WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden’s 2020 presidential run was motivated by the 2017 rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, where white supremacists chanted “Jews will not replace us.” Biden has consistently expressed his strong opposition to antisemitism, often citing visits to the infamous Dachau concentration camp.
In response to a surge in antisemitic incidents, the Biden administration released a national strategy to counter antisemitism last year, buoying support among American Jews. Additionally, President Biden’s response to Hamas’ attacks on Israel has garnered praise and admiration among many American Jews, who have applauded his “moral clarity.”
The rally around Biden has extended even to more religious Jews, a group that traditionally identified as Republican. Ariella Gordon, an Orthodox Jew from Maryland, stated that she was “pleasantly shocked” by Biden’s unwavering support for Israel.
However, not all American Jews are fully supportive of Biden’s policies. For some, age and specific policy decisions have led to a shift in their views. Despite this, Biden’s long-standing record on Israel continues to resonate with many in the Jewish community.
This increased support for Biden isn’t without complications. Some pro-Palestinian factions of the Democratic Party have criticized his stance on Israel, while Jewish voters have noted a significant spike in antisemitic incidents and harassment.
“This is actually a positive aspect of his age,” Halie Soifer, CEO of the Jewish Democratic Council of America, remarked, referring to Biden’s extensive record on Israel. Soifer highlighted Biden’s commitment to the issue, highlighting his longstanding engagement with Israeli leaders and his unwavering support for the country.
In light of recent events, President Biden has intensified his discussions with Jewish community leaders, emphasizing his commitment to combating antisemitism and supporting Israel. Concerns from the Jewish community about their security amid rising antisemitism have led to this increased dialogue and interaction between Jewish leaders and the administration.
However, not all American Jews are in line with Biden’s approach, advocating for a cease-fire and calling for the U.S. to prioritize the needs of Palestinian civilians. Progressive Jewish organizations have criticized the administration for not calling for a cease-fire, reflecting a broader division within the Jewish community over the U.S. response to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Biden’s administration has also ramped up outreach to Muslim and Arab Americans, working to alleviate suffering in Gaza and urging Israel to avoid civilian casualties, signaling an effort to prioritize the needs of the Palestinian people alongside Israel.
While support for Biden among Orthodox Jews has swayed, the overall political impact of this shift is yet to be determined. Despite the complexities and divisions within the Jewish community, Biden’s stance on Israel in the face of the recent war has prompted a wave of reactions and conversations among American Jews.
