I am writing this article after returning from a wonderful trip to Zurich for my niece’s wedding last week. Over Shabbos, we were in beautiful Venice. It was a special trip in many ways, but quite exhausting. Thankfully, we experienced zero anti-Semitism in either city, which is encouraging.
Two weeks ago, I wrote an article, “The Gloat Goat,” in which I was reluctant to fully gloat over the great victory of Trump against Harris. It was hard to know if we can fully trust Mr. Trump to do the right thing relating to Jews, Israel, and the United States.
Now, with little if any reservation, I can state that we as Jews should be exulting over the Trump/Vance victory. I would like to think that Never-Trumper Jews who care about Israel and this country should put down their political prejudices and come to realize that the Trump victory should be greeted with thanksgiving during this season.
He has brought clarity to what was a muddled mess in the previous administration. The new appointments, including the latest addition of Pam Bondi, former Attorney General of Florida, to serve as Attorney General for the nation, are excellent. Unlike the unstable Gaetz, Ms. Bondi is a highly qualified person to fill the position, and is on record as a great supporter of Israel and the Jews.
Tom Homan, nominated as “Border Czar,” is a breath of fresh air. He is a thrill to watch as he takes on his leftist detractors. He talks simple and straight. If a city or state violates federal law and protects illegal and criminal immigrants, they will be subject to sanctions. Crazy leftist Democrats in places like Denver and Los Angeles may even face prosecution and jail time.
The Democrats claim that they are the party of humanitarians and care for all immigrants. Where is their love for American citizens assaulted by known criminals who came into the country illegally, as well as children being treated like pieces of meat? Why are they not caring about the ravages of fentanyl on thousands of our youth?
Trump is introducing a novel policy: Respect the law or suffer the consequences.
He has threatened Mexico and Canada with huge tariffs if they do not curb illegals from flowing into our country. Guess what? The anti-Israel, concert-loving pipsqueak of a prime minister, Justin Trudeau, is actually sweating over the prospect.
The leftist prime ministers of Canada, Britain, and Germany have been put on notice by US Senator Lindsey Graham that with the new, Republican-controlled Senate, should they cooperate with the ICC and threaten to arrest Netanyahu, they will be sanctioned. Compare that to the Democrats. The politically revolting Charles Schumer is working with President Biden to take it easy with the ICC.
Notice that Iran is calling in its proxies Hezbollah and Hamas to try to make peace with Israel. They know that under Trump, Israel will be free to respond to Iran as necessary, no matter what it takes. Compare that to the, at best, wishy-washy policies of the Biden administration. Under Harris/Waltz, things would only have gotten worse.
Concerned about women’s rights? According to twisted Woke thinking, women must be forced to compete against biological men in sports. How compassionate is that?! The MAGA crazies do show compassion for women by fighting that insanity.
While we were in Venice, news broke that Rabbi Zvi Kogan, the Chabad emissary in Dubai, was brutally murdered by Iranian agents or garden variety Muslim terrorists. This was a gut-wrenching tragedy. At least the UAE arrested three suspects. I will assume that in an Arab land, the murderers will get what’s coming to them.
So much of the bloodshed in the Mideast can be laid at the doorsteps of the current administration for allowing Iranian power to fester.
As I often argue, it is extremely important that during these times Jews elect as many worthy Republicans as possible on city, state, and federal levels. The Democratic Party has abandoned us. Just think of long-time Democratic Senator Dick Durban of Illinois, who voted with the treacherous Bernie Sanders to curb sales of vital arms to Israel. In explaining himself, he invoked all the drivel pushed by Hamas of how Israel is killing civilians wholesale.
In Queens, we have some wonderful representatives who have served our Orthodox community with distinction.
However, I turn to them and ask: Do you really believe in the anti-family, anti-women, pro-criminal, and Palestinian-sympathizing agenda of the Democratic Party? Look at yourselves in the mirror and think: Is this really what you want for your children? Will you be happy if they follow the Woke agenda? I seriously doubt it.
It may seem radical, but it’s not: Consider switching parties. You will only enhance your standing in the Orthodox community. And your conscience, as you gaze upon your children and loved ones, will be clear. Besides, you are less likely to get pro-Hamas protesters in front of your house. They have the habit of protesting in front of Democrats whom they feel they have some chance of swaying. You will also make much better friends at Congress, City Hall, and the New York State Legislature.
Am I gloating? Absolutely! Join me, if you are a caring Jew at heart.
Rabbi Yoel Schonfeld is the Rabbi Emeritus of the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills, President of the Coalition for Jewish Values, former President of the Vaad Harabonim of Queens, and the Rabbinic Consultant for the Queens Jewish Link.
