I am appalled by polls indicating significant support for Trump among Torah-observant Jews. The Torah teaches that effective leadership is founded on justice, humility, wisdom and a genuine concern for the community—qualities in which Trump falls considerably short. Trump himself has also stated that he desires to be a dictator—a comment that should not be trivialized. Trump also has a well-documented record of associating with known antisemites and using divisive, demonizing and disparaging rhetoric against minorities (which includes repeated use of antisemitic accusations of dual loyalty and other tropes). In addition, he has created a hostile environment that should not be ignored, especially since his base is composed of heavily armed right-wing militias that have already shown a propensity for violence.

Indeed, former members of Trump’s administration have expressed serious concerns about his erratic, autocratic, vulgar rhetoric and behavior, and his attempt to overthrow the election of 2020 and continuing election denialism. General John Kelly, Trump’s former chief of staff, described him as having an “astounding depth of dishonesty,” calling him “the most flawed person I have ever met.” Similarly, General Mark Milley, the former chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, warned that Trump is “fascist to his core” and “the most dangerous person to the U.S..” They are supported by hundreds of former Trump administration staffers, national security leaders from past Republican administrations, and even conservative columnist Bret Stephens, all of whom warn that Trump is unfit for office while endorsing Vice President Harris for president over Trump. Their warnings about Trump should not be ignored.

A second Trump administration would be disastrous for both the Jewish community and the nation as a whole. Thus, for the good of the country, I urge a vote for Vice President Harris for president.

Morris D. Gordin, Ph.D.

Livingston