AMERICAN JEWISH ATTITUDES TOWARD ISRAEL AND THE PEACE PROCESS

Transcription

1 AMERICAN JEWISH ATTITUDES TOWARD ISRAEL AND THE PEACE PROCESS A Public-Opinion Survey Conducted for the American Jewish Committee by Market Facts, Inc. August 7-15,1995 The American Jewish Committee The Jacob Blaustein Building 165 East 56th Street, New York, NY 10022

2 The AmericanJewish Committee protects the rights andfreedoms ofjews the world over; combats bigotry and anti-semitism andpromotes human rightsfor all; worksfor the security 0/Israel and deepened understanding between Americans andisraelis; advocates public policy positions rooted in American democratic values and the perspectives ofthe Jewish heritage; and enhances the creative vitalityofthejewish people. Founded in 1906, it is the pioneer human-relations agency in the United States.

3 AMERICAN JEWISH ATTITUDES TOWARD ISRAEL AND THE PEACE PROCESS A Public-Opinion Survey

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5 CONTENTS Introduction Key Findings The Data in Review The Israel-Arab Peace Process AttachmentofRespondents to Israel Conclusion Appendixes Survey Questionnaire 1995,1994, and 1993 AJC-Sponsored Surveys Comparative Data Survey Questions-August 1995 Subgroup Data

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7 Introduction American dewish Attitudes Toward Israel and the Peace Process A Public-Opinion Survey The data reported here are from the third in a series ofamerican Jewish Committee-sponsored surveys gauging the reaction ofamerican Jews to the Israel Arab peace process and examining the attachment ofamerican Jews to Israel. The first such survey was carried out in September 1993, immediately following the signing ofthe Israel-PLO accord. Eleven months later, in August 1994, the American Jewish Committee returned to the matter with a second probe. Now, on the second anniversary ofthe signing ofthe Israel-PLO agreement, the AmericanJewish Committee comes forward with the results of a third survey. Since all three probes employ the identical methodology and make use of many ofthe same questions, trends over time may be readily discerned. Seen within a broader framework, the August 1995 poll is the tenth in a series ofamerican Jewish Committee-sponsored surveys ofamerican Jews dating back to The present survey was conducted for the American Jewish Committee by Market Facts, Inc., a leading survey-research organization. Respondents were interviewed by telephone during August 7-15, 1995; no interviewing took place on the Sabbath. The sample consisted of 1,000 self-identified Jewish respondents selected from the Market Facts consumer mail panel. The respondents are demographically representative ofthe United States adult Jewish population in terms ofage, household income, gender, and geographic region. The margin of error for the sample as a whole is plus or minus three percentage points. Approximately 49 percent ofrespondents are men and 51 percent are women. Thirty-five percent are under age 40, 36 percent are 40-59, and 29 percent are 60 and over. Seventy-five percent are married and 25 percent are unmarried. Twentythree percent report their 1994 household incomes as under $30,000,25 percent as $30,000-49,999,22 percent as $50,000-74,999, and 25 percent as $75,000 and over. Fourteen percent have a high-school education or less, another 26 percent 1

8 2 have attended some college, another 25 percent have four years ofcollege, and another 33 percent have five or more years ofhigher education. In terms ofjewish background, 8 percent ofrespondents identify as Orthodox, 36 percent as Conservative, 32 percent as Reform, 1 percent as Reconstructionist, and 23 percent as "Just Jewish." Fifty-five percent ofrespondents belong to a synagogue or temple; 9 percent claim an excellent or good command of modern Hebrew; and 57 percent report making a financial contribution to Israel or a pro Israel cause within the last year. Of married respondents, 80 percent have Jewish spouses. When asked "How important would you say being Jewish is in your own life?" 59 percent ofrespondents say "very important," 32 percent "fairly important," and 8 percent "not very important." Asked about the qualities they consider most important to their Jewish identity, 51 percent indicate "being part ofthe Jewish people," 17 percent "religious observance," 17 percent "a commitment to social justice," 2 percent "support for Israel," and 12 percent "something else." Key Findings Among the key findings ofthe survey relating to the Israel-Arab peace process are the following: A substantial majority ofrespondents continue to endorse the Israeli government's peace initiative, both overall and with regard to the specific Palestinian,Jordanian, and Syrian tracks. In addition, a substantial majority of respondents see the negotiations with the Arabs as making peace more likely. Support for the Israeli government's peace initiative has declined over the past two years. There is significant distrust ofthe Arabs generally and deep distrust of the PLO specifically. The one notable exception is a positive perception ofjordanians. A majority ofrespondents oppose any significant return ofterritory in the Golan Heights to Syria.

