How Trump Can Escalate the War on Antisemitism

President-Elect Trump: Please Take These Steps to Combat Antisemitism

Note: The following is a brief synopsis of a larger piece and is meant to start a discussion on how to escalate the fight against antisemitism.

Bret Stephens’ November 12 New York Times opinion piece, A Worldwide Jew Hunt, underscores the escalating threat to Jewish communities globally. Since Hamas launched its war against Israel and Jews on October 7, 2023, antisemitism has intensified, transitioning from slogans to organized violence, such as the recent “Jew Hunt” in Amsterdam.

Stephens dismantles claims that this violence was provoked by Israeli soccer fans, noting it began before any alleged provocations. This was a pogrom, plain and simple, and part of a broader pattern. His article speaks volumes. Read here.

Denouncing antisemitism is no longer sufficient. We need decisive action, involving U.S. institutions and global allies. For various reasons President-elect Trump is uniquely positioned to lead such efforts.

The Path Forward

This is a fight not just for Israel’s survival but for the future of democracies worldwide. Failure to support Israel is tantamount to endorsing antisemitism and laying the groundwork for broader assaults on democracies everywhere. Criticism of Israeli policies is legitimate, but reckless accusations of genocide and ignoring Iran-backed aggression embolden antisemitism and undermine democracies.

As the American Jewish Committee (AJC) warns:

“European leaders who demonize or criminalize Israel cannot credibly claim to fight antisemitism while fanning its flames. This hypocrisy must end. Only a whole-of-society approach, led by governments but engaging all sectors, can create meaningful, durable change.”

Recommended Actions

1. Support for Israel
   U.S. alliances must unequivocally back Israel. Iran, through its ties to Russia, China, and terror proxies, poses an existential threat to NATO and democracies. NATO must identify Iran as a critical threat and include Israel in its defense priorities. This includes unified actions to deter and defang the threat from Iran.
2. Anti-Antisemitism Laws
   Alliance members should adopt laws akin to Germany’s, criminalizing antisemitism and using the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition, which includes anti-Zionism. Penalties must include imprisonment and financial sanctions.
3. Crackdown on Foreign-Funded Antisemitism
   Organizations funded by hostile foreign powers and engaged in antisemitic activities should face frozen assets and expulsion.
4. Accountability in Education
   Governments should de-fund institutions that promote or tolerate antisemitism. President-elect Trump has pledged such action in the U.S.; allies should follow suit.
5. Global Coordination
   Alliance nations must share intelligence and collaborate on financial investigations to deny safe havens for antisemitic terrorists.
6. Sanctions for Non-Compliance
   Nations failing to implement these measures should face targeted sanctions.

Conclusion

While these steps won’t eradicate antisemitism, they can hinder organized violence and protect Jewish communities. Most importantly, they will ensure the security and prosperity of Israel, the cornerstone of democracy in the Middle East.