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Vance privately addresses Republican Jewish Coalition during tension over Israel and antisemitism

September 3, 2026 · 1 min read

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Vice President JD Vance left a positive impression after his highly anticipated appearance before the Republican Jewish Coalition on Monday, assuaging some skeptical attendees of his commitment to Jewish Americans and the U.S. alliance with Israel while stopping short of disavowing his association with controversial figures like Tucker Carlson.

Vance’s remarks took place behind closed doors, which organizers of the Las Vegas conference said was necessary to foster a candid conversation.

“I think the vice president really answered a lot of questions, and really made the Republican Jewish Coalition really comfortable,” said Ari Fleischer, a board member and former spokesman for President George W. Bush.

The appearance came at an extraordinarily sensitive time for Jewish Americans and the U.S. relationship with Israel. Concerns about antisemitism have surged across the political spectrum ahead of the midterm elections. Republicans are eager to portray Democrats as hostile toward Jews and Israel, but they’re also dealing with their own internal schisms.

Vance discussed his travels in Israel and the connection he felt to the Israeli people, Fleischer and…

Source: Religion News Service · Read the full story →

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Sofía López

Vance spoke of his trips to Israel and the connection he felt with the people there, according to Fleischer. I think it's good that he answered the questions behind closed doors, but I wish he had been clearer about Carlson. In these times of rising anti-Semitism, people want to see strong positions, not just positive impressions.

Paul Johnson

Vance talking about his actual trips to Israel and feeling connected to the people there sounds like a solid start. Closed doors probably let him speak plainly without the usual sound bites. Still, skipping a clear break from Carlson leaves a loose end when antisemitism's already climbing.