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American Jews oppose Biden’s ceasefire and call themselves Zionists

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A clear majority of American Jews expressed strong opposition to the US government’s consideration of suspending arms sales to Israel as a means of diplomatic pressure. The Jewish Voice Index poll, conducted in early June 2024 by the Jewish People Policy Institute (JPPI), found that 80% of respondents opposed this measure and considered it unlawful.

The poll, conducted against a backdrop of rising tensions between the American and Israeli governments, revealed significant differences in opinion based on political beliefs. While 92 percent of staunch Biden supporters perceived the president as “pro-Israel,” only 7 percent of staunch Trump supporters agreed. Conversely, 97 percent of staunch Trump supporters viewed Trump as “pro-Israel,” compared to just 20 percent of staunch Biden supporters.

The poll also provided insights into voting intentions for the upcoming presidential election in November: Among staunch liberals, 87 percent planned to vote for Joe Biden. Of liberals, 72 percent planned to vote for Biden, 12 percent probably for him, and 2 percent probably for Trump. Of centrists, 30 percent planned to vote for Biden, 13 percent probably for Biden, 13 percent definitely for Trump, and 11 percent probably for Trump.

Among conservatives, 28% were probably going to vote for Trump, 38% were definitely going to vote for Trump, but 5% were going to vote for Biden.

75 percent of staunch conservatives wanted to vote for Trump, 11 percent would probably vote for him, while only 3 percent would probably vote for Biden.

Most US Jews call themselves Zionists

Despite political differences, the poll indicated a strong connection between American Jews and Israel. About 80 percent of respondents identified themselves as “Zionists” or “slightly Zionists.” There was a significant generational divide: 12 percent of those under 25 identified themselves as anti-Zionists, compared to 7 percent in the 25-35 age group. In addition, 87 percent of those under 25 identified themselves as Zionists or slightly Zionists, compared to 78 percent of those aged 25-35.

The survey also showed that Jewish identity and attachment to Israel increased after the October 7 attack. Sixty percent of respondents said the war made them more likely to visit Israel. About 30 percent said they had added a Jewish item of clothing after the events, while only 4 percent said they had removed a Jewish item of clothing from their wardrobe.

Prof. Yedidia Stern, President of the JPPI, commented on the findings. “The report showed that the Jewish identity of many American Jews grew stronger after the events of October 7, as did their connection to Israel. Despite the tragic backdrop, this also presents an opportunity for the State of Israel to build a stronger bridge in relations between the world’s two largest Jewish communities – relations that the government has neglected over the past decade,” he said.

(from left to right) Ambassador Dennis Ross, Defense Minister Benny Gantz, JPPI President, Yedidia Stern (Source: courtesy)

The poll also found that political tensions have not weakened the general sense of shared destiny between American and Israeli Jews. About 80 percent of Jews in both countries agreed that the two communities have a “shared destiny” – a sentiment that is particularly strong among Orthodox Jews.

In addition, the survey found that many American Jews reported changes in the way they express their Jewish identity.

About 54 percent of the Jewish community have increased their participation in Jewish community activities since the beginning of the war. In comparison, 70 percent of Jews without a religious community said that the events had not prompted them to become more involved in the community.

The survey, conducted among 634 American Jews registered in JPPI’s Jewish Voice panel, provided insight into the opinions and trends of various Jewish groups based on religious affiliation, political leanings and emotional connection to Israel.



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