New York Mayoral Candidate Zoran Mamdani More Popular Than Netanyahu Among US Jews, Poll Shows

A recent poll conducted by the Associated Press and the NORC Institute reveals a surprising trend in American Jewish political attitudes. Zoran Mamdani, the Democratic candidate for New York City mayor and a vocal critic of the Israeli government and the Gaza conflict, enjoys a more favorable image among US Jews than Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. According to the survey, 44% of American Jews view Mamdani positively, compared to only 32% who have a positive opinion of Netanyahu. Conversely, 59% of American Jews hold a negative view of Netanyahu, while 39% feel negatively about Mamdani.

The poll, conducted between June 11 and 17 among 3,040 Americans including a significant sample of 1,022 Jews, also highlights a broader decline in support for Israel in the United States. About one-third of Americans believe Israel committed genocide against Palestinians during the Gaza war, with this perception rising to nearly half among Democrats. Among American Jews, 30% agree with the genocide claim, while 49% reject it.

The survey exposes sharp divisions within the Jewish community, particularly between religious and secular Jews. Forty percent of religious Jews report a strong emotional connection to Israel, compared to just 11% of secular Jews. Nearly half of secular Jews say they feel no connection to Israel at all. Support for Israel as a Jewish state is also much higher among religious Jews (61%) than secular Jews (26%). Regarding the Gaza conflict, 52% of religious Jews consider Israel's military actions justified, versus only 21% of secular Jews. Additionally, 60% of religious Jews reject the notion that Israel's actions constitute genocide, compared to 27% of secular Jews.

Generational differences are evident as well, with 37% of Jews under 45 believing Israel committed genocide in Gaza, compared to 23% of those 45 and older. The issue of Israel has become a divisive topic within the American Jewish community, with 40% reporting they have unfollowed or blocked someone on social media or argued with family members over Israel-related issues. Over half have been hurt by others' statements about Israel, and 30% have ceased communication with someone due to disagreements on the subject.

The poll also touches on broader aspects of Jewish identity, showing that 43% of American Jews consider their Jewishness very or extremely important. While Holocaust remembrance remains significant across the community, differences between religious and secular Jews grow regarding observance of holidays, support for Israel, and religious practices such as Sabbath and kosher laws.