Should Jews Leave America?

An Eight-Part Investigation into America’s Future

June 3, 2026

Dear Friend, 

For decades I have been telling Jews not to fear anti-Semitism in America.

Today many are asking me a question:

“Rabbi Lapin, is it time to leave?”

It is a question I never expected to hear from thoughtful American Jews.

To answer that question, right now, I am preparing a special eight-part podcast series in which I will interview knowledgeable guests to explore and discover the true answer to the most urgent question facing American Jews: Should we leave America?  This series will only happen if eight men and women of conviction step forward to make it possible. These episodes will reach thousands of podcast listeners, newsletter readers, and viewers who care deeply about America and her values, faith, family, freedom, Israel, and the future of Western civilization.

Here’s the story behind this question that so many Jews are now asking me.

I have always insisted that America’s greatest asset for Jewish flourishing was not political influence but the strength of America’s Biblical culture and Christian foundations. 

I often proclaim that “America’s Bible belt is the Jewish safety belt.”

For more than thirty years I have been publicly discussing the relationship between Biblical civilization, Christianity, America, and Jewish security. 

I believed that as long as America and her constitution were safe, and as long as American Christianity was vital and healthy, Jews had nothing to worry about. And I still believe that to be true. The problem is that America and her Christian roots are under assault by the joint forces of Islam and progressivism and are no longer safe and healthy.

In the year 2000, the most objective demographic analyses estimated the total Muslim population in America to be 1.9 million. Those same analyses estimate that today, mid 2026, America’s Moslem population is 4.8 million and growing. (By comparison, those same analyses estimate America’s Jewish population at a relatively stable 4.5 million.)

It goes without saying that many of us have charming Moslem friends and neighbors. However, Europe’s experience reveals that with rapid population increase, we see frightening increases in radicalization, violence and intimidation. Compounding the threat for Jews, is that their old friends, liberal progressives, are allying themselves with Moslems in the demonization of Jews in general and Israel in particular.  

For decades I answered such concerns without hesitation. America was different. America’s Biblical foundations, constitutional protections, and enduring friendship between Jews and Christians made comparisons with Europe seem misplaced.

I still believe America is different. But I also understand why thoughtful Jews are asking questions they never asked before. They see anti-Semitism celebrated rather than condemned on elite campuses. They see growing hostility toward Israel. They see the moral confidence that once characterized America steadily eroding.

For the first time in my life, I find myself taking their concerns seriously.

And now American Jews are whispering a new question: “Is it time for us to flee America?”  

What do you think I should tell them?

After all…….
Some Jews left Spain in 1480 instead of waiting till 1492.
Some Jews left the Kingdom of Naples in 1530 rather than waiting till 1541
Some Jews left France in 1600 instead of waiting till 1615
Some Jews left Prague and Bohemia in 1739 instead of waiting till 1745
Some Jews left Moscow in 1885 rather than waiting till 1891
Some Jews left Germany, Poland, and Russia in 1930 instead of waiting for 1938.
Some Jews left Egypt, Libya, and Syria in 1945 instead of waiting till 1950.

In every century those who left early got away with their lives and even some of their assets.

Their friends and relatives who delayed, often lost both.

Those American Jews asking me if now is time to run are not crazy. They know their history.

What is more, most of those countries that made life uncomfortable for Jews subsequently went into decline. This story continues; France, England and other European countries are well into the process of exchanging their relatively small Jewish communities for millions of Moslem immigrants.  

This conversation is already happening in Jewish communities across America. The question is no longer theoretical. This series needs to be made available now while the debate is active and before fear drives more people to despair. 

I want us to demonstrate why America must be saved and why Jews and Christians right now have a providential role in helping that happen.  America can continue to be a safe and prosperous home to all her citizens.  I remain convinced that America is not destined to repeat Europe’s mistakes, and that renewal is still possible. 

We are creating a series of eight special podcast shows featuring:  

• Can America Sustain Multiple Civilizational Traditions?
• The Biblical Foundation of American Civilization
• Understanding the Deep Differences Between Biblical and Koranic Cultures
• Why Some Cultures Generate Peace While Others Generate Fear
• The Fragility of Secular Civilization
• The Historic Partnership of Jews and Christians
• What Israel and America Teach the World
• A Blueprint for National Renewal

For more than twenty-five years I have argued that the future of American Jews depends upon the future of America itself. I believe that message is more important today than ever before.

We are seeking eight Founding Sponsors at $2,500 each to help bring this important series to thousands of listeners through production, editing, travel, and promotion.

This is not simply a podcast project. It is an effort to provide clarity, courage, and hope at a moment when many Jews and Christians are asking profound questions about the future of America.

We need only eight Founding Sponsors. Several conversations are already underway, and I hope you will consider becoming one of them. 

Each participant will have the opportunity to be recognized as a Founding Sponsor of this important series. Sponsors may also choose to participate in a brief on-air conversation, allowing our audience to learn about the individuals and organizations helping bring this message to thousands of listeners. 

Together, we can help thousands of Americans better understand what made this country exceptional, why it is worth preserving, and why Jews and Christians have a providential role in its renewal. 

If you would like to participate as one of the eight Founding Sponsors, please make your tax-deductible contribution online, or mail your gift to: AAJC, PO Box 609, Owings Mills, MD 21117. 

I hope you will stand with me in helping ensure that future generations inherit an America worthy of preserving. 

Cordially,

Rabbi Daniel Lapin