On Inauguration Day, JCPA Affirms Commitment to Inclusive, Pluralistic Democracy, Where Jewish Community and All Americans Can Thrive 

Ahead of the inauguration of President Donald Trump, Jewish Council for Public Affairs’ CEO Amy Spitalnick, released the following statement: 

“Today – and in the weeks and months ahead – we are sadly going to hear a lot of negativity from many national leaders. Who we are supposed to be against. Who should not be welcome in this country. Who is to be blamed and scapegoated for our country’s problems. Why diversity and difference are a source of national weakness, not strength. 

Against this tide of conspiracy and divisiveness, we want to make clear what JCPA stands FOR: 

We believe in inclusive, pluralistic democracy where Jews – and all communities – are safe and can live with dignity and freedom. 

We believe in welcoming immigrants and refugees. In reproductive freedom. In ensuring LGBTQ+ rights. In protecting access to the ballot box. 

We believe in diversity, equity, and inclusion, and in teaching the full, complex history of this country and all of its communities. We believe we can and must do this in a way that is truly inclusive of the Jewish community. 

We believe in building strong coalitions rooted in cross-community solidarity, where all of us can show up as our true selves, even across lines of difference or disagreement.

It’s no surprise that extreme voices are doubling down on conspiracy theories, disinformation, and dehumanizing policies as tools to undermine this positive, hopeful, and unifying vision. These voices aim to pit communities against one another and to divide the very coalitions we need to protect our communities, our rights, and our democracy.  

We know that at its core, such extremism is often underpinned by antisemitic conspiracy theories about Jewish control and power. It creates a deadly cycle in which antisemitism and hate are further normalized, threatening our diverse Jewish community and countless others, and undercutting our democratic norms in a constant feedback loop. 

In the face of this growing danger, we at JCPA are ready to stand up for our values, for our democracy, and for our freedoms. We will work with our partners to mobilize against mass deportations and immigration bans, dangerous anti-LGBTQ+ policies, attacks on voting and broader civil rights, the gutting of abortion care, and the undermining of public education, public health, and our democratic institutions. We will advance efforts to counter disinformation, extremism, and hate crimes. We will do everything in our power to build a more representative and vibrant democracy that truly safeguards the freedom, safety, and equality of all Americans.” 

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