AMERICAN JEWS EXPECT TO DISCUSS IRAN WAR, ANTISEMITISM AT PASSOVER SEDER TABLES, AMONG FOUR NEW QUESTIONS, POLL SAYS

March 30, 2026


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AMERICAN JEWS EXPECT TO DISCUSS IRAN WAR, ANTISEMITISM AT PASSOVER SEDER TABLES, AMONG FOUR NEW QUESTIONS, POLL SAYS


Majority Oppose the War, One-Third Support It, Some Feel Torn


Nearly 3/4 Say Trump Needed Congress’ Approval


Washington, DC – A new survey of American Jewish opinion, on the eve of the Passover holiday, shows the majority of American Jews expect the Iran war to be a topic at Seder this week. One-third of Jewish voters approve of the war, with a majority disapproving, and some feeling torn. Nearly three-quarters feel President Trump should have sought Congressional approval beforehand. There are also concerns about the long-term impact of the U.S. and Israel conducting this as a joint operation.

 

The poll of 800 registered American Jewish voters nationally, 88% of whom say they will almost certainly or very likely vote in the November 2026 general election for Congress, were surveyed online by the Mellman Group from March 13th-23rd for the Jewish Electorate Institute (JEI), a nonprofit which enjoys an extensive record of survey research of the American Jewish community.

 

Those polled indicated the war with Iran and antisemitism in America are the two topics most likely to come up at Seder or other Passover gatherings this week, with hate crimes in the U.S. and the topic of Gaza and the Palestinians trailing behind.

 

Most Expect the War, Antisemitism to Be Topics at Seder

 

Asked how likely these “four questions” were to come up at Seder this week, a 60% majority said the war was very likely to be discussed, including 31% saying it was almost certain to come up. This majority extended across party, age, Jewish denomination, and strength of Jewish identification.

 

A slightly smaller 56% majority feels it is very likely that antisemitism in the U.S. will also be such a frequent topic of Passover discussion this year, while hate crimes in the U.S. (at 43%) and the issue of Gaza and the Palestinians (at 40%) lag among the four questions.

 

The survey was conducted using a high-quality online national panel from March 13th-23rd, 2026. The margin of error for the sample as a whole is +/-3.5% at the 95% level of confidence (higher for subgroups). It was part of a larger poll, the results of which JEI will be releasing in the coming weeks.

 

A Majority Disapproves of Military Action Against Iran, with Some Torn

 

A 55% majority disapproves of the U.S. action against Iran, compared to 32% who approve. Feelings are intense, with nearly 49% disapproving strongly, and 26% approving strongly. There is a clear partisan divide, with 74% of Jewish Democrats disapproving and 83% of Republicans approving. There is also a split by denomination – with 83% of Orthodox approving, while a plurality of Conservative movement Jews disapproves (48%) and majority disapproval among Reform (67%) and self-described non-denominational (56%) Jews.

 

Jewish men are more supportive of the war than women. Women disapprove by a more than 2:1 majority (26% approve, 59% disapprove), while it is a closer split among men (40% approve, 49% disapprove). Given three choices, nearly one-third (31%) say they “support the war because we cannot allow a nuclear equipped Iran.” On the other end of the spectrum, 41% say they are “opposed because we should not go to war without clear provocation and clear objectives.” And nearly one-in-four American Jews (23%) say that they are “torn because while Iran is a threat to peace, this is not the way to handle it”.

 

Among Jewish Democrats, 28% feel torn. Among all those who disapprove of the war, 24% said they feel torn. And, among the 14% who weren’t sure on the initial approval/disapproval question, over half of them (53%) say they feel torn.

 

A Larger 3:1 Majority Believe Trump Should Have Sought Congressional Approval

 

Nearly three-quarters (73%) say President Trump should have sought Congressional approval before launching military strikes on Iran, compared to only 22% who believe he was right to act without Congress. And even among those supporting the war, 29% believe Trump should have gone to Congress, including 22% of Republicans and 30% of the Orthodox.

 

A Majority is Worried that Conducting the War Jointly with Israel Could be a Long-Term Problem Prompting Concerns About the Role of Jews in U.S. Foreign Policy

 

Nearly one-third (32%) believes joint operations are a “good thing because it will be a more effective operation and more likely to accomplish shared goals.” But 54% believe that joint operations are “bad because it will be a long-term problem prompting concerns about the role of Israel and American Jews in U.S. foreign policy.” This concern is highest among Democrats (70%) and those against the war (83%).

