Israel low on American Jewry's list
American Jewish community concerned with many issues on eve of 2008 election, but Israel is apparently low on this list. More popular issues include medical insurance, environmental concerns; most Jews also in favor of ceding Golan
WASHINGTON – Environmental concerns before Israel? Jews in the United States have traditionally taken the role of Israel’s number one backer in Washington, but a new survey published Wednesday shows otherwise: Israel is just seventh on the list of American Jews' concerns on the eve of the US presidential elections, far below other matters such as medical insurance and environmental issues.
The survey’s data indicates that economic concerns are first on the list for US Jews, as 65% of them rated it first on their priority list. Next on the list is the issue of Iraq, which has been occupying the minds of the American public, Jews included. About 21% of the Jewish community members rated medical insurance third, and a similar percentage placed terror and national security at the top of their list.
The subject of energy took fifth place, with 15% ranking it at first place, followed by a 12% rating for environmental concerns. Surprisingly, only 8% of the Jews see Israel as the most important topic of the presidential election’s agenda, a rating similar to matters such as illegal immigration (8%), security and health insurance for the elderly (7%), taxes, separation between religion and state (6%), and education.
Some 61% of those polled stated that President George W. Bush is not the greatest ally Israel has had at the White House, while 39% believe the Israeli-American alliance is a strong one. Some 55% believe the US has a basic interest in Middle East peace, and 78% said they support diplomatic mediation to achieve peace between Israel and the Palestinians.
As far as the American Jewry’s opinion on the Mideast situation, 76% of the Jews support the implementation of the compromises presented by former US President Bill Clinton at the 2000 Camp David Summit. Some 58% support a full withdrawal from the Golan Heights for comprehensive peace, while 59% stated they were against pulling out of most of the West Bank territories.
