The 2024 election is now history, and Donald Trump is our new president-elect, with an overwhelming majority of voters supporting the Republican Party this year.

There are many Harris supporters who are very angry, depressed and scared of what the next four years might be like for our country. Many of their fears are legitimate, and we should not dismiss them lightly.

Here are just a few key concerns:

1. Erosion of Democratic Norms: Some voters worry that Trump’s approach to governance may challenge democratic institutions, possibly attempting to concentrate power in ways that could affect checks and balances or create tension between branches of government.
2. Civil Rights and Immigration: Supporters of Vice President Kamala Harris and others are concerned that Trump’s policies may result in restrictive measures on civil liberties, particularly around issues of reproductive rights and immigration. Trump has talked about deporting up to 10 million illegal immigrants.
3. Foreign Relations and National Security: Some voters are concerned that Trump’s “America First” policy could lead to strained relationships with U.S. allies and unpredictable foreign policy decisions, which might impact global stability and trade.
4. Climate and Environmental Policy: Given Trump’s previous withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and reduced environmental regulations, some voters worry that his administration might reverse progress on climate-change mitigation, which they see as crucial for long-term environmental health.
5. Economic Stability and Social Safety Nets: Some voters also express concern over potential changes to healthcare, Social Security and other safety-net programs that could be impacted by Trump’s fiscal policies, particularly affecting middle- and lower-income Americans.

At the same time, Harris supporters should realize that if Harris had won the election, Trump supporters would have been equally angry, depressed and frightened about what a Harris presidency might have meant for our country.

Here were some of their concerns:

1. Economic Policy and Government Spending: Some worried Harris might pursue progressive economic policies that could lead to increased government spending, potentially impacting the national debt or leading to higher taxes.
2. Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice: There was concern that a Harris administration might focus on reforms that many see as too lenient on crime, particularly in urban areas where crime rates have been a focal issue. Supporters of tougher criminal justice policies expressed concerns about reducing law enforcement resources.
3. Healthcare and Social Programs: Some voters feared that Harris might push for expanding government-run healthcare programs or social safety nets, which they believed could limit private healthcare options or impose additional financial burdens on taxpayers.
4. Energy and Climate Policy: With Harris’ strong stance on climate action, there were worries about potential restrictions on fossil fuels, which some feared could lead to higher energy costs, job losses in certain sectors, and increased regulation impacting the economy.
5. Foreign Policy and Defense: Some voters expressed concerns about Harris’ approach to foreign policy, fearing it might prioritize diplomacy over military strength, potentially reducing the U.S.’s ability to act decisively in international conflicts or on national security issues.
6. Israel and the Middle East: Many felt Harris would be much less supportive of Israel than prior administrations, and that by electing her we would be placing Israel in grave danger.

In short, both Trump and Harris supporters had legitimate reasons to be fearful of what their opponents might do if elected. And given this dual fear, it might behoove Trump supporters—now that he has been elected—to be a little more empathetic to Harris voters, many of whom are suffering from real pain and anger right now.

Perhaps voters can take some lessons from several of our biblical characters, who had much to say on the subject. Biblical figures provide us with some profound examples of how to overcome differences and seek unity, especially in times of tension and conflict.

Here are just a few timeless lessons:

1. Avraham and Lot: When conflict arose between their herdsmen, Avraham offered Lot a peaceful solution by allowing him to choose his land first. This act showed Avraham’s humility and prioritization of peace over asserting his rights. This can inspire us to approach political differences with generosity and a willingness to seek common ground.
2. Yosef and His Brothers: After enduring betrayal, Joseph forgave his brothers and used his position of power to support them rather than seek revenge. Joseph’s journey teaches the power of forgiveness and focusing on shared bonds rather than past grievances.
3. Moshe and Korach: Although Korach and his followers challenged Moshe’s authority, Moshe initially sought reconciliation, falling on his face to plead for peace. This teaches us the importance of humility and patience in the face of opposition, as well as a willingness to engage with dissenting voices before resorting to conflict.
4. David and Shaul: Despite Shaul’s hostility, David refrained from taking revenge even when he had the opportunity. David’s respect for Saul’s position and restraint demonstrates the importance of respecting leaders, even when we disagree, as well as maintaining integrity.
5. Esther and the Persian Court: When Esther risked her life to approach the king on behalf of her people, she acted with courage and diplomacy. Her approach teaches the value of using our voices thoughtfully and with strategic wisdom when advocating for justice and unity in divisive situations.

These biblical figures model virtues of forgiveness, humility and patience. They demonstrate how to balance integrity with a commitment to peaceful coexistence—a lesson that transcends time and can guide us in navigating differences with understanding and respect.

Finally, our prophets have much to teach us about despair, a feeling that many Harris supporters are experiencing these days. Elijah saw falsehood and corruption winning and escaped to the wilderness to lament that he was all alone in his convictions and that there was no way forward. At that moment, Hashem appointed Elisha as his replacement, and Elisha continued to engage with society. That’s because a true prophet should never fall into despair. Jeremiah also became despondent as a young man. However, when he heard the words from Hashem “to build and to plant,” that was how he ultimately succeeded in his mission.

The prophets teach us that we must not despair. Rather, we must continue to be the builders and planters for a better future. Let’s hope that we are all up to the task.

Michael Feldstein, who lives in Stamford, Connecticut, is the author of “Meet Me in the Middle” (meet-me-in-the-middle-book.com), a collection of essays on contemporary Jewish life. He can be reached at [email protected].