Jeff Bartos and Bryan Leib: Donald J. Trump Will Protect Orthodox Jewish Communities —Fighting Campus Antisemitism, Expanding School Choice, and Standing with Israel

Op-Ed by: Jeff Bartos and Bryan E. Leib

Across America, a shadow has fallen over our educational institutions, one that has seen Jewish students and Israel-supporters unfairly targeted, shamed, and even harassed. This new wave of antisemitism sweeping college campuses demands a response from leaders who are committed to preserving America’s values of religious freedom, inclusivity, and respect. Under President Donald Trump’s leadership, we can once again put America’s values at the forefront by standing up to bigotry, ensuring choice in education, safeguarding the religious freedoms that form the bedrock of this country, and protecting both the Jewish community and our vital alliance with Israel.

President Trump’s record is second to none, with policies and actions that have directly strengthened Jewish communities at home and shown unwavering support for Israel abroad. America’s Jewish students and their families know that in President Trump, they have a leader who will fight for them and a leader who understands that antisemitism has no place in our schools or communities. Let us consider what it will take to turn this vision into reality.

Combating Antisemitism on College Campuses

Antisemitism is on the rise in the United States, especially on our college campuses. Jewish students are experiencing intimidation, fear, and hostility just for openly identifying with their heritage or for expressing support for Israel. In recent years, we have seen the spread of ideologies that mask their hatred for the Jewish people behind a thin veneer of “social justice” rhetoric, encouraged by faculty, administrators and students who seek to delegitimize, demonize and apply a double standard to Israel and its supporters.

In 2019, President Trump, issued an executive order that, “It shall be the policy of the executive branch to enforce Title VI against prohibited forms of discrimination rooted in anti-Semitism as vigorously as against all other forms of discrimination prohibited by Title VI.  As important, President Trump’s executive order ensured robust enforcement of Title VI.  The Trump Administration’s approach to combating campus antisemitism was not just a response to an isolated issue; it was also a commitment to ensuring that every student feels safe and respected. Put simply, it is because of President Trump’s leadership in his first term that students are now able to bring lawsuits against their colleges and universities to stop the shocking violence, intimidation and harassment that we have seen since October 7th.  In his next term, we can expect to see this effort doubled, with stricter penalties for universities that tolerate antisemitic behavior, freezing of federal funding, and more robust oversight and enforcement of federal protections.

Supporting School Choice

Every family in America deserves the right to choose the best educational setting for their children. School choice allows families of all backgrounds to pursue educational environments that align with their values, whether those are secular or religious institutions. This is particularly crucial for Jewish families who may want to send their children to schools that respect and celebrate their faith.

The Trump administration championed school choice from the very beginning. Through policies that expand voucher programs, tax-credit scholarships, and other school choice initiatives, President Trump will continue to empower Jewish families to select schools where their children can learn in a safe and respectful environment. School choice isn’t just about education; it’s about allowing families to find a supportive community that reinforces their values and ensures that children grow up feeling safe, proud, and confident in their heritage.

Championing Religious Freedom

Religious freedom is a core American principle and one that has benefited communities of all faiths, including Jews. President Trump has always been an ardent defender of the First Amendment, standing up to those who would encroach on the freedom to practice one’s religion without fear. His administration took bold steps to protect the rights of religious institutions, individuals, and communities.

President Trump fought against restrictions on religious freedom, including those that restricted the rights of religious institutions and churches. By preventing the state from intruding on religious practices and by safeguarding religious expression, President Trump protected all faiths, including Judaism, and reinforced the principles that have made America a safe harbor for religious minorities. President Trump’s policies also countered a worrying trend in which religious expression in public life is increasingly marginalized, ensuring that America remains a place where people of all faiths, including Jews, can live openly and free from fear.

Protecting Jewish Communities and Synagogues

Antisemitic attacks aren’t limited to college campuses. Jewish communities and synagogues across the United States have faced increasing incidents of violence and harassment. From vandalism and threats to horrific shootings, Jewish Americans have been subjected to a level of threat unseen in recent history.

In response, President Trump signed an executive order that provided additional funding to synagogues and religious institutions for increased security. This critical measure provided Jewish communities with the resources they needed to keep their places of worship safe, free from harassment, and open to all who sought spiritual refuge. President Trump’s record as a staunch advocate of stronger penalties for hate crimes demonstrated a commitment to the proposition that every American deserves the right to worship in peace and security. His administration’s commitment to addressing hate crimes and providing robust resources for Jewish institutions will continue to protect Jewish communities nationwide.

Standing Firm with Israel

President Trump was the most effective and consequential president in history for the U.S.-Israel relationship.  From moving the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem to recognizing Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights, President Trump’s decisions reaffirmed the deep connection between the U.S. and Israel. He not only solidified our diplomatic ties but also strengthened Israel’s position in the region by withdrawing the United States from the JCPOA and brokering the Abraham Accords.  President Trump’s vision and leadership in brokering the Abraham Accords fostered peace between Israel and its Arab neighbors and is the blueprint for achieving greater peace, stability, cooperation and prosperity in the Middle East.

In a time of rising anti-Israel sentiment and increasing antisemitism, President Trump’s unwavering support for Israel and commitment to the Jewish community send a powerful message.

Jewish Americans can trust his steadfast stance with Israel in any conflict, promotion of peaceful diplomacy, and dedication to confronting antisemitism on campuses and in communities.

His leadership prioritizes safety, security, and freedom for Jewish Americans, promoting respect and protection in schools and public spaces. Now more than ever, our community needs a leader who will defend these values, ensuring a future where all Americans feel safe, respected, and proud. We think the choice is clear for the Jewish community: 4 more years of President Donald J. Trump!

Jeff Bartos is a Republican Strategist and former U.S Senate Candidate. Bryan E. Leib is the CEO of Henry PR, and a former CPAC-Endorsed 2024 Congressional Candidate in Florida.