Reflecting on former US president Donald Trump

Back in the 2016 United States presidential elections, I voted for Donald Trump and even admired him for all his efforts on behalf of Israel. There is no question that the past president did more for Israel than any other US president. He promised and delivered by moving the American consulate to Jerusalem. He also went on a limb, recognizing the Golan Heights as part of Israel. On top of that, his own family is tied together with the Jewish people.

Unfortunately, all that changed after he lost the elections in 2020. Unable to cope with his loss, he plunged into unreasonable behavior, insisting that the elections were fraudulent. Since then, the former president has come out with declarations criticizing American Jewry, who are generally a democratic majority. In Trump’s view, all Jews should be grateful for his support of Israel and therefore respond with obedience.

Trump has a confrontational character, which appears to surface any time there is a microphone in his hand. Some of his declarations support fringe groups, especially on the far right. As soon as he faces a crowd, his fist goes up in the air, inciting his followers.

Despite all his past support for Israel, Trump appears to be dangerous for America these days. His support by the Jewish community may further deteriorate. Aside from his political antics, he is gravely involved in financial mishandling, which now appears to be taking hold in court. His misadventures with the law seemed to play into his hands for a while, as he was enjoying a national audience and declaring all his opponents as misfits. Despite all this, the Republican party has so far been unable or unwilling to find a strong replacement for Trump.

Among all the events taking place in the race for the next US presidency, the American Jewish community is being battered with a rise of Antisemitism. It seems that we cannot stay out of trouble in difficult times. Hopefully the next president, whoever it may be, will continue strengthening ties between the U.S. and Israel, without repercussions.

Jack Molad