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Israel and Hamas: The Viewpoint of American Jewry
(Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs) Irwin J. Mansdorf, PhD - A survey of 511 American Jews, conducted between May 9-11, 2024, found a strong sense of concern for their personal and family future as American Jews, with over 90% expressing at least "some" concern and more than half expressing considerable concern. Overall, support for Israel remains strong, but much of the support is conditional. Only about a quarter indicated "unconditional" support, with another quarter stating that the support was for Israel "but not the current Israeli government." A minority supported the Palestinians "unconditionally" (11.5%), and another 7.8% supported the Palestinians "but not Hamas." Close to 90% believed that "ordinary" Palestinian citizens support Hamas and their tactics and goals to at least some degree. 52% disagreed with the accusation that Israel was guilty of genocide, while 30% agreed. 52% agreed with President Biden's decision to withhold arms shipments to Israel if Israel invades Rafah, while 23% disagreed. About 90% felt that President Biden takes the Jewish vote "for granted" to some degree. The writer is a clinical psychologist and a fellow at the Jerusalem Center specializing in political psychology.