Key Findings | The AJC survey focused on a series of question on American Jewish life and on Israel that have been included in the AJC Surveys of Jewish Public Opinion for decades - as well as on American Jewish views on President Obama. The interviews were partially conducted during a period marked by considerable controversy over the Israeli government's decision to build in "contested East Jerusalem" [Newsweek wording, March 15, 2010], and to announce the decision when U.S. Vice-President Joseph Biden was in Israel meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.
Interviews had begun approximately one week prior to the debate over the building announcement. Data were collected during a period marked by the subsequent critical-of-Israel reactions of both Biden and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to the timing of the announcement as well as its content, continued and heated debate over both the US and Israel's positions in the news media, including extensive public coverage of the AIPAC meetings in Washington.
The data need to be interpreted in the context of the issues raised and their importance during the interviewing time period.
Please note that a survey analysis of the views of ALL Americans towards the Israeli-Palestinian debate in the month immediately prior to the AJC Poll revealed a majority supporting Israel, reversing prior trends. See: Gallup Poll.
The 2010 AJC Poll data show:
Obama had an overall approval rating of 57% among American Jews, slightly higher on national security (62%) and lower on health care (50%).
Only 10% of American Jews-by-religion in the Synovate poll thought US-Israeli relations were "very" positive, while 63% thought they were "Somewhat" positive.
The PDF version of the AJC poll data for 2010 which is downloadable below summarizes answers to all 26 questions asked, including questions on anti-Semitism in the US, in Europe and in the Muslim world.
Finally, the questions on Iran and nuclear policy reflect majority support among American Jews for military action to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
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