9 3 Respondents are about evenly divided over the stationing ofamerican personnel on the Golan Heights. A solid majority ofrespondents believe that Israel should not compromise on the status ofjerusalem. There is relatively little interest in immediately moving the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. There is limited support for significant Israeli territorial concessions in the West Bank. A large majority ofrespondents see a need for a continuing U.S. role in the Middle East peace process. A majority of respondents oppose American economic aid to the Palestinians at present; a plurality oppose American economic aid to Jordan at present. Support for the Israeli government's peace initiative is widespread, but less so among respondents who feel "very close" to Israel. A majority of Orthodox respondents actually oppose the peace initiative. Respondents express mixed feelings about dissent from Israeli government policy. Among the key findings ofthe survey relating to the attachment ofrespondents to Israel are the following: A large majority ofrespondents report feeling either "very close" or "fairly close" to Israel. Respondents who are 60 years of age and older are more likely to express attachment to Israel than those who are younger. At the same time, there are few significant differences between those age and those age 39 and younger with regard to attachment to Israel. Close to two-thirds ofrespondents have never been to Israel.

10 4 A large percentage ofrespondents lack basic factual knowledge about Israel. Orthodox respondents manifest the greatest attachment to Israel. Inmarried respondents are much more likely than intermarried respondents to express attachment to Israel. The Data in Review The Israel-Arab Peace Process A substantial majority ofrespondents continue to endorse the Israeli government's peace initiative, both overall and with regard to the specific Palestinian, Jordanian, and Syrian tracks. In addition, a substantial majority ofrespondents see the negotiations with the Arabs as making peace more likely. When asked in general terms if they "support" or "oppose" the "Israeli government's current handling ofthe peace negotiations with the Arabs," 68 percent answer "support" and 15 percent "oppose," while 17 percent are "not sure" (Fig. 1). Figure 1. Attitude Toward the Israeli Government's Current Handling of the Peace Negotiations with the Arabs Support Doppose Not sure

11 5 In a more focused way, 64 percent support the handling ofthe peace negotiations with the Palestinians and 61 percent with the Syrians. A full 92 percent ofrespondents approve ofthe peace treaty that Israel signed with Jordan in October In response to the question, "Do you think that the past two years of negotiations between Israel and her Arab negotiating partners increase the likelihood of another war, or increase the likelihood of peace with the Arabs?" 66 percent answer "increase the likelihood ofpeace with the Arabs," 18 percent say "increase the likelihood ofanother war," 9 percent volunteer "increase neither the likelihood ofwar nor the likelihood of peace," and 7 percent are "not sure." Support for the Israeli government's peace initiative has declined over the past two years. In August 1995,68 percent ofrespondents express "support" for the "Israeli government's current handling ofthe peace negotiations with the Arabs," as compared with 77 percent in August 1994, and 84 percent in September 1993 (Fig. 2). Figure 2. Attitude Toward the Israeli Government's Current Handling of the Peace Negotiations with the Arabs: 1993, 1994, and IISupport Doppose <Jl 60 Not sure cq) 2 Q) Q

12 6 More specifically, 64 percent ofrespondents support the Israeli government's handling ofthe peace negotiations with the Palestinians in August 1995 as against 70 percent who did so in August Support for the Israeli government's handling ofthe peace negotiations with the Syrians is unchanged from one year ago-62 percent ofrespondents in August 1994 and 61 percent in August 1995 express approval. There is significant distrust ofthe Arabs generally and deep distrust of the PLO specifically. The one notable exception is a positive perception of Jordanians. With regard to the Arabs, 56 percent ofrespondents "agree" that the "goal of the Arabs is not the return ofoccupied territories but rather the destruction oflsrael," while 37 percent "disagree" and 7 percent are "not sure." Seventyfour percent of respondents take the view that the Jordanians "are interested" in a "true and lasting peace with Israel," but only 38 percent maintain the same about the Syrians and 37 percent about the Palestinians (Fig. 3). Figure 3. Whether the Jordanians, Syrians, and Palestinians Are Interested in a True and Lasting Peace with Israel 80 IIAre interested Ul C Q) 40 ::! Q) (l. 30 D Are not interested Not sure Jordanians Syrians Palestinians Views ofthe PLO are even more negative. Thus, 71 percent of respondents answer "no" to the question, "Can the PLO be relied upon to honor its agreements and refrain from terrorist activity against Israel?" while 17 per-

