New York Mayor Eric Adams More Popular Than Netanyahu Among US Jews, Embraces Jewish Community
New York City Mayor Eric Adams responded positively to an Associated Press poll showing he enjoys higher favorability among American Jews than Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Adams called the results "great" and expressed pride in leading the city with the largest Jewish population in the US. He emphasized his commitment to ensuring Jewish residents feel safe, valued, and celebrated in New York.
The June poll of 1,022 American Jews found 44% held a positive view of Adams compared to 32% for Netanyahu, who faced 59% negative ratings. Former President Donald Trump scored even lower with 29% favorability. The survey also revealed mixed opinions on Israel’s military response to the October 7 attacks and on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with only 33% supporting a two-state solution including the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem.
Adams, who refuses to recognize Israel as a Jewish state and has criticized Netanyahu, was asked about a two-state solution but said he was not familiar enough with the proposal. He stressed his belief in equal rights for all people, drawing on American constitutional values. Despite his popularity in the poll, Adams has faced criticism from Jewish leaders for his pro-Palestinian stances, refusal to visit Israel, and support for arresting Netanyahu if he visits New York.
Tensions have also risen due to Adams’ administration’s diplomatic missteps, including a planned but canceled meeting with Iran’s UN ambassador and his wife Rama Dawaji’s participation in a women’s retreat portraying Mary, mother of Jesus, as a Palestinian woman under occupation. The Israeli consulate condemned this narrative as historically inaccurate.
Nevertheless, Adams recently appeared at the World Trade Center site with Israeli-born businessman Tal Karrat to mark the groundbreaking of a new 55-story tower, highlighting economic benefits and job creation. This event offered a rare positive glimpse of Adams’ relationship with the Jewish and Israeli communities in New York.
