Over 5,000 Jews and Allies Sign Letter Urging President-Elect Trump to Govern with Justice, Democracy, and Rule of Law

December 11, 2024 - More than 5,000 individuals from the Reform Jewish Movement and its allies have signed a letter to President-elect Donald Trump, spotlighting key policy issues and praying that in his next term, he will advance the principles of justice and commitment to rule of law that have been sources of strength for our nation.

Organized by the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), the letter emphasizes the values of human dignity, inclusion, and respect, drawing on Jewish teachings to advocate for the protection of vulnerable communities, the preservation of civil rights, and the fostering of a robust democracy.

"This letter represents a heartfelt call to action, rooted in Jewish values and democratic principles," said Rabbi Jonah Pesner, Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism. "We welcome the opportunity to work with President-elect Trump on areas of shared concern - such as the fight against antisemitism - and urge him to lead with integrity and compassion, working to heal the divisions in our nation and uphold the rights and dignity of all Americans. We will also mobilize in opposition to any efforts that target vulnerable communities or undermine core American rights."

The letter outlines both support for specific efforts and firm opposition to harmful policies, including:

• Advancing Democracy and Justice: A plea for leadership that fosters unity, protects democratic institutions, and champions justice.
• Fostering a Strong U.S.-Israel Relationship: Supporting security and democracy in Israel while advocating for the rights, well-being, and aspirations of Palestinian civilians.
• Combating Hate and Division: Calling for an end to hateful rhetoric, the demeaning of women, and the coarsening of political discourse.
• Protecting Civil Rights: Opposing any efforts to erode reproductive rights, harm LGBTQ+ communities, target people of Color, or undermine environmental protections.
• Defending Immigrant Rights: Advocating for the safety of immigrants and the right to claim asylum.

The Union for Reform Judaism has long been a leader in advancing social justice, leveraging its network of nearly 850 congregations to champion values of inclusion, equity, and democracy. Through its Religious Action Center (RAC), the URJ mobilizes individuals and congregations to take action on issues ranging from combating antisemitism to protecting civil rights and environmental justice.

As President-elect Trump prepares to take office, the URJ will continue to engage its members and allies in advocacy efforts that reflect Jewish values and the principles of justice and democracy. Through campaigns, partnerships, and grassroots organizing, the Reform Movement will work to create a more equitable and inclusive society.

Read the full letter below:

December 11, 2024

Dear President Trump,

I hope and pray that in your next term in office, you will be a president for all Americans, advancing the principles of democracy, justice, and commitment to rule of law that have been sources of strength for our nation throughout its history. 

As an American and a Reform Jew, I am committed to the protection of the orphan, the widow, and the stranger. I will support any serious effort by your administration to combat antisemitism, and I will champion a strong U.S.-Israel relationship that fosters democracy in and security for the Jewish state and demands the rights, well-being, and national aspirations of Palestinian civilians in Gaza and the West Bank are upheld.  

At the same time, I will join in fierce opposition to any further efforts to eviscerate reproductive rights, to target the safety and rights of the LGBTQ+ community, to harm communities of Color, or to undermine the health of our air, water, and land. I will join in defense of the security of immigrants and the right to claim asylum. I will vehemently oppose the weaponization of political power against individuals and institutions that are core to our democracy, including the courts and the press.  And above all, I urge an end to the repeated demeaning of women, the use of hateful language against those who hold different views, and the persistent coarsening of our political culture. 

We are all made more whole when we treat others with the respect every human being deserves. Please, help heal the wounds our nation bears and govern as a president for all Americans.

Sincerely,

5,000+ Reform Jews and allies