The battle for the US presidency has moved beyond American shores, with campaigns increasingly focused on the roughly 9 million American citizens abroad who are eligible to cast their ballots in the November 5 election.

In a race where every vote could tip the balance, the overseas American vote has taken on newfound significance. This has prompted both the Democratic and Republican parties to launch extensive outreach efforts globally.

While American voters can be found worldwide, four regions have emerged as primary targets for campaign operations: Germany, Britain, the Scandinavian countries, and, perhaps unexpectedly, Israel. These concentrations of US passport holders have justified substantial organizational investments by both parties.

The Democratic Party maintains robust operations in Germany and Britain, where American expatriates traditionally lean heavily Democratic. However, the dynamics in Israel tell a different story. Though Democrats maintain a presence in Israel, it's the Republican Party that dominates the campaign landscape here. "Israel is home to more than half a million eligible American voters," says Republican Campaign Director Ariel Sender, who heads the party's Israeli operation.

"The voting patterns here present a mirror image of American Jewish voting behavior," Sender explains. "While Democrats typically capture 75-80% of the Jewish vote in America, here in Israel, more than 85% support the Republican Party and its presidential nominee."

"We're seeing unprecedented enthusiasm in this election cycle," Sender continues. "Our message resonates naturally because voters understand what's at stake – preventing four years of a Kamala Harris administration backed by progressive forces hostile to Israel. This concern cuts across the community, uniting both American-born Israelis and those who acquired US citizenship later in life. The prospect of a Harris presidency has created real anxiety."

While the Democratic Party hasn't surrendered the Israeli arena, its operation runs on a much smaller scale. Sources familiar with the campaigns estimate the Democratic budget in Israel to be barely one-tenth of Republican spending.

Ethan Kushner, who chairs Democrats Abroad in Israel, confirms their continued efforts to assist voters with registration, ensure timely receipt of ballots from home districts, and facilitate vote submission.

"During her vice presidency, Harris cast the decisive Senate vote that secured aid for Israel," Kushner argues. "She will maintain America's historic commitment to global leadership," he asserts while warning that "American Jews must remain vigilant about Trump, given his trafficking in antisemitism."

The post For Trump, Harris, path to 270 runs through Israel appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

The Israeli-American Council (IAC) National Summit 2021 is scheduled to take place in person this December in South Florida, which will make it the first and only major nationwide Jewish community in-person event since the start of the COVID pandemic.

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The IAC National Summit 2021 will be held at the Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, Florida, from Thursday, Dec. 9 through Saturday, Dec. 11. The summit is projected to bring together more than 3,000 global activists, entrepreneurs, influencers, and thought leaders for dialogue, panels, and nightlife.

With the US Jewish community facing growing antisemitism and Israel confronting unprecedented challenges, the summit will promote global Jewish unity around the theme "Israel. Together." That focus means gathering "together as a connected community, together as the Jewish people, and together in a shared unconditional love for Israel," said IAC co-founder and CEO Shoham Nicolet.

"We are here to support and strengthen our two homes – here and in Israel," said Nicolet. "Coming together as a united community to support Israel and the Jewish people in these challenging times is essential."

This year's summit will also institute special COVID precautions, including rapid COVID testing on-site and the provision of masks. In addition, all main sessions will also be broadcast on large outdoor LED screens to allow for an outdoor experience. Weather permitting, an Israeli Friday evening Shabbat dinner under the stars will bring American Jews and Israeli-Americans together for a timeless tradition.

The Adelson family owns the company that is the primary shareholder in Israel Hayom and has been a major IAC donor. 

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