Jewish World, Israeli Leaders React to Attempted Assassination of Trump
Republican presidential candidate and former US President Donald Trump is assisted by the Secret Service after an assassination attempt on his life during a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show in Butler, Pennsylvania, US, July 13, 2024. Photo: REUTERS/Brendan McDermid
Israeli leaders and major Jewish and pro-Israel organizations reacted swiftly to the assassination attempt on former US President Donald Trump’s life, stating unequivocally that political violence has no place in America.
“Like all Israelis, my wife Sara and I were shocked by the horrific assassination attempt on the life of President Donald Trump,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement. “This wasn’t just an attack on Donald Trump. This was an attack on a candidate for the presidency of the United States. This was an attack on America. It was an attack on democracy; it was an attack on all the democracies.”
“On behalf of myself, my family, the government and people of Israel,” Netanyahu continued, “we wish President Trump a speedy recovery, continued good health, and continued strength.”
Jewish advocacy organizations in the US expressed similar sentiments condemning the assassination attempt.
The American Jewish Committee (AJC), said it was “shocked and deeply concerned” immediately after the shooting as details were emerging.
After more information came out, AJC CEO Ted Deutch — a former Democratic member of the US Congres — called the shooting “a terrible day for our democracy.”
“We are all shocked and traumatized by what happened,” he added. “We must come together to condemn political violence. We are all Americans. Whatever our politics. Thoughts and prayers for former President Trump, the family of the deceased, the injured attendee, and our nation. Deep gratitude for the Secret Service and law enforcement.”
The comments came after Trump survived an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, about 30 miles (50 km) north of Pittsburgh, on Saturday, days before he is due to accept the formal 2024 Republican presidential nomination. Trump has said he is in good health after being shot in the right ear — he narrowly avoiding a direct shot to the head by turning his head just as the bullet was approaching.
The FBI identified 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, as the suspect in what it called an attempted assassination. Authorities also identified a rally attendee who was shot and killed as Corey Comperatore, 50, of Sarver, Pennsylvania. The state’s governor, Josh Shapiro, told reporters that he was killed when he dove on top of his family to protect them from the barrage of bullets.
More religiously focused Jewish organizations also released statements on the attempt on Trump’s life.
The Orthodox Union (OU), one of the umbrella organizations for Orthodox Judaism in the United States that broadly represents much of the modern Orthodox community — called the assassination attempt “appalling” and “deeply upsetting.”
“With deep concern, we have been witnessing a gradual descent towards anarchy that has impacted the safety and security of our country, its leaders, and its people,” OU said. “We pray for a return to law, order, and a peaceful public square. We offer sincere prayers for the full recovery of former President Trump and all those harmed by today’s unconscionable attack.”
OU also quoted the tractate Avot of the Mishna, a compilation of ethical teachings and maxims from Rabbinic Jewish tradition, writing, “Pray for the welfare of the kingdom, for were it not for the fear it inspires, every man would swallow his neighbor alive.”
Meanwhile, Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism — the largest Jewish denomination in the US today — wrote on X/Twitter: “There can be no place for violence, political or otherwise, in our nation. This is a dangerous moment and we must all appeal to the better angels of our nature. We are praying for President Trump’s health and for all those injured.”
Satmar Headquarters — the X/Twitter account of Satmar Hasidim, one of the world’s largest Hasidic sects of Orthodox Judaism — wrote, “Thankful to Hashem for watching over former President Trump and preventing a potential tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers go out to him for a swift recovery. Let’s stand united against violence and pray for peace.”
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