Washington (CNN) Donald Trump touted his pro-Israel bona fides and tried to connect with the audience of wealthy Jewish donors, repeatedly referring to them as "negotiators" during his Thursday address at the Republican Jewish Coalition's Presidential Forum.

Trump is joined by his family as he is sworn in as President on January 20.

Trump is joined by his family as he is sworn in as President on January 20.

Trump walks on stage with his family after he was declared the election winner on November 9. "Ours was not a campaign, but rather, an incredible and great movement," he told his supporters in New York.

Trump walks on stage with his family after he was declared the election winner on November 9. "Ours was not a campaign, but rather, an incredible and great movement," he told his supporters in New York.

Trump apologizes in a video, posted to his Twitter account in October, for vulgar and sexually aggressive remarks he made a decade ago regarding women. "I said it, I was wrong and I apologize," Trump said, referring to lewd comments he made during a previously unaired taping of "Access Hollywood." Multiple Republican leaders rescinded their endorsements of Trump after the footage was released.

Trump faces Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton in the first presidential debate, which took place in Hempstead, New York, in September.

Trump delivers a speech at the Republican National Convention in July, accepting the party's nomination for President. "I have had a truly great life in business," he said. "But now, my sole and exclusive mission is to go to work for our country -- to go to work for you. It's time to deliver a victory for the American people."

Trump delivers a speech at the Republican National Convention in July, accepting the party's nomination for President. "I have had a truly great life in business," he said. "But now, my sole and exclusive mission is to go to work for our country -- to go to work for you. It's time to deliver a victory for the American people."

Trump speaks during a campaign event in Evansville, Indiana, on April 28. After Trump won the Indiana primary, his last two competitors dropped out of the GOP race.

Trump speaks during a campaign event in Evansville, Indiana, on April 28. After Trump won the Indiana primary, his last two competitors dropped out of the GOP race.

The Trump family poses for a photo in New York in April.

The Trump family poses for a photo in New York in April.

Trump -- flanked by U.S. Sens. Marco Rubio, left, and Ted Cruz -- speaks during a CNN debate in Miami on March 10. Trump dominated the GOP primaries and emerged as the presumptive nominee in May.

Trump -- flanked by U.S. Sens. Marco Rubio, left, and Ted Cruz -- speaks during a CNN debate in Miami on March 10. Trump dominated the GOP primaries and emerged as the presumptive nominee in May.

Trump appears on stage with singer Nick Jonas and television personality Giuliana Rancic during the 2013 Miss USA pageant.

Trump appears on stage with singer Nick Jonas and television personality Giuliana Rancic during the 2013 Miss USA pageant.

Trump speaks in Sarasota, Florida, after accepting the Statesman of the Year Award at the Sarasota GOP dinner in August 2012. It was shortly before the Republican National Convention in nearby Tampa.

Trump speaks in Sarasota, Florida, after accepting the Statesman of the Year Award at the Sarasota GOP dinner in August 2012. It was shortly before the Republican National Convention in nearby Tampa.

Trump poses with Miss Universe contestants in 2011. Trump had been executive producer of the Miss Universe, Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants since 1996.

Trump poses with Miss Universe contestants in 2011. Trump had been executive producer of the Miss Universe, Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants since 1996.

Trump appears on the set of "The Celebrity Apprentice" with two of his children -- Donald Jr. and Ivanka -- in 2009.

Trump appears on the set of "The Celebrity Apprentice" with two of his children -- Donald Jr. and Ivanka -- in 2009.

For "The Apprentice," Trump was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in January 2007.

For "The Apprentice," Trump was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in January 2007.

Trump wrestles with "Stone Cold" Steve Austin at WrestleMania in 2007. Trump has close ties with the WWE and its CEO, Vince McMahon.

Trump wrestles with "Stone Cold" Steve Austin at WrestleMania in 2007. Trump has close ties with the WWE and its CEO, Vince McMahon.

Trump attends the U.S. Open tennis tournament with his third wife, Melania Knauss-Trump, and their son, Barron, in 2006. Trump and Knauss married in 2005.

