Defending Democracy and Fighting Antisemitism

The results of the 2024 election and the selection of a new cabinet bring with them a unique opportunity to move beyond the polarized rhetoric that has gripped the nation for decades. The stakes are high, not just for the immediate future of governance, but for the preservation of the foundational ideals that define the United States as a republic. Among the challenges requiring urgent bipartisan action is the alarming rise of antisemitism, which threatens the fabric of our diverse, democratic society.

When Benjamin Franklin famously remarked, “A republic, madam, if you can keep it,” he was issuing a timeless challenge to every generation of Americans. The survival of a republic depends on the active participation of its citizens and the willingness of its leaders to put principle over partisanship. Today, as we grapple with the social, cultural, and political divisions that have weakened national cohesion, Franklin’s words resonate with renewed urgency.

The End of the “Opposition Party” Mentality

The United States is not a parliamentary system, where opposition parties are expected to resist and undermine the governing coalition at every turn. As a republic, our system is designed to foster collaboration, debate, and compromise in the pursuit of common goals. Yet, for years, the two dominant political parties have operated as though their primary mission is to obstruct each other rather than to serve the American people.

This zero-sum mindset has had disastrous consequences, particularly when it comes to combating hate and bigotry. Antisemitism, which has surged in both overt acts and insidious rhetoric, is a cancer that festers when leadership is fractured and distracted. It thrives in the void left by partisan stalemates and inaction.

The 2024 election provides an opportunity to reset this dynamic. Leaders from both parties must recognize that the fight against antisemitism transcends political ideology. It is not a Democratic issue or a Republican issue; it is an American issue. Rooted in the values of liberty, equality, and justice, the battle against hate requires a unified response.

Bipartisanship as a Moral Imperative

George Washington’s 1790 letter to the Hebrew Congregation of Newport, Rhode Island, offers a powerful vision for how this nation should approach religious tolerance and unity. He wrote:

“The Government of the United States… gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance.”

These words are more than a historical artifact; they are a moral directive. They challenge us to build a society where hate and discrimination find no refuge. Achieving this requires more than lofty rhetoric; it demands tangible, bipartisan action.

In practical terms, this means passing legislation that enhances security for religious institutions, increases funding for education programs that combat hate, and holds perpetrators of antisemitic acts accountable. It also means rejecting divisive narratives that pit communities against each other and instead fostering coalitions across lines of faith, ethnicity, and political affiliation.

Restoring Civic Responsibility

A key element of combatting hatred is restoring a sense of civic responsibility among Americans. For too long, political discourse has been dominated by extremes, leaving moderates and pragmatists sidelined. This has eroded trust in institutions and created fertile ground for conspiracy theories and scapegoating.

To counter this, leaders must prioritize civics education that emphasizes the responsibilities of living in a republic. This includes teaching students about the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the principles of tolerance and inclusion. It also means highlighting the contributions of Jewish Americans and other minority groups to the nation’s history, culture, and progress.

Programs like these can be supported through bipartisan initiatives that unite lawmakers around shared goals. For example, Congress could establish a national fund for combating hate through education and community-building, with support from both sides of the aisle.

The Role of Judeo-Christian Values

The resurgence of antisemitism underscores the importance of reaffirming the Judeo-Christian values that have long underpinned American society. These values—such as compassion, justice, and the sanctity of human dignity—serve as a moral compass, guiding the nation through times of uncertainty and division.

While the separation of church and state remains a cornerstone of American democracy, the ethical principles rooted in Judeo-Christian traditions can inspire policy decisions that prioritize human rights and mutual respect. Leaders should draw on these values to frame the fight against antisemitism as part of a broader commitment to safeguarding the nation’s moral integrity.

 A Path Forward

To keep the republic, as Franklin implored, we must move beyond the politics of obstruction and embrace a politics of purpose. The 2024 election and the composition of the new cabinet present an opportunity to demonstrate that bipartisanship is not only possible but necessary for addressing the challenges that threaten our collective future.

Key steps to achieve this include:

1. Establishing a Bipartisan Task Force on Antisemitism: This task force could bring together lawmakers, community leaders, and experts to develop a comprehensive national strategy for combating hate.
2. Strengthening Hate Crime Legislation: Both parties can work together to close loopholes in hate crime laws and ensure that offenders face meaningful consequences.
3. Expanding Interfaith Coalitions: By promoting dialogue and collaboration between religious groups, leaders can build a united front against antisemitism and other forms of bigotry.
4. Supporting Security for Religious Institutions: Increased funding for security grants can help synagogues, churches, mosques, and other places of worship protect their congregants.

The challenges facing the United States are daunting, but they are not insurmountable. By rejecting the “opposition party” mentality and embracing the collaborative spirit envisioned by Franklin and Washington, we can build a future where antisemitism and bigotry have no place.

In this new political era, let us honor the legacy of those who fought for the values of liberty and equality by committing to bipartisan action. Together, we can ensure that the United States remains not only a republic—but a nation that lives up to its highest ideals.

Steven Rosenberg is the Principal of the Team GSD and the author of the book Make Bold Things Happen: Inspirational Stories From Sports, Business And Life