Move Past Jewish Anger on the Left—Fight the Trump-Bibi Agenda Urgently

Since October 7, many in the Jewish community—particularly in the U.S.—have experienced a profound sense of betrayal from the progressive left. The failure of some leftist voices to unequivocally condemn Hamas’s brutal massacre of Israeli civilians has deepened wounds and reinforced an instinctive retreat into tribalism. But as the dust settles, it’s imperative that we resist the temptation to turn away from our natural allies and instead refocus on the larger political battle that truly threatens our collective future: the reactionary, authoritarian agenda of Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu.

Jews and Israelis, particularly those aligned with J Street’s vision of a secure, democratic Israel and a just resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, cannot afford to let our anger at segments of the left drive us into the arms of the far right. The real existential threat to our values, our safety, and our future as a people committed to democracy is not from progressive college activists chanting misguided slogans. It’s from the resurgence of a nationalist, ethnocentric, and authoritarian political movement that sees both Israel and the U.S. as battlegrounds for its dangerous ambitions.

The True Threat: The Trump-Netanyahu Axis

Trump and Netanyahu have long operated in a symbiotic relationship, each propping up the other’s brand of corruption, ethno-nationalism, and contempt for democratic norms. Netanyahu’s determination to gut Israel’s judiciary and his reliance on ultra-nationalist extremists in his government mirror Trump’s own assault on American institutions, from the courts to the electoral system. Both leaders have used fear—of immigrants, of Arabs, of the “radical left”—to justify policies that erode democracy and embolden the worst elements of their respective societies.

We’ve already seen how Trump stokes antisemitism when it serves his interests, from embracing white nationalists in Charlottesville to peddling conspiracy theories about Jewish influence. Netanyahu, meanwhile, has overseen a coalition that includes Kahanist figures like Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, whose presence in the government signals a total abandonment of any pretense toward peace or coexistence.

The Trump-Bibi agenda is not about protecting Jews; it’s about consolidating power through division, fear, and authoritarian rule. If we allow our justified frustration with parts of the left to blind us to the far greater threat of this reactionary movement, we will find ourselves in a world that is far less safe—not just for Jews, but for all who believe in democracy and human rights.

Reclaiming the Progressive Jewish Fight

It’s understandable to feel anger and hurt when parts of the left fail to stand with us in our time of grief and fear. But retreating into right-wing politics—or adopting a “both sides” cynicism—only plays into the hands of those who benefit from our division. Instead, we must redouble our commitment to the hard but necessary work of engaging with the progressive movement and ensuring that the Jewish voice remains part of the fight for justice.

That means demanding that progressives apply their values consistently—recognizing both Israeli and Palestinian suffering, standing unequivocally against antisemitism, and rejecting the toxic purity politics that push Jewish voices to the margins. But it also means recognizing that the left, for all its faults, remains the political home for those who believe in democracy, human rights, and the pursuit of a just peace.

We must channel our energy into defeating the true forces of destruction: the illiberal, messianic nationalism represented by Trump and Netanyahu. The upcoming U.S. election and the ongoing battle for Israel’s democratic soul are not abstract concerns. They will shape the future of the Jewish people and the world in which we live. We cannot afford to get distracted by our grievances—we have a far bigger fight ahead.

Now is the time to move forward. Now is the time to fight like our lives depend on it—because they do.