Staff Reports
As the Israel-Hamas conflict continues, the national Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) leadership summit is taking place at a critical juncture. As Democratic support for Israel wanes, an increasing number of American Jews may be inclined to change their political affiliation from Democratic to Republican, thereby heightening the significance of this summit. Seven Republican presidential candidates, including former President Donald Trump, are scheduled to deliver speeches at the event, which is anticipated to attract over fifty media agencies and approximately one thousand attendees.
As Israel–Hamas War Rages, Importance of US Republican Jewish Coalition Intensifies
Conference organizers say American Jews, who largely vote for Democrats, are shifting toward Republicans, who have generally been more supportive of Israel.https://t.co/5xtya2N1O1
— The Epoch Times (@EpochTimes) October 26, 2023
Sam Markstein, a spokesman for the RJC, asserts that this conference will demonstrate the Republican Party's unwavering support for Israel, in contrast to the Democratic Party's apparent erosion of such support. When expressing support for Israel used to be an automatic "applause line" at Republican and Democratic events, Markstein believes that doing so at the Democratic Party today would likely be met with booing and removal from the stage.
The significance of the summit has been elevated in light of the recent Israel-Hamas conflict, during which Hamas terrorists attacked and murdered innocent civilians in a brutal manner. It is widely anticipated that the presidential candidates and elected officials in attendance will deliberate on this matter, given the paramount importance of the United States defending Israel in the contemporary world. A New York-based attorney and member of the RJC board, Eric Levine, argues that Israel is defending the national security interests of the United States and that Hamas's attack is an assault on Western civilization.
Historically, a majority of Jewish voters in presidential elections have supported the Democratic Party. However, indications suggest that this trend may be changing. Numerous American Jews have been impressed by President Trump's pro-Israeli initiatives, including the relocation of the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem and the negotiation of the Abraham Accords. In his reelection campaign last year, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis received 45 percent of the state's Jewish vote. The RJC is confident that as these trends persist, an increasing number of Jews will cast Republican ballots in the coming years.
The RJC leadership summit holds considerable importance for the Republican Party as it serves to underscore their resolute endorsement of Israel and potentially garner the support of a greater number of Jewish electors. With notable speakers such as President Trump and Governor DeSantis scheduled to deliver addresses at the summit, it is certain to attract considerable interest and influence the dialogue that will ensue in the years to come regarding Israel and U.S.-Israel relations.