13 7 cent state "yes" and 12 percent are "not sure." In addition, a full 91 percent of respondents maintain that the PLO is "not doing enough to control terrorist activity against Israel by Hamas and other Palestinian extremist groups"; 5 percent believe that the PLO "is doing enough" and 4 percent are " not sure"(f' 19. 4). Figure 4. Whether the PLO Is Doing Enough or Is Not Doing Enc;>u.gh to Control Terrorist Activity Against Israel by Hamas and Other PalestinIan Extremist Groups 91% Is doing enough D is not doing enough Not sure Distrust ofthe Arabs and the PLO has increased over time. Thus, in August 1995,56 percent ofrespondents agree with the statement, "The goal ofthe Arabs is not the return ofoccupied territories but rather the destruction of Israel," as compared with 51 percent who did so in August 1994 and 42 percent in September 1993.With regard to the PLO, 71 percent ofrespondents in August 1995 answer "no" to the question, "Can the PLO be relied upon to honor its agreements and refrain from terrorist activity against Israel?" as against 65 percent who did so in August 1994, and 42 percent in September The increasingly negative perception ofthe PLO no doubt helps to explain a falloff in support over time for the establishment ofa Palestinian state: in September 1993,57 percent supported such a development, in August 1994, 53 percent, and in August 1995,46 percent.

14 8 Respondents who support the "Israeli government's current handling ofthe peace negotiations with the Arabs" are more likely than those who oppose the negotiations to voice support for the Palestinians. Thus, 52 percent of those who support the handling ofnegotiations with the Arabs "favor" the "establishment ofa Palestinian state," as compared with 24 percent ofthose who oppose the handling ofnegotiations with the Arabs. At a much lower level, 21 percent ofthose who support the handling of negotiations with the Arabs answer "yes" when asked whether the PLO can be "relied upon to honor its agreements and refrain from terrorist activity against Israel," as against 5 percent ofthose who oppose the handling ofnegotiations with the Arabs. A majority ofrespondents oppose any significant return ofterritory in the Golan Heights to Syria. When asked "How much land should Israel be willing to give up on the Golan Heights in order to reach a peace agreement with Syria?" a majority of respondents answer "none ofit" (33 percent) or "only a small part ofit" (28 percent). In contrast, 26 percent favor giving up "some ofit," 3 percent "most ofit," and 2 percent "all ofit" (Fig. 5). These figures are very close to those obtained in both September 1993 and August Figure 5. How Much Land Israel Should Be Willing to Give Up on the Golan Heights in Order to Reach a Peace Agreement with Syria DAliofit _Mostofit Dsomeofit Only a small part of it None of it Not sure

15 9 Respondents are about evenly divided over the stationing ofamerican personnel on the Golan Heights. When asked about a "commitment ofu.s. personnel in a multinational monitoring force on the Golan Heights" in the context of an Israeli-Syrian peace agreement, 49 percent ofrespondents "favor" such a commitment, 45 percent "oppose" it, and 6 percent are "not sure." A solid majority ofrespondents believe that Israel should not compromise on the status ofjerusalem. When asked "In the framework ofa permanent peace with the Palestinians, should Israel be willing to compromise on the status ofjerusalem as a united city under Israeli jurisdiction?" 62 percent ofrespondents answer "no," 33 percent say "yes," and 5 percent are "not sure" (Fig. 6). These figures are very close to those obtained in both September 1993 and August Figure 6. Whether Israel Should Be Willing to Compromise on the Status of Jerusalem as a United City Under Israeli Jurisdiction Yes DNO Not sure

