Doug Emhoff Warns of Threat to American Jews Under Another Trump Term

Doug Emhoff, the husband of Vice President Kamala Harris and the first Jewish second spouse, delivered a powerful speech in Pittsburgh on Monday, warning that another term for former President Donald J. Trump would pose a grave threat to American Jews. Emhoff emphasized Vice President Harris’s commitment to a community that is on edge over rising antisemitism, stating, “She feels what you and I and Jews across America are feeling today. She gets it.”

The speech took place just eight days before Election Day and coincided with several grim milestones, including the anniversary of the shooting at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life synagogue, the deadliest antisemitic attack in American history. Emhoff also highlighted the recent Hamas-led attack on Israel, the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust.

Throughout the presidential campaign, concerns about antisemitism have been raised by many American Jews, who have observed instances of hatred on both the far right and far left. Emhoff expressed his deep concern, stating, “This has been a heartbreaking year to be a Jew in America.”

Emhoff, who has made combating antisemitism a central part of his mission as second gentleman, sought to reassure the Jewish community that Vice President Harris understands their fears and anxieties. He addressed the issue of support for Israel, acknowledging the complexities of navigating this topic while also emphasizing Harris’s commitment to the country’s security.

In his speech, Emhoff criticized Trump, portraying him as an unreliable ally for American Jews and warning of the dangers of his leadership. He highlighted instances of racism and bigotry at a recent Trump rally, emphasizing the need to combat hatred and division in the country.

As the election approaches, both Democratic and Republican Jewish strategists are closely monitoring the community’s support for their respective parties. There are concerns about potential erosion in traditional Democratic support among Jewish voters, with efforts underway to engage and appeal to this demographic.

The speech by Emhoff underscores the significance of the Jewish vote in battleground states and the importance of addressing issues of antisemitism and support for Israel in the political landscape. As the election nears, the Jewish community remains a key focus for both parties, with efforts to secure their support and address their concerns.