U.S. JEWS IDENTIFY AS BOTH PRO-ISRAEL & CRITICAL OF ITS GOV’T

April 7, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                              MEDIA CONTACT: info@jewishelectorateinstitute.org

TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2026                                  202-695-0531

 

 

U.S. JEWS IDENTIFY AS BOTH PRO-ISRAEL & CRITICAL OF ITS GOV’T

 

Jewish Repub’s, Indi’s Support Pro-Israel Spending in Primaries; Dems Less So

 

AIPAC popular among R’s, not as much among D’s; DMFI better liked by D’s

 

WASHINGTON – As the Democratic National Committee sets to convene in New Orleans this week and consider resolutions on Israel and its AIPAC lobby, a new poll for the Jewish Electorate Institute (JEI) finds the majority of American Jews identifies as both pro-Israel and critical of the Israeli Government. There is limited awareness of the spending by pro-Israel groups in the 2026 primaries, with only one in ten saying they have heard a great deal about it. Attitudes split on partisan lines with majorities of independent and Republican Jews supporting this spending, while a plurality of Democrats is opposed. But still, the majority of Democrats are either not sure or supportive, the poll finds.


These are among the top findings of a survey of registered Jews nationally for the JEI by The Mellman Group, several others of which were released last week before Passover. A fuller release of all its findings will come on Friday, after the holiday ends.


Further, attitudes about AIPAC and DMFI, the pro-Israel groups spending the most in these primaries, are also split on partisan lines, with AIPAC slightly underwater among Democrats, and popular among Republicans. DMFI is less known but better liked among Democrats. J Street’s numbers are relatively even but measurably smaller.


This analysis is based on the findings of a survey of 800 registered Jewish voters nationally. The survey was conducted for JEI by The Mellman Group using a high-quality online national panel from March 13-23, 2026. The margin of error for the sample as a whole is +/-3.5% at the 95% level of confidence (higher for subgroups).


Majority of U.S. Jews Identifies as Both Pro-Israel and Critical of Israeli Policies


An overwhelming 86% of American Jews describe themselves as generally pro-Israel. However, fewer than one-quarter (23%) say they are both pro-Israel and supportive of Israeli policies. A 63% majority identifies as pro-Israel and critical of the Israeli government policies – split roughly equally between those who are critical of some policies (32%) and those critical of many (31%). Just a combined 14% say they are not generally pro-Israel (9%) or do not hold a view (5%).


This trend is not dissimilar to one in the JEI poll that shows Jews are also generally patriotic towards America but also critical of some government policies, numbers for which will be released Friday.


While pro-Israel sentiment extends across party (84% of Democrats, 90% of independents, 94% of Republicans), Democrats are considerably more likely to be critical of Israeli policies (73% critical) than independents (44%) and Republicans (39%). 


Relatively Few are Paying Close Attention to the Pro-Israel Role in the 2026 Primaries


Despite the media coverage of the involvement of pro-Israel groups in the recent primaries, few Jews have been following this closely. Just 38% say they have heard at least some about these efforts; and only 11% have heard a great deal. The majority (62%) say they have not heard much, including 32% who say they have heard nothing at all or are unsure. This limited awareness extends across party with similar numbers across Jewish Democrats (12% great deal, 27% some) and Republicans (10% great deal, 27% some) and slightly lower levels among independents (6% great deal, 25% some). 


There is a bit more awareness among younger Jews, the Mellman poll for JEI finds.. Nearly half (49%) of those under 40 years old say they have heard something about the pro-Israel involvement in the 2026 primaries. Less than one-fifth (17%) say they have heard a great deal.


Given More Information, There Are Clear Divisions Along Partisan Lines About Spending Millions to Elect The Most Pro-Israel Candidates – Though Nearly One-Third Are Unsure


After hearing that “pro-Israel groups have spent millions of dollars against candidates in primary elections who they believe are not supportive enough of the U.S.-Israel relationship,” opinions are divided. A narrow plurality of 37% supports the involvement, with 32% opposed and 31% unsure.


The few who have already heard a great deal about the primaries are majority opposed (60%), compared to only 32% support. But the bigger difference is on partisanship. The pro-Israel spending in the primaries is supported by majorities of both Republicans (73%) and independents (50%). Democrats, on the other hand, are plurality opposed (24% support, 42% oppose), with over one-third (34%) not sure.



