Donald Trump. Image by Getty Images

Donald Trump told Jewish Republicans that he didn’t expect their support in his bid for the presidency.

“You’re not gonna support me even though you know I’m the best thing that could ever happen to Israel,” Trump said Thursday at the Republican Jewish Coalition’s candidates forum. “And I’ll be that. And I know why you’re not going to support me. You’re not going to support me because I don’t want your money. Isn’t it crazy?”

Introduced as a “mensch” with “chutzpah,” Trump, currently the Republican frontrunner, touted his Jewish familial connections. His daughter Ivanka is Jewish as are his grandchildren. Trump also touted his past support from the Jewish community.

“I have so many awards from Jewish groups,” Trump said.

Trump referred several times to his savvy as a businessman and negotiator, saying he would negotiate a better Iran deal (“It’s so easy”) and calling Secretary of State John Kerry “probably the worst negotiator I’ve ever seen.” He later called the American negotiating team on Iran “stupid.”

Appealing to the audience, Trump said: “This room negotiates deals. Perhaps more than any room I’ve ever spoken to.”

I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?

Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.

I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.

The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.

That’s why I’m paying it Forward. I’ve offered a $36,000 matching gift as an investment in the Forward’s newsroom, and I hope you’ll take me up on my offer to double your gift.

Don't just read the Forward - invest in it. Will you support our work today?

— Joel Brown, Forward board chair

Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.

$120 $180 $360 OTHER AMOUNT