AJC Calls on Americans to Reject Political Violence and Affirm Election Process and Results

American Jewish Committee (AJC) CEO Ted Deutch issued the following statement in the week leading up to Election Day in the United States:

"American Jewish Committee (AJC), on the eve of the 2024 election, calls for civility in the lead up to, and in the days after, Election Day. Our democracy is built on respect for and trust in our electoral process and a smooth transition of power. It is up to its citizens and political leaders to maintain this ideal.

"Earlier this month, the Department of Homeland Security annual threat assessment highlighted concerns that 'election-related grievances,' such as a belief in voter fraud, could spur domestic extremists to violence before and after the November election, similar to the January 6, 2021, violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. The two assassination attempts against former President Trump during this campaign season point to the willingness of extremists to target events and officials.

"This is a problem that all Americans must confront. The Jewish community knows all too well, from long experience with antisemitism and its violent manifestations, that if we wait until an attack has occurred, we are too late. The same applies to our democracy. If we wait for another event like January 6 - or worse - to mount defenses for our democracy and our institutions, we will be negligent.

"American democracy is not immune from the struggles democracies across the globe have experienced. Democracy does not elect officials, and democracy does not make policy decisions; people vote in elections, and elected officials make policy decisions. People deserve free, fair, and safe elections to ensure the best outcomes for society as a whole. We applaud the election workers, poll monitors, and voters whose efforts strengthen and affirm American democracy. We stand in solidarity with those who guard against interference, intimidation, and political violence.

"Since its founding in 1906, AJC has worked to promote and safeguard democracy, pluralism, and civil and human rights. We remain committed to strengthening the fabric of our democracy and promoting bipartisan cooperation at every level of government to reignite Americans' trust in their institutions and, perhaps more importantly, in their neighbors, communities, and fellow citizens."

AJC is the global advocacy organization for the Jewish people. With headquarters in New York, 25 regional offices across the United States, 15 overseas posts, as well as partnerships with 38 Jewish community organizations worldwide, AJC's mission is to enhance the well-being of the Jewish people and Israel and to advance human rights and democratic values in the United States and around the world. For more, please visit www.ajc.org.

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