16 10 There is little interest in immediately moving the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv tojerusalem. Asked about a "possible move ofthe U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem," 20 percent ofrespondents favor taking such a step "immediately," 45 percent support such a step "at a later date, in conjunction with progress in Israeli-Palestinian peace talks," 25 percent favor "not moving the Emassy, b "d an 10 percent are " not sure. " There is limited support for significant Israeli territorial concessions in the West Bank. Asked "How much land should Israel be willing to give up on the West Bank in order to reach a peace agreement with the Palestinians?" 2 percent ofrespondents respond "all ofit," 6 percent "most ofit," 36 percent "some of it," 26 percent "only a small part ofit," 23 percent "none ofit," and 7 percent "not sure" (Fig. 7). All of these figures are very close to those obtained in both September 1993 and August Figure 7. How Much Land Israel Should Be Willing to Give Up on the West Bank in Order to Reach a Peace Agreement with the Palestinians 2% All of it DMostofit Some of it Only a small part of it DNoneofit D Not sure

17 11 As for the Jewish settlements in the West Bank, the percentage ofrespondents believing that Israel should be willing to "dismantle all, some, or none" of them as part of a "permanent settlement with the Palestinians" are as fo1-1 ows: "11" a - 5 percent, "" some - 52 percent, "" none - 39 percent, " not sure" - 5 percent. Comparable figures for Jewish settlements in Gaza are "all"-12 percent, " some"45 - percent, "" none - 35 percent, and " not sure"7 - percent. A large majority ofrespondents see a need for a continuing U.S. role in the Middle East peace process. When asked "Given the current situation, do you see a need for a continuing U.S. role in the Middle East peace process?" 87 percent ofrespondents " "ho1 10 " "3 Wh h answer yes, w 1 e percent say no; percent are not sure. en t ose answering "yes" are asked "In which ofthese ways do you see a need for a continuing U.S. role in the Middle East peace process?" 90 percent say "yes" and 9 percent "no" for the option "to encourage further negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians," with 1 percent not sure. In addition, 90 percent say "yes" and 8 percent "no" for the option "to help facilitate a peace treaty between Israel and Syria," with 2 percent not sure; 71 percent say "yes" and 26 percent "no" for the option "to provide substantial economic aid to the region,"with 3 percent not sure; and 70 percent say "yes" and 26 percent "no" for the option "to help combat Islamic fundamentalist forces," with 4 percent not sure. A majority ofrespondents oppose American economic aid to the Palestinians at present; a plurality oppose American economic aid tojordan at present. When asked "Should the United States at present provide economic aid to the Palestinians?," 63 percent ofrespondents answer "no" and 30 percent "yes," while 7 percent are "not sure." When asked about aid for Jordan, 50 percent say "no," 42 percent "yes," and 8 percent "not sure" (Fig. 8).

18 12 Figure 8. Whether the U.S. Should Provide Economic Aid to the Palestinians and Jordan at Present 80, Ul C ~ 40 Q; a.. 30 Not sure o Palestinians Jordan Support for the Israeli government's peace initiative is widespread, but less so among respondents who feel "very close" to Israel. A majority oforthodox respondents actually oppose the peace initiative. Those who feel very close to Israel (26 percent ofthe total sample) are more than twice as likely as others to say that they "oppose" the "Israeli government's current handling ofthe peace negotiations with the Arabs" (very close: "support," 61 percent; "oppose," 29 percent; fairly close: "support," 74 percent; "oppose," 13 percent; fairly/very distant: "support," 65 percent; "oppose," 8 percent) (Fig. 9). Figure 9. Attitude Toward the Israeli Government's Current Handling of the Peace Negotiations with the Arabs: Respondents Who Feel Close to or Distant from Israel!!l c OJ t' OJ a IISupport Doppose Not sure Very close Fairly close Fairly/very distant

19 13 In addition, 25 percent of those who feel "very close" to Israel believe that the past two years of negotiations with the Arabs "increase the likelihood of another war"; this contrasts with a 15 percent figure for those who feel either "fairly close" or "fairly/very distant" from Israel. With regard to the Orthodox (8 percent ofthe total sample), 31 percent "support" the "Israeli government's current handling ofthe peace negotiations with the Arabs," as against 74 percent ofconservative respondents, 77 percent of Reform respondents, and 57 percent ofthe "Just Jewish" (Fig. 10). Figure 10. Attitude Toward the Israeli Government's Current Handling of the Peace Negotiations With the Arabs: Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, and "Just Jewish" Respondents _Support Oppose Not sure 50 (f) c 40 (l) ~ (l) c Orthodox Conservative Reform Just Jewish In addition, 47 percent of Orthodox respondents believe that the past two years of negotiations with the Arabs "increase the likelihood of another war"; in contrast, 17 percent ofconservative Jews, 12 percent of Reform Jews, and 17 percent of the "Just Jewish" take this view. There are few significant differences in the views of male and female respondents regarding Israel's peace initiatives; at the same time, men are somewhat likelier to voice trust of the Arabs. Thus, similar percentages of men (70 percent) and women (66 percent) "support" Israel's "current handling ofthe peace negotiations with the Arabs." In contrast, 22 percent of men, as compared with 12 percent ofwomen, answer "yes" when asked "Can the PLO be relied upon to honor its agreements and refrain from terrorist activity against Israel?"

