Donald Trump had just finished speaking to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee’s 2016 Policy Conference and I felt disgusted, almost sick to my stomach.
I believe in freedom of speech as an American value. I believe in supporting Israel for many reasons, among them because we share principles and values like freedom of speech. And I believe that every American deserves a voice in their government, pushing for the issues and policies they believe in. But this was just wrong.
I sat quietly while Donald Trump said things he knew I and many others believe. I agree that this nuclear deal with Iran should not have been made. As an Iranian-born American Jewish woman who fled that country as a child while “Death to America” and “Death to Israel” were being chanted in the streets, I do not trust that regime. But, I do not trust Donald Trump either.
By my count, Mr. Trump paused his remarks twelve different times to ask AIPAC members like myself to “believe me.” It was like watching a hypnotist perform a trick. Or the reality TV star pander for ratings he is.
When Mr. Trump let out a quick “yay” about President Obama leaving office this year, I was struck by how disrespectful he was. But why was I surprised? This is a man who doesn’t respect his own party’s process of picking a nominee, threatening riots if he doesn’t get what he wants. This is a man who doesn’t respect women, immigrants and refugees—all of which I happen to be. His offensive remarks about Jews last December when he called us all “negotiators” proves this man has an offensive caricature in his heart, not love for the Jewish People.
Only last month, Mr. Trump expressed his neutrality between Israelis and Palestinians. Yet here he was at AIPAC, again saying things I believe, about supporting friends instead of pressuring them and increasing cooperation and defense aid. He never explained why his words now are so different than before. This man is consistently inconsistent, relying on his crowds to either not know or not care about what he’s said to others.
Others cheered at Mr. Trump’s pre-polled, pre-planned prepared applause lines. I did not. I’ve seen firsthand what happens when crowds of people cheer instead of think. I’ve seen what happens when institutions and belief in the rule of law are not strong enough to stop people like Mr. Trump.
In the United States, my family and community found shelter and opportunity. We have worked hard both for ourselves and to contribute to this country. In doing this, we’ve joined the single greatest American tradition. Americans are strong, in part, because we are diverse. The United States is great, not because we have the loudest, rudest politicians. It’s because of the quiet acceptance we’ve found in each other and the dignity and respect we build as many people become one.
Donald Trump wants to turn one people into a shouting, angry many. He is dangerous and he thinks he can fool us. But we are stronger than he is and we are smarter than that.
Americans of every race, ethnicity, religion, gender and sexuality will stop Mr. Trump at the ballot box this November. We sat quietly and heard you out, Mr. Trump. Soon, it will be time for you to hear from us—from all of us.
Anna Kaplan
Anna Kaplan is a second-term North Hempstead Councilwoman representing unincorporated Manhasset and Great Neck as well as the villages of Great Neck, Kensington, Kings Point, North Hills, Roslyn, Roslyn Estates and Thomaston. She was born in Iran, and came to the United States as a political refugee during the Iranian Revolution. She is a Democratic candidate for Congress to succeed retiring Congressman Steve Israel. You can learn more at www.annakaplanforcongress.com.
