American Jews need to reconsider their ties to the Democratic Party

These numbers are part of a larger trend. Jewish support for Democrats has declined since 1992, when 80% of Jewish voters supported former President Bill Clinton.

The Jewish connection to the Democratic Party has lasted for more than a century and is anchored by a deep admiration for former President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his New Deal policies of social inclusion and equal opportunity. But those ideas have largely disappeared among Democrats.

Even before the October 7 tragedy in Israel, Democrats had already begun to turn away from the Jewish community — and the Jewish community was noticing. Many American Jews were already disenchanted with ideas like affirmative action and diversity, equality and inclusion, which actively promote a mentality of division and opportunity based on immutable characteristics rather than hard work, perseverance and perseverance. These ideas are fundamental to left-wing candidates like Kamala Harris and run counter to those of Roosevelt, who helped promote both opportunity and a level playing field.

Add post-October to the mix. It is no surprise that large numbers of American Jews simply cannot accept the Democrats’ agenda as the country heads toward the November elections.

And yet, even as the level of support for Democrats declines, a significant level of Jewish support for the Democratic Party remains. Especially in light of recent events at home and abroad, this support runs counter to many traditional Jewish values ​​– ideals that view the Zionist dream and Israel’s existence as a centerpiece of Jewish heritage and faith.

The longstanding defensive, economic, and ideological relationship, underpinned by our mutual support for democracy and freedom, between the United States and Israel has been a stable principle for American Jews for decades. This relationship now appears to be truly under threat, given the positions and statements of not only the Harris campaign, but also the changing demographics of the Democratic Party as a whole.

The reality is that Democrats, and Harris in particular, are not necessarily aligned with Israel and its national security. This is a real concern for many American Jews, because while domestic issues are certainly important to them, so is their support for Israel. The Manhattan Institute poll found that 86% of survey respondents said they considered themselves supporters of Israel, and 62% of Jews collectively said they were concerned about anti-Semitism in the Democratic Party.

While the interests of the American Jewish community are varied and broad (like most Americans), the fact is that since October 7, global issues regarding Israel’s place in the world require maintaining a strong relationship between the U.S. and Israel and tackling anti-Semitism are now all under fire. very striking problems for American Jews. Instead of taking the lead on these issues, Democrats are rebuilding established, long-standing relationships.

Jesse Arm of the Manhattan Institute noted the new data illustrates that many Jews are “likely uncomfortable with the Democratic Party’s tolerance of voices that criticize Israel in extreme terms, such as labeling the country as ‘genocidal’.” Arm added: “This is reflected in the fact that Jews almost universally support Israel – only 5% of Jewish voters say they do not support the Jewish state.”

Jews, who have often been divided and scattered over policy, are now essentially united in this post-October. 7 Issues – Nearly all American Jews are concerned about Israel and the Democratic Party’s inability to take decisive and clear positions supporting Israel and countering anti-Semitic rhetoric and practices.

To that end, the American Jewish community should consider the impact of a Harris presidency on Israel. As vice president, Harris did that mixed signals sent about where it stands in terms of Middle East policy. While she has said she supports Israel’s right to self-defense would support Israel as presidentIt was unclear how she would do this in practice.

Harris has repeatedly and called prematurely for the immediate end of the war between Israel and Hamas, regardless of whether Hamas is defeated. She could not be present Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech during a joint session of Congress this summer. And recently Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT). suggested that a “President Harris” would be anything but a supporter of Israel’s right to self-defense. According to Sanders, Harris will be “open” to his proposed Israeli weapons ban.

Harris’ priorities became clear during a recent campaign stop, when a protester interrupted her and shouted“What about Israel’s genocide? Nineteen thousand children are dead.” Harris responded with, “What he’s talking about, it’s real, and I respect his voice.” Despite her efforts to walk back these comments, Harris’ response suggests that she will not support Israel with the same unwavering commitment as previous US presidents on both sides of the aisle.

In addition to concerns about a Harris presidency, there is also a demographic problem for supporters of Israel: students. These students are entering the electorate with significant influence on the future direction of the Democratic Party and the 2024 elections. They are among the most outspoken, committed, and organized members of the great Generation Z. A significant number of these students harbor negative views towards Israel.

Many Americans will remember the anti-Israel protests, encampments and violence on campuses nationwide over the past year as the country fights for its survival. Polling data from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression confirms that there is very little support for Israel among Democratic-identifying students. When asked where their sympathies lie in light of the outbreak of violence in the Middle East in 2023 (the Israelis or the Palestinians), only 5% of Democratic students support the Israelis, while 55% support the Palestinians. Only 15% said they supported both equally.

In contrast, 27% of Republican students support the Israelis, while 12% support the Palestinians, and 18% support both equally.

This data should give American Jews real pause. Democratic students hold positions that conflict with the views of many Jews, and these voices are dominant and well organized among students on campus. There is no doubt that they will be powerful political actors in the coming years and that they have little support for Israel.

The Manhattan Institute poll contributes to this increasing amount of evidence that support for the Democratic Party and its candidates among American Jews has declined in recent years. The decline parallels democratic policies and attitudes toward Israel – especially since October 7. These American Jews must wake up to the reality that the U.S.’s historic and principled loyalty to Israel is no longer assured. Those within the Democratic Party itself, from its top leaders to its future base, have revealed that their commitment to Israel is weak and that they are not consistently aligned with the American Jewish community.

The clear lack of loyalty to Israel and the disturbingly minimal support that American Jews have received despite so much violence and anti-Semitism should be evidence enough to end the long-standing Jewish relationship with the Democratic Party.

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Samuel J. Abrams is a professor of politics at Sarah Lawrence College and a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute.