Relationship on The Rocks
40% of American Jews Call Israel’s Actions 'Genocide': Is US Support Collapsing?
New poll reveals growing divide among American Jews over Israel's military actions in Gaza, with 40% viewing it as genocide while maintaining support for Israel's existence.
New Washington Post's poll indicates a profound and widening rift in the relationship between American Jews and the State of Israel, revealing severe condemnation of Israel’s military conduct in Gaza alongside an unwavering commitment to its long-term survival.
The data, collected from 815 American Jews between September 2-9 (margin of error ±4.7%), shows a striking perception gap: while 94% of respondents believe Hamas committed war crimes against Israel, a substantial majority of 61% also believe Israel has committed war crimes. Most notably, 39% of American Jews now describe Israel’s actions in the conflict as "genocide."
Erosion of Trust and Generational Divide
Despite the sharp criticism of Israeli policy, the poll confirms Israel remains central to Jewish identity for many, with 76% emphasizing that Israel's existence is "vital for the future of the Jewish people." However, this belief is increasingly detached from the current political leadership.
Trust in the Israeli government has deteriorated significantly. Nearly half, 48%, gave Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a negative rating, compared to just 32% who rated his leadership as "good" or "excellent." The political polarization in the U.S. mirrors this sentiment: 85% of Republican Jews support the Gaza operation, while only 31% of Democratic Jews do.
The findings highlight a dramatic intergenerational gap: Only 36% of young adults aged 18-34 feel an emotional connection to Israel, contrasting sharply with 68% of those 65 and older. Half of the younger demographic (50%) claim Israel is committing genocide, compared to about one-third across older age groups.
This growing disconnect signals a decades-long trend of American Jews, who tend to align with liberal and universal values, moving away from an Israeli leadership perceived as increasingly conservative and militant.
Criticism Beyond the Left
The poll demonstrates that frustration transcends traditional political boundaries. Julia Seidman, 42, from Washington, articulated this moral conflict:
“In the beginning, in some ways, Israel had no choice... But there is nothing that can justify what is happening now, two years later. The amount of human suffering we are seeing today… I am simply disgusted.”
Bob Haas, 71, whose grandfather fled Polish pogroms, emphasized the need for Israel's security but criticized its current direction:
"The way Netanyahu’s government conducts itself contributes nothing to protecting Jews, not in Israel and not in the world."
Hope for Peace Persists
Despite the widespread condemnation, a majority remains optimistic about a peaceful resolution. 59% of respondents believe that Israel and an independent Palestinian state can ultimately "live side by side in peace." Most respondents (62%) support Gaza being governed by an elected Palestinian government, though only 4% view Hamas as a legitimate authority.
As U.S. President Donald Trump continues to voice support for Israel and advocate for a hostage release agreement, the poll serves as a stark warning: automatic support for Israel, even among its diaspora, can no longer be guaranteed.