Poll Shows New York Mayor Adams More Popular Than Netanyahu Among US Jews

A recent poll conducted by the AP news agency in collaboration with the NORC research institute reveals an unusual trend among American Jews, with New York City Mayor Eric Adams receiving 44 percent favorability compared to only 32 percent for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Conversely, 59 percent of Jewish respondents expressed a negative opinion of Netanyahu, while 39 percent held a negative view of Adams. It is important to note that the poll did not present the two as direct choices but evaluated them independently within a broader list of public figures.

Regarding the conflict in Gaza, the poll shows concerning attitudes: 30 percent of American Jews believe Israel committed genocide against Palestinians, closely mirroring the 31 percent figure among the general American public. Meanwhile, 49 percent of Jewish respondents reject this characterization. A strong majority of 73 percent supported Israel's immediate military response to the Hamas attack on October 7. However, the Jewish community is divided on the continuation of military operations in Gaza, with 42 percent considering it justified and 43 percent opposing it.

The political profile of the sample helps explain these trends, as 59 percent of American Jews identify as Democrats or lean Democratic, compared to 27 percent who identify as Republicans. Ideologically, 42 percent describe themselves as liberals and 41 percent as moderates. Additionally, a significant 83 percent of Jewish respondents stated they do not support the MAGA movement associated with Donald Trump.