Jewish Americans divided ahead of Israel's elections

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 17 Oct, 13:02 · Archive

Jewish Americans are sharply divided over upcoming Israeli elections seen as a referendum on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Jewish Americans feel they have much at stake in this month's Israeli elections as three years of Middle Eastern conflicts have stirred strong emotions across the United States. They are sharply divided along political, religious and generational lines on the preferred outcome. The vote is viewed as a referendum on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and comes against the backdrop of the October 2023 Hamas-led attack, which triggered the war in Gaza.

Netanyahu's supporters, especially among Orthodox Jews, believe he is protecting a country central to their identity. Many liberal and younger Jewish Americans contend his policies have harmed Israel's global standing and fuelled widespread anger that threatens them in the US as well. Antisemitism and antisemitic violence are growing, making the moment particularly fraught. However, even harsh critics of Netanyahu's actions over Gaza or Israeli settler violence in the occupied West Bank acknowledge that blame for attacks against Jews cannot be solely attributed to him.

Rabbi Dan Levin of Temple Beth El in Boca Raton, Florida, said: 'A lot of American Jews are really torn. They want to shout from the rooftops, "Stop the pogroms in the West Bank," but also yell at everybody, "Stop with allegations of genocide and double standards against Israel."' Many synagogues across the US are hosting educational programmes this autumn because congregants feel deeply emotionally invested in the Israeli elections, even though as non-citizens they cannot vote.

How it is being reported

• America's politically divided Jewish community braces for Israel's electionsJewish Americans feel they have a lot at stake in the upcoming elections in Israel as three years of Mideast conflicts rile up emotions across the United States, from street protests to the midterm races.Clickorlando · 17 Oct, 12:17
• America's politically divided Jewish community braces for Israel's electionsJewish Americans feel they have a lot at stake in the upcoming elections in Israel as three years of Mideast conflicts rile up emotions across the United States, from street protests to the midterm races.News4Jax · 17 Oct, 12:17

In this story: Benjamin Netanyahu · Israel · United States · Temple Beth El · Dan Levin

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