Two Years After the Hamas Attack on Israel
As we mark two years since Hamas launched an attack on Israel, there’s an ongoing discussion about Jewish American perspectives—especially in light of New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani’s views, which have been considered quite hostile towards Israel. This raises a question: do most American Jews align with Mamdani’s stance?
It seems that the answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no. Various polls indicate that a significant majority of American Jews, around 72%, harbor positive feelings towards Israel. In fact, another survey shows that a mere 5% do not support the Jewish state. Interestingly, 85% of younger Jews affirm Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish nation, and 70% believe that anti-Zionism equates to anti-Semitism. These figures suggest a strong commitment to Israel rather than a longing for its demise.
Additionally, the actions taken by local Jewish communities provide further insight. Instances abound where community members have collectively opposed any moves that threaten Israel’s security. For example, more than 50 Jewish organizations in Atlanta openly criticized Senator John Ossoff for his votes against supporting Israel. Their response demonstrated that it wasn’t just a fringe group but rather a broad segment of the community voicing their concerns for Israel’s safety.
In New Jersey, over 150 rabbis condemned Senator Andy Kim for actions they viewed as irresponsible. Similarly, in Maryland, 80 rabbis sent a letter urging Senator Chris Van Hollen to reconsider his rhetoric and its potential risks to American support for Israel. These examples highlight how local Jewish leaders often coordinate their responses to political decisions that may undermine Israel.
Moreover, when the anti-Zionist group Jewish Voices for Peace convened in Baltimore, local Jewish residents expressed their dissent by labeling the organization as a “token” entity promoting false narratives against Israel. A similar situation arose in North Carolina, where the Jewish Clergy Association denounced a resolution calling for an arms embargo against Israel, characterizing it as “morally unhealthy.” This indicates a substantial opposition among the Jewish community toward such measures.
It’s clear that, while there’s an ongoing discourse within the Jewish community—particularly among younger individuals who may prioritize different values or question Israeli policies—they still tend to support Israel’s legitimacy. Most express a desire for strong US-Israel relations and seek representation of Jewish voices in public dialogues.
The narrative suggesting that American Jews largely support Mamdani due to his anti-Israel posture seems misaligned with prevailing evidence. Instead, many Jewish Americans are firmly opposed to threats against Israel—both ideologically and politically.
Reflecting on the second anniversary of the October 7 attack, it’s evident that Israel’s security remains a central concern for Jewish Americans. While the community is diverse and not monolithic in opinion, the overarching sentiment prioritizes Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish nation. Political organizations are crucial in voicing these values, aligning them with the majority perspectives of the Jewish American community.
