US Jews fear Qatar’s growing influence – and rise of right-wing antisemitism

Survey finds that American Jews believe Qatar is now the second-biggest threat to Israel after Iran, while at home, US Jews lament the growth of antisemitism on the right.

By World Israel News Staff

American Jews are increasingly concerned about the influence Qatar’s government exerts over international affairs, and fear the growth of right-wing antisemitism in the US, a new survey has found.

On Monday, the Jewish People Policy Institute reported that its Voice of the People index poll of American Jews for December found that American Jews now view the tiny, oil-rich Gulf state of Qatar as the second-greatest threat to the State of Israel, following Iran.

A total of 83% of American Jews view Iran as an existential threat to Israel even after the 12-day June war.

Respondents were less likely to perceive Turkey as a threat to Israel, though a majority believe Iran, Qatar, Yemen, and Turkey all pose threats not only to Israel but to the US as well.

As with Israel, American Jews believe that Iran poses the greatest danger, followed by Qatar, Yemen, and Turkey.

The vast majority of respondents (88%) said they agree with claims by Texas Senator Ted Cruz that there has been a significant rise in antisemitism on the right over the past six months.

Cruz said earlier this year that the recent increase in antisemitism on the right is the largest he has seen in his lifetime.

Just 4% of respondents disagreed with Cruz’s assessment, with large majorities of liberal, conservative, and moderate Jews agreeing with his claim.

Nearly three-quarters of respondents (73%) disagreed with Vice President JD Vance’s claim that the Republican Party is not significantly more antisemitic than it was a decade ago.

Another major concern shared by a wide majority of American Jews is the belief that Israel’s image internationally has deteriorated significantly over the past year.

A total of 85% of respondents said Israel’s image was harmed in 2025, though American Jews said their own ties to Israel had strengthened, with 49% saying they felt closer to Israel now than at the beginning of the year, compared with 20% who said they felt more distant.