US Jews back strike on Iran but fear it will spark wave of antisemitism

More than two-thirds of American Jews back President Trump’s decision to strike Iran even though most believe the war will lead to an increase in antisemitism.

By David Rosenberg, World Israel News

The vast majority of American Jews support President Donald Trump’s decision to strike Iran, even though most believe it will lead to an increase in antisemitism, a new poll shows.

On Sunday, the Jewish People Policy Institute (JPPI) published the results of a poll that surveyed 692 American Jews.

The poll found that just 26% of respondents disapprove of Trump’s decision to launch Operation Epic Fury against Iran, while 68% approve. Among Jews in the center and on the right, support was nearly unanimous, with 100% of those describing themselves as “very conservative” backing the decision to strike Iran, along with 88% of centrist Jews.

However, more than half (52%) believe the war with Iran will result in more antisemitism in the United States, compared to just 4% who predict it will lead to a reduction in antisemitism, with one-third responding that it will not impact the level of antisemitism in America.

Nearly three-quarters (72%) of respondents believe that President Trump made the decision to strike Iran on his own and that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not persuade him. Just 14% believe Netanyahu’s conversations with the president played a major role in convincing Trump to order the strikes on Iran.

While there is strong support among American Jews for the campaign against Iran, 58% believe the primary goal of the war should be limited to eradicating Iran’s nuclear program, its ballistic missile arsenal and its support for terrorist proxies like Hamas, Hezbollah, the Yemeni Houthis, and Shi’ite militias in Iraq.

Just 27% said the US should make regime change its primary goal.

“The survey results show that even in the ‘Roaring Lion’ war, a large majority of Jews in the United States stand behind Israel,” said JPPI CEO Dr. Shuki Friedman.

“The majority also sees eye to eye with the Israeli leadership regarding the goals of the war. At the same time, Israeli leaders would do well to listen to the concerns of American Jews regarding Israel’s standing there.”

“The unprecedented partnership between the United States and Israel on the battlefield should also be translated into an upgrade in Israel’s standing, and perhaps also into an opportunity to restore support for Israel as an issue that does not divide American politics but unites it.”