Nobody should have ever doubted that Trump is an anti-Semite. To be sure, he loves those Jews who are loyal or useful to him, but he is thoroughly beholden to Jewish stereotypes and more than willing to propagate them and act on them.
But, let's talk about Jews and Trump...
But, let's talk about Jews and Trump...
https://twitter.com/LeviYonit/status/1471821911827091459
Because, for me, as a Soviet Jewish immigrant, it was always quite striking just how different American Jews were in their worldview.
Of course, it's not a surprise that there are really only two categories of Jews in America who are rabidly pro-Trump: ultra-Orthodox and Soviet
Of course, it's not a surprise that there are really only two categories of Jews in America who are rabidly pro-Trump: ultra-Orthodox and Soviet
The Ultra-Orthodox love Trump and the right wing because they are more than happy with brutal, theocratic authoritarianism, as their strict interpretation of the Bible basically commands it. And, of course, they are all for genocidal solutions to the Palestinian question...
Soviet Jews love Trump because they love ANYONE on the right, passionately hate Democrats, whom they conflate with communists and, also, prefer the most radical and hawkish ideas when it comes to Israel.
And, of course, despite hating communism, Soviet immigrants are still Soviet
And, of course, despite hating communism, Soviet immigrants are still Soviet
... in that they are attracted to "strong hand" rulers, despise any vestiges of liberalism or tolerance, are susceptible to racism and homophobia and are disdainful of American Jews whom they consider fat, soft race traitors.
While American Jews are securely liberal, with strong traditions of social justice, religious moderation, secular humanism and intellectualism, Soviet Jews, who were considered intellectual by Soviet standards, are culturally ultraconservative.
On economy, they idolize capitalistic selfishness, primarily because it's the very opposite of what was preached in the USSR. Ironically, the Soviet system, with its shortages and lack of empathy, conditioned its citizens to be selfish, disdainful of others and aggressive.
This is why Soviet immigrants' devotion to Trump has started to make sense to me. Despite the fact they are mostly well educated and are capable of appreciating good manners and cultured speech, Trump awakens something primal in them, the aggression and hatred bred in the USSR.
This type of personality, of course, is completely foreign and distasteful to most American Jews, who grew up within a completely different value system.
None of this, of course, implies that people can't change and adapt. Many can. Most don't want to.
None of this, of course, implies that people can't change and adapt. Many can. Most don't want to.
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