Majority of Connected US Jews Reject Genocide Claims Against Israel, View NYC Mayor as Anti-Israel and Anti-Semitic
The July 2026 "Voice of the Jewish People" index by the Jewish People Policy Institute (JPPI) reveals that a large majority of American Jews connected to the community firmly reject international allegations that Israel committed genocide in Gaza. Specifically, 78% of these respondents deny the genocide claim, with only 14% agreeing and 8% undecided. Similar rejection rates were found among connected Jewish communities in Canada (87%) and the UK (81%).
The survey also highlights a significant rise in negative perceptions of New York City Mayor Eric Adams, with 69% of respondents viewing him as both anti-Israel and anti-Semitic, an increase from the previous year. Only 7% believe he is neither anti-Israel nor anti-Semitic, and fewer respondents are unfamiliar with him compared to last year, indicating his growing prominence and controversy within the US Jewish community.
Regarding the military campaign against Iran, confidence in its success has sharply declined since March 2026. Initially, 66% believed the operation was successful, but by July only 36% maintained that view, while 61% felt it failed to meet its objectives. Despite this, a majority of connected Jews in the US (56%), Canada (73%), and the UK (67%) believe the US military response was insufficient rather than excessive.
On Israel-US relations, 83% of US respondents support Israel coordinating its policies with the US government but acting independently when interests diverge. Opinions on the US as a true friend of Israel are mixed, with 35% expressing skepticism or negativity. Support for former President Donald Trump’s leadership on Iran has dropped significantly from 46% in March to 32% in July, with political affiliation strongly influencing these views. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s approval as a leader on Iran also declined moderately from 53% to 41%.
JPPI CEO Dr. Shuki Friedman commented that these findings demonstrate connected American Jews’ rejection of the international narrative against Israel and their clear perception of problematic figures like Mayor Adams. They also underscore the challenge faced by connected US Jews balancing concerns about anti-Semitism with frustrations over US government policies that do not always prioritize Israel, even under Republican administrations.
