Poll: Antisemitism to blame for growing hostility toward Israel

American Jews list antisemitism as the top reason for the erosion in Israel’s standing, new poll shows.

By David Rosenberg, World Israel News

American Jews list antisemitism as the top cause of Israel’s worsening image, according to a new poll published on Tuesday.

The “Voice of the Jewish People” panel, conducted by the Jewish People Policy Institute, asked respondents what they believe to be the primary reason for the erosion of Israel’s standing around the world.

A plurality of respondents (45%) said that antisemitism was to blame for the growing criticism of the Jewish state, with the policies of the State of Israel coming in a distant second at 28%.

The survey found that answers vary sharply by religious affiliation.

Among Orthodox respondents, 60% blame rising antisemitism, while only 12% cite Israeli policy.

Among Reform respondents, however, just 38% blame antisemitism, while 33% point to Israeli policy.

A majority of panel participants (55%) said Israel could improve its image in the United States through changes in policy or leadership.

But 37% said the decline is driven by internal American developments, meaning Israel has little real ability to reverse it.

Once again, religious differences were clear.

Among Reform and Conservative respondents, 67% and 61%, respectively, said Israeli policy or leadership changes could improve Israel’s standing.

Among ultra-Orthodox respondents, 77% said the erosion is mainly caused by internal US trends beyond Israel’s control. Among Orthodox respondents, 58% agreed.

Despite the concerns, most American Jewish respondents still view the State of Israel as a success story.

Three-quarters of participants said Israel is a success, including 57% who called it a “great success.” Among conservatives and centrists, 94% to 96% said Israel is a success.

Among those identifying as “very liberal,” however, only 45% called Israel a success, while 32% expressed mixed feelings and 22% described Israel as a disappointment.

The survey also found that respondents viewed Israel more positively than the United States itself. While 75% called Israel a success, 67% said the same of the US.

Looking ahead to the November midterm elections, 50% of respondents said they expect to vote for a Democratic candidate, while 32% said they plan to vote Republican.

Israel is also expected to play a role in Jewish voting decisions. A majority, 58%, said Israel is either the most important issue or one of the most important issues in deciding their vote.

That figure rises sharply among conservatives, with 82% of the “very conservative,” 88% of those “leaning conservative,” and 86% of Trump voters calling Israel a major factor.

Among very liberal respondents, only 31% said Israel is a central factor in their vote, while 36% said it is not important or not important at all.