“President Trump’s speech to a joint session of Congress did not stray far from his campaign promises to target immigrants, repeal the Affordable Care Act, drastically increase defense spending, and cut safety net programs — all policy initiatives that NCJW opposes. And while he gave lip service to some policies we support, like paid leave, he did not lay out any details as to who would benefit, leaving more questions than answers.

“During the address the president renewed his pledge to repeal the Affordable Care Act. He offered no path toward a replacement plan that would protect individuals and families’ access to affordable, quality health services and coverage. Repeal will take away insurance from more than 30 million people. The consequences will hit women especially hard, particularly women struggling to make ends meet, women of color, and women who are LGBTQ, given the many benefits gained under the ACA. The law prohibits discrimination based on gender and sexual orientation, ensures affordable coverage for people with pre-existing conditions, and has helped 55 million women afford contraception and other preventive care with no out-of-pocket cost.

“Perhaps most disturbing was the president’s rhetorical fusillade once again aimed at immigrants. Despite the fact that immigrants commit crimes at a lower rate than native born Americans, he has decided to create a special office in the White House that would assist the victims of such crimes, while, presumably, ignoring all the others victimized by crime across the country. While calling for immigration reform out of one side of his mouth, he highlighted false narratives about the danger immigrants pose to society out of the other side, serving to further demonize this already vulnerable population.

“The president’s condemnation of anti-Semitic acts is long overdue. The increasing number of such acts, coupled with the growth in hate crimes directed against Muslims and other marginalized groups, is cause for immediate action. We await the active intervention of the White House in ensuring a peaceful, hate-free environment for those of every faith and no faith at all.”

The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms. More information on Facebook and on Twitter at @NCJW.