The release this month by the American Jewish Committee of its annual survey of American Jewish opinion generated a few headlines with its finding that Hillary Clinton was the favorite contender for the Democratic presidential nomination, and Rudy Giuliani for the Republican nomination. A few newspapers, especially in Israel, delved into a few other notable findings.
For one, the past year saw a slight decline in the percentage of Jews who feel “very close” to Israel, to 30% in 2007 from 37% in 2006. For another, the issue most often selected as the most important in choosing a president next year was “the economy and jobs” at 22%, in contrast to the war in Iraq, cited by just 16%.
Largely unreported were a host of other findings, from immigration reform (an overwhelming 67% favored giving illegals a pathway to citizenship) and energy independence (82% called it “very important”) to increasingly gloomy views of the prospects for peace in the Middle East.
One of the survey’s most intriguing findings, however, went entirely unnoticed. Asked about the issues that will determine their presidential vote next year, a strong plurality of 42% picked either “economy and jobs” or “health care,” the two domestic economic choices offered. By contrast, only 36% picked one of the three Middle East-related suggestions, the war in Iraq (16%), “terrorism and national security” (14%) or “support for Israel” (6%).
Trailing far behind were the survey’s noneconomic domestic choices, immigration (6%), the “energy crisis” (6%) and education (4%). Global warming and the environment were not among the choices, nor was the future of the Supreme Court.
The Forward welcomes reader comments in order to promote thoughtful discussion on issues of importance to the Jewish community. In the interest of maintaining a civil forum, the Forward requires that all commenters be appropriately respectful toward our writers, other commenters and the subjects of the articles. Vigorous debate and reasoned critique are welcome; name-calling and personal invective are not. While we generally do not seek to edit or actively moderate comments, the Forward reserves the right to remove comments for any reason.
To post a comment, click to login:
Copyright © 2012, Forward Association, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
I am Jewish and I protest our "open door" immigration policy and also think English should be our language. I think Clinton as a past record of sly anti-semitism and not vote for her. I think foreign policy is still the most important issue and if we elect some left leaning Liberal, Israel will be very alone in this world. What is wrong with our people? Can't they learn? The Clinton policy was bad for Israel, the Bush policy (though I personally abhor the man) has been fair. If Iran get's nuclear power, the first thing they will do is obliterate Israel. As a people we must learn that we have to take care of ourselves, as our immigrant families did. Why must be always be the "good guys." Can't we indulge in little self-interest.
This study is disturbing, both for what it tells us about the drift of American Jewish commitment, and for what is omitted from the subject of study. · The article says “For one, the past year saw a slight decline in the percentage of Jews who feel “very close” to Israel, to 30% in 2007 from 37% in 2006.” This is not a slight decline, it is a disturbing decline to less than one third of American Jews feeling close to Israel. Combine this observation with the 50% intermarriage rate among American Jews and we continue to witness the disintegration of the American Jewish community. · While saying that only 6% of American Jews cited support for Israel as the factor that will determine their Presidential vote, the article begs a question: Could respondents pick more than one choice? I hope that more than 6% of American Jews consider candidates’ positions on Israel as they go to the polls. · The reporter cites two very important omissions from the survey: global warming and the rightward tilt of the Supreme Court. Again, I hope that if queried, American Jews will acknowledge the significance of these two issues.
With all due respect to the Colonel, Jews need to stop living in the past. Today's anti-Semitism in both America and Europe comes from the secular liberal left not the Christian right. That is not an opinion, it's a fact. Whether you want to acknowledge it or whether it makes you feel uncomfortable is your choice but it is the truth. The disease of liberalism has infected Jews to such a degree that sadly only 30% feel a strong connection to our Holy Land. When moral relativism renders Jews incapable of judging which side is evil and untrustworthy in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict it is not surprising that they lose their connection to Israel. You can't have a strong connection to a country that you feel is committing evil acts (rather than self-defense) and still feel good about yourself. Sir, I would like to thank you for your service. May G-d bless and protect all of our brave soldiers in harms way.
Its interesting that such an overwhelming percentage of Jews want to give illegals a pathway to citizenship. Not content with American born anti-semites so many Jews seem to want to invite the rest of the world's anti-semites here too. Making the same mistake French Jews made...
With the advent of Christian Zionism and other right wing Christian groups trying to capture the importance of the Jewish state many Jews, like myself, of an earlier generation feel alienated. I don't feel comfortable with the Tom Hagees, Pat Robertsons et al because their ultimate goal is to change our beliefs (in due time as they state) and they don't really accept us for who we are. Hence, if Israel panders to these groups, many of mainstream Judaism here and in Europe will not feel comfortable with that and less attached. As a Jew, I do not feel special or God's chosen people but that I am not special or better off in God's eyes. That is the freedom that Judaism gives to us - that everyone is special or not in God's eyes depending on their works, not their birth. I have met self-righteous idiots from all groups (Christians, Jews, Islamics, Buddhists, etc), so God gave no one group a get out of jail free card. We are all accountable.
Dave said: "Its interesting that such an overwhelming percentage of Jews want to give illegals a pathway to citizenship. Not content with American born anti-semites so many Jews seem to want to invite the rest of the world's anti-semites here too. Making the same mistake French Jews made..." For once I agree with Dave
I would like to challenge this entire article. What if anti-semitism no longer exists?? I know a lot of people that cant tell the difference between a Goy and Jew!! That is a fact!! a reality we all have to face eventually!! i sincerely dont think there will ever be another Hitler with as much awareness that has since been created. just a thought.
"If Iran get's nuclear power, the first thing they will do is obliterate Israel. " Not so. I grew up in Iran during the revolution and the War. I can tell you that destroying Israel is not high on most Iranians' to do list. We don't have an inferiority complex towards the Israelis or the Jews like some Arabs do; so the animus isn't there. Sorry to disappoint you, but Israel just doesn't figure as prominently in the average Iranian's intellectual landscape as some American Zionists think it does. Some things that do worry Iranians: the job market, inflation, the ayatollohs, Ahmadinejad, hostile neighboring countries (Arabs, the Taliban, etc.). Neil