Articles

After 1967, support for Israel came to dominate American Jewish public life and politics and represented a unifying element that most American Jews held in common. That support tended to be unconditional and uncritical, especially during the two decades following the Six-Day War when being pro-Israel became central to the American Jewish “civil religion.”

On these pages and elsewhere, I have had occasion to comment on the transformation now underway involving American Judaism, impacting both its substance and style. No doubt, the unfolding events of October 7th will alter some of these projections.

As the 2024 election moves into high gear with key primaries, party conventions and fall debates all awaiting us, there are some indicators that may help to define “the Jewish vote.” Elsewhere on my Times of Israel Blog[1], I have already addressed some of the core background issues pertinent to the role that Jews are likely to play in this forthcoming election cycle. Indeed, my 2021 edited volume on Donald Trump hopefully serves as a useful resource in understanding the 45th President’s impact on American Jewry and Israel.[2]

For the first time since the founding of the experiment in Jewish nationalism, the events that have unfolded in Israel raise questions about the “Zionist dream” and the capacity of the Jewish State to meet the security requirements of its citizens.

If the 19th Century afforded Jews the opportunity to identify and to adopt Western liberal political ideas, to create our own national liberation movement through Zionism, and to access and assimilate into democratic and civic institutions, then, in this century, American Jews are feeling for the first time a systematic rejection of their standing and place within modern society.

This essay is part of an on-going series of articles focusing on the 2024 political campaign. In this selection we are exploring some emerging trends among specific voting groups inside the Jewish community.

The transformation of American Jewish political behavior is being driven by several factors, including these current realities:

Since Oct. 7, Jewish professionals have been called upon to demonstrate a different type of leadership as we continue to grapple with our own personal responses to the events unfolding in Israel. The ripple effects of this moment will likely not only change our sense of self but also impact the institutions we are committed to serving.

The demographic character of America is being recreated. The political culture of this society is experiencing new and significant stresses and threats. The American economic story is transitioning in significant and challenging ways. The role and place of religion in the United States is undergoing profound change. All of this has profound structural and social implications for this nation’s Jews.

Will we be looking at a Jewish political realignment in 2024?

While the current polling data does not necessarily show such a “bleeding” among Jewish democrats,[1] in fact, recent events may be triggering a Jewish voter response different from what we have experienced before.

Since October 7th we have seen countless articles, sermons and posts about how long-time allies of the Jewish community abandoned us in our hours of need after the brutal Hamas massacre — perhaps expressing initial solidarity only to fade away after Israel responded militarily. Some have suggested that we walk away from these relationships, that they have proven to be a waste of time. We believe that is the opposite of what is needed now.