Speakers condemn antisemitism, praise Trump at Republican Jewish Coalition Annual Leadership Summit

The conference was held during the weekend and drew attendees, activists, and officials to strategize ahead of the upcoming midterm elections and address security concerns facing Jews.

Leaders and lawmakers gathered in Las Vegas over the weekend for the Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) Annual Leadership Summit, where prominent speakers condemned the rise of global antisemitism, reaffirmed support for Israel, and lauded US President Donald Trump as a historic champion of the Jewish community.

The conference opened on Sunday at The Venetian Resort, drawing attendees, activists, and officials to strategize ahead of the upcoming midterm elections and address security concerns facing Jewish communities. RJC Chairman Norm Coleman kicked off the proceedings by emphasizing the importance of the political moment and the need to protect the US-Israel alliance.

"We can move this forward, we can do the things that need to be done to ensure a bright future for this country, a bright future for the US-Israel relationship, a bright future for Jews where our kids don't have to worry about being harassed on college campuses," Coleman told the audience.

House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain also addressed the gathering on Sunday, delivering a sharp rebuke of rising anti-Jewish hostility and criticizing public officials who remain silent. "Jewish Americans are being targeted, harassed, and insulted on our campuses, in our cities, and in political debates today," McClain stated, pointing to FBI hate crime statistics and adding that "silence is agreement." McClain further called for accountability on university campuses, declaring that "federal funding is a privilege and if you can't protect your students then that funding should be revoked."

Leo Terrell, Senior Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division at the US Department of Justice, also spoke at the summit, addressing the legal and civil rights dimensions of the rising tide of hate. Terrell emphasized that combating anti-Jewish bigotry requires aggressive federal oversight and enforcement. "The fight against antisemitism is not just a Jewish issue; it is an American issue," Terrell told attendees, stressing that the administration remains fully committed to prosecuting civil rights violations and protecting religious freedom nationwide.

Focus on antisemitism, anti-Jewish hostility

Throughout the summit, speakers turned their focus to anti-Jewish hostility and the security environment following the October 7, 2023, attacks. House Republican Jewish Delegation senior member Congressman David Kustoff addressed delegates, warning that domestic incidents demonstrate the reach of extremism.

Citing an arrest in his home community of Memphis involving a threat against a synagogue, Kustoff stated, "Antisemitism is hatred, and hatred has no place in the United States of America, not in our schools, not on our college campuses, not in our communities, and not anywhere else in our country." He added, "America should never apologize for standing with Israel as it protects its people. Our military cooperation must continue, our intelligence cooperation must continue, and our commitment to Israel's security must remain unshakable."

Lawmakers also directed praise toward President Trump, crediting his administration with shaping American policy in the Middle East. Congressman Randy Fine of Florida addressed the gathering, highlighting Trump's actions regarding Israel. "We must always remember that he did the impossible; he brought back every single living hostage from Gaza," Fine said, stating that "Donald J. Trump will be remembered as a warrior for the Jewish people."

Fine also discussed political attacks during his recent primary campaign against opponent Dan Bilzerian, telling attendees, "When the Nazi who ran against me targeted me, my sons asked me why this was happening to us. I told them simply because God knows that we are strong enough to take it."

Political shifts, Congress polarization

Other speakers focused on political shifts within Congress and polarization surrounding foreign policy. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan discussed the bond between Washington and Jerusalem. "There is a special bond, a special bond between these two countries, both created with a purpose, and we can never let that bond be broken," Jordan remarked.

In addition to policy discussions, the summit featured musical performances celebrating Jewish heritage, including a set by country artist Troy Breslow, who performed his song "Zion" and shared reflections from his travels performing for Jewish communities abroad.