Trump attends the U.S. Open tennis tournament with his third wife, Melania Knauss-Trump, and their son, Barron, in 2006. Trump and Knauss married in 2005.

Trump attends a news conference in 2005 that announced the establishment of Trump University. From 2005 until it closed in 2010, Trump University had about 10,000 people sign up for a program that promised success in real estate. Three separate lawsuits -- two class-action suits filed in California and one filed by New York's attorney general -- argued that the program was mired in fraud and deception. Trump's camp rejected the suits' claims as "baseless." And Trump has charged that the New York case against him is politically motivated.

A 12-inch talking Trump doll is on display at a toy store in New York in September 2004.

A 12-inch talking Trump doll is on display at a toy store in New York in September 2004.

An advertisement for the television show "The Apprentice" hangs at Trump Tower in 2004. The show launched in January of that year. In January 2008, the show returned as "Celebrity Apprentice."

An advertisement for the television show "The Apprentice" hangs at Trump Tower in 2004. The show launched in January of that year. In January 2008, the show returned as "Celebrity Apprentice."

Trump putts a golf ball in his New York office in 1998.

Trump putts a golf ball in his New York office in 1998.

Trump dips his second wife, Marla Maples, after the couple married in a private ceremony in New York in December 1993. The couple divorced in 1999 and had one daughter together, Tiffany.

Trump dips his second wife, Marla Maples, after the couple married in a private ceremony in New York in December 1993. The couple divorced in 1999 and had one daughter together, Tiffany.

Trump and singer Michael Jackson pose for a photo before traveling to visit Ryan White, a young child with AIDS, in 1990.

Trump and singer Michael Jackson pose for a photo before traveling to visit Ryan White, a young child with AIDS, in 1990.

Trump signs his second book, "Trump: Surviving at the Top," in 1990. Trump has published at least 16 other books, including "The Art of the Deal" and "The America We Deserve."

Trump attends the opening of his new Atlantic City casino, the Taj Mahal, in 1989.

Trump attends the opening of his new Atlantic City casino, the Taj Mahal, in 1989.

Trump stands in the atrium of the Trump Tower.

Trump stands in the atrium of the Trump Tower.

Trump uses his personal helicopter to get around New York in 1987.

Trump uses his personal helicopter to get around New York in 1987.

Trump was married to Ivana Zelnicek Trump from 1977 to 1990, when they divorced. They had three children together: Donald Jr., Ivanka and Eric.

Trump was married to Ivana Zelnicek Trump from 1977 to 1990, when they divorced. They had three children together: Donald Jr., Ivanka and Eric.

Trump wears a hard hat at the Trump Tower construction site in New York in 1980.

Trump wears a hard hat at the Trump Tower construction site in New York in 1980.

Trump attends an event to mark the start of construction of the New York Convention Center in 1979.

Trump attends an event to mark the start of construction of the New York Convention Center in 1979.

Trump stands with Alfred Eisenpreis, New York's economic development administrator, in 1976 while they look at a sketch of a new 1,400-room renovation project of the Commodore Hotel. After graduating college in 1968, Trump worked with his father on developments in Queens and Brooklyn before purchasing or building multiple properties in New York and Atlantic City, New Jersey. Those properties included Trump Tower in New York and Trump Plaza and multiple casinos in Atlantic City.

Trump stands with Alfred Eisenpreis, New York's economic development administrator, in 1976 while they look at a sketch of a new 1,400-room renovation project of the Commodore Hotel. After graduating college in 1968, Trump worked with his father on developments in Queens and Brooklyn before purchasing or building multiple properties in New York and Atlantic City, New Jersey. Those properties included Trump Tower in New York and Trump Plaza and multiple casinos in Atlantic City.

Trump, center, wears a baseball uniform at the New York Military Academy in 1964. After he graduated from the boarding school, he went to college. He started at Fordham University before transferring and later graduating from the Wharton School, the University of Pennsylvania's business school.

Trump, center, wears a baseball uniform at the New York Military Academy in 1964. After he graduated from the boarding school, he went to college. He started at Fordham University before transferring and later graduating from the Wharton School, the University of Pennsylvania's business school.

