President Joe Biden’s support among Jewish voters is waning as the 2024 presidential election approaches. A recent survey conducted by the American Jewish Committee (AJC) reveals a significant shift in voter sentiment, with more Jewish Americans expressing a willingness to vote for another candidate.
As reported by Newsweek on June 10, 2024, the AJC’s 2024 Survey of American Jewish Opinion, conducted between March 12 and April 6, found that 61% of Jewish voters would vote for Biden if the election were held today. This marks a notable decline from the 75% who supported him in the 2020 election.
In contrast, 23% of Jewish voters indicated they would vote for former President Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, up from 22% in 2020. Additionally, 10% of respondents said they would vote for “someone else,” a significant increase from the 2% who expressed this sentiment four years ago.
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The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict has played a crucial role in shaping Jewish voter opinions. The conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a deadly attack on southern Israel, has resulted in over 34,000 deaths in Gaza and significant casualties in Israel.
The Biden administration’s response to the conflict, including a recent pause on a shipment of weapons to Israel, has drawn criticism from various quarters within the Jewish community. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s defiant response to Biden’s decision, stating, “If we have to stand alone, we will stand alone. If we need to, we will fight with our fingernails,” underscores the tension between the two nations. The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) also criticized the delay in arms transfers, calling it “dangerous” and urging continued U.S. support for Israel.
Former President Trump has seized on the opportunity to criticize Biden’s handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict, positioning himself as a staunch ally of Israel. “Biden has totally lost control of the Israel situation,” Trump said in April. He went further, stating, “Any Jewish person who votes for a Democrat or votes for Biden should have their head examined.”
Trump’s rhetoric appears to resonate with a segment of Jewish voters who are increasingly concerned about rising antisemitism and the perceived inadequacies of the current administration’s policies. The AJC survey found that 87% of American Jews believe antisemitism has increased in the U.S. since the October 7 attack, with 55% saying it has increased significantly.
Jewish voters, who traditionally turn out in high numbers, could play a pivotal role in the 2024 election, particularly in key swing states. Approximately 72% to 85% of Jewish voters reside in “purple states” where the election’s outcome could be determined. States like Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Arizona, which have significant Jewish populations, are expected to be battlegrounds in the upcoming election.
The shifting political landscape among Jewish voters reflects broader trends within the American electorate. The rise of independent voters, particularly among younger generations, and the increasing polarization within the political sphere are influencing voter behavior and preferences as the 2024 election approaches.
