Hundreds of Rabbis Accuse Trump Administration of Politicizing Antisemitism By The Media Line Staff More than 550 rabbis and cantors have signed an open letter criticizing US President Donald Trump’s administration for what they describe as the cynical exploitation of antisemitism to erode democracy and target vulnerable communities. Organized by progressive Jewish groups J Street […]
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The Media Line: Hundreds of Rabbis Accuse Trump Administration of Politicizing Antisemitism
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Hundreds of Rabbis Accuse Trump Administration of Politicizing Antisemitism
By The Media Line Staff
More than 550 rabbis and cantors have signed an open letter criticizing US President Donald Trump’s administration for what they describe as the cynical exploitation of antisemitism to erode democracy and target vulnerable communities. Organized by progressive Jewish groups J Street and T’ruah, the letter, titled “A Call to Moral Clarity: Rejecting Antisemitism as a Political Wedge,” accuses the administration of using Jewish concerns to justify attacks on universities, immigrants, and dissent.
The signatories, representing a wide range of Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist, and Orthodox clergy, expressed alarm at what they called a misuse of Jewish suffering. “The resurgence of this age-old hatred is alarming, and we unequivocally stand against it in all its forms,” the letter states. “But the way in which the Trump administration claims it is combating antisemitism is not about protecting Jews—it is instead overtly abusing the issue to divide Americans, undermine democracy, and harm other vulnerable communities.”
The letter comes as Trump administration officials freeze $2.2 billion in federal funding to Harvard and revoke over 1,500 student visas, moves widely criticized as targeting pro-Palestinian activists. “Detaining and deporting students without due process will not make our community safer,” said Rabbi Jill Jacobs, T’ruah’s CEO. “It threatens the very foundations of American democracy.”
J Street also condemned the Trump administration’s support for Israel’s blockade of Gaza, calling it a violation of Jewish values and international law.
Prominent signatories include Rabbis Arthur Waskow, Sally Priesand, David Rosenn, Julie Schonfeld, and Gordon Tucker. “Capitalizing on Jewish fear to justify oppressive policies does not fight antisemitism; it distorts its meaning and undermines the very democratic structures that protect us all,” said Rabbi Sharon Brous.
The signatories emphasized that combating antisemitism must not be weaponized to erode rights or divide Americans.