Poll: 80% of Jewish Americans Link US Antisemitism to Israel's Actions

Jewish Americans have historically been viewed as a key voting bloc for pro-Israel policies, yet new data suggests their views on the state's role in US politics are more complex than conventional wisdom implies.

A survey commissioned by J Street and conducted by GBAO Strategies found that 80 percent of Jewish voters believe specific actions by Israel in the occupied territories are a primary driver of antisemitism in the United States. The data challenges the notion that the community views the state with unconditional support.

The poll was fielded between October 28 and November 3, 2026, immediately preceding the US midterm elections. It revealed that 66 percent of respondents believe the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (Aipac) exacerbates antisentiment by spending campaign funds against candidates who criticize Israel. Additionally, 60 percent stated that Jewish organizations often use labels of antisemitism to shield unpopular Israeli policies when harsh criticism is offered.

Jim Gerstein, founding partner of GBAO Strategies, noted that media coverage frequently presents a monolithic view of the Jewish community. He stated that the data reveals a more varied set of opinions among voters, contradicting the idea that the group processes these issues without nuance.

The results align with the outcome of the recent midterm elections, which resulted in a sweeping victory for the Democratic party. In Michigan, Democratic Senator-elect Abdul El-Sayed won a landslide victory over Republican candidate Mike Rogers, who was supported by Aipac. El-Sayed campaigned on a platform that included cutting US aid to Israel and condemning its actions in Gaza.

According to a separate poll by Mercury Public Affairs, El-Sayed secured the support of 60 percent of early Jewish voters in Michigan. The GBAO survey also measured public perception of political figures, finding that New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani holds a 49 percent favorability rating among Jewish Americans. This stands in contrast to the 20 percent favorability rating held by outgoing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, despite Mamdani having previously faced accusations of antisemitism.

The survey indicated that 72 percent of Jewish voters supported Democratic candidates in the recent elections. Furthermore, 76 percent of respondents expressed support for sanctions against violent West Bank settlers. These figures indicate a preference for specific policy measures and political accountability regarding the Israeli government.

Jeremy Ben-Ami, president of J Street, stated that the poll results challenge common stereotypes about the political demands of Jewish voters. He argued that the community has been treated as a political tool during the election cycle, with many politicians insisting that Jewish Americans demand unconditional support for the Israeli government. Ben-Ami said the data shows Jewish voters overwhelmingly backed Democrats and opposed President Trump, supporting accountability rather than a free pass for the Israeli government.