There is a slight difference by age groups. Net support is slightly higher among seniors at +10 (38% support, 28% oppose). The middle aged, 40-59 years old, are +4 (36% support, 32% oppose). And the youngest cohort, under 40 years old, is slightly lower net support at +3. But all these differences are slight, and in line with partisanship which is the bigger driver here. 



A Narrow Plurality Believes it More Important Than Ever to Get Involved in The Primaries, but The Plurality of Democrats Believe “Heavy Handed” Tactics Will Make Things Worse.


A narrow plurality (39%) believes that “with increasing anti-Israel sentiment and threats to Israel, it is more important than ever for pro-Israel groups to play an active role against candidates who are not supportive enough of a strong US-Israel relationship.” Nearly as many (37%) think that “these heavy-handed efforts by pro-Israel groups in primary elections make things worse by turning voters against a strong US-Israel relationship, and they should stop”. Nearly one-quarter (24%) are unsure.


Views again diverge based on party. A 46% plurality of Democratic Jews believes this spending will make things worse, while only 28% say it’s more important than ever to take action, and 26% are not sure. Majorities of Republicans (67%) and independents (59%) say it is more important than ever to take action.


AIPAC’s Image is Net Favorable Overall, but Less Favorable Among Democrats; While DMFI Is Less Known, but Better Liked by Those Who Know Them


The two groups most involved in the pro-Israel spending are the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and the Democratic Majority For Israel. Two-thirds (68%) of American Jews know enough about AIPAC to have an opinion, with 39% favorable, 29% unfavorable and 32% unsure. Again, there is a partisan divide. Republicans are majority favorable (66% favorable, 10% unfavorable); as are independents (50% favorable, 19% unfavorable). Democrats are more evenly divided and net unfavorable with 37% unfavorable, 29% favorable, 33% unsure.


DMFI is less well known, with name ID at 48%, but those who know them are 2:1 favorable (32% favorable, 16% unfavorable). As a Democratic organization, they are best known and best liked among Democrats (34% favorable, 13% unfavorable). They are also net favorable among independents (31% favorable, 18% unfavorable) but only barely so among Republicans (25% favorable, 24% unfavorable).


J Street, at 18% net favorable and 19% total unfavorable is almost exactly even but much less known. Nearly have of respondents (46%) say they have never heard of them.


As noted at the top here, this is the second release from this new JEI poll. Complete results to come Friday. https://www.jewishelectorateinstitute.org/2025-poll


The Democratic National Committee is scheduled to consider a resolution at a regular meeting, this week in New Orleans, that “condemns the growing influence” of AIPAC. Meanwhile, other resolutions about Israel may come up from the floor.

 

The Mellman Group

 

Named “Pollster of the Year” three times by the American Association of Political Consultants, The Mellman Group has provided sophisticated opinion research and strategic advice to political leaders, public interest organizations, Fortune 500 companies, and government agencies for over 30 years. All told, The Mellman Group has helped win over fifty senate and gubernatorial races, and nearly one hundred House race contests. More at https://mellmangroup.com/  

 

Mellman Executive Vice President Michael Bloomfield observed, “These numbers provide some helpful context about how American Jews are thinking about US-Israel issues. Almost all of them identify as pro-Israel, but most are critical of the Israeli government. They also differ on how best to move forward the U.S.-Israel relationship.

 

“This poll shows that for all the discussion about the role pro-Israel groups are taking in the primaries, there is still relatively little awareness of this for now. Given more information, the plurality of Jewish Democrats is worried these tactics could backfire. But still the majority are either unsure or believe getting involved in these primary races is more important than ever. 

 

“This is a developing dynamic which bears watching as things play out in the Middle East and in the 2026 campaign here at home.”

 

Jewish Electorate Institute

 

JEI is the foremost resource on Jewish voter political preferences, producing the top research, polling, and analysis critical to understanding the Jewish electorate. Chair Barbara Goldberg Goldman said, “Our latest poll underscores a critical truth: strong support for Israel does not preclude thoughtful criticism of its government or policies. American Jewish voters draw a clear distinction between the country and its leadership—and they expect that nuance to be understood. Supporting Israel and questioning its government are not contradictions. Just as importantly, this poll is a reminder that the Jewish vote cannot and should not be taken for granted. Jewish voters are thoughtful and engaged.”

