American Jews have expressed their concerns about the conflict between Israel and Hamas in a recent survey conducted by the Jerusalem Center for Community Action. The survey, conducted in May among members of the US Jewish community, aimed to assess how the conflict impacted the community. Participants were asked about their concerns regarding the future of American Jewry amidst demonstrations at universities.
The results showed that 56% of respondents were significantly concerned, 22% had some level of concern, and only 8% were not bothered by the issue. Regarding the perceptions of the IDF’s actions in Gaza Strip, 30% of respondents agreed with pro-Palestinian activists that it constituted genocide. In contrast, 25% disagreed, and 27% strongly disagreed with this statement. Furthermore, opinions on campus demonstrations varied, with 34% viewing them as anti-war but not anti-Israel, 28% considering them anti-Israel, and 25% seeing them as both anti-war and anti-Israel.
When it came to support for Israel, 33% of American Jews reported an increase in support since hostilities began, while 43% said their support had not changed, and 24% said it had decreased. Additionally, 11.5% expressed support for Palestinians while also expressing opposition to Hamas; however, only 8% supported both Palestinians and Hamas.
On Joe Biden’s initiative to restrict arms supply to Israel during large-scale operations in Rafah, there was mixed support among participants: specifically – 22%, 30%, 22%. Moreover – 11%, expressed unconditional support for a Palestinian state; while 24%, conditioned its creation on recognition of Israel as a Jewish state; and 25%, believed it should be demilitarized before recognition is granted.
Overall findings indicate that American Jews are deeply divided on key issues related to Israel and Palestine – from concerns over campus demonstrations to opinions on arms supply restrictions to views on Palestinian statehood.
To sum up – The Jerusalem Center for Community Action has released survey findings revealing that out of those surveyed within US Jewish community in May , most (56%) were significantly concerned about conflict between Israel and Hamas impacting community; About one third (30%) agreed that IDF actions constituted genocide while other third (27%) strongly disagreed with this statement; And when it comes to President Biden’s initiative to restrict arms supply to Israel during large-scale operations in Rafah there is mixed support among participants – specifically –
