Israel low on American Jewry's list

[Scurrilous]

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

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3569558,00.html

<snip>

"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 was conducted by political strategist Jim Gerstein for the liberal organization J STREET, a pro-Israel, pro-peace movement. He was aiming to prove that the Jewish-American community supports the peace process and does not hold right-wing stances as been presented over the years by Jewish organizations and leaders.

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."

[LeftishBrit]

1. I don't find this surprising...

while I would expect most American (or other country's) Jews to be pro-Israel, I wouldn't expect the issue to be more important to them than what's happening where they live.

Politics, like many other things, tends to begin at home.

[Hydra]

2. Amazing how problems at home can erase enthusiasm for adventures abroad

But the Politicians still insist that most of us are more interested in invading other countries than how we are going to find the money to fill our gas tanks or stock our refrigerators.

They must think we're morons...but I'm thinking more and more that they are right...

[shaayecanaan]

7. wars not laws...

How many landmark pieces of legislation did George Bush snr pass during his time in office?

1 (the Americans with Disabilites Act)

Its hard to pass laws. Too many interests to fight against, too many congresspeople wanting to load the applecart with their own pork barrels. Much easier to fight wars. Even if the left pisses and moans a bit, they have to fall in line once the troops are fighting. They'd be unpatriotic if they didnt.

As Goebbels remarked, it works the same in any country...

[Hydra]

8. Hermann Goring, actually n/t

[Warpy]

3. That certainly reflects what I see with friends

It's astonishing to me the pull that AIPAC, an organization that does not reflect what most Jews want, has so much pull within the beltway--so much that our government has been bamboozled into thinking it's political suicide to oppose whatever crazy thing they demand. Like a new war against Iran.

[BonnieJW]

4. I think

it's because AIPAC is so loud and demanding, it drowns out JStreet and Ameinu, the groups I belong to. Politicians simply assume that's how all Jews feel without actually making the effort to find out. Perhaps these results will enlighten the candidates.

[Vegasaurus]

5. We say it here again and again

Most American Jews are democrats.

Most are not hawks, and were against the war in Iraq.

But most, too, no matter what, support Israel (if not AIPAC, but they do support the state).

[azurnoir]

6. What for you is the

definition of that support? Does it begin and end with "right to exist" or is supporting Israel no matter what.
Further do you think that most of the "Pro-Israel" set still backs Obama after he backpedaled a bit on Jerusalem?