 

See https://www.jewishelectorateinstitute.org/ for more.


 

For more media information only, contact info@jewishelectorateinstitute.org at 202-695-0531. 

Pulse of The Jewish Voter Amidst Iran War Shows Engagement In A Host of Issues

April 15, 2026
U.S. JEWS VOTING DEM IN CONGRESS MIDTERMS YET QUESTION WHAT PARTY STANDS FOR, ESP. ON ISRAEL JEWISH R ’ s MOST ID ’ d AS PRO-ISRAEL, NEW POLL SHOWS United in Support of Israel ’ s Right to Exist as Jewish Homeland But Mixed Concepts of Zionism Jews see too much Israel criticism playing into antisemitism While most Jews feel too many Israel supporters use antisemitism claims to avoid legitimate policy debate WASHINGTON – The latest Jewish Electorate Institute (JEI) poll shows American Jews are voting heavily Democratic in the midterm election for Congress. At the same time, Jews have questions about what the Democratic Party stands for, particularly on Israel. Jewish Republicans, on the other hand, are most identified as being pro-Israel, which is also one of their biggest image advantages over Democrats. Meanwhile, amid debates in the Jewish community over Israel, war in Iran and election politics, American Jews are united in support of Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state and homeland for the Jewish people. However, there are mixed signals over the concept of Zionism, with the majority seeing Zionism favorably, but only a third calling themselves Zionists. There is also concern about how antisemitism is becoming a part of the increasingly heated discussions over U.S.-Israel issues, by both sides. A large majority of U.S. Jews see too many critics of Israel using language about Jews that play into antisemitism, whether intended or not. At the same time, a majority of Jews feel too many supporters of Israel use claims of antisemitism to avoid legitimate debate over policy. These analyses are based on the final release of the findings of a national survey of 800 Jewish registered voters, with an oversample to yield 600 Jewish women. The survey was conducted for JEI by The Mellman Group using a high-quality online national panel from March 13-23, 2026. The margin of error for the sample as a whole is +/- 3.5% at the 95% level of confidence (higher for subgroups). Previous JEI analyses and releases centered on U.S. Jews’ pro-Israel identity and their criticism of the government, support for pro-Israel spending in the primaries and the popularity of AIPAC, DMFI and J Street. Also, on what American Jews would likely discuss at the Passover seder tables.

