in facilitating the agreement. This sentiment is mirrored in broader perceptions among many Israelis, who view Trump's role as crucial in securing the release of their loved ones. However, this admiration clashes with serious concerns many American Jews have about Trump's controversial policies regarding Israel and the Palestinians.
Duality of Leadership Perspectives
Amy Spitalnik notes the tension between the gratitude felt by Israelis towards Trump's influence on the hostage situation and the discontent among American Jews regarding his administration's overall policies. She argues that multiple truths can coexist in this scenario; the administration's role in the hostage deal cannot overshadow the potential long-term consequences of Trump’s actions on Israeli and American democratic values. The successful negotiation of the ceasefire, along with the considerable diplomatic effort from the Biden administration, is an acknowledgment of the necessity for collaborative leadership in these turbulent times. This duality serves to underscore the complexities in navigating political support while maintaining core democratic values.
Concerns Over Trump's Policies
There is widespread alarm regarding Trump's assertion that America should play an active role in Gaza, including relocating Palestinians, which Spitalnik describes as dehumanizing and detrimental to both American interests and Israel's future. These statements have alarmed many in the American Jewish community, as they clash starkly with the core values of self-determination and dignity for both Israelis and Palestinians. The implications of endorsing such policies are profound, as they could undermine the foundational aspirations for a peaceful coexistence in the region. Spitalnik emphasizes that a Jewish and democratic Israel is unthinkable without recognition of Palestinian rights and self-determination, which Trump's statements fundamentally contradict.
The Fight Against Anti-Semitism and Preserving Democratic Values
Spitalnik articulates that the connection between anti-Semitism and broader anti-democratic sentiments is particularly pressing in the current political landscape, where divisive rhetoric is increasingly normalized. She asserts that the Jewish community must stand firm against such extreme views while simultaneously safeguarding democratic norms that have historically ensured their safety. By focusing on collaborative efforts within diverse coalitions, there is hope for addressing the nuances of anti-Semitism while fighting for inclusive democracy. The discussion underscores the necessity for united action against hate, while also pushing back against divisive narratives attempting to exploit recent events for political gain.
At a time when most Israelis, across the political spectrum, have expressed appreciation and gratitude towards the Trump White House for pushing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to implement the Gaza cease-fire and hostage release agreement, Amy Spitalnick, CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA), says the "vast majority" of U.S. Jews strongly oppose President Donald Trump's policies.
Spitalnick, who spoke to Haaretz Podcast host Allison Kaplan Sommer while on a visit to Israel for the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations in Jerusalem this weekend, said "American Jews are still overwhelmingly a liberal community who believe in democracy, inclusivity and pluralism," and as such they are alarmed by Trump's policies and radical transformation of the government.