America’s politically divided Jewish community braces for Israel’s elections

Jewish Americans are politically divided ahead of Israel's October 27 elections, seen as a referendum on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The vote occurs against the backdrop of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack and the Gaza war. Supporters, especially Orthodox Jews, back Netanyahu; liberal and younger Jews criticize his policies. Antisemitism is a growing concern. The US midterm elections on November 3 also factor into the debate over US-Israel relations.

Jewish Americans feel deeply invested in Israel's upcoming elections on October 27, which are widely seen as a referendum on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The vote takes place against the backdrop of the ongoing trauma from the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack and the subsequent war in Gaza. The community is sharply divided along political, religious, and generational lines. Netanyahu's supporters, particularly among Orthodox Jews, view him as a protector of Israel. Many liberal and younger Jewish Americans believe his policies have harmed Israel's global standing and fueled antisemitism. The article quotes several rabbis and community leaders who express concern about the election's impact on Jewish unity and rising antisemitism. A recent AP-NORC poll indicates that support for Israel is a key component of identity for older religious Jews, but less so for those under 45. The US midterm elections on November 3 add another layer of complexity, as the outcome of both votes could affect the US-Israel alliance.