Donald Trump said he would test would-be immigrants for anti-Semitic beliefs and that Israel would be a key ally in defeating “radical Islam.”
Speaking Aug. 15 in Youngstown, Ohio, the Republican presidential nominee outlined national security policies that included “extreme vetting” for would-be immigrants, including those who would reject what he described as American values of tolerance.
“We should only admit into this country those who share our values and respect our people,” Trump said.
He also said Israel would be key in an alliance to face down the spread of radical Islam. “As president, I will call for an international conference focused on this goal,” Trump said. “We will work side by side with our friends in the Middle East, including our greatest ally, Israel.”
The Anti-Defamation League immediately took to Twitter to express concerns about Trump’s reiterated call to ban Muslim entry and entry from countries subject to violence.
“Refugees from Syria, Iraq, etc. are fleeing the same terror we fear,” the ADL said. “Suspending immigration would only trap those who need refuge most.”
Also speaking out was HIAS, the lead Jewish group advocating for immigrants and refugees.
“For the American Jewish community, the thought of barring a refugee family because of their religion or home country is simply unpalatable,” Melanie Nezer, the group’s vice president, said in a statement. — jta