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Analyzing the Cultural Shift Towards Virtual Poker Spaces Among Canadian Players

Canadian players have shown a strong inclination towards online poker. With approximately 19.3 million active gamblers in the country, this level of participation places Canada within the top 10 globally, specifically ranking eighth in the global online gaming industry. The global online poker player base is estimated to be 100 million strong, with 60 million players located in the United States.

Substantial Growth in Ontario’s Online Poker Scene

Ontario’s online poker scene has seen significant growth. During the period from October to December 2023, wagers on peer-to-peer poker reached CAD 431 million, representing a 9% increase from the preceding quarter. Concurrently, the number of active player accounts surged to 1.2 million in Q3 2023, compared to 943,000 in Q2. GGPoker Ontario led in cash game traffic, averaging 281 concurrent players.

A study examining online poker playing trends, based on electronic betting data for 2,489 subscribers from 2015 to 2017, reported that overall financial involvement and time commitment were generally moderate. However, the top 1% of players exhibited disproportionately higher financial involvement and time commitments, with a median total overall spend of €272,581.4 and a median number of sessions amounting to 1,149.

Cultural Influences on Poker Strategies

Cultural influences have impacted online poker in Canada. Different regions exhibit distinct styles of play. The multilingual nature of online poker adds another layer of complexity. The interpretation of poker terminology and expressions can vary greatly based on cultural contexts.

An estimated 3.1 million Canadians reported playing poker for fun at least once a month in 2022, up from 2.3 million in 2011. The game often serves as a means of camaraderie and friendly competition. Moreover, major poker events in Canada, such as the Canadian Poker Open and the World Series of Poker, attract thousands of players from around the world.

Market Presence of International Sites

The online poker scene in Canada is well-supported by the presence of major international sites like GGPoker. These platforms offer various games and stakes, catering to player preferences and skill levels. GGPoker, recognized as the largest online poker room globally, has emerged as a market leader in Canada. The platform continues to engage players through dynamic experiences and live events, including the WSOP Circuit in Toronto.

The start of online poker in Canada aligns with the increasing use of smartphones and internet access worldwide. This technological shift has contributed to the market’s growth. The comprehensive suite of features provided by sites such as GGPoker has made it possible for Canadian players to participate actively in online poker communities. The growth in user numbers and financial involvement highlights the sustained interest in online poker in Canada.

Technological Influence on the Shift

The integration of advanced technologies and the increasing use of smartphones have revolutionized online poker in Canada. High-speed internet access and mobile-friendly platforms have made it easier for players to engage in games anytime, anywhere. This accessibility has attracted a diverse range of players, from casual gamers to serious professionals, all contributing to the vibrant online poker community.

Furthermore, the use of data analytics and AI-driven tools by online poker platforms enhances the gaming experience. These technologies help in understanding player behavior, optimizing game strategies, and providing personalized recommendations. The adaptive and responsive nature of these platforms ensures that players remain engaged and invested in the game.

The Social Aspect of Online Poker

Online poker in Canada is not just about the game; it also serves as a social activity. Many players join online poker rooms to connect with friends and meet new people. The interactive features, such as chat rooms and live dealer options, create a sense of community and camaraderie. This social aspect is a significant factor driving the popularity of online poker among Canadian players.

Responsible Gaming and Regulatory Measures

As the online poker market grows, there is an increasing emphasis on responsible gaming and regulatory measures. Canadian authorities have implemented stringent regulations to ensure fair play and protect players from gambling-related issues. Online poker platforms are required to adhere to these regulations, offering features such as self-exclusion options, deposit limits, and access to support services for players in need.

The Role of Marketing and Promotions

Marketing strategies and promotions play a crucial role in the growth of online poker in Canada. Leading platforms like GGPoker use targeted advertising, welcome bonuses, and loyalty programs to attract and retain players. These marketing efforts are tailored to appeal to various demographics, ensuring a broad and inclusive player base. Special events and tournaments, often heavily promoted, create excitement and draw significant participation, further boosting the visibility and popularity of online poker.

Future Trends and Predictions

Looking ahead, the future of online poker in Canada appears promising. Advances in technology, such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), are expected to transform the gaming experience, making it more immersive and interactive. Additionally, the growing acceptance and integration of cryptocurrencies in online poker transactions offer greater convenience and security for players. These trends, coupled with ongoing innovations in game design and player engagement, suggest a dynamic and evolving online poker landscape in Canada.

