WP: Future of Orthodox Jewish Vote Has Implications for GOP

[DeepModem Mom]

Future of Orthodox Jewish Vote Has Implications for GOP
Small but Growing Group Receptive to Republican Ideas
By Jim VandeHei
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, August 3, 2006; Page A06

Republicans are hoping a strong defense of Israel translates into greater support among Jewish voters this fall, but the biggest political benefits are likely to come long after the 2006 campaign concludes, according to political and demographic experts studying Jewish voting trends.

The Jewish group proving most receptive to Republican overtures over the past decade is among the smallest: Orthodox Jews. Right now, they account for roughly 10 percent of the estimated 5.3 million Jews in the United States, hardly enough to tip most elections.

This is likely to change significantly in the years ahead because Orthodox Jews are the fastest-growing segment of the Jewish population, raising the possibility that one of the most reliable Democratic voting blocs will be increasingly in play in future elections, according to surveys of Jewish voting and religious and social habits.

"The likelihood is there will be a very quick jump in the number of orthodox as the baby boomers age and die," said David A. Harris of the American Jewish Committee, a nonpartisan organization that conducts an annual survey of Jews. "They will be increasingly replaced by Orthodox children who are more" in line with Republicans.

This unfolding transformation of the Jewish community is coloring the debate over the latest Middle East conflict, Republican and Democratic lawmakers said. Both parties are emphasizing their commitment to Israel and looking for opportunities to portray the opposition as insufficiently supportive....

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/02/AR2006080201692.html

[WCGreen]

1. I'm not gonna loose any sleep over that...

[nealmhughes]

2. It's odd: some of the least defenders of Israel are the Ultra-Orthodox.

It's not that they don't like Israel or to be able to die in Jerusalem, it seems that Israel isn't strict enough for the secular statists!

Before the Hitlerzeit, most Reform Jews were anti-Zionist. That changed about 1939, as the previous emphsis had been on assilimation and not differentiation.

[orwell]

3. I so glad the Cons...

...don't pander to "special interests..."

[JackNewtown]

4. The growth in the Muslim/Arab vote

The growth in the pro-Palestinian Muslim and Arab votes will be much greater, both in growth rates and absolute numbers, than this. What the GOP gains among Orthodox Jews they will lose several times over among Muslims. We shouldn't worry much about this alleged trend toward to the GOP among Orthodox Jews, which was hyped greatly in 2004 but failed to materialize.

[chimpymustgo]

5. If they support GOP PNAC racism and warmonger - go on to the dark side!

And let us continue to fight for our progressive causes without you.

[KoKo]

6. Warning us about a turn to Repugs when "Boomers die?" Who paid

VandeHei to write that one? Sheesh...oldest boomers have just turned 60, and that's quite a prediction to assume that the children of orthodox will ALL turn Repug.

I think there will be more Hispanic children than children of Orthodox Jews that the parties will be courting. And the way things are going with both parties these days...neither one may resemble anything like what we have now when the Boomers have gone. :eyes: