E Jewish Philanthropy: Taking the Temperature of Jewish Voters: A Political Snapshot

May 29, 2019

By Steven Windmueller

As America awaits next year’s Presidential election, various studies are already seeking to capture the political pulse of this nation. Just last week, a new poll focusing on Jewish voters was released. While this survey provided a broad range of data concerning Jewish political behavior, the following findings are introduced here:

  • 70% disapproved of the President’s overall job performance
  • 71% were dissatisfied with the way the President has handled anti-Semitism
  • 73% believe Jews are less secure than they were two years ago
  • The Jewish community continues to identify as strongly pro-Israel, but Israel ranks at the bottom of a list of 16 policy priorities of Jewish voters

Over the last several months, Jewish Democrats, Republicans and Independents also had the opportunity to participate in a series of focus groups. [1] The issues collectively raised by these 30 participants are reflected in the comments introduced below. Some of the commentary extracted from these conversations reflects on the themes also present in the Jewish Electorate Institute’s report. While these particular statements are designed to demonstrate the issues that are of importance to these specific Jewish voters, they must also be seen as a snapshot taken at a particular moment in time:

  1. One participant, who defined himself as an “ Independent ,” commenting on Bernie Sanders, suggested that the Senator may have worn out his welcome. “I find his views on Israel to be problematic and his socialist agenda, some of which is being adopted by a number of his Democratic colleagues, is driving the Democratic Party too far to the left, for my taste.”
  2. “ I can’t believe what I am seeing. I am mystified that my Republican friends seem to lack a moral compass by supporting their President. The defense of the President to me as a Jew and as an American is damaging our country and this  democracy ,” suggested by a Democratic Jewish voter.
  3. A contrary view was offered by the following Trump supporter: “ I don’t get are my Jewish friends, who still can’t accept the election results from 2016? Why are the Democrats so hell bent on bringing down this  President? He has been great for Israel and for America.”
  4. One independent vote offered the following commentary: “ I really don’t care for the President but can anyone realistically defeat him in 2020? ”
  5. A Democrat raised the following concern: “ Is it really good that there are so many Democrats running for the Presidency? Will they ‘kill each other off’ leaving the stage in 2020 to Trump? ”
  6. A Jewish Independent voter expressed his frustration: “ I am feeling conflicted. I like his (Trump) actions on behalf of Israel. However, there is little else that really resonates with me about this President , so do I support him only because he’s good for Israel? ”
  7. “ I am very concerned about the anti-Israel and anti-Semitic statements coming from some Democrats. Why hasn’t the Democratic leadership in the Congress been more forthcoming in denouncing these messages? ” A Jewish Republican voter offered these sentiments.
  8. A Democrat observed: “ I worry about the loss of civility in this country. I can’t have a reasonable conversation about US politics or Israel, without someone walking out of the room or employing a series of expletives when talking about their opponents.”
  9. A Republican who indicated that he was not a supporter of the President stated: “ Am not sure what I am going to do now or in the future in connection with my vote.  The far right white nationalists scare me on the Republican side , while the anti-Israel voices within the Democratic Party are correspondingly upsetting to me.”  A broad number of individuals confirmed that the rise in anti-Semitism was particularly worrisome.
  10. A Democrat observed the following: “ If this comes down to the economy, the Republicans are likely to win.”
  11. “ Any one but Trump, please! ” A Jewish Democrat offered this one sentence commentary.
  12. A first time eligible voter in 2020 noted that she was excited to vote, adding “ I am committed to elect individual s who reflect my generation’s concerns, including the environment, quality job creation, infrastructure, and an equitable immigration policy.”

How Recent Events Impact Voters?

The recent incidents of anti-Semitism and anti-Israel rhetoric will no doubt impact voter concerns. Some focus group participants indicated a new level of uncertainty about the best way for Jews to be able to express their political concerns, as threats appeared from both the political right and far left. As one participant noted: “S o, where do we go, when you see hate emerge from both ends of the political spectrum? ”Another voter articulated the case that the current environment confirmed for him a commitment to oppose extremism in all of its forms, whether emerging from his own political party or the other side. “ Our job must be to call out those who are our enemies.” Yet, many of those interviewed shared similar concerns related to anti-Semitism as reflected in the Jewish voter survey introduced above.

What Issues Define their Politics?

When asked about the issues that informed their political choices, two groups of answers emerged. One cadre of voters indicated that the welfare and security of the State of Israel was an abiding concern.

A second group of voters, somewhat larger in number, identified a whole litany of priorities, primarily domestic in nature. These included  health care and medical costs; immigration issues; the composition of the Supreme Court; and economic justice  (here respondents expressed concerns both about the top 1% and the economic hardships facing the very poor and undereducated in this society). Most focus group members (over 80%)indicated their concerns about the rise of hate within the society, referencing anti-Semitism as well as other manifestations of prejudice.

There appears to be a class of voters who are specifically committed to environmental issues. These were generally younger voters who had grown up with a particular concernaround the impact of climate change.

Where Does Israel Fit into their Political Priorities?

The mix of reactions to the Israeli elections was likewise instructive. A third of the focus group participants (10 individuals) did not appear to have followed the results of the April elections. Collectively 15 participants seemed uncertain what the outcome might mean for Israel or its relationships with world Jewry and its major international partners. Five focus group members seemed very engaged with the details and implications. Three of these participants were extremely concerned, possibly even critical of the Prime Minister in connection with some of his policies, including the proposal to annex the West Bank Jewish Settlements. Two seemed to believe that this option was extremely important to Jewish security and to the future of the Jewish State. All of the respondents however were uncertain what this policy position would mean in connection with achieving some type of final resolution to the Israel-Arab conflict. Only one individual weighed in on endorsing a one-state option as a viable alternative political option.

Respondents were generally aware of the American administration’s plan to release a peace plan but few believed that it created any new formula for a lasting peace with the Palestinians. Others were concerned about recent American government statements concerning a possible military build up against Iran, expressing reservations about creating new tensions and potential threats impacting Israel.

Implications for 2020 :

Certainly, no single poll or small focus group sample  can reflect the political disposition of a larger class of voters. At best, such data may reflect some generic trends as well as identify core issues of interest to a specific sector of the voting public. Almost all of thefocus group respondents felt that the 2020 election would be highly contentious, further dividing the nation. Many of these participants expressed a concern that the election campaign would accelerate an already intense environment of hate and possibly create additional acts of violence directed against minority groups, including American Jews.

[1] Series of focus groups conducted during the period of late March through the middle of May (2018) with some 30 individuals, representing a cross-section of American Jews (by age, gender and political affiliation).

Newsweek: Political Smoke Alarm... Jewish Voter Identification Becoming More Complicated

October 1, 2026
The latest Jewish Electorate Institute survey gives Democrats a commanding 71 percent to 23 percent advantage among Jewish voters on the generic congressional ballot, virtually unchanged from its March poll. Sixty-nine percent identify as Democrats, while 24 percent identify as Republicans.  The same poll contains a less comfortable set of numbers, though: 57 percent of Jewish voters overall say antisemitism is increasing within the Democratic Party, while 35 percent of Jewish Democrats say the rise of anti-Israel Democratic candidates has made it harder for them personally to identify as Democrats. The votes may still be staying Democratic, but for some Jewish voters, identification with the party is becoming more complicated.

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,