Jewish Americans View Mayor Mamdani More Favorably Than Netanyahu

A national poll conducted by the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research between June 11 and June 17, 2026, shows that Jewish Americans view Zohran Mamdani more favorably than Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The survey of over 1,000 Jewish adults found 44% view the New York City mayor favorably, giving him a positive net favorability of 5 percent. In contrast, Netanyahu recorded a negative net favorability of 27 percent, with only 32% viewing him favorably while 59% view him negatively.

These results contrast with Mamdani's broader public standing, where he is disapproved of by a 28% to 27% margin. The data suggests a growing disenchantment among younger and liberal Jewish Americans regarding the Israeli government's military actions in Gaza and Lebanon, as well as a shift among Democrats who believe the United States is too supportive of Israel.

Netanyahu criticized Mamdani during a CNN interview, calling his view that Israel should exist as a state with equal rights regardless of religion "absurd." Mamdani has faced scrutiny from Jewish leaders for skipping the Israel Parade in Manhattan and his past refusal to condemn the phrase "globalize the intifada." However, Mamdani has recently condemned antisemitic vandalism in New York City and rescinded several Israel-related executive orders signed by former Mayor Eric Adams.