US Jewish Voters Back Anti-Israel Candidates, Observer Notes
Translated & summarized from Cursorinfo by baba
An Israeli observer noted that a significant portion of American Jews continue to vote for Democrats, even those with anti-Israel views, citing Michigan's election results where many supported Abdul El-Sayed. Jonathan Tobin, editor-in-chief of JNS, suggests this trend reflects a shift in Jewish identity, with politics replacing religion for many. He argues the Democratic Party's stance on Israel has changed internally, independent of Prime Minister Netanyahu. Tobin warns that this support for anti-Israel candidates is a worrying signal for the American Jewish community's future.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- A poll showed 57% of early Jewish voters in Michigan supported candidate Abdul El-Sayed, who opposed Israel's existence.
- Around 68% of American Jews voted for Democrats, a consistent trend in recent elections.
- Observer Jonathan Tobin links the voting pattern to a shift where politics replaces religion for many American Jews.
- Tobin argues the Democratic Party's anti-Israel sentiment stems from internal shifts, not solely Netanyahu's policies.
- He warns that some American Jews underestimate antisemitism and the link to anti-Israel rhetoric.
- Tobin stresses the need to strengthen American Jews' ties to Israel and Jewish history through education and community work.
A significant portion of American Jews continue to support Democratic candidates, even those with strongly anti-Israel stances, prompting concern among Israeli observers. Jonathan Tobin, editor-in-chief of JNS, highlighted the recent elections in Michigan as a case in point, where a poll indicated 57% of early Jewish voters supported Abdul El-Sayed, a candidate who had previously opposed Israel's existence. Tobin cautioned that these poll results should be viewed with care due to potential margins of error.
Nationally, around 68% of American Jews identify as having voted for Democrats, a figure consistent with previous elections. Tobin suggests this trend is linked to a shifting Jewish identity in the U.S., where politics has increasingly replaced religion for many, particularly secular and liberal Jews, making support for the Democratic Party a core part of their worldview. He also notes a growing number of American Jews who do not connect their identity with religious practice or organized Jewish life, potentially influencing their perception of anti-Israel rhetoric.
Tobin dismisses the idea that the Democratic Party's cooling stance towards Israel is solely due to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's policies, arguing the shift began much earlier and is rooted in internal changes within the Democratic Party. He cites Congressman Brad Lander, who accused Israel of "genocide" in Gaza, as an example of how even self-proclaimed liberal Zionists may adopt positions contrary to Israeli public opinion. Tobin observes an increasing number of Democrats opposing Israel's policies and military aid, a trend he believes extends beyond a few radical politicians.
Tobin expresses concern that some American Jews underestimate the threat of antisemitism and fail to connect anti-Israel rhetoric with hostility towards Jews, possibly due to a lack of historical knowledge or weakened ties to Israel. While acknowledging that not all American Jews share these views, he views the support for such candidates as a worrying sign for the future of the American Jewish community. Tobin concludes that strengthening the connection between American Jews and Israel, along with Jewish history, requires educational and community outreach efforts beyond political statements.
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