This question is debated by both Jews and non-Jews. Everyone is entitled to an opinion. The last thing we need is the United States government defining any religion. In fact the first words of the first amendment to the constitution are “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”
President Donald Trump reportedly plans to sign an executive order that would classify Judaism as a race or nationality instead of just a religion.
His action will put a target on every Jews in America. Hitler would be delighted.
Three administration officials told The New York Times that the order would threaten to withhold federal funding for colleges and universities that fail to combat discrimination on their campuses.
The loudest critics of the measure are Jews themselves, many of whom said that referring to Judaism as a nationality would only further fuel anti-Semitism.
The move appears to be targeting the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, or BDS, which encourages various forms of boycott against Israel for what it deems violations of international law. The group, which has become popular on college campuses, holds annual events like “Israeli Apartheid Week” to push for Palestinian rights.
Many American Jews are worried Trump’s reported decision to define Judaism as a nationality and not just a religion would do far more harm than good. I’m one of them.
I have known a few people who are converts to Judaism. One comes to mind who is proud of her Scottish heritage. Based upon her last name I suspect she converted when she married a Jew. I’m guessing she will resent this action.
Trump probably believes he will win more Jewish support in the November election by issuing this order. I doubt that will be the case.
I hope the ACLU files a suit against this action.
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