A comprehensive survey conducted by the Associated Press and NORC has shed light on the nuanced perspectives of Jewish Americans regarding Israel’s military operations in Gaza, their sense of safety in the United States, and their views on political leadership. The poll, which surveyed 1,022 Jewish adults, provides crucial insights into a demographic that finds itself at the center of some of the nation’s most contentious political discussions.
Divided Opinions on Israel’s Military Actions in Gaza
The survey results released on July 18, 2026, reveal that Jewish Americans hold far from monolithic views when it comes to Israel’s conduct in the ongoing conflict. Among those who identify as religiously Jewish, which represents approximately 70 percent of all Jewish adults in the country, opinions vary significantly based on the timeline of military operations.
While roughly 80 percent of religiously affiliated Jewish adults believe Israel’s immediate military response following the October 7 Hamas attack was justified, that support drops dramatically when examining ongoing operations. Only about half of this group considers the continuing military campaign in Gaza to be justified.
The divide becomes even more pronounced among Jewish adults who identify as atheists, agnostics, or have no particular religious affiliation while still maintaining their Jewish identity through cultural, ethnic, or family connections. This group, representing approximately 30 percent of Jewish adults, shows considerably less support for Israeli military actions:
- Only about 50 percent viewed Israel’s immediate response as justifiable
- Merely 20 percent believe the ongoing military operations are acceptable
- Approximately 40 percent believe Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians
Even among religiously affiliated Jewish adults, about one-quarter believe Israel has committed genocide in Gaza, an accusation that has been supported by some major human rights organizations and independent United Nations experts, though vehemently denied by both the Israeli and United States governments.
Rising Safety Concerns Among Jewish Americans
Perhaps one of the most alarming findings from the AP-NORC poll relates to how Jewish Americans perceive their personal safety within the United States. The survey paints a troubling picture of a community increasingly anxious about prejudice and discrimination.
About 6 in 10 Jewish adults say prejudice against Jewish people is an ‘extremely’ or ‘very’ serious problem in the United States today, according to the AP-NORC survey results.
The data reveals a community deeply divided on feelings of security:
- Approximately one-third of Jewish adults feel “very” or “somewhat” safe in the country
- Another third feel “very” or “somewhat” unsafe
- The remaining 30 percent report feeling neither safe nor unsafe
- About 30 percent report that they or someone in their household has experienced physical assault, verbal abuse, online harassment, or property damage due to their Jewish background within the past year
The poll indicates that attitudes toward personal safety have shifted considerably over a relatively short period, coinciding with increased American criticism of the United States’ close alliance with Israel and the ongoing Gaza conflict. Notably, Jewish adults who maintain a strong emotional connection to Israel are particularly likely to report feeling unsafe in the current climate.
Political Parties Failing to Meet Expectations
The survey also exposed widespread dissatisfaction with political leadership across the spectrum. Few Jewish Americans believe that either major political party or President Donald Trump is adequately supporting the Jewish community.
The numbers tell a stark story of political disillusionment:
- Only about 20 percent of Jewish adults believe Trump supports Jewish people “extremely” or “very” well
- Similar low percentages apply to both the Republican and Democratic parties
- Jewish adults are somewhat more likely to view the Democratic Party as at least “somewhat” supportive
- Approximately 70 percent of Jewish adults hold an unfavorable opinion of President Trump
Interestingly, the general American population views Trump as more supportive of Jewish Americans than Jewish adults themselves do. About 30 percent of all U.S. adults consider Trump highly supportive of the Jewish community, compared to only 20 percent of Jewish adults who share that assessment.
Understanding the Significance of These Findings
This comprehensive survey offers a rare and detailed examination of Jewish American perspectives at a time when these views carry significant weight in national political discourse. The findings challenge oversimplified narratives that often dominate public discussions about Jewish Americans and their relationship to Israel, political parties, and their sense of belonging in American society.
The data suggests that the Jewish American community is experiencing a period of significant internal reflection and external pressure, navigating complex questions about identity, safety, and political allegiance. As the situation in Gaza continues to evolve and domestic political tensions persist, these perspectives will likely remain crucial to understanding the broader American political landscape.