Conclusion

The shift towards virtual poker spaces among Canadian players is characterized by robust participation rates, cultural influences, diverse playing styles, and the substantial presence of major international platforms. The consistent player engagement, adaptive strategies influenced by cultural values, and the technological infrastructure provided by leading platforms like GGPoker highlight the active involvement of Canadians in the online poker domain.

This data-driven analysis presents a clear vision of the current state of online poker among Canadian players, focusing on specific metrics and findings that illustrate their active participation in the virtual poker space. As technology continues to evolve and the market expands, the future of online poker in Canada looks promising, with a continued emphasis on innovation, player engagement, and responsible gaming practices.

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JeetCity — Your Best Partner in the World of Online Casinos in Canada

This review will introduce you to the best features of JeetCity — a unique online casino platform in Canada. Here there are detailed instructions for registering with JeetCity, making a deposit and much more useful information about games, bonuses, payment methods and more.

Explore the Exciting Features of JeetCity

You will be interested to know that JeetCity online casino in Canada has been making waves in the online gambling industry since its inception. Committed to providing an exceptional gaming experience, JeetCity has become a popular destination for casino lovers across the country. Since it is a licensed and regulated platform, players can enjoy their favorite games with peace of mind, knowing that fairness and safety are JeetCity’s top priorities.

JeetCity online casino boasts a wonderful visual design that recreates the atmosphere of a real casino, a huge selection of games that can satisfy the preferences of absolutely any player. Whether you prefer to play on the go or from the comfort of your home, JeetCity caters to your every need. A user-friendly website (https://jeetcity-ca.com/) and an intuitive mobile app make the games easy to play on a variety of devices. By becoming a JeetCity user, you will be able to immerse yourself in a world of exciting games, tempting bonuses and unparalleled entertainment.

Discover the Uniqueness of JeetCity Online Casino

You can see for yourself that the JeetCity online casino section is a real paradise for all players. It boasts of a stunning visual platform that brings the excitement of a real casino straight to your screen. In addition, there will be a huge selection of games for every taste. From classic table games such as blackjack and roulette to a wide range of slot machines and jackpot games.

Table games

At JeetCity, you can experience the most popular types of table games, the perfect blend of excitement and strategy for any type of player. Immerse yourself in timeless classics like blackjack, where your skills and decision-making will help you beat the dealer, or try your luck with the spinning roulette wheel, carefully choosing your bets for a big win. There is also a Baccarat, an exciting yet simple card game that is ideal for both new and experienced players.

Slots

At JeetCity, you will find an extensive collection of slot machines, ranging from classic three-reel slots to modern video slots filled with exciting themes and advanced features. Whether you’re a fan of nostalgic fruit machines or exciting story-based games, there’s something for everyone. With hundreds of games to select from, you can explore slots with unique bonus rounds, free spins and progressive jackpots for the chance to win big.

Jackpot Games

Experience the thrill of chasing life-changing prizes with progressive jackpot games at JeetCity. These games offer ever-growing prize pools that increase with every bet, giving you the chance to win huge payouts. From popular slot machines to unique jackpot options, JeetCity has something for every player.

Live Dealer Games

Get into the excitement of JeetCity Live Dealer Games, where you can play with professional dealers in real time from the comfort of your home. These games are streamed in high definition, creating an authentic casino atmosphere and live interaction. Whether it’s blackjack, roulette, baccarat or poker, you’ll feel like you’re sitting at a real casino table. Chat with dealers, other players and enjoy a smooth gaming experience.

Excellent Features of JeetCity Mobile App

It is worth noting that JeetCity app has become a famous name in the world of online gaming in Canada, captivating players with its exciting casino games and tempting bonuses. To cater to the growing demand for mobile gaming, JeetCity has developed its cutting-edge mobile app that allows you to enjoy your favorite casino games on the go. The app has been designed with a focus on user experience and convenience to provide a safe and immersive gaming environment. The mobile application is available for both Android and iOS devices, covering a fairly wide audience of users. 

