U.S. JEWS IDENTIFY AS BOTH PRO-ISRAEL & CRITICAL OF ITS GOV’T

April 7, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                              MEDIA CONTACT: info@jewishelectorateinstitute.org

TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2026                                  202-695-0531

 

 

U.S. JEWS IDENTIFY AS BOTH PRO-ISRAEL & CRITICAL OF ITS GOV’T

 

Jewish Repub’s, Indi’s Support Pro-Israel Spending in Primaries; Dems Less So

 

AIPAC popular among R’s, not as much among D’s; DMFI better liked by D’s

 

WASHINGTON – As the Democratic National Committee sets to convene in New Orleans this week and consider resolutions on Israel and its AIPAC lobby, a new poll for the Jewish Electorate Institute (JEI) finds the majority of American Jews identifies as both pro-Israel and critical of the Israeli Government. There is limited awareness of the spending by pro-Israel groups in the 2026 primaries, with only one in ten saying they have heard a great deal about it. Attitudes split on partisan lines with majorities of independent and Republican Jews supporting this spending, while a plurality of Democrats is opposed. But still, the majority of Democrats are either not sure or supportive, the poll finds.


These are among the top findings of a survey of registered Jews nationally for the JEI by The Mellman Group, several others of which were released last week before Passover. A fuller release of all its findings will come on Friday, after the holiday ends.


Further, attitudes about AIPAC and DMFI, the pro-Israel groups spending the most in these primaries, are also split on partisan lines, with AIPAC slightly underwater among Democrats, and popular among Republicans. DMFI is less known but better liked among Democrats. J Street’s numbers are relatively even but measurably smaller.


This analysis is based on the findings of a survey of 800 registered Jewish voters nationally. The survey was conducted for JEI by The Mellman Group using a high-quality online national panel from March 13-23, 2026. The margin of error for the sample as a whole is +/-3.5% at the 95% level of confidence (higher for subgroups).


Majority of U.S. Jews Identifies as Both Pro-Israel and Critical of Israeli Policies


An overwhelming 86% of American Jews describe themselves as generally pro-Israel. However, fewer than one-quarter (23%) say they are both pro-Israel and supportive of Israeli policies. A 63% majority identifies as pro-Israel and critical of the Israeli government policies – split roughly equally between those who are critical of some policies (32%) and those critical of many (31%). Just a combined 14% say they are not generally pro-Israel (9%) or do not hold a view (5%).


This trend is not dissimilar to one in the JEI poll that shows Jews are also generally patriotic towards America but also critical of some government policies, numbers for which will be released Friday.


While pro-Israel sentiment extends across party (84% of Democrats, 90% of independents, 94% of Republicans), Democrats are considerably more likely to be critical of Israeli policies (73% critical) than independents (44%) and Republicans (39%). 


Relatively Few are Paying Close Attention to the Pro-Israel Role in the 2026 Primaries


Despite the media coverage of the involvement of pro-Israel groups in the recent primaries, few Jews have been following this closely. Just 38% say they have heard at least some about these efforts; and only 11% have heard a great deal. The majority (62%) say they have not heard much, including 32% who say they have heard nothing at all or are unsure. This limited awareness extends across party with similar numbers across Jewish Democrats (12% great deal, 27% some) and Republicans (10% great deal, 27% some) and slightly lower levels among independents (6% great deal, 25% some). 


There is a bit more awareness among younger Jews, the Mellman poll for JEI finds.. Nearly half (49%) of those under 40 years old say they have heard something about the pro-Israel involvement in the 2026 primaries. Less than one-fifth (17%) say they have heard a great deal.


Given More Information, There Are Clear Divisions Along Partisan Lines About Spending Millions to Elect The Most Pro-Israel Candidates – Though Nearly One-Third Are Unsure


After hearing that “pro-Israel groups have spent millions of dollars against candidates in primary elections who they believe are not supportive enough of the U.S.-Israel relationship,” opinions are divided. A narrow plurality of 37% supports the involvement, with 32% opposed and 31% unsure.


