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Are there other American families of German Jewish descent who found themselves on opposite sides in the U.S. presidential election? I’m still trying to wrap my head around how one of my relatives who fled Nazi Germany in 1938 supported the president-elect. I’ve pored through many articles to gain an understanding of what seems so incomprehensible. Why did nearly one third of Jewish voters support Trump? Will voter remorse settle in after the deportations begin? How will Jewish supporters react to the already growing number of hate crimes? And how will they explain away the appointment of a chief White House strategist with ties to white supremacists?
The quest for a rational answer to these questions is unnerving, but it doesn’t compare to the emotional pang of discovering that a member of your family is spreading false, hate-filled, and racist news stories and memes. As one relative’s steady stream of offensive social media posts grew, my sister and I ultimately realized that we were looking at a hard right member of our family who was overtly xenophobic if not outright racist. Ideological differences that had been simmering under a covered pot for years were suddenly exposed in the glaring light of Facebook. “What now?” we keep asking ourselves and each other.
Like millions of others I am seeking constructive ways to move forward. Attending Berlin’s anti-Trump protest over the weekend and making a donation to the Southern Poverty Law Center were first steps. My sister has also become politically activated and engaged. But I’m not quite ready to reconcile with family members who expressed views that I believe are immoral. I need some more time before taking that step.
A few weeks ago I wrote a Holocaust-related piece titled Why Don’t We Talk More About Reconciliation? I wasn’t thinking about family relationships at the time, but the sources I consulted may offer guidance for finding a path towards peaceful coexistence with parties who face each other across a deep chasm — families included.
Donna Swarthout 
I read your article about the recent election in the US. I see you fail to not account for the many reasons Hillary did not win. Maybe even a liberal like Michael Moore has the common sense and understanding not to call President Elect Trump supporters racist or xenophobic.
Its about a lady who is part of the establishment who stole an election from her other democratic rival. All liberals love to throw out hate and calling us xenophobic. The fact is non vetted people have no right in America. The fact is illegal aliens have no right in America’.
Understand the reasons and not your own personal beliefs. If Europe enjoys the refugees i wish the EU well with them.
I’m very proud to live in a country that has welcomed refugees and supports basic human rights rather than viewing the world from such a narrow-minded perspective.
Donna it is incomprehensible that a Jewish person would support DT. I am glad that my family had made the move to become German Citizens. Ironic that if life in the USA becomes too repressive a return back to Germany. Nice to have that alternative.
Thank you for your comment!