Trump, center, stands at attention during his senior year at the New York Military Academy in 1964.

Trump, center, stands at attention during his senior year at the New York Military Academy in 1964.

Trump, left, in a family photo. He was the second-youngest of five children.

Trump, left, in a family photo. He was the second-youngest of five children.

Trump at age 4. He was born in 1946 to Fred and Mary Trump in New York City. His father was a real estate developer.

Trump at age 4. He was born in 1946 to Fred and Mary Trump in New York City. His father was a real estate developer.

President-elect Donald Trump has been in the spotlight for years. From developing real estate and producing and starring in TV shows, he became a celebrity long before winning the White House.

President-elect Donald Trump has been in the spotlight for years. From developing real estate and producing and starring in TV shows, he became a celebrity long before winning the White House.

"I'm a negotiator like you folks, we are negotiators," Trump said, drawing laughter before pivoting to how he would renegotiate the Iran deal. "Is there anybody that doesn't renegotiate deals in this room? This room negotiates them -- perhaps more than any other room I've ever spoken in."

The comments were largely met with laughter and smirks, and RJC spokesman Mark McNulty downplayed suggestions that Trump's comments pointed to Jewish stereotypes.

"Donald Trump is well aware of the composition of our board and our audience -- one that includes many successful businessmen and women as well as deal makers like him," McNulty told CNN.

But while Trump tried to win over the audience of wealthy Jewish Republicans , the billionaire presidential candidate said he didn't believe the assembled crowd would support him.

"You're not gonna support me because I don't want your money. You want to control your politicians , that's fine. Five months ago I was with you," Trump said, pointing to his recent past as a much sought-after political donor who filled the campaign coffers of both Republicans and Democrats. "I do want your support, but I don't want your money."

And while those comments also faced scrutiny, the Anti-Defamation League, a leading hate speech and anti-Semitism watchdog, said Thursday in a statement that "we do not believe that it was Donald Trump's intention to evoke anti-Semitic stereotypes."

"Here, context is everything," ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt said. "In this case he is speaking to a group of Jewish Republicans, a significant portion of whom are business people. We do not believe he intended his comments regarding negotiations and money to relate specifically to their Jewishness, but we understand that they could be interpreted that way."

Greenblatt noted that his group has not hesitated in the past to call out Trump over his comments about Mexican immigrants and Muslims. And he encouraged Trump "to clarify that this was not his intention, and that he rejects the traditional stereotypes about Jews and money."

Trump also faced boos from the crowd when in the question-and-answer portion of his appearance he would not pledge to keep Jerusalem as the undivided capital of Israel.

"I want to wait until I meet with Bibi," Trump said, referring to his upcoming meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu when Trump is scheduled to visit the country later this month.

As he faced boos, Trump fired back at the crowd, singling out one man who booed Trump: "Who's the wise guy? Do me a favor, just relax, OK?"

Photos: Who are the conservative donors in the 2016 race? Photos: Who are the conservative donors in the 2016 race? As presidential candidates gear up for the 2016 election, their super PACs -- which can accept unlimited donations as long as they don't coordinate spending with the campaign -- eye wealthy businessmen who can donate large sums of cash.



Here's a look at well-known donors who have given money to conservative presidential campaigns in the past. Hide Caption 1 of 14 Photos: Who are the conservative donors in the 2016 race?



According to Casino magnate Sheldon Adelson, the GOP's top giver in 2012, has not given any money to Republican candidates' allied groups for the 2016 election.According to OpenSecrets , he spent almost $92 million on conservatives in the 2012 election. Hide Caption 2 of 14 Photos: Who are the conservative donors in the 2016 race? Houston Texans owner Bob McNair has contributed $500,000 to groups supporting Jeb Bush, Scott Walker, Ted Cruz and Lindsey Graham. Hide Caption 3 of 14 Photos: Who are the conservative donors in the 2016 race? The Koch brothers -- Charles, left, and David -- are known for making significant financial contributions to conservative presidential candidates.



