Growing Unease Among Jewish Voters in Pennsylvania’s Political Landscape

In Pennsylvania, Rona Kaufman perceives a noticeable shift among Jewish voters who seem to feel overlooked by the Democratic Party, leading some to consider supporting Republican candidate Donald Trump.

Kaufman, 49, observes this trend in her social media interactions, the tension evident in recent Democratic campaign events, and even within her family dynamics. She notes a marked change, stating, “In my family’s circle, no one supports Vice President Harris. We’ve never sided with Republicans until now, and my sister even displays a Trump sign in her yard.”

However, the extent of this shift is complex, as many surveys indicate that a majority of Jewish voters continue to back the Democrats. Kaufman recognizes that her views may not be widespread.

The 2024 presidential election is particularly significant due to the ongoing ramifications of Hamas’ violent assaults on Israel, which many Jewish voters believe complicate their collective stance. They emphasize the importance of each vote in battleground states like Pennsylvania, where electoral outcomes have been razor-thin in previous elections.

In Pennsylvania, Jews represent a minor fraction of the electorate, yet their votes carry considerable weight in the context of tight races in states critical to Democratic success. Both political parties are aware of this and are making substantial efforts to connect with Jewish voters, particularly in light of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict intensifying.

Vice President Harris is finding it challenging to navigate a political landscape fraught with opposing sentiments from diverse groups, including Arab Americans and Jews, as she seeks to balance support for Israel while addressing the wider humanitarian concerns in Gaza.

Trump has seized the opportunity to speak directly to these voters, making provocative statements such as accusing Harris of harboring anti-Jewish sentiments. He promotes himself as an ally to Jewish interests, urging his followers to reconsider their loyalties.

Despite historical trends showing Jewish voters lean heavily toward the Democratic party—evident from a Pew Research study where roughly two-thirds still favor Harris—it remains uncertain if this allegiance remains intact, especially now that attitudes towards Israel are evolving amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas and the increasing tensions with Hezbollah and Iran.

Many Jewish individuals express that recent events—particularly rising antisemitic incidents and large-scale protests against Israel across the U.S.—have created an environment of uncertainty and fear.

The notorious attack on the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh by an extremist in 2018 still looms large in the community’s memory, amplifying these feelings. This time around, campaigns have notably heightened their outreach efforts, recognizing Jewish voters’ importance in crucial states like Pennsylvania.

Republicans are diligently marketing their message as the Democratic Party faces internal divides over Israel’s recent military operations. This situation has resonated with some Jewish voters traditionally aligned with Democrats, leading to reconsideration of their political allegiances.

Jeremy Kazzaz, a Pittsburgh resident who supports Harris, acknowledges that while some may be inclined to vote for Trump out of security concerns, they might be unaware of the Biden administration’s efforts to combat antisemitism and support Israel, as evidenced by the appointment of Doug Emhoff to lead antisemitism prevention initiatives.

Harris’ supporters highlight the administration’s strong backing of Israel by providing military resources, but detractors see this support as conditional, particularly in the context of Biden urging Israel to avoid escalating conflicts with Iran.

As preparations for the upcoming election heat up, voters like Steve Rosenberg, who has shifted his allegiance multiple times, express frustration with what they perceive as Biden’s failures regarding international threats, specifically regarding Iran.

Kaufman, who identifies as progressive, admits to grappling with her evolving views. Her deep ties to Israel—a family legacy intertwined with the country—make her cautious about supporting Harris, fearing that she may capitulate to Iran and its allies.

Conversely, Jewish voters backing Harris argue that supporting Trump poses a greater risk to democracy, citing his controversial remarks and behavior as red flags for potential persecution of minority groups.

Rabbi Beth Janus articulates this sentiment, noting that while some appreciate a potential female president married to a Jewish man, Trump’s loyalty to Israel appears to be self-serving rather than genuine.

As the election draws closer, discussions continue among Jewish voters, reflecting an unprecedented sense of urgency regarding their political choices and the implications for their community in the current socio-political climate.