Trump Antisemitism Official to Visit Michigan Synagogue Ahead of Midterms, Backed by ZOA

The Justice Department has announced that Leo Terrell, the Trump administration’s antisemitism czar, will visit Congregation Shaarey Zedek in Southfield, Michigan, on Wednesday. The event, organized by the Justice Department, will also serve as a fundraiser for the state’s chapter of the Zionist Organization of America (ZOA). The visit is part of Terrell’s “American Tour Against Hate,” which aims to address rising antisemitism across the country.

Terrell, who chairs the administration’s Task Force to Combat Antisemitism, will engage in a conversation with Mort Klein, national head of ZOA, a group that has historically supported Trump but has occasionally diverged from his policies on Iran. The event page notes that ZOA Michigan seeks to bring the Department of Justice into direct dialogue with the state’s Jewish community, emphasizing the need for unity in confronting antisemitism.

The Justice Department’s involvement in the event includes a link to a ZOA registration page that encourages donations to become an event co-sponsor. While federal ethics rules restrict government employees from unauthorized fundraising, they do allow for authorized official fundraising and speeches at such events. Congregation Shaarey Zedek and several other local organizations, including a Jewish high school and pro-Israel advocacy groups, are listed as co-sponsors.

The timing of the visit comes amid heightened tensions in Michigan, particularly in the lead-up to the midterm elections. Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed has drawn criticism from local Jewish leaders for his rhetoric on Israel and Jewish safety. The ZOA Michigan event page highlights these concerns, noting that antisemitism is present in schools, public spaces, and among political candidates.

ZOA is a pro-Israel organization that supports the West Bank settlement movement and Israeli right-wing policies. In the U.S., it has also endorsed some of Trump’s immigration policies. The organization’s involvement in the event underscores its role in advocating for policies that align with its pro-Israel stance, while also addressing concerns about antisemitism in the region.

Federal tax law prohibits tax-exempt houses of worship from supporting or opposing political candidates, but Trump has sought to relax these restrictions. This context highlights the complex interplay between religious institutions, political advocacy, and the legal boundaries that govern their activities. The ZOA’s participation in the event reflects its broader mission to engage with government and community leaders on issues of national and international importance.

The visit to Shaarey Zedek and the associated fundraising efforts illustrate the intersection of government, religious organizations, and political advocacy in addressing antisemitism. As the event unfolds, it will be closely watched for its implications on the broader discourse surrounding Jewish safety, political rhetoric, and the role of advocacy groups in shaping public policy.

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