They have reportedly not donated to any 2016 super PACs so far. Hide Caption 4 of 14 Photos: Who are the conservative donors in the 2016 race? Silicon Valley angel investor Peter Thiel has not committed to donating to anyone yet.



According to OpenSecrets, he has given more than $5 million in political donations since 2004. Hide Caption 5 of 14 Photos: Who are the conservative donors in the 2016 race? Businessman Norman Braman is reportedly willing to invest $10 million of his money to Marco Rubio, his mentee in Miami. Hide Caption 6 of 14 Photos: Who are the conservative donors in the 2016 race? New York investor Paul Singer, who gave $10.5 million to outside groups in 2014, has not donated any money yet this election. Hide Caption 7 of 14 Photos: Who are the conservative donors in the 2016 race? Chicago Cubs owner Joe Ricketts and his wife reportedly donated $5 million to Scott Walker's super PAC. Hide Caption 8 of 14 Photos: Who are the conservative donors in the 2016 race? Diane Hendricks, a roofing billionaire, shares a home state with Walker and has long supported his campaigns. She has donated to Walker's PAC Unintimidated, which has raised $20 million. Hide Caption 9 of 14 Photos: Who are the conservative donors in the 2016 race? Kelcy Warren, who became a billionaire through piping, is one of two Dallas men bankrolling the majority of Rick Perry's super PAC. Hide Caption 10 of 14 Photos: Who are the conservative donors in the 2016 race? Darwin Deason is a Dallas man betting on Perry. Hide Caption 11 of 14 Photos: Who are the conservative donors in the 2016 race? From left, Dan and Farris Wilks are billionaire brothers who made their fortunes in fracking. Along with their wives, they are sending $15 million to boost the campaign of fellow Texan Ted Cruz. Hide Caption 12 of 14 Photos: Who are the conservative donors in the 2016 race? Bob Mercer, a reclusive hedge-funder from New York, was one of the top Republican givers in 2012 and 2014. And he's betting big -- $11 million big -- on Cruz.



Mercer also gave $250,000 to Bobby Jindal and, in a somewhat unusual move, reassigned $500,000 that he gave to Cruz's super PAC to Carly Fiorina's. Hide Caption 13 of 14 Photos: Who are the conservative donors in the 2016 race? Toby Neugebauer, a Houston oil investor and the son of a congressman, controls a pro-Cruz super PAC with his $10 million. Hide Caption 14 of 14

As Trump leaned into elements of his standard stump speech, he came face to face with a very different reception than what he is used to on the campaign trail.

Instead of roaring applause, the candidate's lines touting his front-runner status in the polls and his great successes in business were met with chuckles. And his broad platitudes as to how he would handle certain issues were met with blank stares and not whoops and cheers.

Trump's refusal to vow Jerusalem would remain Israel's undivided capital -- a sticking point in negotiations with Palestinians -- came as Trump defended himself from remarks he made in an interview with The Associated Press.

Trump in that interview suggested the burden of peace rested largely on the shoulders of the Jewish state, saying a peace deal "will have to do with Israel and whether or not Israel wants to make the deal -- whether or not Israel's willing to sacrifice certain things."

Trump didn't back off that statement on Thursday, saying that he doesn't know whether "Israel has the commitment to make (a peace deal) and I don't know that the other side has the commitment to make it."

"It has to be said that Israel has given a lot," Trump said, adding, "I don't know whether or not they want to go along to that final step (of making a deal)."

Playing more to his audience of staunch supporters of Israel, Trump emphasized that Israel "has given a lot and hasn't gotten a lot of credit for it."

Trump also could not name which Arab leaders he would be able to work with effectively, saying simply that he hasn't "been working too much with the Arab leaders to be honest with you."

He added that the King of Jordan "seems like a nice man."

As he defended his pro-Israel credentials, Trump raised doubts about those of Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton when asked whether he believes she is a friend of Israel.

"Honestly, I don't' think anybody can say," Trump said, before raising doubts about Clinton's "strength" or "energy" to be president.

"Israel needs more than just our support. They need strength, they need real power behind that," Trump said.