US Jewish Community Divided on Aid to Israel, Concerned Over Rising Antisemitism

A new poll reveals a significant divide within the American Jewish community regarding military aid to Israel and concerns about rising antisemitism. The survey, conducted by the Mellman Group for the Jewish Voter Institute, indicates that while most US Jews still support Israel's actions since October 7th, a substantial portion is critical of both the country and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

A majority of American Jews, 52%, favor cutting or eliminating military aid to Israel. Specifically, 17% support canceling all $3.3 billion in annual US military aid, while 36% prefer to reduce it. Conversely, 40% believe aid should remain at current levels, with 8% undecided. This issue shows a stark partisan split: nearly two-thirds of Democrats (63%) want to cut or cancel aid, while a similar proportion of Republicans (67%) and Independents (65%) support maintaining current levels.

Concerns about rising antisemitism are widespread, with 56% of American Jews expressing significant worry that "Israel's actions under Netanyahu have increased antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment in the US." This sentiment is particularly strong among Democrats (65%), followed by Independents (46%) and Republicans (34%). Both Democrats and Republicans also express concern about antisemitic rhetoric within their own parties.

The poll also highlights divisions on other issues, including support for pro-Israel actions in primary elections, with over a third feeling it has worsened the situation. Regarding military aid, 40% of Jews are concerned about Congress cutting aid for defensive weapons like Iron Dome, slightly more than their concern for offensive weapons (36%). Republicans show higher concern for cuts to both offensive (54%) and defensive (56%) weapons compared to Independents and Democrats.

Despite these divisions, the survey suggests that voting against aid cuts carries political weight. Nearly half of respondents (47%) are less likely to support a congressional member who votes to cut aid to Israel, even among those who themselves favor aid reductions.