July 2021 National Survey of Jewish Voters

July 13, 2021

The first major poll of Jewish voters since Joe Biden became President and since recent hostilities between Israel and Hamas demonstrates that Jewish Americans continue to overwhelmingly identify as Democrats and support President Joe Biden with an 80% rate of approval. It is the first poll of its kind to demonstrate that Jewish Americans rank voting rights as a key priority.

The poll also demonstrates that three-quarters of Jewish voters support the way Joe Biden is handling relations with Israel, and are more concerned about antisemitism originating on the right than on the left by a three-to-one margin. Jewish voters also continue to prioritize domestic policy issues, starting with climate change, and are highly concerned about Republican voter suppression efforts. On that issue, a majority of Jewish voters support eliminating the Senate filibuster in order to pass federal voting rights legislation.

The poll, conducted online by GBAO Strategies on behalf of the non-partisan Jewish Electorate Institute (JEI), surveyed more than 800 self-identified Jewish American registered voters between June 28 and July 1. The results demonstrate that Jewish Americans trust Biden more than Trump by at least a three-to-one margin on key issues including fighting antisemitism, handling the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and dealing with the Iranian nuclear issue.

KEY FINDINGS:

  • In a polarized American political environment, Jewish voters remain a solidly Democratic and liberal constituency.  Six months into his presidency, Joe Biden has extraordinary approval and personal favorability ratings, Democrats hold a massive advantage in the generic Congressional vote, and there is intense opposition to the Republican Party and its leadership.
  • Concerns about the pandemic have receded, and top tier issues are climate change, voting rights, and the economy.  COVID-19 has become a middle tier priority, along with healthcare and guns. Bottom tier issues include race relations, affordable housing, Israel, Iran, and abortion.
  • Even though Israel is not a high priority for Jewish voters, a majority feel emotionally attached to it. Only 4 percent cite Israel as 1 of the top 2 issues that Biden and Congress should focus on, but 62 percent say that they are emotionally attached to Israel.
  • There is high importance placed on the U.S. providing aid to Israel, but most Jewish voters also want to restrict aid so it cannot be spent on expanding settlements in the West Bank . For Jewish voters, it is compatible to be both “pro-Israel” and critical of Israeli government policies (87 percent).
  • There is some sense (30 percent) that the new Israeli government will strengthen US-Israel relations, while most Jewish voters say they are not sure (32 percent) or it will make no difference (30 percent).
  • A majority cite a 2-state solution as the best way to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.  Three-in-five Jewish voters want a Jewish State of Israel alongside an independent Palestinian State, and the remaining two-in five are evenly split between a one-state solution (20 percent) and annexation (19 percent).
  • B iden receives strong support for his handling of the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas, and Jewish voters support the Biden Administration restoring humanitarian aid to the Palestinians that had been cut by the Trump Administration. Majorities approve of how Biden handled the conflict (62 percent approve/21 percent disapprove) and support the renewal of aid to the Palestinians (62 percent support/28 percent oppose).
  • There is widespread concern about antisemitism in the United States, spanning gender, age, and denomination.  Nearly all Jewish voters are either very concerned (54 percent) or somewhat concerned (36 percent) about antisemitism.
  • Most Jewish voters are more concerned about antisemitism originating from the right wing (61 percent) than from the left wing (22 percent).
  • Intense criticism of Israel is generally not seen as antisemitic, unless it veers into denying Israel’s right to exist.  Two-thirds believe that it is antisemitic to state that “Israel doesn’t have the right to exist,” compared to stating that “Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinians” (31 percent), “Israel is an apartheid state” (28 percent), and “Israel’s treatment of Palestinians is similar to racism in the U.S.” (20 percent).  Only 26 percent believe that it is antisemitic to say that “Jews who vote Democratic are disloyal to Israel.” 
  • Voting rights is a high priority for Jewish voters, and they hold strong feelings about the current debate.  It is the second most important issue cited, and 83 percent say they are concerned about the laws passed in Florida and Georgia.
  • T here is strong support for federal legislation that would reverse the impact of the Florida and Georgia laws, and Jewish voters favor eliminating the filibuster to pass the federal legislation.  Expanding voter access, setting a national standard for voting rights, and reversing the impact of Florida’s and Georgia’s laws receives 76 percent support; and 62 percent eliminating the filibuster to pass this legislation.

Demographic Data

Ideology and Partisanship

Congressional Vote

Thinking about the elections in 2022, if the general election for the U.S. Congress were being held today, for whom would you vote?

Favorability

Biden Job Approval

Do you approve or disapprove of the way Joe Biden is handling his job as president?

Biden Approval on Israel Relations

Do you approve or disapprove of the way Joe Biden is handling relations with Israel?

Approval of Biden’s Handling of Recent Israel-Hamas Conflict

Thinking about the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas, do you support or oppose how President Biden handled the conflict?


Issues Priority

Below is a list of issues facing our country today. Please mark which TWO of these issues you want President Joe Biden and Congress to focus on.

Attachment to Israel

How emotionally attached are you to Israel?


Being Critical of Israeli Government Policies

People often talk about being “pro-Israel”. Do you think someone can be critical of Israeli government policies and still be “pro-Israel”?


U.S. Aid to Israel

How important is it to you that the U.S. provide financial aid to Israel?

U.S. Aid to the Palestinians

Do you support or oppose the U.S. providing the same amount of financial aid that it gives Israel, but restricting it so that Israel cannot spend U.S. aid on expanding settlements in the West Bank?


Two States Vs. One State Options

In your opinion, which of the following would be the best resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?

Future of U.S. – Israel Relations

As you may know, Israel recently held an election that resulted in a new government, led by Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid who will rotate as Prime Minister and replace Benjamin Netanyahu who served in this role for the past 12 years. Do you think the new government in Israel will strengthen or weaken relations between Israel and the United States, or will it make no difference?

Antisemitism

How concerned are you about antisemitism in the U.S.?

Antisemitism Concerns

Are you more concerned about antisemitism that originates from left-wing groups and individuals or antisemitism that originates from right-wing groups and individuals?

Jewish Safety

Overall, do you feel more safe, less safe, or no difference as a Jewish person living in America since Joe Biden became President?

Israel and Antisemitism

Below are some statements about Israel. For each one, do you agree or disagree with the statement? If you disagree, do you believe the statement is antisemitic or is not antisemitic?


Biden Vs. Trump Trust

(Split) For each of the following issues, please indicate whether you trust Joe Biden or Donald Trump to do a better job with this issue.

Party Trust

(Split) For each of the following issues, please indicate whether you trust Democrats in Congress or Republicans in Congress to do a better job with this issue.

Florida and Georgia Voting Laws

As you may know, Republican legislatures in Florida and Georgia have recently passed laws impacting access to voting and changing the way elections are conducted. Democrats say these laws target people of color and make it harder for them to vote. Republicans say these laws are necessary to stop election fraud and ensure election integrity. How concerned are you about the impact of these laws on our elections?

Federal Legislation on Voting Rights

Do you support or oppose federal legislation that would expand voter access, make a national standard for voting rights across the country, and reverse the impact of the new election laws passed by the Florida and Georgia legislatures?

Filibuster and Voting Rights

(IF SUPPORT) As you may know, the U.S. House of Representatives has passed legislation supported by President Biden that would reverse the impact of the new election laws passed by the Florida and Georgia legislatures, but the legislation does not have the 60 votes in the U.S. Senate to overcome a filibuster. Do you support or oppose eliminating the filibuster in order to pass this legislation?

Please contact press@jewishelectorateinstitute.org for any press inquiries.

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,