October 30, 2013
AJC’s survey of 1,034 American Jews was conducted on KnowledgePanel®, GfK’s probability-based online panel, from September 30 through October 15, 2013. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus five percent. AJC is a 501(c)(3) organization that neither supports nor opposes candidate for elective office.
2013 Survey of American Jewish Opinion - Press Release
Survey Results:
1. Where would you place yourself on this scale?
Liberal 26% Lean Liberal 21% Moderate, Middle of the Road 35% Lean Conservative 12% Conservative 8%
2. In politics today, do you consider yourself a Republican, a Democrat or an Independent?
Republican 15% Democrat 52% Independent 32%
3. Although the next presidential election is not until 2016, several people are being mentioned as potential candidates. We would like you to rate your feelings toward some presidential candidates, with 100 meaning a very warm, favorable feeling, 0 meaning a very cold, unfavorable feeling, and 50 meaning not particularly warm or cold. You can use any number from 0 to 100. How would you rate your feelings toward the following... (mean responses, all respondents)
4. Do you approve or disapprove of the way President Obama is handling National Security?
Approve Strongly 23% Approve Somewhat 44% Disapprove Somewhat 18% Disapprove Strongly 15%
5. Do you approve or disapprove of the way President Obama is handling the Economy?
Approve Strongly 16% Approve Somewhat 42% Disapprove Somewhat 18% Disapprove Strongly 24%
6. Do you approve or disapprove of the way President Obama is handling U.S.-Israel Relations?
7. Do you approve or disapprove of the way President Obama is handling the conflict in Syria?
Approve Strongly 15% Approve Somewhat 44% Disapprove Somewhat 20% Disapprove Strongly 20%
8. From the standpoint of American national interests, who would you like to see win the current civil war in Syria?
The Government 11% The Rebels 24% Neither Side 63%
9. Do you approve or disapprove of the way President Obama is handling Immigration?
Approve Strongly 17% Approve Somewhat 46% Disapprove Somewhat 18% Disapprove Strongly 17%
10. Do you approve or disapprove of the way President Obama is handling Iran’s Nuclear Program?
11. What is your opinion about same-sex marriage?
It should be legal across the country 71% It should be banned across the country 11% Each state should decide for itself 18%
12. The Arab Spring has brought changes to several Middle Eastern countries. Overall, are you optimistic or pessimistic about these changes?
Very Optimistic 3% Moderately Optimistic 37% Moderately Pessimistic 38% Very Pessimistic 18%
13. With regard to recent political developments in Egypt, are you optimistic or pessimistic?
Very Optimistic 1% Moderately Optimistic 29% Moderately Pessimistic 49% Very Pessimistic 19%
14. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is handling the U.S.-Israel relationship?
15. How concerned are you about the prospect of Iran obtaining nuclear weapons?
Very Concerned 55% Somewhat Concerned 29% Not Too Concerned 11% Not Concerned At All 4%
16. How likely do you think that a combination of diplomacy and sanctions can stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons?
Very Likely 10% Somewhat Likely 36% Somewhat Unlikely 27% Very Unlikely 25%
17. If diplomacy and sanctions fail, would you support or oppose the United States taking military action against Iran to prevent it from developing nuclear weapons?
Support Strongly 24% Support Somewhat 28% Oppose Somewhat 28% Oppose Strongly 17%
18. If diplomacy and sanctions fail, would you support or oppose Israel taking military action against Iran to prevent it from developing nuclear weapons?
Support Strongly 35% Support Somewhat 32% Oppose Somewhat 18% Oppose Strongly 12%
19. Compared to one year ago, do you think prospects for Israeli-Palestinian peace have increased, decreased, or stayed the same?
Increased 12% Decreased 19% Stayed the Same 68%
20. As part of a permanent settlement with the Palestinians, should Israel be willing to dismantle all, some, or none of the Jewish settlements in the West Bank?
All 12% Some 44% None 43%
21. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: “The goal of the Arabs is not a peaceful two-state agreement with Israel, but rather the destruction of Israel.”
Agree 75% Disagree 24%
23. Is antisemitism currently a problem in the United States?
Yes, a very serious problem 14% Yes, somewhat of a problem 67% No, not a problem at all 18%
24. Is antisemitism currently a problem in Europe?
Yes, a very serious problem 38% Yes, somewhat of a problem 52% No, not a problem at all 9%
25. Is antisemitism currently a problem in the Arab world?
Yes, a very serious problem 88% Yes, somewhat of a problem 10% No, not a problem at all 1%
26. Do you think of yourself as...
Orthodox 10% Conservative 18% Reconstructionist 2% Reform 35% Just Jewish 33%
27. How important is being Jewish in your life?
Very important 33% Somewhat important 30% Not too important 22% Not at all important 14%
28. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: “Caring about Israel is a very important part of my being a Jew.”
Agree Strongly 34% Agree Somewhat 36% Disagree Somewhat 18% Disagree Strongly 11%
29. Which of these statements best represents your opinion of the role of religion in the State of Israel?
30. If you are married, is your spouse...
Jewish 63% Not Jewish 37%