 

Supporters of the war are also more positive about joint operations, with overwhelming

majorities seeing it as good (81%) rather than bad (12%). But there is still some concern even among Republican Jews (79% good, 15% bad) and Orthodox Jews (74% good, 21% bad).

 

As noted near the top here, this is the first release from this new poll. More to come soon.

 

Named “Pollster of the Year” three times by the American Association of Political Consultants, The Mellman Group has provided sophisticated opinion research and strategic advice to political leaders, public interest organizations, Fortune 500 companies, and government agencies for over 30 years. All told, The Mellman Group has helped win over fifty senate and gubernatorial races, and nearly one hundred House race contests.


Mellman Executive Vice President Michael Bloomfield observed, “These results are a reminder that American Jews are not monolithic. There can be difference, and in this case strongly held on both sides, with a middle group torn between mixed feelings. In today’s political environment, partisanship is a very strong driver of views. That is true across the country across demographics, including American Jews.”


JEI is the foremost resource on Jewish voter political preferences, producing the top research, polling, and analysis critical to understanding the Jewish electorate. Chair Barbara Goldberg Goldman said, “American Jews are deeply concerned by the direction of our Country, the latest JEI poll says. The exponential and ongoing rise in violent antisemitism and hate crimes now occurring during an unpopular war is causing Jewish Americans to feel less safe. As we approach the 250th anniversary of American democracy, the Jewish electorate, while just 2-3% overall, is already highly engaged and will continue to punch above its weight. Their vote should not be ignored.”

See https://www.jewishelectorateinstitute.org/ for more.


For more media information, contact info@jewishelectorateinstitute.org at 202-695-0531.


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NEW POLL: What’s on the minds of Jewish Americans today?

