US Jews view Mamdani more favorably than Netanyahu, 7% say Hamas massacre justified - poll

American Jews hold a more favorable view of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani than of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to a new poll by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. The survey of 1,022 Jewish adults nationwide found 44% viewed Mamdani favorably, compared to 32% for Netanyahu.

Conversely, Netanyahu faced a significantly higher unfavorability rating among American Jews, with 59% viewing him negatively, compared to 39% for Mamdani. The poll also indicated strong disapproval of Donald Trump's policies among this demographic, with 74% disapproving of his handling of the economy and 69% disapproving of his immigration policies. Even on the issue of Israel, a majority of 58% of US Jews disapproved of Trump's approach.

The survey delved into the importance of Israel to American Jews, with 58% stating it is "extremely or very important" to them personally. However, opinions on US support for Israel and Palestine were divided, with 43% of Jewish respondents feeling the US is not supportive enough of Palestinians, while 38% believe the US is too supportive of Israelis.

Perhaps most striking were the responses regarding the justification of actions by Hamas and Israel. Seven percent of US Jews surveyed stated that Hamas's October 7 attack was justified, and 14% felt Hamas's refusal to disarm after a ceasefire was justified. Regarding the conflict in Gaza, 49% of US Jewish respondents believe Israel has not committed genocide, while 30% believe it has.