Vice President Mike Pence at the Republican Jewish Coalition meeting in Las Vegas, February 24, 2017 Image by Nathan Guttman

By Nathan Guttman May 1, 2017

The month of May is proving to be busy for the Trump White House’s Jewish community outreach operation.

Last week, President Trump proclaimed the month of May as Jewish Heritage Month. And on Tuesday, in recognition of Israel’s 69th Independence Day, Vice President Mike Pence will host Jewish leaders for a reception at the White House’s Old Executive Building. Later on Tuesday, the administration is expected to dispatch National Security Adviser H. R. McMaster to speak at the Israeli embassy’s annual Independence Day reception.

Pence has been the administration’s go-to official for addressing the Jewish community. Since taking office he spoke at the Republican Jewish Council’s conference in Las Vegas, gave a major address at the AIPAC policy conference in Washington, and made an impromptu visit to the vandalized Missouri Jewish cemetery, during which Pence rolled up his sleeves and helped the clean-up efforts.

Forwarding the News

Thoughtful, balanced reporting from the Forward and around the web, bringing you updated news and analysis each day.

Terms(Required)

I agree to the Forward's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Email(Required)

And while relations with the Jewish community will focus on the ceremonial side this week, President Trump’s diplomatic efforts will center on the Palestinian side, as he hosts Palestinian Authority president Mahmoud Abbas at the White House on Wednesday.

Contact Nathan Guttman at [email protected] or on Twitter @nathanguttman

A message from our Publisher & CEO Rachel Fishman Feddersen

I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s award-winning, nonprofit journalism during this critical time.

The coming year promises to be filled with more complex and historic developments. We are entering an era where independent, fact-based Jewish journalism will be more important than ever. We need to be ready for whatever 2025 will bring, and with your help, we can be.

We’ve set a goal to raise $260,000 by December 31. That’s an ambitious goal, but one that will give us the resources we need to invest in the high quality news, opinion, analysis and cultural coverage that isn’t available anywhere else.

If you feel inspired to make an impact, now is the time to give something back. Join us as a member at your most generous level.

—  Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO

With your support, we’ll be ready for whatever 2025 brings.

$36 $500

$120 $180 Other amount