September 25, 2026
Our latest JEI poll shows American Jews are still overwhelmingly pro-Israel but also very critical of Israel and Prime Minister Netanyahu. A majority are concerned that Netanyahu’s actions have increased antisemitic and anti-Israel sentiment. While this is more prevalent among Democrats, even a third of GOP Jews are greatly concerned. This poll also shows the divisions on some recent hot button issues. For instance, most Democrats support cutting aid to Israel, while majorities of independents and Republicans are opposed. There is also a division on the recent pro-Israel action in primary elections – with over a third of Jews feeling it has made things worse, while an increasing plurality feel it is more important than ever. Jews Are Pro-Israel But Very Critical Of Netanyahu, Though Not Focused On The Upcoming Israeli Election An overwhelming 86% of American Jews identify themselves as Pro-Israel, including 65% saying they are pro-Israel but critical of some or many of Israeli government policies. This is barely changed from the March JEI poll which showed 86% pro-Israel and 63% critical. Nearly three quarters (71%) see Israel favorably compared to 25% unfavorably – barely changed from March (71%/24%). At the same time, 61% have an unfavorable view of Netanyahu, with 34% favorable. This is within a point of Netanyahu’s standing from the JEI post-election poll in November 2024 which showed 33% favorable, 61% unfavorable. While 80% of American Jews are following the November elections in the U.S., only 38% are following the October elections in Israel. They do, however, have a strong preference in the outcome with 60% wanting Netanyahu replaced, including 53% feeling strongly. Only 16% of American Jews want to see him reelected. A Majority Are Concerned Netanyahu Has Increased Anti-Semitic And Anti-Israel Feelings Nearly half of American Jews are concerned about antisemitic rhetoric in the Republican (48% a great deal of concern) and Democratic (44%) Parties. Even among partisans roughly three in ten are greatly concerned about antisemitic rhetoric within their own party, with 29% of Republicans saying that about the GOP and 34% of Democrats saying it about their party. A 56% majority of Jews have a great deal of concern that “Israel’s actions under Netanyahu have increased antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment in the U.S.” Two thirds (65%) of Democratic Jews feel this way, and nearly half (46%) of independents and a third (34%) of Republicans. Most Democrats Would Cut Aid To Israel, But Republicans & Independents Are Opposed A 52% majority of Jews support cutting or eliminating aid to Israel, with 17% supporting “eliminating all $3.3 billion in military aid that the U.S. provides Israel” and 36% preferring to cut but not eliminate aid. Four in ten (40%) would keep aid at current levels, with 8% not sure. There are stark differences on partisanship, with nearly two thirds of Democrats (63%) wanting to cut or eliminate aid, and a similar two thirds of Republicans (67%) and independents (65%) for keeping current levels. Four in ten (40%) Jews are concerned about Congressional support for eliminating aid for “defensive weapons like Iron Dome” (40%), only slightly higher than concern for eliminating “offensive weapons” (36%). A majority of Republicans are concerned about cuts to either offensive (54%) or defensive weapon (56%), while less than half of independents are concerned (44% defensive, 45% offensive) and only a third of Democrats (34% defensive, 29% offensive.) Still there is more of a cost for a Member of Congress voting to cut aid, than a benefit. Nearly half (47%) are less likely to support a Member voting to cut aid, including 36% of those who support cutting aid themselves. Only one in five (21%) are more likely to vote for a Member cutting aid. Even among those who support cuts, only 13% are more likely to support a Member voting that way. Views On AIPAC And The Recent Primary Battles Are Mixed, Even Among Democrats A majority (51%) of American Jews have heard at least something about pro-Israel activity in this year’s primary elections – up from 38% in March. However, higher awareness has not dramatically changed opinions. A narrow 39% plurality support the pro-Israel activity in the primaries, 35% oppose it, and 26% are unsure; very similar to March (37% support, 32% oppose, 31% not sure). Given a choice between two statements, 45% believe “With increasing anti-Israel sentiment and threats to Israel, it is more important than ever for pro-Israel groups to play an active role against candidates who are not supportive enough of a strong US-Israel relationship”, while 37% believe that “These heavy-handed efforts by pro-Israel groups in primary elections make things worse by turning voters against a strong US-Israel relationship, and they should stop.” Large majorities of Republicans and independents believe it more important than ever for pro-Israel groups to get involved in the primaries. But while Democrats lean the other way, they are more torn – with 46% saying the pro-Israel activity is making things worse, but the majority of Democrats either think it’s more important than ever (34%) or are not sure (20%). Indeed, views of AIPAC, the biggest pro-Israel spender in primaries, are mixed, with 42% favorable, 35% unfavorable, and 24% not sure. AIPAC is seen favorably by most independents (55% favorable, 15% unfavorable) and Republicans (71% favorable, 12% unfavorable). Jewish Democrats are 44% unfavorable, with a majority either favorable (31%) or not sure (25%). Moreover, Democratic Jews do not fit easily into one box on AIPAC. Nearly half (45%) agree with the statement “AIPAC is being unfairly singled out for doing just what other advocacy groups do”. Yet 30% agree they cannot vote for a candidate who accepts money from AIPAC, while 19% cannot support a candidate who refuses money from AIPAC. While American Jews are generally together on being pro-Israel even if critical of the government, there are divisions on what should be done in the U.S. on aid and elections.