The JeetCity mobile app allows players to enjoy their favorite games without being tied to a desktop computer, guaranteed. And regular updates and notifications will definitely only improve your gaming experience. It is important to note that JeetCity app prioritizes the safety of its users by providing each of you with a safe and secure platform to enjoy your gaming sessions with peace of mind. Don’t wait, just download the JeetCity app now and embark on an unforgettable gaming adventure filled with excitement, rewards and endless possibilities.

Simple and Affordable Registration Process in JeetCity

Experiencing the excitement of online gaming at JeetCity is easy thanks to the easy registration process. Whether you are an experienced player or new to the world of online casinos, registering with JeetCity is very easy. To register with JeetCity, follow these step-by-step instructions:

  1. To get started, on your device in any browser convenient for you, go to the official JeetCity website;
  2. Then go to the registration section located on the main page of the site;
  3. Provide the required information in the registration form that appears on the screen, such as your name, email address, desired username and secure password;
  4. Next, be sure to select your preferred currency for your gaming account;
  5. Confirm your age and accept the terms of use of the JeetCity platform by checking the appropriate box;
  6. Once again, carefully check all the information you have entered, complete the registration by clicking on the “Submit” button at the bottom of the page; 
  7. Follow the instructions to complete the verification process for your account.

Now, once your account is verified, you can enter into the exciting gameplay of JeetCity and fully explore the unique features of the platform.

Discover Exciting Bonuses and Promotions at JeetCity Canada

At JeetCity, the ability to reward players with exciting bonuses and promotions that enhance the gaming experience and maximize winning potential is an important criterion for the platform. Get ready to jump into the world of online gaming with a host of tempting offers awaiting you at JeetCity today.

Welcome Bonus

The most popular type of JeetCity bonus, which allows you to start your gaming journey into the world of games with a pleasant reward of up to 200% on your first deposit. For example, if you deposit CAD 100, the bonus will give you an additional CAD 200, giving you a total of CAD 300 to play with. This incredible bonus allows you to explore a wide selection of games and maximize your chances of winning.

Free Spins

JeetCity is committed to giving players more chances to win, and that’s what free spins promotions are all about. Free spins allow you to try your luck on the most popular slot machines without spending your own money.  JeetCity regularly updates its free spins offers, tying them to exciting new slot releases or special events.

Reload Bonuses

Reload bonuses are designed to keep your gaming experience interesting by offering a percentage match on your subsequent deposits. For example, when you fund your account, JeetCity rewards you with bonus funds based on a certain percentage of your deposit amount. These bonuses are a great way to boost your bankroll, giving you extra funds to explore more games and try new strategies.

Cashback Offers

In JeetCity, every player deserves a second chance, even if luck is not on their side. This is why the platform offers exciting cashback promotions designed to soften the blow of any losses. With a cashback bonus, a percentage of your net losses for a certain period will be returned to your account as a bonus. This means you can keep playing and have another opportunity to turn things around and win big.

Secure and Convenient Payment Methods in JeetCity

By becoming a user of the JeetCity platform, you can have absolutely peace of mind while playing, because the company maintains the maximum security of transactions of all its clients. The wide range of payment methods will allow you to fully control your gaming experience. 

Whether you prefer the speed and convenience of credit or debit cards, the flexibility of e-wallets, or the anonymity of cryptocurrency, JeetCity has your needs covered. The most popular payment methods include using Visa and Mastercard, Interac, PayPal or Bitcoin.

It’s important to note that JeetCity Canada has a minimum withdrawal amount of 20 CAD, ensuring you can access your winnings when you’re ready. And for big wins, there is a maximum withdrawal limit of CAD 10,000 per transaction, giving you the opportunity to fully enjoy your rewards.

Easy Deposit Process at JeetCity

Rest assured, recharging your funds at JeetCity is a simple and secure process. Follow these simple steps to make a deposit and start enjoying an exciting gaming experience:

  1. To begin, log into your JeetCity account using your credentials;
  2. After logging in, on the main page, find and open the deposits section; 
  3. Select your preferred payment method from the wide range of safe and secure methods offered by JeetCity;
  4. In the appropriate field, indicate the amount you want to deposit into your account;
  5. Check the details again and confirm the deposit;
  6. Your funds will be instantly credited to your JeetCity account, after which you can fully enjoy the world of online casino games.

How is the Process of Withdrawing Winnings in JeetCity?

