Souring Israel: When American Jews favor Mamdani over Netanyahu

A recent poll has revealed a striking shift in sentiment among American Jews, with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani enjoying a more favorable rating than Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The survey indicates that 44% of American Jews hold a positive view of Mamdani, who has expressed anti-Israel sentiments and criticized pro-Israel lobbying groups, compared to only 32% for Netanyahu.

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Not because about one-third of US adults – including roughly half the Democrats – believe Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, or because 58% of Democrats say the US is too supportive of Israel. We have seen those trends reflected in other recent polls.

This finding is particularly noteworthy given Mamdani's stance, which includes not believing in Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state and having made critical remarks about organizations like AIPAC. The poll also shows that American Jews view Netanyahu more unfavorably (59%) than Mamdani (39%). The article suggests this disparity is not solely a reflection of Netanyahu's perceived flaws but also a symptom of a deeper issue within American Jewry.

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Rather, because among American Jews, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani enjoys a more favorable rating than Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The editorial argues that the fraying of "peoplehood and solidarity" among American Jews is evident when a significant segment prefers a figure whose rhetoric challenges the Jewish people's right to self-determination over the leader of the state embodying that right. It points to a correlation between religious engagement and attachment to Israel, suggesting that more observant American Jews tend to have a stronger connection to the Jewish state.

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According to the poll, 44% of American Jews have a very or somewhat favorable view of Mamdani, who does not believe Israel should exist as a Jewish state and has called AIPAC “monsters,” while only 32% have similar positive feelings toward Netanyahu.