Press Release

New Jewish Dems Campaign Ad Shows Parallels between Trump and 1930s Germany

September 29, 2020

WASHINGTON – Today, the Jewish Democratic Council of America (JDCA) expanded its six-figure ad campaign targeting Jewish voters in swing states, for the first time explicitly making the connection between the emboldening of white nationalism under Donald Trump and the rise of fascism and hatred in 1930s Germany.

Showing parallel images of anti-Semitic hate and nationalism in Nazi Germany and throughout the Trump administration, JDCA makes clear that Jewish Americans are less safe under this president than at any time in American history.

As images of anti-Semitic graffiti in 1930s Germany appear next to images of hate speech written on the side of a present-day American synagogue and in a Jewish cemetery, the narration reads: “History shows us what happens when leaders use hatred and nationalism to divide their people.” The ad ends with an ominous warning: “Hate does not stop itself. It must be stopped. VOTE.”

The ad can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/0Zwj8Ir8mGk

“A majority of American Jews feel less safe today than they did four years ago due to the rise of white nationalism and anti-Semitism under Donald Trump. This, coupled with Trump’s assault on our democratic institutions, are reminiscent of the rise of fascism in 1930s Germany. President Trump’s use of hatred for political purposes has made America less safe for Jews and we are voting accordingly,” said JDCA executive director Halie Soifer. “We must vote like our future as a people depends on it – because it does.”

The 30-second ad will strategically target Jewish voters in swing states including Florida, Michigan and Pennsylvania with the goal of ensuring they see the ad multiple times between now and the election.

JDCA will also host a special briefing today, Tuesday, September 29, at 3:00 p.m. ET with noted Holocaust historian and Emory University Professor Deborah Lipstadt examining how “hate does not stop itself – it must be stopped.” To register for the event with Professor Lipstadt click here.

For more information on JDCA’s strategy for the 2020 election or to speak with Halie Soifer, contact [email protected].