Mamdani Surpasses Netanyahu in Poll Among American Jews
New poll shows Zohran Mamdani more popular than Netanyahu among American Jews amid Gaza conflict tensions.
2 min read
A recent survey reveals that New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is more popular than Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu among American Jews, according to a poll conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center. The findings, released on Tuesday, highlight the growing divide between the two political figures amid their recent public clashes over Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Poll Results and Public Perception
The survey, which included 1,012 Jewish adults out of a total of 3,040 American adults, found that 44% of Jewish adults viewed Mamdani favorably, compared to 39% who viewed him unfavorably. In contrast, 39% of Jewish adults had a favorable view of Netanyahu, while 59% viewed him unfavorably. These results underscore the significant public sentiment shift among American Jews toward Mamdani.
The poll also revealed that nearly eight out of every 10 Jewish adults (79%) believed Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel was unjustified. However, only 42% of Jewish adults thought Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza was justified, indicating a complex and divided opinion within the community.
Public Rivalry and Political Tensions
Mamdani and Netanyahu recently engaged in a public dispute over Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Mamdani, a vocal critic of the Israeli government, had initially pledged to ensure the arrest of Netanyahu if he visited New York City, in compliance with an ICC warrant. However, he later retracted that statement, stating that New York City lacked the legal authority to enforce such a warrant.
Netanyahu responded by accusing Mamdani of being an “antisemite” who was “cosying up to Hamas.” During a speech at the U.N. General Assembly, Netanyahu criticized Mamdani, calling the accusations against him “lies” and warning of their real-world consequences. The tensions between the two leaders reflect broader political and ideological divides within the Jewish community in the U.S.
Public Opinion on Trump and Other Issues
The survey also included assessments of U.S. President Donald Trump’s performance. Only 29% of Jewish adults and 38% of American adults overall had a favorable view of Trump. A majority of Jewish adults and American adults disapproved of Trump’s handling of immigration, Iran, and Israel, with 69% and 59% respectively disapproving of his immigration policies.
These findings highlight the complex and often divided opinions within the American Jewish community, as they navigate political, ethical, and humanitarian issues related to Israel and the broader Middle East.
Source: Daily Caller