Withdrawing your winnings at JeetCity is as easy as making your first deposit. Follow these steps to access your rewards:

  1. Start by logging into your JeetCity account; 
  2. Next, go to the withdrawal section located on the main page;
  3. Then select your most preferred withdrawal option;
  4. Indicate the amount you want to withdraw from your account;
  5. Depending on the method you choose, you will need to follow further on-screen instructions;
  6. Once again, carefully check all the information you entered and send a request to withdraw funds;
  7. Please wait until your withdrawal request is processed.

The time required to receive funds vary depending on the withdrawal method selected and any additional verification processes. JeetCity prioritizes high speed and secure withdrawals to ensure a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience for each of its users.

FAQ

What withdrawal methods are available in JeetCity Canada?

JeetCity offers a wide range of withdrawal methods to cater to the needs of its diverse customer base. Some options include Visa, Mastercard, Interac e-Transfer, PayPal and Bitcoin.

What promotions does JeetCity offer to players in Canada?

JeetCity offers a variety of exciting bonuses and promotions, including welcome bonuses, free spins, reload bonuses, cashback offers, and tournaments.

What sets JeetCity apart from other online casinos in Canada?

JeetCity offers a visually stunning platform, an abundance of games, lucrative bonuses, and a seamless mobile experience that truly replicates the atmosphere of a real casino.

Is JeetCity licensed and regulated?

Yes, players can trust that JeetCity prioritizes fairness and security as a licensed and regulated platform in the online gambling industry.

Can I play JeetCity games on my mobile device? 

Absolutely! JeetCity is optimized for mobile play, offering a seamless experience across smartphones and tablets, so players can enjoy their favorite games anytime and anywhere.

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Features

Susan Roadburg: The Road Less Travelled

Sue Roadburg

By GERRY POSNER Robert Frost was not likely thinking of Susan Roadburg when he penned his famous line in the poem “The Road Less Travelled.” Yet, the line which says “Two roads diverged in the wood, and I took the road less travelled and that has made all the difference”  certainly is a line which applies to the life and career of Sue Roadburg, once Susan Rumberg, daughter of the late Betty and Joe Rumberg. It was not a straight road for Sue, but it was a path with twists and turns. 
 A former resident of Montrose and later Oak Streets in the south end of Winnipeg, Sue finished her high school education at Grant Park High School. The plan was to get a BA and then enter either Nursing or Social Work. What stepped in her way was her first stop on the road – Eaton’s. Back then -the 1960s, Eaton’s had what was known as a junior council – one for males and one for females. Well, after a selection process, Sue was chosen by Eaton’s to be Grant Park’s junior councillor. She received a uniform and performed simple duties, including weekly meetings with senior Eaton’s executives, getting volunteers for the annual Eaton’s Santa Claus parades (Who could forget them?), ushering at Eaton’s sponsored rock concerts and sundry other tasks. From that time to many years forward, Sue and Eaton’s were a team. She even worked for them during her university years.
 Clearly, the affection Sue had for her work at Eaton’s was reciprocated as, upon the resignation of the then youth fashion director, Sue was offered that job. Her plans for nursing or social work were derailed. Sue represented Eaton’s by making presentations at high schools; running “HI Set Clubs” for teens; coordinating shows for the University of Manitoba’s “ Freshie Week;”  teaching the Seventeen Beauty Workshop; writing a monthly teen newsletter and monthly column for “Youth Beat” – which went to all Winnipeg high schools and selecting fashions for the weekly TV show, Teen Dance Party.  You could say that Susan Rumberg was well into the teen world at that time. It was at this time when Susan became Sue as Eaton’s wanted her first and last names to have an unequal number of syllables. Maybe that is why Eaton’s closed up. But you can still call her Susan as many friends still do. 
 Then, an unusual turn of events led to Sue becoming what might be called the Miss Manners of Manitoba. Susan became connected by good fortune with a woman who ran courses on party manners throughout the US and indeed, for the president’s children. Through that relationship, Eaton’s in Winnipeg ran a course on the topic led by the then Susan Rumberg as she was the teacher of the course to hundreds of Winnipeg girls, ages 5-12. But soon Susan came to realize that she was ready to move on and settled in Montreal where she immediately learned French. The Bay became interested in her and she even upgraded her limited French speaking skills. Soon she had her doing staff training at the downtown store and she did it in both French and English.  Not long after, she received an offer to become a buyer for the Bay – with crazy hours and lots of travel time. This was at a time when there were major issues in Quebec about separation, so the buying office moved to Toronto with the young Susan Rumberg – along with the whole department. Toronto brought marriage and three kids. 
 By this time, Sue was quite well known in the fashion world. She was approached by a student at Seneca College who was required to interview a buyer. At that time, Sue was the jeans buyer. This meeting led to another meeting and before Sue knew it, Seneca got wind of her very helpful role with their students and it was not long before Susan Roadburg was ensconced at Seneca teaching full time, eventually leading to teaching becoming the longest part of her career.
 Sue’s teaching led to yet another twist in the road. As part of the course work a program was created for her to develop what was called a  boutique “lab.”  She taught and also was able to get her students involved in the translation of books into action. She would attend vendor appointments on Fridays with the merchandise managers and buyers. She also helped the advertising manager put on a huge fashion show at the big hall at Seneca Collage. The accounts payable manager paid all the invoices and presented financial statements, relating to what had been learned in Retail Math. (She also taught that subject.) A new class took over each semester. Sue developed an infrastructure for the class much like those of the large companies that her students aspired to work for upon graduation. In short, textbook theories were brought to life through this boutique experience, a kind of ‘hands-on” approach.
 Sue just finished her teaching career a few years ago. She is still connected to the industry through FGI (Fashion Group International), an organization for executives in the fashion industry. She is even the nominating chair for the board of the only Canadian chapter located in Toronto. And Sue was recently recognized by FGI with what is known as The Visionary Award  by FGI. This is what might be called reaching the top of the mountain in her field. 
 Sue’s road is less travelled to Winnipeg these days, but she still has some ties there. Her brother Ross Rumberg is buried there. There are still friends from her past. Her memories are strongly connected to her Winnipeg days. What Sue might also say is that Rumberg to Roadburg was the first of the many roads she travelled, but she is still charting out new paths. 
 