20 14 Among respondents ofvarious educational levels, there are few statistically significant differences in their views ofisrael's peace initiatives; however, some exceptions to this pattern emerge, with better-educated respondents being more supportive. Thus, 70 percent of those in the highest education group and 57 percent of those in the lowest group "support" Israel's "current handling of the peace negotiations with the Arabs." Moreover, 70 percent of those in the highest group and 53 percent of those in the lowest group think that Israel's negotiations with the Arabs will increase the likelihood ofpeace. Respondents in various age groups do not differ strongly and consistently in their views ofisrael's peace initiatives. Forty percent of respondents have close friends or family members living in Israel. Ofthese, 56 percent "support" and 32 percent "oppose" the "Israeli government's current handling of the peace negotiations with the Palestinians," as against 69 percent saying "support" and 15 percent saying "oppose" among those who have no close friends or family members in Israel. Ofthose with close friends or family in Israel, 61 percent feel that the negotiations "increase the likelihood ofpeace with the Arabs" and 24 percent that they "increase the likelihood of another war"; among those with no close friends or family in Israel, 70 percent answer "increase the likelihood of peace with the Arabs" and 14 percent "increase the likelihood of another war." Respondents who consider "religious observance" the most important element in their Jewishness are less likely than those emphasizing "a commitment to social justice" or "being part of the Jewish people" to support the Israeli government's peace initiatives. Thus, among those who emphasize "religious observance," half-50 percent-"support" the "Israeli government's current handling of the peace negotiations with the Palestinians," while 38 percent say "oppose"; in contrast, among those who view "a commitment to social justice" as most important to their Jewishness, 73 percent say "support" and 13 percent "oppose"; and among those who feel that "being part ofthe Jewish people" is most important to their Jewishness, 66 percent

21 15 answer "support" and 21 percent "oppose." (Since only twenty-two respondents feel that "support for Israel" is the most important factor in their J~wishness, this group is too small to be compared accurately with the others.) Again, among those emphasizing "religious observance," 28 percent feel that Israel's negotiations with the Arabs "increase the likelihood ofanother war" and 53 percent that they "increase the likelihood of peace with the Arabs"; among those emphasizing "a commitment to social justice," 12 percent answer "increase the likelihood ofanother war" and 74 percent "increase the likelihood ofpeace with the Arabs"; and among those emphasizing "being part ofthe Jewish people," 16 percent say "increase the likelihood of another war" and 71 percent "increase the likelihood ofpeace with the Arabs." Respondents express mixed feelings about dissent from Israeli government policy. When asked to respond to the statement ''American Jews should not publicly criticize the policies of the government ofisrad," 71 percent "disagree" and 26 percent "agree," while 4 percent are "not sure." At the same time, 53 percent "agree" with the statement "Regardless of their individual views on the peace process, American Jews should support the policies ofthe duly elected government ofisrael," while 43 percent "disagree"; 4 percent are not sure. Moreover, to the question "Would you support any decision made by the duly elected Israeli government regarding the establishment of a Palestinian state, regardless ofyour own personal view about the matter?" 62 percent say "yes" and 31 percent "no," while 7 percent are not sure. AttachmentofRespondents to Israel A large majority ofrespondents report feeling either "very close" or "fairly close" to Israel. In specific terms, 26 percent feel "very close," 43 percent "fairly close," 24 percent "fairly distant" and 6 percent "very distant"; 1 percent are "not sure" (Fig. 11).

