Last month on the streets of Charlottesville, Virginia neo-Nazis marched with swastikas on their flags and hatred in their hearts. They were chanting, “Jews will not replace us,” and “Blood and soil,” a Nazi slogan. These neo-Nazis attempted to intimidate Jews. In their minds, it would be appropriate if the Jewish race would disappear from this country, and yes, the world as well.

Neo-Nazis called their behavior “Christian pride,” but in reality, it was flat out anti-Semitism. It was not only revolting, but blood-curdling.

In response to this alarming event, President Trump did not condemn these neo-Nazis like any other reasonable, anti-chauvinist person would.

“You also had people [in the crowd of neo-Nazis] that were very fine people,” he said.

When Trump won the presidency, it was obvious that he would not condemn racism in a strict manner. The 1973 federal lawsuit against him for racial discrimination at Trump housing developments was proof of just that. \

However, when it came to denouncing anti-Semitism, some believed that he would be stringent and rigorous in doing so, for his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and daughter, Ivanka, are Jewish. This neo-Nazi rally, nevertheless, proved that the hate he possesses averts him from defending people like his own daughter. He lacks the ability to denounce neo-Nazis in a rigid manner because he does not fully oppose their agenda.

What’s ironic is that on multiple occasions, Trump has boasted about his “love” for Israel. In May he declared, “I make this promise to you: my administration will always stand with Israel.” But what’s the purpose of defending Jews across the world when he doesn’t defend them back home? Why does he not first stand up for Jews here, in America, before standing up for them in another country?

But don’t get confused. Trump assembling his administration to seem close to Israel is only for political purposes. He cannot afford to lose wealthy Jewish donors such as Sheldon Adelson. He approaches Israel in a caring manner to benefit himself, not the Jewish people.

As a Jew who was born in Israel and has recently become an American citizen, I am frightened by Trump’s actions. I immigrated to America for more protection, reassurance and immunity, not less. Trump’s ignorance of the immense powers of his words should be nerve-racking to all reasonable, mindful Americans. Saying that there were “very fine people” in a crowd of neo-Nazis only makes Nazism stronger in America, especially when those words come from one of the most powerful people in the world.

For generations now, American presidents have rigorously taken a stance against anti-Semitism. But now, under Trump’s administration, America has taken a step backward. He has given less meaning to the Preamble of the Constitution, which obligates the President to disavow people going against the notion of “we the people.”

Trump’s ability to enrich neo-Nazis in America is tough to combat, for every word he declares is heard by millions across the world. Nonetheless, people in his orbit have great influence in this area. His cabinet members need to be vocal in resisting his comments. If Trump’s own daughter, Ivanka, stands up to her father, it will not only increase the chances of him having a change of mind, but it will also assist in decreasing the threats that neo-Nazis pose.

Everyone in Trump’s inner circle needs to ask themselves a simple question: when this presidency is over, how do you want to be remembered? As one who accepted and enhanced bigotry and anti-Semitism, or as one who effectively shut down Trump’s pitiful remarks?