In West Bloomfield, Michigan, Rachel Weinberg identifies herself as a religious Jew before anything else, proudly expressing her support for Donald Trump as her presidential choice. The 72-year-old retired preschool teacher explained her reasoning after being approached by volunteers from the Republican Jewish Coalition. “I may not agree with everything he says, but I vote for Israel because it is integral to our lives. I see that Trump supports Israel both in words and actions,” she stated.
Weinberg’s home was one of over 20 stops the Coalition made in the area during their canvassing efforts. Having voted for Trump in the past, she represents one of the many Jewish voters they are hoping to engage. This door-to-door initiative targeting Jewish voters with a history of supporting Republican candidates is part of a broader strategy the group has launched in five key battleground states. Their aim is to sway support toward Trump in the upcoming November 5 election, particularly as contentious discussions surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict arise.
National polls indicate Jewish voters mainly lean Democratic, with about 70% supporting Joe Biden during the 2020 election, while only 30% were for Trump. More recent data from Pew Research shows that approximately two-thirds of Jewish voters currently back Kamala Harris. In Michigan, Biden’s victory in 2020 was narrowly secured by around 155,000 votes from nearly 5.5 million votes cast. Although Jewish voters make up only about 2% of Michigan’s electorate, the Republican Jewish Coalition has identified approximately 15,000 new Jewish Republican voters in the state since the last election, potentially influencing the close contest that lies ahead, according to spokesperson Sam Markstein.
The Republican Jewish Coalition’s efforts in Michigan are strategically focused, targeting specific regions such as suburban areas known for their upper-middle-class demographics, including Farmington Hills, Oak Park, Southfield, and West Bloomfield itself, which harbors the largest Jewish community in the state, evident from the Israeli flags displayed in various homes.
In the most recent election held in the West Bloomfield Township precinct, Biden triumphed over Trump with a 66% to 33% margin, mirroring national voting trends among Jewish voters. Through its extensive campaign, the Coalition aims to reduce the Democratic Party’s advantages among this demographic. Markstein detailed their comprehensive approach, which includes targeted direct mail and digital campaigns aimed squarely at the Jewish community, asserting this is the most significant investment to mobilize Jewish voters for Republican candidates.
The Coalition has set aside $15 million for advertising across Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, and Pennsylvania, but notably, $5 million is earmarked for the new door-to-door outreach efforts targeting potential Trump supporters more efficiently using voter data. Conversely, Halie Soifer, the CEO of the Jewish Democratic Council of America, pointed out that Jewish voters represent an essential segment of the Democratic coalition, stating that Harris embodies the principles of most American Jews. She also criticized Trump for his perceived antisemitic views and actions.
The ongoing conflict that started on October 7, 2023, has heightened tensions locally and globally. The violence, which included a Hamas-led assault resulting in the deaths of 1,200 people in Israel, has led to significant casualties on both sides, with over 42,000 Palestinians reported dead in Gaza. Polls indicate a divergence in attitudes between Republican and Democratic voters regarding Israel, with Republicans generally expressing more support. Ongoing protests against Israel in various U.S. cities combined with increased antisemitic incidents have left many within the Jewish community feeling unsettled.
While canvassing, Noam Nedivi shared his personal experiences regarding rising antisemitism, noting the dread he feels while attending college in Michigan, which reflects a broader sentiment among Jewish voters regarding their safety and political representation.
In contrast, Zeke Aharonov, who waited in a long queue to cast his vote at the West Bloomfield library, offered an alternative perspective to those in his community. The 26-year-old cybersecurity professional emphasized the importance of vigilance against fascism and voiced his opposition to Trump, stating, “As Jews, it is our duty to be attentive to fascism and to fight it.”