US Jews Favor Opposition Victory in Israeli Elections, Poll Finds
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
A JPPI poll indicates 57% of American Jews with ties to Israel prefer an opposition victory in the upcoming Knesset elections, while only 15% support the coalition. Most respondents view the elections as highly significant, with differing priorities compared to Israelis. The survey also found strong support for Democratic candidates in US midterms, with Israeli issues being a key voting factor for many.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- 57% of American Jews with Israel ties prefer opposition victory in Knesset elections, poll shows.
- Most American Jews view Israeli elections as especially or most important in history.
- American Jews prioritize Israeli unity; Israelis prioritize security, governance, and justice.
- 55% of US Jews plan to vote Democrat in midterms; Israeli issues are a key factor.
- 88% of US Jews believe Israel's existence is vital for the Jewish people's future.
A significant majority of American Jews with ties to Israel prefer a victory for the opposition in upcoming Knesset elections, according to the "Voice of the Jewish People" index by the Jewish People Policy Institute (JPPI) for October. The poll revealed that 57% of respondents wish for the current opposition to win, compared to 15% who support the ruling coalition. An additional 21% felt it was not their place to express a preference.
The survey focused on "connected Jews," defined as those with ties to both Israel and the Jewish community, and the findings reflect this group's views, not necessarily all American Jews. Regardless of political preference, most respondents attach considerable importance to the Israeli elections, with 55% calling them "especially important" and 23% deeming them the "most important in the country's history." Overall, 78% considered the elections unusually significant.
The poll also highlighted a difference in priorities between American Jews and Israelis. For American Jews, the primary election issue was fostering unity in Israeli society (36%), followed by security (23%) and making Israel more liberal (17%). In contrast, security was the top issue for Israelis (34%), with governance and the justice system ranking second (17%), and a more liberal state third (14%). Unity, a top concern for American Jews, was a deciding factor for only 13% of Israelis.
Interest in the Israeli elections remains high among American Jews, with 35% closely following the news and another 44% following to some extent, consistent with previous months. The survey also touched on the upcoming US midterm elections, showing 55% intend to vote for Democratic candidates and 31% for Republicans. For these voters, issues related to Israel are highly influential, with 55% stating they will be a "very important" factor in their decision, and 30% considering them "somewhat important."
Broader views on Israel's role in the Jewish future show that 88% of respondents believe its existence is vital for the long-term future of the Jewish people. However, a notable 23% of self-identified liberal respondents expressed that Israel's existence is not essential for this future.
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