New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is viewed more favorably by American Jews than Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to a new poll released in early July, marking a significant shift from his performance in last year’s mayoral race.
The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research survey of 1,022 Jewish adults, conducted from June 11 through June 17, 2026, found that 44% of American Jews hold a favorable opinion of Mamdani, compared with 39% who view him unfavorably, according to The Forward. By contrast, just 32% of Jewish respondents said they have a favorable opinion of Netanyahu, while 59% said they have a negative view of the longtime Israeli leader.
The poll’s findings are striking given Mamdani’s contentious relationship with segments of the Jewish community. He won just 26% of the Jewish vote in last year’s mayoral election, according to The Forward, yet his national favorability rating among US Jews has climbed to 44% since taking office in January 2026. The shift suggests his positions on Israel have not prevented him from maintaining a net-positive image among American Jews overall.
Mamdani, a Muslim Democrat and the first Muslim mayor of New York City, has been an outspoken critic of Israel. He refused to recognize Israel as a Jewish state, pledged to order Netanyahu’s arrest if he visits New York to comply with an International Criminal Court warrant, skipped the annual Israel Day parade, and called for divestment from Israel’s economy, according to The Forward. Despite these stances, the poll indicates growing openness to his positions within the broader US Jewish community.
Broader Shift on Israel Among American Jews
The poll reflects a broader erosion of support for Netanyahu and shifting views on Israel’s Gaza war among American Jews. The AP-NORC survey found that while 73% of American Jews said Israel’s initial military response to the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack was justified, just 42% supported continued military operations in Gaza through last year’s ceasefire, according to The Forward. Additionally, 30% of American Jews believe Israel has committed genocide in Gaza.
Netanyahu’s standing with Americans has deteriorated significantly over recent years. In April 2026, Pew Research Center data showed 60% of US adults held an unfavorable view of Israel, up from 53% the previous year, with 59% expressing little or no confidence in Netanyahu to do the right thing, according to reporting on the Pew survey. His approval among Jewish voters specifically hit its lowest level since 2009, with 67% holding unfavorable views, according to Haaretz reporting in May 2026.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a staunch supporter of Israel who has also criticized Netanyahu’s leadership, achieved substantially higher net favorability than either Mamdani or Netanyahu in the AP-NORC survey, with 41% viewing him favorably compared to 21% unfavorably, according to The Forward.
Sources
- The Forward — core poll data, Mamdani’s 44% favorability, Netanyahu’s 32% favorability, Mamdani’s 26% Jewish vote share in 2025 election, Mamdani’s positions on Israel, Shapiro favorability figures
- AP News — AP-NORC poll details on Jewish views of Gaza war, 73% support for initial response, 42% support for continued operations, 30% genocide belief
- Pew Research Center — April 2026 data on US adult views of Israel (60% unfavorable), Netanyahu confidence (59% little or no confidence)
- Haaretz — Netanyahu’s lowest favorability among US Jews since 2009 (67% unfavorable)
- PBS — Mamdani sworn in as first Muslim mayor, took oath on Quran
- DW — Mamdani’s age (34), immigrant background, socialist principles
