Shifts in Favorability of Zohran Mamdani and Benjamin Netanyahu Among Jewish Americans

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is increasingly viewed favorably by Jewish Americans, especially compared to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to a recent AP-NORC poll. The survey highlights the evolving perspectives of American Jews towards political figures in both the United States and Israel.

The poll reveals that Democrats are showing more support for Palestinians, while backing for Israel has waned within the party. Mamdani’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has often attracted attention. He has previously refused to condemn the phrase ‘globalize the intifada,’ suggesting he does not wish to regulate language while opposing antisemitism and violence against Jews. His remarks have drawn criticism from political leaders who view the phrase as promoting violence.

Later, during a meeting with business leaders last year, Mamdani expressed a desire to ‘discourage’ using the phrase, as reported by The New York Times. Recently, Mamdani denounced antisemitic acts, such as swastikas painted on synagogues and homes in New York City. Aiming to comfort Jewish voters, he has voiced his commitment to their safety and announced plans to fund hate crime prevention, even as he retracted several Israel-related executive orders enacted by former Mayor Eric Adams.

According to the poll, Netanyahu’s favorability among Jewish adults stands at 32% with a 59% unfavorable rating. Mamdani receives a 44% favorability score against 39% unfavorability. This results in a net favorability of 5% for Mamdani compared to Netanyahu’s -27%.

The survey shows 38% of respondents believe the U.S. is excessively supportive of Israel, while 24% feel the opposite towards Palestinians. When considering if Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians, 30% of Jewish adults agree, compared to 49% who disagree, and 21% are unsure.

Among Jewish adults surveyed, 59% identify as Democrats. In contrast, 27% call themselves Republicans, and 14% claim independence or neutrality. Conducted from June 11 to June 17 with 1,022 Jewish adults, the study has a 5% margin of error.

The Associated Press notes that Democrats’ views on Israel have notably shifted since early 2024. Nearly 60% now perceive U.S. support for Israel as excessive, whereas 45% thought so in a January 2024 AP-NORC survey. Among Jewish Democrats, 51% agree with this sentiment. At the same time, 62% of Democrats say the United States is insufficiently supportive of Palestinians, rising from 49% two years prior.

The poll indicates that 40% of Jewish adults approve of President Donald Trump’s approach to Israel, though 58% disapprove. This data reflects the intricate political climate regarding Israel among American Jews and Democrats.

Comparing Favorability of Mamdani and Netanyahu

A Harvard/Harris poll from the spring displayed Mamdani with a 24% favorability rating and 33% unfavorability, while Netanyahu had 27% favorability and 34% unfavorability. Mamdani’s net favorability stood at -9% and Netanyahu’s at -7%. This poll included 2,746 registered voters with a margin of error of 1.87%, conducted from April 23 to April 26.

Netanyahu’s Response on Mamdani’s Israel Stance

Netanyahu criticized Mamdani’s position on supporting Israel as a Jewish state in a CNN interview. He labeled the democratic socialist’s stance, which calls for a state with equal rights over religious privilege, as ‘absurd.’ Netanyahu defended Israel as an imperfect democracy similar to the U.S.