Polls Show Generational Split on Israel Policies
The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict has American Jewish voters divided heading into the 2024 presidential election, with polls showing a generational split on U.S. policies toward Israel. While a majority of Jewish voters still prefer Democratic nominee Kamala Harris over former President Donald Trump, support is notably softer compared to the 2020 election.
A poll conducted by The Forward and CHIP50 found that approximately 54% of American Jews believe Harris would handle the Israel-Hamas war better than Trump. However, 65% perceive Trump as being more supportive of Israelis. The poll highlighted the divide between older, more pro-Israel Jewish voters and younger progressive Jews who are increasingly critical of Israel’s military actions.
“There are notable age differences even among Jewish Americans: Younger Jews are more critical than older Jews of Israel’s approach to the war and have a less favorable view of Israel’s government,” according to Pew Research Center.
Harris and Trump Take Divergent Approaches
Vice President Harris and former President Trump have staked out divergent positions on the conflict. Harris has advocated for a more balanced approach that includes humanitarian aid to Palestinians. In contrast, Trump is known for his staunchly pro-Israel stance, having moved the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem and brokered the Abraham Accords between Israel and Arab states.
“He is somebody who has had dinner with known antisemites. After the horrific events of Charlottesville, where people were marching with tiki torches saying ‘Jews shall not replace us,’ he said there are ‘fine people on both sides,” said Doug Emhoff, Harris’s Jewish Husband, when he was asked about Trump’s comment saying Harris “doesn’t like Jew.ish people.” However, some Jewish voters view Trump as a stronger defender of Israel. “If you can vote for the Republicans, represented by that man, then do it. But if you cannot — at least do not vote for Kamala Harris,” said a professor at a liberal arts college , who wishes to remain anonymous. ”It appears that I am not alone in reaching this difficult conclusion, as there are reports that Jewish voters are gravitating away from the Democratic nominee in unprecedented numbers’” he adds.
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For many Jewish voters, rising antisemitism and concerns about their safety are major factors in the election. A poll by the National Opinion Research Center found that 61% of American Jews feel less safe since the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. Forty-three percent said antisemitism would impact their vote. Dov Hikind, a former NY State Assemblyman, had said earlier this year, “Jewish communities feel betrayed & are joining Black and Latino Communities in slowly shifting away from the madness of POTUS and the radical left Dem destruction machine.”
Long-Term Impacts Unclear
With the Israel-Hamas conflict ongoing and the 2024 election still over a year away, the long-term impacts on Jewish political allegiances remain to be seen. Experts note a surprising number of undecided Jewish voters this cycle. “I believe this upcoming election is the most consequential vote Jewish Americans will cast, perhaps in their lifetimes, and again, I cannot remain silent,” says Abraham Foxman, a lawyer and former national director of the Anti-Defamation League.
The shifting landscape has both campaigns working hard to secure the Jewish vote in key swing states like Pennsylvania, where even small margins could tip the balance. With passions running high on all sides, the 2024 election is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for American Jews and U.S.-Israel relations.
