Mamdani’s Favorability Surpasses Netanyahu’s

New York City’s Mayor Zohran Mamdani holds a more favorable view among Jewish Americans compared to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This assessment stems from a recent AP-NORC poll, which reflects the evolving perspectives of American Jews regarding political figures from Israel and the U.S.

The poll results reveal that Mamdani has a stronger net favorability rating than Netanyahu among Jewish respondents. This trend aligns with the increasing support Democrats are showing for Palestinians, while their support for Israel declines.

Mamdani’s Stance on Israel

Mamdani’s rise in New York politics has highlighted his views on Israel and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He has faced scrutiny, particularly for not condemning the phrase “globalize the intifada,” which some interpret as a call to violence. Despite criticism, he insists on opposing antisemitism and violence against Jews.

Although Mamdani initially refrained from condemning the phrase, he later expressed discouragement over its use during a meeting with business leaders. Recently, he also condemned antisemitic acts, such as the defacement of synagogues with swastikas. He aims to assure Jewish citizens by pledging investment in hate-crime prevention and ensuring their safety.

Mamdani said he supports the safety and security of Jewish New Yorkers, despite revoking prior Israel-related executive orders.

Insights from the Poll

According to the poll, Netanyahu’s favorability among Jewish adults is at 32 percent, whereas Mamdani stands at 44 percent. Mamdani’s net favorability is higher compared to Netanyahu’s -27 percent.

38 percent of respondents believe the U.S. is excessively supportive of Israel, in contrast to 24 percent who think Palestinians receive too much support. Furthermore, 30 percent of Jewish adults consider Israel guilty of genocide against Palestinians, while 49 percent disagree.

The survey indicates that a predominant 59 percent of Jewish adults affiliate with the Democratic party, compared to 27 percent Republicans.

Shift in Democratic Attitudes

Since early 2024, Democratic support for Israel has shifted, with almost 60 percent now believing the U.S. is too supportive of Israel. This contrasts with 45 percent during the preceding administration. Among Jewish Democrats, similar sentiments prevail, with 51 percent expressing that the U.S. is overly supportive of Israel.

Conversely, 62 percent of Democrats feel the U.S. should support Palestinians more.

Responses and Poll Comparisons

Another Harvard/Harris poll in the spring showed similar trends. Mamdani’s favorability rating was at 24 percent, with an unfavorable rating of 33 percent. Netanyahu’s scores were close, with 27 percent favorable and 34 percent unfavorable ratings.

Netanyahu countered Mamdani’s opinion on Israel during a CNN interview, criticizing his stance against a religiously privileged state. He labeled Mamdani’s democratic socialist views as “absurd,” mentioning both Israel and the U.S. as imperfect democracies.