A recent Washington Post poll reveals a growing disillusionment within the US Jewish community toward "Israel", particularly its leadership and conduct in Gaza. While emotional and cultural bonds remain strong, many American Jews now express deep concerns about Israeli war crimes and even accusations of genocide.

According to the poll, 61 percent of American Jews believe "Israel" has committed war crimes, and 39 percent say it is engaging in genocide against Palestinians. Support and opposition to "Israel's" military operations in Gaza remain nearly balanced, with 46 percent approving and 48 percent disapproving.

This marks a sharper critique than seen in broader American polls, where only about one-third express approval.

Criticism of the Israeli leadership is especially fierce. Sixty-eight percent of respondents rated Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership negatively, with 48 percent calling it "poor", a significant increase from similar polling five years ago.

From initial support to disillusionment

Several interviewees told The Post they initially supported "Israel's" military response, citing the "severity" of the Hamas attacks but became disillusioned as civilian suffering mounted and progress remained elusive. “Initially … in a sense [Israel] had no choice … But in no way does that justify what is happening now,” said Julia Seidman, 42, from Issaquah, Washington.

Divided by age, politics, and education

Generational shifts are evident. Only 36 percent of Jews aged 18 to 34 say they feel emotionally attached to "Israel", compared to 68 percent of those over 65. That younger cohort is also more likely to agree that "Israel's" actions in Gaza amount to genocide, with half agreeing with the label.

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Partisan lines further divide opinion, with more than 80 percent of Jewish Republicans supporting "Israel's" actions in Gaza, while majorities of Jewish Democrats oppose them. Educational background also plays a role, where 54 percent of those with some college or less approve of "Israel's" military operations, compared to only 36 percent among postgraduates.

Shared blame, US responsibility

A majority of 61 percent held the US responsible. Despite "Israel's" denials, 59 percent of American Jews say it is not doing enough to allow food into Gaza, with only 30 percent believing it is making sufficient efforts.

On the question of US military aid to "Israel", 60 percent still support continued assistance. However, when the Gaza war is separated from broader US-"Israel" relations, views shift: 47 percent believe the current level of support is appropriate, while 32 percent say the US is too supportive and 20 percent say it is not supportive enough.

The share saying US support is excessive has risen significantly over the past decade.

Some, like Brooklyn software engineer Max Parke, argue that the US should leverage its aid to influence conditions in Gaza. "Jewish principles would say we need to respect everyone’s humanity… In Israel…it privileges Jewishness…without following actual Jewish principles," he told The Post.

Changing Democratic stances

The growing rift is also felt in Washington. Prominent Jewish Democrats have become more vocal in criticizing "Israel's" actions in Gaza. In July, the Senate voted on two resolutions aimed at halting arms sales to "Israel"; though they failed, most Democrats supported them.

Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, along with Senators Adam Schiff and Brian Schatz, all Jewish, pushed for expanding humanitarian aid to Gaza. Schumer has previously called for Netanyahu to resign and for new elections.

US President Donald Trump, in contrast, has consistently backed Netanyahu and the war on Gaza, though his messaging often appeals more to evangelical supporters than to Jewish Americans.

Genocide debate gains traction

One of the most striking poll findings is the significant number of American Jews who now accept the genocide framing. Respondents were presented with the United Nations definition of genocide and asked whether they believed "Israel" had committed such acts in Gaza.

Thirty-nine percent said yes, 51 percent said no, and 10 percent had no opinion. This aligns with recent conclusions by a UN panel suggesting that "Israel's" actions may constitute genocide.

The Washington Post poll was conducted from September 2 to 9, surveying a random national sample of 815 Jewish Americans through SSRS’s Opinion Panel. The margin of sampling error is plus or minus 4.7 percentage points. The sample included both religious and secular Jews, defined by religion, ethnicity, or cultural background.