JEI's Spring 2026 Latest Poll

April 15, 2026
Jewish Voters Highly Engaged, Prioritize Domestic Issues; Strong Support for Israel and Caution on Military Action and Advocacy This recent March 2026 national survey finds that American Jewish adults overwhelmingly affirm Israel’s right to exist while also expressing caution about the current U.S. military escalation in Iran. Views on pro-Israel political spending, however, remain mixed. AIPAC has an overall favorable impression of 39%, DMFI 32%, and J Street 18%. Some key findings also include the following: Turnout and partisanship: Registered respondents report their very high intention to turn out for the November 2026 midterm elections. About seven in ten identify as Democrats (many strongly), roughly one in four compared to Republicans, with the remainder being made up of Independents. Democrats hold a substantial advantage in hypothetical congressional votes in respondents’ districts. Donald Trump receives broad net disapproval, and Benjamin Netanyahu is viewed unfavorably by more respondents than favorably. Israel and Zionism: There are mixed signals over the concept of Zionism, with the majority seeing Zionism favorably, but only a third calling themselves Zionists. Roughly seven in ten hold a favorable view of Israel; 87% endorse Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish homeland. Most see Zionism as Jewish self‑determination, though only a third self‑identify as Zionist. A surprisingly large number are unsure about the definition of Zionism. Foreign policy and military action: A majority of respondents oppose current U.S. military action against Iran and say the president should have sought congressional approval for strikes. Many prioritize preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons but favor clear objectives and oversight over unilateral escalation. 2026 Midterm Elections & Party Affiliations: American Jews are voting heavily Democratic in the midterm election for Congress. At the same time, Jews have questions about what the Democratic Party stands for, particularly on Israel. Jewish Republicans are most identified as pro-Israel, which is one of their biggest image advantages over Democrats. Pro‑Israel advocacy and spending: Opinions are split on outside groups spending in primaries—about a third support such spending, a third oppose it, and many are undecided. Respondents are nearly evenly divided on whether aggressive outside intervention helps or harms U.S.–Israel relations. Antisemitism and public debate: A large majority say some criticism of Israel slips into antisemitic tropes, and a significant share also believes some defenders wrongly label policy criticism as antisemitism. There is also concern about how antisemitism is becoming a part of the increasingly heated discussions over U.S.-Israel issues, by both sides. A large majority of U.S. Jews see too many critics of Israel using language about Jews that plays into antisemitism, whether intended or not. At the same time, a majority of Jews feel too many supporters of Israel use claims of antisemitism to avoid legitimate debate over policy. Domestic Issues are Important: Democrats are viewed positively on healthcare, abortion rights, fair elections, and middle class advocacy, while Republicans are viewed as pro-Israel but excessively conservative and unwilling to oppose the President. The sample of respondents: The current distribution of Jewish voters by party affiliation: 69% Democratic, 24% Republican, and 7% Independent. Poll respondents are mixed gender, highly educated, and religiously plural within Judaism (Reform and unaffiliated are the largest). About one‑third belong to a synagogue, but religious practice varies. Jewish women Voters: There are more female Democrats likely to hold reinforcing views, contributing to the party's electoral advantage, thereby fueling the midterm margin. The partisan divide is even larger among women. Nearly three-quarters (74%) of Jewish women identify as Democrats, including 50% who are strong Democrats, and 24% who identify as Democratic Socialists. Likely Jewish women voters are supporting the Democrats in the generic vote: 78% Democratic, 19% Republican, and only 3% undecided. The Democratic vote margin increases significantly with age among Jewish women. Women ages 18-29 vote +46 Democratic, rising to +60 among those 40–59 and +58 among those 60 and older. These margins exceed those of the overall Jewish electorate, where voters ages 40–59 and 60+ both register a +48 Democratic advantage. The strength of Jewish identity also follows a consistent pattern. Among women who place lower importance on being Jewish, the Democratic advantage is +74, compared to +61 among the overall electorate. Among those who place higher importance on being Jewish, Jewish women still lean more Democratic than the overall electorate, at +41 versus +36. Jewish women are also more likely to disapprove of Trump’s job performance and the current U.S. military action against Iran. They are four points more likely than the overall electorate to disapprove of Trump’s job performance (77% vs. 73%) and the U.S. military action in Iran (59% vs. 55%). Jewish voters combine strong civic engagement and a clear Democratic preference with nuanced views that favor protecting Israel while insisting on democratic oversight, strategic clarity, and careful political tactics. Well-positioned issues that resonate for candidates and organizations in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections include emphasizing support for Israel alongside respect for congressional authority, clear policy goals, and sensitive messaging on antisemitism. "This poll reinforces a simple truth that the Jewish community is not monolithic, and the Jewish vote should not be taken for granted. Their concerns extend beyond Israel and Iran. It also indicates a critical need for education about Israel's history and the meaning of Zionism. These needs have never been more urgent than they are today," said Barbara Goldberg Goldman, JEI Chair. These analyses are based on the final release of the findings of a national survey of 800 Jewish registered voters, with an oversample to yield 600 Jewish women. The survey was conducted for JEI by The Mellman Group using a high-quality online national panel from March 13-23, 2026. The margin of error for the sample as a whole is +/- 3.5% at the 95% level of confidence (higher for subgroups).

JTA: Most American Jews oppose AIPAC spending in Democratic primaries, survey finds

April 14, 2026
The survey was released one week after another conducted by the Mellman Group and commissioned by the Jewish Electorate Institute found that a majority of American Jews have “not heard much” about the role that pro-Israel lobbying groups have played in this year’s early midterm primaries.  The poll, which surveyed 800 registered Jewish voters March 13-23, found that just 11% of American Jews had heard a “great deal” about “the role pro-Israel groups have played in the early 2026 primaries,” while 27% said they’d heard “some” about it. Meanwhile, 62% said they’d either heard “not much,” “none at all” or that they don’t know.