A Republican Jewish advocacy group recently launched an ad targeting Vice President Kamala Harris, claiming that her policies would negatively impact Jewish Americans. The ad, released by the Republican Jewish Coalition Victory Fund, suggests that Harris would exacerbate issues such as antisemitism and terrorist attacks affecting Jewish communities.
This ad follows remarks made by former President Donald Trump, who implied that Jewish people would bear some responsibility if he were to lose the upcoming election. The RJC Victory Fund has reportedly allocated significant funds for airing this ad, with approximately $500,000 worth of airtime scheduled for this week and $5 million booked through Election Day.
The ad, which features images of Hamas fighters and pro-Palestinian protests, is currently being broadcast in the Philadelphia media market. It underscores how the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has become a focal point in the 2024 election race, influencing campaign messaging.
Despite the emphasis on foreign policy in these ads, data shows that issues like the economy, immigration, and abortion rights continue to dominate campaign advertising. Since Hamas' attacks last year, Trump has been vocal in urging Jewish Americans to support Republican candidates, criticizing the Democratic Party and its stance on Israel.
Trump has gone as far as suggesting that Jewish individuals who vote for Democrats do not support their religion or Israel. He has also stated that voting for a Democrat as a Jewish person is foolish and implies a lack of love for Israel. These statements reflect the heightened political tensions surrounding Israel and the Middle East conflict within the American political landscape.