Minnesota Jewish Leaders Applaud Governor Tim Walz

The rest of the country will soon get to know Governor Tim Walz, and we are confident that they’ll see the same strong, compassionate leader we’ve come to know in our capacity as Jewish leaders and constituents. Gov. Walz has the experience and proven record of success advocating for issues that are of great importance to Jewish Americans, and we couldn’t feel better about having him on the national ticket.

The day that Vice President Harris announced her selection of Gov. Tim Walz to run with her, Steve Hunegs, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas (JCRC), released a statement stating that “Gov. Walz has a long record of friendship with both his Jewish constituents and the state of Israel. Gov. Walz has spoken at three of the JCRC’s past four (non-election year) Annual Events. Most recently, at our Annual Event on June 2, 2024, Gov. Walz spoke up forcefully in support of Israel and against those who seek to delegitimize it.”

Gov. Walz is now serving his second term as governor, where his record of success includes strengthening voting rights, cutting taxes for the middle class, lowering the cost of insulin, expanding paid leave for Minnesota workers, protecting reproductive freedom, including making Minnesota the first state to codify abortions rights since Roe v Wade was overturned, and providing universal free school meals for students. During his 12 years in Congress, Gov. Walz supported aid to Israel and the strategic relationship between the U.S. and Israel. As a social studies teacher, he advocated for Holocaust education and signed legislation mandating Holocaust education in public schools. These are all reflections of Jewish values.

On October 7, 2023, Gov. Walz swiftly condemned Hamas’s attack, stating “If you did not find moral clarity on Saturday morning, and you find yourself waiting to think about what you needed to say, you need to reevaluate where you’re at.” He ordered all flags at Minnesota state buildings be flown at half-staff to honor the victims of the attack. He joined the Minnesota Jewish community at a solidarity event and in a statement emphasized that “the United States and Israel are united by a shared commitment to democracy, economic prosperity, and regional security.”

We are clergy, lay leaders, and other members of the Jewish community who can personally attest to Gov. Walz’s genuine affection and understanding of the Jewish community. His commitment to our safety and security and to the U.S.-Israel relationship is proven and long- standing.

All signatories have signed solely in their individual capacities and not on behalf of any organizations with which they may have an affiliation.

Sincerely,