 

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Donald Trump and the 2024 Jewish Vote

By HENRY SREBRNIK How did American Jews vote in the November 5, 2024 presidential election? There’s no simple answer. American Jews are a hard-to-define religious and ethnic group spread across multiple American Census categories, possessing last names from at least a dozen different languages and clustered in places that are often overwhelmingly non-Jewish. It takes a team of demographers and sociologists to determine a plausible American Jewish population figure. 

So deciding who qualifies as a Jewish voter is not that easy. Must they feel a sense of belonging to the Jewish people, however defined? Or can they be “simply” Jewish, perhaps with a non-Jewish partner and children not being brought up as Jews? (After all, we have Jews by birth who are “anti-Zionists” and supporters of Palestinian efforts to destroy Israel.) That’s why figures vary widely. 

American Jews number less than 2.5 per cent of the total U.S. population. To be sure, Jews vote in much greater percentages (approximately 80 per cent) than the rest of the American public (about 66 per cent). But the Jewish role in American politics goes well beyond the ballot box. In 2016, the Jerusalem Post reported on a study showing that Jews donate 50 per cent of all funding to the Democratic Party and 25 percent of all funding to the Republican Party. For the 2024 election, Forbes revealed that the top 15 donors to the Kamala Harris campaign were all people who identified as Jewish.

For about a century, American Jews, however defined, have been a reliable piece of the Democratic Party base, usually delivering two-thirds or more of their votes to the party’s presidential nominee. Over the last half century, going back to the 1968 election, Jews have favored the Democratic candidate by about 71 to 29 per cent. But in 2024, change was in the air, despite the absurd claims by some people that Donald Trump was an “antisemite.”

It turns out this proved largely baseless, according to the “2024 Jewish Vote Analysis,” a report released on November 20, 2024 by WPA Intelligence, a conservative political consultancy and analytics firm. In examining available exit polling, city and county data, and precinct data, it suggested that Trump’s strongest gains were among “those who live the most Jewish lives and reside in the most Jewish communities.”

Looking at Jewish neighbourhoods and towns, “the trends are stark and unmistakable,” WPA Intelligence stated. “Because Judaism is in some ways a communal religion and observant Judaism requires localized infrastructure, Jews who live in Jewish areas tend to be more religious and engaged. And in these neighborhoods, we see large shifts towards Trump.” Some of the most dramatic swings in the Jewish vote happened in New York. It also identified shifts in heavily Jewish areas of California, Florida, Michigan, New Jersey,and Pennsylvania. (California, New Jersey, and New York are where more than 45 per cent of American Jews live.)

