August Voice of the Jewish People survey report revealing significant support among both American and Israeli Jews for Israel’s firm stance against Hezbollah in Lebanon.
The Voice of the Jewish People report, which is based on data collected between August 15-20, 2024, offers crucial insights into the perspectives of American Jews on Israel’s military actions, the Iranian threat, the broader geopolitical landscape, and the ascension of Vice President Kamala Harris to the Democratic Party’s presidential candidate. The findings underscore the increasing alignment between conservative and liberal Jews in their assessment of the threats posed by Hezbollah and Iran.
**Key Findings:**
A substantial majority of survey respondent believe that Israel’s actions in Lebanon are either appropriate or not aggressive enough in response to Hezbollah’s provocations. This sentiment reflects growing concerns about the capabilities and intentions of Hezbollah, especially in light of recent escalations in the region.
The survey also found that a significant portion of respondents view Iran as a severe threat to Israel, with nearly a quarter considering it a grave danger to the United States as well. The report highlights a stark contrast in perception across the political spectrum, with conservative Jews more likely to view Iran as an existential threat compared to their liberal counterparts.
Amid these tensions, the entry of Vice President Kamala Harris into the U.S. presidential race has evinced a notable increase in confidence among respondents regarding her support for Israel. However, the report also reveals a moderate but consistent rise in the number of liberal Jews who believe Israel’s response to Hamas’s October 7 attack was overly aggressive.
The report further indicates that confidence in Israel’s government and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains low among the majority of respondents, except within the ultra-Orthodox community. More than half of the survey’s participants expressed low levels of trust in the Israeli leadership, reflecting deep-seated concerns over the handling of the ongoing conflict and broader governance issues.
JPPI’s findings emerge at a critical juncture, following a series of dramatic events including the U.S. military’s increased presence in the region, heightened alert levels in Israel, and the assassination of senior Hezbollah commander Fouad Shukur. These developments have exacerbated fears of a combined Iranian and Hezbollah offensive, potentially sparking a broader regional war.
As Israel continues to navigate this volatile environment, the report underscores the importance of a cohesive and strategic response to the multifaceted threats facing the nation. The JPPI calls for continued vigilance and strategic planning to ensure Israel’s security and the safety of the Jewish people worldwide.
Commenting on the report, President of the JPPI, Professor Yedidia Stern said: “The findings from this report highlight the complex and rapidly evolving security challenges facing Israel. The survey results reflect a broad consensus that Israel’s actions are necessary to counter the threats, despite the ongoing political divisions. It is imperative that we continue to support a unified and strategic approach to ensure the safety and security of Israel and the Jewish people worldwide.”