JEI Advocates for Right to Worship

September 25, 2026
September 23, 2026 The Honorable Mike Johnson Speaker of the United States House of Representatives United States House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515 Dear Mr. Speaker: I submit this statement for the record in support of H.R. 10052 and S. 5289, the Right to Worship Act. I am grateful to Representatives Brad Knott, Tom Suozzi, Michael Lawler, and Josh Gottheimer and Senators Ted Cruz and Elissa Slotkin for their bipartisan leadership in introducing this important legislation to protect the fundamental right of Americans to worship without fear, intimidation, or deliberate disruption. For Jewish Americans, this protection is particularly urgent. Synagogues should be places where Jewish families can gather in prayer, celebrate Shabbat and holidays, educate their children, and sustain their communities. No one should have to approach a synagogue wondering whether protesters will block the entrance, intimidate worshippers, prevent families from entering, or deliberately disrupt religious services. The Right to Worship Act recognizes a basic principle of religious liberty: Americans must be able to enter their houses of worship and participate in religious services without being subjected to conduct that meaningfully interferes with their ability to worship. The legislation establishes a narrowly tailored 100-foot protection zone around entrances to houses of worship during scheduled religious services and prohibits knowing conduct that disrupts services or hinders, deters, threatens, or intimidates people seeking to attend. This protection is not about preventing peaceful expression or legitimate public debate. The legislation specifically distinguishes protected expression from conduct that interferes with the ability of people to worship. That distinction is essential. Americans have a constitutional right to express their views, including views with which others strongly disagree. But that right should not be used as a justification for preventing another person from exercising the equally fundamental right to freely practice their religion. The need for this protection is especially clear for Jewish communities. In recent years, Jewish Americans have faced protests, intimidation, threats, and security concerns at and around synagogues and other Jewish institutions. Jewish families should not have to choose between exercising their faith and avoiding confrontation at the doors of their houses of worship. The right to worship is a foundational American freedom. It belongs to Jews, Christians, Muslims, Sikhs, Hindus, and Americans of every faith. Protecting houses of worship therefore is not a special accommodation for any one religious community. It is a protection of religious liberty itself. We also recognize the importance of maintaining the careful balance between religious freedom and the First Amendment's protection of speech and peaceful assembly. The Right to Worship Act addresses that balance by focusing on conduct that actually disrupts religious services or prevents or intimidates individuals from attending them, rather than on the viewpoint or content of someone's speech. We support continued careful consideration of the legislation to ensure that its protections remain clear, appropriately tailored, and consistent with constitutional rights. For Jewish Americans, the ability to walk through the doors of a synagogue and worship openly is not an abstract principle. It is an essential part of Jewish communal life and religious freedom. A Jewish family should be able to attend services on Shabbat or a holiday without being blocked, threatened, intimidated, or made to feel that entering their synagogue is itself an act of confrontation. Religious freedom cannot exist if people are technically free to worship but are effectively prevented from doing so by intimidation or deliberate disruption at the doors of their houses of worship. We strongly support the goals of the Right to Worship Act and urge Congress to advance this bipartisan legislation. Protecting the right of Americans to gather, pray, and practice their faith is a constitutional responsibility and a fundamental American value. The freedom to worship belongs to all of us. Congress should ensure that every American can exercise that freedom without fear. Sincerely,

JEI Advocates for Jewish American Security

September 23, 2026
September 23, 2026 The Honorable Mike Johnson Speaker of the United States House of Representatives United States House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515 Dear Mr. Speaker: I submit this statement for the record in support of H.R. 9211, the Jewish American Security Act. I am deeply grateful to Representatives Dan Goldman and Mike Lawler for leading this important bipartisan effort to confront antisemitism and strengthen protections for Jewish Americans. At a time when too many Jewish families, students, educators, houses of worship, and community institutions face fear and intimidation, their leadership brings moral clarity and urgently needed Congressional attention to a crisis affecting communities across the country. I also thank the bipartisan group of House members who joined them in introducing this legislation and the chairs, ranking members, and members of the committees of jurisdiction who will guide its consideration. Their engagement reflects a basic but essential principle: protecting Jewish Americans and confronting antisemitism should command the attention of Congress and the conscience of the country. The Jewish American Security Act addresses the realities Jewish communities confront every day. Antisemitism now reaches into schools and campuses, threatens houses of worship and communal institutions, spreads online in ways that can contribute to real-world violence, and requires federal agencies to respond with coordination, consistency, and seriousness. The bill also brings needed attention to an important and often misunderstood issue. Its findings recognize that antisemitism can arise when others hold Jewish individuals responsible for the policies of the Israeli government or attack, disparage, or demonize them because of their real or perceived connection to, affiliation with, or support for Israel as a Jewish state. That recognition matters. Anti-Israel campaigns can cross the line into antisemitic discrimination, harassment, and exclusion when they target Jewish Americans because of who they are, what they believe, or how others perceive their relationship to Israel and the Jewish people. At the same time, language touching on Israel, antisemitism, civil rights, campus life, and protected expression requires careful drafting. We welcome continued work with the sponsors, committees of jurisdiction, civil rights experts, Jewish communal organizations, constitutional scholars, educators, and other stakeholders to refine the bill and ensure it protects Jewish Americans while respecting constitutional rights and legitimate policy debate. The central issue before Congress remains urgent. No Jewish American should face discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or violence in schools, houses of worship, workplaces, public spaces, or online because they are Jewish or because of their actual or perceived connection to Israel and the Jewish people. Combating antisemitism requires more than statements after attacks occur. It requires prevention, enforcement, education, data, accountability, and resources. It also requires Congress to recognize that Jewish safety and American democracy stand together. A pluralistic democracy cannot thrive when hate forces any community to live with fear, hide its identity, or question whether public institutions will protect them. I strongly support the goals of the Jewish American Security Act and urge Congress to continue refining and advancing this legislation in a bipartisan manner. Protecting Jewish Americans is not a partisan question. It is an American obligation. Sincerely,