“The trend is apparent from Trump’s near-unanimous support among Chassidic and Yeshivish Jews; to his rapid consolidation of the Modern Orthodox vote; to incremental gains even in more liberal Jewish areas such as Oak Park and Upper Manhattan,” the report added. “So, too, is it diverse ethnically and geographically, occurring coast to coast and overrepresenting Persian and ex-Soviet Jewish communities.”

Trump received the “overwhelming” majority of votes in New York City precincts with a Jewish population of at least 25 per cent. His 2024 performance in New York marked a substantial improvement over the 2020 and 2016 elections. 

Trump also enjoyed greater success in heavily Jewish enclaves of deep-blue Democratic cities such as Chicago and Los Angeles, according to data compiled by the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners and the Los Angeles Times, respectively. 

These gains have been confirmed by the Jewish website Tablet. “Who Won the Jewish Vote?” by Armin Rosen, published on November 14, 2024, includes very detailed comparisons of precinct-level numbers from the 2020 and 2024 elections. It indicated that Trump did improve his performance in a range of Jewish neighborhoods across America. “From the yeshivas of Lakewood, New Jersey, to the bagel shops of New York’s Upper West Side; from Persian Los Angeles to Venezuelan Miami; from the Detroit suburbs to the Chabadnik shchuna in Brooklyn’s Crown Heights, Jewish areas voted in higher percentages for the Republican candidate than they did in 2020.”

Nearly every neighborhood in New York with a notable density of Jewish-specific businesses and institutions, be they Hasidic, Litvish, Syrian, Russian, Bukharan, Conservative, Reform or modern Orthodox, voted heavily Republican or saw a rise in Trump’s performance. 

In Brooklyn, the Midwood precincts containing Yeshiva of Flatbush voted 62 per cent for Trump. In Brighton Beach, Brooklyn’s main post-Soviet Jewish enclave, Trump’s support was consistently in the 75-90 per cent range. In Crown Heights, headquarters of the Chabad Hasidic movement, Trump got 62 per cent of the vote this time around, likely on the strength of higher turnout among Chabadniks. Back in 2016, when Trump ran against Hillary Clinton, he won 69 per cent of the vote in all of Assembly District 48, which encompasses Borough Park and Midwood (both largely Jewish communities). This year, he won 85 per cent of the vote in the district.

In the Bronx, Trump received 30 per cent of the vote in the precinct containing the Riverdale Jewish Center, and 38 per cent in the precinct with the neighborhood’s Chabad house. In Manhattan, a few of the borough’s lightest-blue Democratic precincts have the Yeshiva University campus at their center, and Trump managed to receive 37 per cent of the vote there. The Upper West Side, a traditional liberal Jewish political and cultural bastion, remained dark blue. But even there it was possible to see a shift. 

Ranging a bit further afield, at least one plausible study, a poll taken by the Teach Coalition, an advocacy group founded by the Jewish Orthodox Union, found overall Jewish support for Trump in the New York suburbs at 40 per cent. Nassau County, where Jews make up close to 20 per cent of the population, saw Trump win it by five per cent, while Joe Biden took it by 10 in 2020.

The returns from other major American Jewish population centers tell a similar story, according to Tablet. Over 600,000 Jews live in New Jersey. The modern Orthodox stronghold of Teaneck gave Trump 35 per cent. In fact, he won 70 per cent of the vote in districts where most of the town’s synagogues are located. In Lakewood, where nearly every strain of Orthodox Judaism is represented, “Some of the precinct results are eye-watering,” reports Tablet. There, Kamala Harris got just 11.2 per cent. In one Lakewood precinct, District 27, Trump won all the votes, 366–0, and in another, District 36, he won 560 votes, losing only a single vote.

Trump carried Passaic County, home to a sizable Orthodox Jewish constituency. Jews make up about 25 percent of the county’s population and it has been a Democratic stronghold for decades. Biden took it with 57.5 per cent to Trump’s 41 per cent four years ago. In 2024, Trump won it with 50 per cent to Harris’s 46.5 percent. That’s a 16-point overall swing in Trump’s favor.

