Why is Antisemitism at the Center of Attacks on Democracy?

Over the past few months, the Trump administration has detained and attempted to deport student visa holders and even a green card holder and stripped funding from universities, all in the name of fighting antisemitism. Most of the American Jewish community, though, even if alarmed and frightened by the rise of antisemitism since October 7, believes in democratic institutions and constitutional rights -including the right to free speech and due process. Why is the administration invoking antisemitism in order to dismantle democracy? What are potential implications for the Jewish and broader community, and how can the Jewish community respond?

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