A Divided Community: How the Gaza War and Rising Antisemitism Are Reshaping Jewish Political Allegiances in America

The Shifting Political Landscape Among Jewish Democrats

Four years ago, Senator Jon Ossoff made history as Georgia’s first Jewish senator, sworn in on a book of Hebrew scripture. Now, some of his fellow Jewish Democrats are not only turning against him but also urging a formidable Republican, Governor Brian Kemp, to challenge him in the 2026 Senate race. A private letter sent to Kemp in December, signed by major Jewish donors and community leaders, expressed support for his potential candidacy. This unusual endorsement came after Ossoff voted to block certain weapons transfers to Israel and criticized its conduct in the war in Gaza. The letter marked a striking rebuke of a senator who has consistently highlighted his Jewish identity and supported billions in security aid to Israel.

The Impact of the Gaza War on Jewish Political Priorities

The October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel and the subsequent surge in antisemitism in the U.S. have reordered priorities for many American Jews, pushing some away from the Democratic Party. While these voters remain opposed to Republican domestic policies and disdain former President Trump, they increasingly see Republicans as more supportive on issues like defending Israel and combating antisemitism. A recent American Jewish Committee survey found that Jews are equally concerned about antisemitism from both the extreme right and the extreme left, marking a shift from four years ago when the right was seen as the greater threat. Deborah E. Lipstadt, the Biden administration’s former antisemitism envoy, described this moment as one of deep uncertainty for Jewish voters, who are questioning their political home.

"Where Do We Belong?" The Struggle for Jewish Voters in a Polarized Landscape

The war in Gaza has deepened divisions within the Democratic coalition. While younger progressive Jews, along with Arab American and Muslim voters, criticized President Biden’s strong support for Israel, older and more moderate Jews felt the administration wasn’t supportive enough. Senator Ossoff, who has maintained his criticism of civilian harm in Gaza while voting for security aid to Israel, argued that the Jewish community is not a monolith. “These are complex national security and foreign policy issues,” he said, reflecting the diversity of Jewish American opinion.

Despite his efforts, some Jewish critics accuse Ossoff of being insufficiently outspoken on Israel’s security and antisemitism. For instance, David Lubin, a Democrat who lost a State Senate primary, criticized Ossoff for not publicly embracing the Jewish community during moments of crisis. Ossoff, however, pointed to his record of support for Israel, including meetings with families of Israeli hostages and votes for security assistance. He emphasized that his opposition to certain weapons transfers was based on humanitarian concerns and U.S. national interests.

The Democratic Party’s Struggle to Retain Jewish Support

The Democratic Party is facing challenges in retaining Jewish voters, many of whom feel disillusioned by the party’s response to antisemitism and its stance on Israel. A report by the American Jewish Committee found that Jews are slightly more disapproving of how Democrats are addressing antisemitism than Republicans. While most Jews still oppose Republican policies on issues like reproductive rights, their growing concerns about Israel and antisemitism have created an opening for Republicans to court this traditionally Democratic-leaning group.

In Georgia, Jewish Democrats like Esther Panitch, the state’s only Jewish legislator, expressed frustration with Ossoff’s stance on Israel while acknowledging that Republicans like Kemp might offer a more robust defense of Jewish priorities. However, many Jewish voters remain wary of the Republican Party’s association with far-right figures who have made antisemitic remarks. The question now is whether Republicans can capitalize on these concerns without alienating moderate Jewish voters.

A Fragile Opportunity for Republicans

For Republicans, the situation presents both an opportunity and a challenge. Governor Kemp, who has yet to announce a Senate bid, has been showered with support from Jewish donors and leaders who once backed Ossoff. However, the Republican Party’s broader alignment with figures like Marjorie Taylor Greene, who has promoted antisemitic conspiracy theories, poses a significant obstacle to winning over Jewish voters. As one Jewish Democrat noted, supporting Kemp would require reconciling his stance on issues like Israel with his conservative domestic policies, such as his support for strict abortion bans.

Despite these challenges, Republicans see a chance to peel off disaffected Jewish voters in key battleground states like Georgia. The upcoming elections will test whether the party can present itself as a more reliable ally to Jewish Americans on issues of Israel and antisemitism without losing moderate voters. For now, the fragile alliance between Jewish donors and Kemp remains a symbol of the shifting political tides.

Navigating a Community in Crisis

The Jewish community remains deeply unsettled by the events of October 7 and the rise in antisemitism. Many feel abandoned by Democratic leaders like Ossoff, who they believe has not done enough to address their concerns. At the same time, they are wary of embracing a Republican Party that has often been hostile to their values. As one Jewish donor put it, the existential threat to Israel’s security feels more immediate than ever, but this does not mean Jewish voters are ready to fully align with the GOP.

For Senator Ossoff, the challenge is to rebuild trust with a community that feels reeling and in shock. While he has maintained support from some Jewish liberals, others have made clear that they need more than just votes on Israel aid—they need a leader who visibly stands with them in moments of crisis. As the 2026 elections approach, the question is whether Ossoff can reconcile these competing demands and hold onto his seat, or whether the political shifts of the past year will pave the way for a Republican victory.

In the end, the story of Jon Ossoff and the Georgia Jewish community reflects a broader struggle within American Jewry to find its political home in a time of great uncertainty. Whether the Democratic Party can reclaim its traditional role as the natural haven for Jewish voters—or whether Republicans can successfully court this pivotal constituency—remains to be seen. One thing is clear: the stakes have never been higher.