Voting data indicates that there was a significant shift among Jewish voters in in the crucial state of Pennsylvania. It was one of the few states without a large Orthodox Jewish population where Trump did especially well with Jewish voters. Harris did win Pennsylvania Jewish voters by seven percentage points, 48-41, according to a survey conducted by the Honan Strategy Group for the Teach Coalition. However, 53 per cent of Jewish voters said they would have pulled the lever for her had Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro been her running mate, while support for Trump would have dropped to 38 per cent. Jewish community leaders claimed that Shapiro was subjected to an ugly, antisemitic campaign that led to him being passed over for the slot. 

The Miami area is home to over 500,000 Jews. Aventura is one of the community’s bellwethers, and Trump gained 59.7 per cent this year. An almost identical shift happened in the Miami Beach community of Surfside, where Trump took 61 per cent. Bal Harbour, another Jewish enclave, saw Trump gain 72 per cent.

In Palm Beach County, there are about 175,000 Jews out of a population of 1.5 million, or about 12 per cent. Harris won this county by 0.74 per cent, while Biden won it by 13 per cent in 2020. Trump’s vote climbed nearly seven per cent while hers dropped an equal amount off Biden’s number. Almost exactly the same type of shift happened in Broward County, where Biden got 64 per cent in 2020; the vote shifted 14 per cent toward Trump this year. Jews make up about 10 per cent of the Broward population.

In Los Angeles, where 560,000 Jews live, an article by Louis Keene, “How a Jewish Neighbourhood in Liberal Los Angeles Became a Stronghold for Trump,” published December 10 in the Forward newspaper, provides a detailed picture of the Jewish electorate. The political shift in Pico-Robertson, an Orthodox neighborhood in LA’s Westside, reflects voters “with a change of heart and changing demographics.”

Formerly majority Democratic, in 2024 for the first time, parts of Pico-Robertson turned red. Its two largest precincts swung for Trump, who received about 51 per cent of the votes compared to 44 per cent for Harris. Rabbi Elazar Muskin, who leads Young Israel of Century City, one of the oldest and largest synagogues in the neighbourhood, estimated that up to 90 per cent of his congregation voted for Trump, largely because of Israel. 

As Yeshivish and Mizrahi Jews — those of Middle Eastern or North African heritage — have established a greater presence in Pico-Robertson, the area has become increasingly defined by a conservative culture and electorate. There is also a booming Persian population, as well as emergent Chabad and other Hasidic Jews.

A poll of Orthodox voters by Nishma Research in September found 93 per cent of Haredi voters supporting Trump; while data on the Persian Jewish community’s politics is harder to come by, community leaders said the numbers are similar.

Elsewhere in LA, the presence of a Chabad house or a synagogue was a reliable predictor of Trump support. For instance, Trump got 40 per cent of the vote in the North Hollywood precinct where Adat Yeshurun Valley Sephardic and Em Habanim Sephardic are located. 

Los Angeles in turn mirrors the general trend in the rest of the country. Michigan is home to 116,000 Jews. West Bloomfield, centre of the Detroit-area Jewish community, went 43.7 per cent for Trump. Illinois’ 319,000 Jews live mainly in Chicago. Trump picked up votes in the Far North Side wards where Orthodox Jewish voters live, especially in the 50th Ward, where his vote increased to 46.85 per cent from 33.77 per cent in 2020.

Of course the Republican vote did not just come from the very religious. Trump also clearly gained among those most committed to Jewish identity, regardless of affiliation or observance, who were driven by concerns over left-wing antisemitism after the October 7 massacre.

Over the course of his campaign, Trump repeatedly touted his support for the Jewish state during his first term in office. While courting Jewish voters, Trump reminded Jews about his administration’s work in fostering the Abraham Accords, promising to resume the efforts to strengthen them. Trump also recognized Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights, a strategic region on Israel’s northern border previously controlled by Syria, and he also moved the U.S. embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, recognizing the city as the Jewish state’s capital.

We must lay to rest the nonsense about Trump being antisemitic, lest we are to believe that the more Jewish you are, the more likely it was that you voted for an enemy of the Jewish people. Americans, including Jews, returned the arguably most pro-Israel president since the founding of the modern Jewish state to the White House.

Henry Srebrnik is a professor of political science at the University of Prince Edward Island.

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