Following the U.S. presidential election results, World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder extended congratulations to Donald Trump, marking his return to the presidency. In a Wednesday morning statement, Lauder affirmed the WJC’s intent to engage with the incoming administration to “support and protect Jewish communities in the United States and around the world.” He further highlighted that “Through their votes, the American people have demonstrated their commitment to democracy and its values.”
Following the U.S. presidential election results, World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder extended congratulations to Donald Trump, marking his return to the presidency. In a Wednesday morning statement, Lauder affirmed the WJC’s intent to engage with the incoming administration to “support and protect Jewish communities in the United States and around the world.” He further highlighted that “Through their votes, the American people have demonstrated their commitment to democracy and its values.”
WJC's Advocacy Priorities:
As the international community considers the potential effects of this administration shift on Jewish communities, these are our key advocacy priorities and urgent action items to guide the WJC’s engagement with U.S. officials in the coming months.
Emphasize and Depoliticize Counter-Antisemitism Efforts:
Antisemitism has surged globally, posing significant threats to Jewish communities and challenging the integrity of democratic institutions. Following this week’s U.S. elections, WJC calls for an expansion of the existing National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive and sustained action. This strategy should include increased resources for hate crime reporting, educational initiatives, and the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism across federal agencies to address all its evolving forms with concrete guidelines and best practices. Legislative action is also critical.
The Countering Antisemitism Act and Antisemitism Awareness Act are both stalled in Congress, yet they are vital tools in combating antisemitism nationwide. The Countering Antisemitism Act implements several legislative components of the National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism, including establishing a domestic National Antisemitism Coordinator to oversee and unify federal efforts. This role is crucial for coordinating policies and ensuring accountability across agencies. Additionally, the Antisemitism Awareness Act would clarify Title VI protections for Jewish students, ensuring that they are shielded from discrimination in federally funded institutions. Breaking this legislative gridlock requires a bipartisan commitment to to prioritize essential bills such as these and establish a clear framework to protect Jewish communities from rising hate.
Strengthen U.S.-Israel Relations and Support Israel in International Arenas:
All possible efforts must be made to bring home the remaining hostages from Hamas captivity in Gaza and support Israel in its war on terror.The partnership between the United States and Israel remains crucial as Israel navigates complex security challenges. U.S. leadership is essential to bolster Israel’s defense, ensure its fair treatment, and protect its position within global institutions, and ensure continued support in international organizations. This incoming administration should continue to champion Israel’s place on the global stage and harness the diplomatic momentum of the Abraham Accords, furthering normalization with Arab and Muslim nations.
Advance the International Fight Against Antisemitism:
The United States must remain a leader in the global fight against antisemitism by employing a holistic approach that embeds counter-antisemitism efforts and the fostering of Jewish life as standing action items in all U.S. bilateral and multilateral relations and negotiations. At the National Security Council level and across all relevant government agencies, antisemitism should be addressed as a fundamental security and human rights concern. We call for an early appointment and confirmation of a State Department Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, supported by a robust budget and staff, to coordinate efforts across departments. U.S. embassies should also serve as advocates for Jewish communities and vulnerable minorities abroad, making counter-antisemitism efforts foundational in U.S. diplomacy.
Support Jewish and Other Vulnerable Students:
Jewish students, particularly on college campuses, face unique challenges and are often subject to antisemitism masked as anti-Zionism. The WJC urges the administration to enforce and expand protections, especially through the 2019 executive order that applies Title VI protections of the Civil Rights Act to Jewish students. By clarifying that Jewish students are protected against discrimination in federally funded institutions, this order provides a critical safeguard. Continued vigilance on campus antisemitism and expanded protections will help create inclusive environments that uphold free speech while safeguarding Jewish students and other vulnerable groups.
Promote Peace and Global Stability, Including Containment of Iran:
Peace and stability are foundational to the security of all vulnerable communities, including Jewish communities worldwide. The WJC encourages the administration to reinforce the international order by strengthening alliances active engagement on upholding human rights and democratic values including maintaining a leading role at international organizations. Containing Iran is essential to achieving stability in the Middle East as well as globally, as Iran’s regime, its nuclear ambitions, and support of extremist and terrorist proxy organizations pose a threat to regional and global peace and stability. Diplomatic solutions that respect internationally recognized borders and deter aggression are vital, and the United States must play a leading role in countering Iran’s destabilizing influence.
Commemorate Holocaust Memory and Legacy in U.S. Society:
As the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz approaches on January 27, 2025, the United States faces a pivotal opportunity to reinforce Holocaust remembrance as a vital part of American civic life. This anniversary, which will likely be the last major commemoration with the presence of Holocaust survivors, marks a critical moment to solidify the importance of Holocaust memory and education across U.S. society. The WJC urges the administration to mark this anniversary with a senior U.S. delegation, underscoring America’s enduring commitment to Holocaust remembrance. Additionally, we call for executive actions to further integrate Holocaust education, awareness, and prevention of hate into federal policy.
Read WJC President Ronald S. Lauder’s full statement following the U.S. President Election.
