Over the past few months, the Trump administration has detained and attempted to deport international students, stripped funding from universities, and instituted a new travel ban — and Trump has claimed to do these things in the name of fighting antisemitism.
In spite of the rise in antisemitic violence, including the shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum in May and the attack in Boulder at a hostage march in June, most of the American Jewish community believes in democratic institutions and constitutional rights — including the right to free speech and due process. We know that democratic institutions keep us — and other marginalized communities — safer.
Why is the administration invoking antisemitism in order to dismantle democracy? What are potential implications for the Jewish and broader community, and how can the Jewish community respond?
T’ruah CEO Rabbi Jill Jacobs provides an insightful perspective on this critical topic.
Originally recorded on June 30, 2025.