Presidential Candidates’ October 7th Commemorations Represent America’s Divide
Vice President Harris and husband Doug Emhoff outside the Vice President residence at their October 7th Commemoration. Source: Kent Nishimura via Getty Images
“November 5th will be an important day in Israeli history” declared former President Donald Trump at a memorial event for October 7th. The conflict in the Middle East is undoubtedly one of the most contentious issues on the ballot for the 2024 Presidential Election, with 54% of Harris supporters recognizing its importance and 70% of Trump supporters.
The presidential candidates’ relationships with the conflict-stricken region were seen through their commemorations of the events on October 7th in Southern Israel, which was the deadliest attack on Jewish people in a single day since the Holocaust 1,200 people lost their lives and 250 more were kidnapped and held hostage in Gaza, with some still in captivity.
Afterward, both Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris took time to commemorate this tragedy in ways that reflect their unique relationship with the conflict. Harris held a ceremony outside the Vice President’s residence alongside her husband Doug Emhoff, who is Jewish. They recited the Mourner’s Kaddish, the traditional mourner’s prayer, and planted a pomegranate tree.
Emphasizing her commitment to Israel’s security in addition to the suffering of innocent Palestinians in Gaza, Harris and Emhoff concluded with a moment of silence. Afterward, Emhoff stated, “This is an incredibly challenging day for Jews around the world, myself included.”
In Brooklyn, Trump, alongside numerous Rabbis, visited the grave of Chabad Lubavitch Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, who was considered by some to be a Messiah figure for Hasidism. Wearing a black Yarmulke, or skullcap, Trump placed a stone on the grave, a sign of great respect in the Jewish tradition. Later that day, Trump held a service at his Doral Golf Resort in Miami, where he invited local Jewish leaders and Republican members of Congress. The group lit candles in honor of those who lost their lives and those who are still being held hostage in Gaza.
The focus of Trump's service then turned to the upcoming presidential election. Trump highlighted the impact the election will have on both American and Israeli politics. Trump argued that the Democratic Party is fueling anti-Semitic sentiments and proudly claimed, “I did more for Israel than anybody. I did more for the Jewish people than anybody.” Utilizing any opportunity to bash the Biden-Harris administration, Trump claimed that Hamas only attacked because they knew how weak the American response would be under the current president.
Both candidate's foreign policies include Israel’s right to defend itself. While Harris has condemned Palestinian oppression and encouraged a ceasefire deal, Trump outlined a plan for a single-state solution, in which Israel would have control over a demilitarized Palestinian state. Trump is favored among Israelis, particularly for his role in the 2020 Abraham Accords, where UAE and Bahrain recognized Israel.
The conflict is dividing the Jewish vote across the country. Jewish Americans have traditionally voted Democratic, but growing frustration is emerging among some who feel that President Biden and Vice President Harris do not demonstrate strong enough support for Israel, especially in comparison to former President Trump.
Both candidates are making strides to connect with Jewish supporters in various swing states with strong Jewish populations, such as Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. Recent polls indicate that Harris has the support of Jewish Americans in seven swing states. The Jewish vote in metropolitan cities could be the push Harris needs to get 270 electoral votes.
Both candidates rightfully turned national attention to the 46 Americans killed on October 7th. A special emphasis was placed on the seven Americans held hostage in Gaza, including Chapel Hill resident Keith Siegal.
As the 2024 presidential election draws near, the stakes could not be higher – both for American foreign policy and the future of relations between Israel and the United States. The candidates' responses to the tragedy of October 7th not only revealed their personal connections to the Jewish community but underscored the contrasting visions they offer for the future. With the Jewish vote now more divided than ever, the outcome of the election could reshape the U.S.–Israel relationship for years to come, making November 5th a pivotal moment in both American and Israeli history.