US Jewish Community Navigates Political Divide Amid Israel Tensions

The American Jewish community, historically a Democratic stronghold, is facing increasing complexity in its political and daily life due to the growing polarization between the Democratic and Republican parties, particularly concerning the war in Israel. Dr. Yehuda Kurtzer, Co-President of the Shalom Hartman Institute, who has lived in New York for 17 years, stated in an interview that American Jews identify differently from Jewish communities in other parts of the world. He explained that for the past century, American Jews have built an identity that integrates their Jewishness with their American life, based on liberal-democratic values, allowing them to be publicly Jewish and integrated into American society. The establishment of Israel has significantly contributed to this, giving American Jews "two homes: one in the United States, and one in Israel," while maintaining their American identity.

Despite predictions of a mass exodus from the Democratic Party, current data indicates the majority of the community still votes Democratic, aligning with the party on domestic issues like civil rights and reproductive rights. However, in areas with significant Orthodox or conservative Jewish populations, such as New York, there has been a historical strengthening of Republican support. The article notes that while American support for Israel was once bipartisan, it has now become a central element of political polarization.

Dr. Kurtzer expressed concern that this polarization is an existential threat to American Jewry, as the community is being pulled into partisan battles, with Israel and antisemitism used as political tools. He criticized former President Donald Trump's recent remarks blaming Israel for his midterm election losses, adding fuel to the fire. Kurtzer also described the current Israeli leadership, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as being perceived by both Democrats and Republicans as having drawn the U.S. into unnecessary conflict, leading to casualties and rising fuel prices.

Kurtzer believes that Netanyahu's strong alignment with the Republican party has proven to be a significant miscalculation, especially as criticism of Israel now emerges from the right as well. "The residents of Israel do not understand how bad the situation is for Israel," Kurtzer stated, expressing worry that the situation for American Jews is approaching that of Jews in Europe, with increased security around synagogues and Jewish educational institutions since October 7th.

Despite these challenges, Dr. Kurtzer, son of former U.S. Ambassador to Israel Daniel Kurtzer, observes a renewed sense of Jewish identity and connection among American Jews, with more people seeking conversion and greater engagement with synagogues and the broader Jewish narrative. He attributes this, in part, to the rise in antisemitism, though he wishes it were not necessary. Kurtzer remains cautiously optimistic about the future, believing that Jews and Americans can build a unifying alliance and that Jews will continue to be an integral part of the American story.