My Trip to the Inauguration Turned Out Very Different Than Planned
Moving the Inauguration indoors was insignificant to most people, but for me, it was a massive change in how I planned to witness the swearing in of the 47th President. I had been fortunate enough to be granted press credentials to the inauguration of President Donald Trump, something that I was shocked that I received and thrilled to attend.
The ticket I procured after traveling special to Washington, DC, to pick it up became a souvenir instead of an all-access pass the moment that the President-elect determined that the weather would be too dangerous to hold the event outdoors. Opening my email the moment Shabbos ended to find out that my press passes were canceled was a devastating moment for me. Disappointing as the loss of access made me, I was still determined to witness history.

Fortunately, there is an extensive Jewish conservative network that communicates throughout the year. Young Jewish Conservatives (YJC) is a group I became affiliated with when I joined them for their annual Shabbos at CPAC in 2022. CPAC, the largest conservative conference in the country, has an incredible Shabbos program for the hundreds of Jews who join. We were treated to speeches by Senators, Congressmen, Ambassadors, and pundits while enjoying gefilte fish and cholent.
Much to my surprise, this week’s trip turned from a solo excursion in which the goal was to get as close to history as possible into a reminder of the power and enthusiasm of the Jewish community. I attended the YJC Inaugural Celebration, one of countless parties that were occurring in the nation’s Capital, along with 400 other supporters of President Trump and his agenda. As founder Yitz Tendler said, “We may not all be young, we may not all be Jewish, but we are all united in our enthusiasm for this upcoming administration.” Tendler claimed that this was the largest gathering that YJC has had in its 14-year history.

The attendees were from all over. I spoke to people from Atlanta, Seattle, Boston, and even Alaska. There were lawyers, data processors, wedding photographers, and at least two men in kilts.
The event featured notable speakers who addressed current geopolitical issues. Mark Levin of “The Mark Levin Show” and “Life, Liberty and Levin,” delivered a strong message advocating for decisive action against Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Iran, emphasizing that such threats must be “crushed under every circumstance” to eliminate this multifaceted enemy.
The presence of former hostage Noa Argamani, alongside Liran Berman, whose siblings Ziv and Gali Berman are still being held hostage by Hamas, added some weight to the occasion. The incoming administration isn’t just economic or social hope for Americans, but it could literally mean the difference between life and death, freedom and captivity, for our brothers and sisters in Eretz Yisrael.

Brought up to give a l’chayim and d’var Torah was Kassy Akiva, a reporter for the Daily Wire, who is a Young Jewish Conservative in more ways than one. Kassy, who converted to Judaism two years ago, is under constant attack on social media for her conversion, with false claims that the Jewish people would never accept her. Needless to say, she was welcomed with open arms.
The next day, after watching the presidential motorcade bring Trump, Vice President-elect J.D. Vance, and their families from the White House to the Capitol, I headed over to the Jewish Federation of North America’s new offices on Pennsylvania Ave. Their Inauguration viewing party was not just to celebrate the democratic process, but also to underscore the Federation’s commitment to fostering Jewish life across North America through public affairs and government relations.

The event was more than a mere celebration; it was a testament to the Federation’s strategic positioning as a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization, dedicated to advocating for Jewish communal priorities. Niv Elis, a spokesperson and head of communications, highlighted the significance of this new DC office in amplifying the voices of Jewish communities from Pittsburgh to Boston, under the umbrella of the Jewish Federations of North America.
The discussion at the party revolved around key issues like combating anti-Semitism, supporting Israel, and enhancing security for Jewish institutions. With the backdrop of recent global events, particularly the situation in Israel, the Federation’s role has never been more critical. Since October 7, they’ve raised an astonishing $862 million in emergency funds for Israel, showcasing their robust response capabilities and community solidarity.
The gathering was attended by a diverse group of influential figures, including Member of Knesset Simcha Rothman, former Special Envoy to Combat Anti-Semitism Elon Carr, and Alan Barall of the National Security Council, among others. This presence not only highlighted the global connection of Jewish advocacy, but also the strategic alliances within the US political landscape. The involvement of figures like Rabbi Elchanan Shoff of Los Angeles and Rabbi David Katz of the Israel Heritage Foundation further emphasized the cultural and religious dimensions of the Jewish community’s engagement with American politics.
Additionally, the event was graced by the presence of local political figures, including Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and former Congressman Peter King, both of whom have been significant advocates for Jewish community interests, highlighting the strong local support for the Federation’s mission and activities.

The event also featured a video address by Eric Fingerhut, President and CEO of the Jewish Federations of North America, who was en route to Israel. His message, along with that of Karen Barall, Vice President of Government Affairs, and Jason Wuliger, who chairs the public affairs committee, reiterated the organization’s agenda to work with whichever administration is in power, focusing on policy priorities that resonate with Jewish communal values.
This Inauguration viewing party, broadcast by Channel 13 from Israel, was not just about watching a new chapter of American governance begin; it was about reaffirming the commitment of the Jewish Federation to advocacy, community protection, and the flourishing of Jewish life. As the Federation moves into their new space, their role in shaping both domestic and international policy through a Jewish lens becomes ever more pivotal, promising continued engagement in the corridors of power where decisions impacting Jewish communities are made.

Despite my personal disappointment at being unable to attend the ceremony itself, being a part of such a historic day with two great Jewish organizations in the heart of our nation was truly memorable. Watching President Trump take his oath of office felt like a new day was upon us, a golden age as he would put it. With this ally of the Jewish people in the White House, this will be a golden age for klal Yisrael in America as well.