The few who have already heard a great deal about the primaries are majority opposed (60%), compared to only 32% support. But the bigger difference is on partisanship. The pro-Israel spending in the primaries is supported by majorities of both Republicans (73%) and independents (50%). Democrats, on the other hand, are plurality opposed (24% support, 42% oppose), with over one-third (34%) not sure.



There is a slight difference by age groups. Net support is slightly higher among seniors at +10 (38% support, 28% oppose). The middle aged, 40-59 years old, are +4 (36% support, 32% oppose). And the youngest cohort, under 40 years old, is slightly lower net support at +3. But all these differences are slight, and in line with partisanship which is the bigger driver here. 



A Narrow Plurality Believes it More Important Than Ever to Get Involved in The Primaries, but The Plurality of Democrats Believe “Heavy Handed” Tactics Will Make Things Worse.


A narrow plurality (39%) believes that “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.” Nearly as many (37%) think 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”. Nearly one-quarter (24%) are unsure.


Views again diverge based on party. A 46% plurality of Democratic Jews believes this spending will make things worse, while only 28% say it’s more important than ever to take action, and 26% are not sure. Majorities of Republicans (67%) and independents (59%) say it is more important than ever to take action.


AIPAC’s Image is Net Favorable Overall, but Less Favorable Among Democrats; While DMFI Is Less Known, but Better Liked by Those Who Know Them


The two groups most involved in the pro-Israel spending are the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and the Democratic Majority For Israel. Two-thirds (68%) of American Jews know enough about AIPAC to have an opinion, with 39% favorable, 29% unfavorable and 32% unsure. Again, there is a partisan divide. Republicans are majority favorable (66% favorable, 10% unfavorable); as are independents (50% favorable, 19% unfavorable). Democrats are more evenly divided and net unfavorable with 37% unfavorable, 29% favorable, 33% unsure.


DMFI is less well known, with name ID at 48%, but those who know them are 2:1 favorable (32% favorable, 16% unfavorable). As a Democratic organization, they are best known and best liked among Democrats (34% favorable, 13% unfavorable). They are also net favorable among independents (31% favorable, 18% unfavorable) but only barely so among Republicans (25% favorable, 24% unfavorable).


J Street, at 18% net favorable and 19% total unfavorable is almost exactly even but much less known. Nearly have of respondents (46%) say they have never heard of them.


As noted at the top here, this is the second release from this new JEI poll. Complete results to come Friday. https://www.jewishelectorateinstitute.org/2025-poll


The Democratic National Committee is scheduled to consider a resolution at a regular meeting, this week in New Orleans, that “condemns the growing influence” of AIPAC. Meanwhile, other resolutions about Israel may come up from the floor.

 

The Mellman Group

 

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. More at https://mellmangroup.com/  

 

Mellman Executive Vice President Michael Bloomfield observed, “These numbers provide some helpful context about how American Jews are thinking about US-Israel issues. Almost all of them identify as pro-Israel, but most are critical of the Israeli government. They also differ on how best to move forward the U.S.-Israel relationship.

 

“This poll shows that for all the discussion about the role pro-Israel groups are taking in the primaries, there is still relatively little awareness of this for now. Given more information, the plurality of Jewish Democrats is worried these tactics could backfire. But still the majority are either unsure or believe getting involved in these primary races is more important than ever. 

 

“This is a developing dynamic which bears watching as things play out in the Middle East and in the 2026 campaign here at home.”

 

Jewish Electorate Institute

 

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, “Our latest poll underscores a critical truth: strong support for Israel does not preclude thoughtful criticism of its government or policies. American Jewish voters draw a clear distinction between the country and its leadership—and they expect that nuance to be understood. Supporting Israel and questioning its government are not contradictions. Just as importantly, this poll is a reminder that the Jewish vote cannot and should not be taken for granted. Jewish voters are thoughtful and engaged.”

 

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


 

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

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,