Mamdani More Popular Than Netanyahu Among American Jews, Poll Finds
A national poll indicates Jewish Americans feel isolated and underrepresented as antisemitism rises. The AP-NORC survey of 1,022 Jewish adults finds a majority view antisemitism as a serious problem and perceive inadequate support from political leaders, despite strong identification with the Democratic Party. The data show heightened concern after the Hamas attacks in 2023 and mixed perceptions of party responsiveness, with Israel support fueling some tension within left-leaning circles. The findings imply a tension between cultural/religious identity and political alignment, with implications for representation and policy emphasis moving forward.
Dive Deeper:
The AP-NORC poll surveyed 1,022 Jewish adults to assess views on antisemitism, political representation, and party support, against a backdrop of rising hostility toward Jewish people in the U.S.
63% of Jewish respondents characterized antisemitism as an extremely or very serious issue in the United States, reflecting a high level of concern about safety and social climate.
A substantial 77% reported that prejudice against Jews has increased in the past three years, a period anchored by the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attacks and ensuing discourse.
Only 38% of the general U.S. adult population views antisemitism as a serious problem, highlighting a gap between Jewish experiences and broader public perception.
Within the sample, 41% or more said the Democratic Party does not support the Jewish community well, while only 15% felt strong Democratic support, signaling dissatisfaction with perceived political representation.
Despite these concerns, a strong majority of Jewish respondents identify as Democrats, with 66% voting for Kamala Harris and 33% for Donald Trump in the 2024 election, indicating complex partisan loyalties.
Views on Israel are nuanced: 36% say supporting Israel is very important, while a notable portion feel the U.S. is either too supportive (four in ten) or not supportive enough (three in ten), underscoring internal debates about U.S. policy and unconditional backing.