Jewish Community Growing Divide Within the American
U.S. Jews in a recent poll by the Washington Post – October 6th, 2025 – highlight how split Jewish Americans are regarding Israel’s operations in Gaza. Though connection to Israel remains strong, more people within the community now question how their government is acting toward Palestinians.
A recent poll reveals that a majority – 61% – of Jewish Americans think Israel acted criminally during the conflict in Gaza, with nearly 40% going further, labeling it genocide. However, even with this strong disapproval, around 75% continue to view Israel as essential both to what it means to be Jewish also to the safety of Jewish people worldwide.
Nearly half of those questioned – 46% – back Israel’s current moves, while 48% disagree. This survey, completed from September 2nd through 9th, gathered opinions from a broad group of Jewish people nationwide, encompassing diverse beliefs and politics.
Lots of people are unhappy with how things are going under Israeli leadership. Specifically, Prime Minister Netanyahu isn’t doing well in public opinion – a large majority give him low ratings, many even calling his work truly awful. Experts believe this reflects growing annoyance concerning the current government alongside worries about the worsening situation for civilians impacted by the conflict. Nearly six in ten people feel Israel should do more to get essential resources – like nourishment and medicine – into Gaza. Just under a third think current efforts are sufficient. More American Jewish people seem troubled by how Israel’s actions – the restrictions on aid alongside its warfare – are impacting civilians.
Support Remains, but Trust in Leadership Erodes
It’s complicated. People remain deeply connected to Israel, yet also grapple with its actions. While most feel Israel is vital for protecting Jewish people, numerous individuals are now separating themselves from the present leadership.
People opposing Netanyahu’s approach argue the Gaza campaign damaged how others view Israel’s ethics, distancing allies. While many acknowledge Israel’s self-defense needs, some worry their response goes too far – even proving harmful.
A recent survey revealed nearly all Jewish Americans – 91% – point to Hamas as extending the fighting. However, a large majority, 80%, likewise fault Israel. It seems many now think each side contributes to the harm inflicted on civilians.
Once fighting stops, most people surveyed – 62% – could get behind a Palestinian government chosen by its citizens to lead Gaza. Just 4% favored continued rule by Hamas. A clear preference emerged against Israel directly governing the area. Moreover, nearly 60% still hold onto hope for Israelis plus Palestinians living side-by-side in peace, suggesting support for an independent Palestine. A clear split appears when looking at different age groups. Jewish Americans who grew up later tend to be much more critical of Israel; frequently they align themselves with causes focused on human rights alongside social fairness. Consequently, this change mirrors what’s happening across American politics, because those leaning left now often hesitate to automatically back Israel.
Implications for Policy and Jewish Identity
This survey suggests trouble ahead for politicians in America and Israel. Those in Washington supporting standard pro-Israel positions might now hear demands for fairness – a focus on people’s well-being alongside political goals – from voters within the Jewish community.
Israel faces a problem: fewer Jewish people living outside of Israel seem to fully back it. Because American Jews have consistently provided vital backing – through diplomacy, money, moreover strong encouragement – waning faith might mean less help, alongside more disagreements between those in power in Israel but also Jewish groups within the US.
Despite clashing views on politics, the poll reveals a strong continuing feeling of connection to Israel among Jewish people. It isn’t that they dismiss Israel itself; rather, most are unhappy with how things are being run right now – the leaders, the tactics used by the army.
A recent Washington Post survey echoes a growing realization – American Jews don’t all think alike on the matter of the Gaza conflict. Though support for Israel persists, worries about right versus wrong alongside disagreement with policy are noticeably increasing. With fighting ongoing and more civilians hurt, this discussion within the community will probably become even stronger, potentially altering how Israel connects with its vital U.S. supporters.