22 16 Figure 11. Feelings of Closeness to Israel 1% Very close D Fairly close Fairly distant 43% D Not Very distant sure Seventy-eight percent of respondents "agree" that "caring about Israel is a very important part of my being a Jew"; 20 percent "disagree" and 2 percent are not sure. Finally, 67 percent of respondents "agree" that "iflsrael were destroyed, I would feel as if! had suffered one of the greatest personal tragedies in my life"; 31 percent "disagree" and 3 percent are "not sure." All of these figures are very close to those obtained in the surveys of September 1993 and August Asked whether they "now feel closer to or more distant from Israel, or about the same" as compared with "3 or 4 years ago," 78 percent of respondents say " about th e same, "h'l w 1 e 15 percent say " ci oser" and 7 percent " more d' lstant. " When asked "In considering your vote in a U.S. presidential election, how important to you are the candidates' policies toward Israel?" 63 percent answer either "extremely important" (27 percent) or "quite important" (36 percent), while 32 percent say "only somewhat important" and 5 percent "not at all important"; 1 percent are not sure.

23 17 Asked "Which one ofthe following three statements comes closest to your position regarding American Jews' financial contributions to Israel?" 44 percent say "It is just as important as ever to contribute money to Israel," 32 percent "It is somewhat less important now than in the past to contribute, but still important," and 22 percent "Israel must learn to support herself financially"; 2 percent are not sure. Respondents who are 60 years ofage and older are much more likely to express attachment to Israel than those who are younger. At the same time, there are few significant differences between those age and those age 39 and younger with regard to attachment to Israel. Thirty-seven percent of those age 60 and older feel "very close" to Israel, as compared with 22 percent ofthose age and 22 percent ofthose age 39 and younger. At the other end ofthe spectrum, ofthose age 60 and older, 12 percent feel "fairly distant" and 2 percent feel "very distant" from Israel; the comparable figures for those age are 26 percent and 7 percent, and for those age 39 and younger 31 percent and 7 percent (Fig. 12). Figure 12. Feelings of Closeness to Israel: Age Groups of Respondents <J) 30 c Q) ~ Q) c.. 50, / IIVery close D Fairly close Fairlylvery distant 10 o Under and over Note: "Not sure" responses are not shown.

24 18 Close to two-thirds ofrespondents have never been to Israel. When asked "Have you ever been to Israel?" 63 percent answer "no," 22 percent "yes-once," and 15 percent "yes-more than once" (Fig. 13). These figures are virtually identical to those obtained in September 1993 and August Figure 13. Whether Respondents Have Been to Israel Yes-once Dyes - more than once No A large percentage ofrespondents lack basic factual knowledge about Israel. S f d " " d 53 " "h even percent 0 respon ents answer yes an percent not sure w en asked "As far as you know, do Shimon Peres and Benjamin Netanyahu belong to the same political party?" In addition, 47 percent ofrespondents do not know that 1948 was the year in which Israel declared its independence. Moreover, 64 percent ofrespondents do not know that 1967 was the year in which Israel took control ofthe West Bank (Fig. 14).

25 19 Figure 14. Response to the Question "In What Year Did Israel Take Control of the West Bank?".1967 DOthers Don't know Orthodox respondents manifest the greatest attachment to Israel. Seventy-two percent of Orthodox respondents feel "very close" to Israel as compared with 32 percent ofconservative respondents, 17 percent of Reform respondents, and 15 percent ofthe "Just Jewish" (Fig. 15). Figure 15. Feelings of Closeness to Israel: Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, and "Just Jewish" Respondents 80r <n C ~ 40 Q; Cl. 30 Very close D Fairly close Fairly/very distant Orthodox Conservative Reform Just Jewish Note: "Not sure" responses are not shown.

26 20 Sixty-four percent of Orthodox respondents follow the news about Israel "very closely," in contrast to 28 percent of Conservative respondents, 15 percent of Reform respondents, and 12 percent ofthe "Just Jewish." In addition, 76 percent oforthodox respondents have visited Israel (57 percent more than once and 19 percent once), as against 41 percent ofconservative respondents, 31 percent of Reform respondents, and 24 percent ofthe "Just Jewish." Again, 72 percent of Orthodox respondents know that Shimon Peres and Benjamin Netanyahu do not belong to the same political party; this compares with 45 percent ofconservative respondents, 33 percent of Reform respondents, and 31 percent of the "Just Jewish." Inmarried respondents are much more likely than intermarried respondents to express attachment to Israel. Thirty-two percent of inmarried respondents feel "very close" to Israel, as against 14 percent of the intermarried. Moreover, 28 percent of the inmarried follow the news about Israel "very closely," as compared with 5 percent of the intermarried. Eighty-four percent ofthe inmarried "agree" with the statement "Caring about Israel is a very important part of my being a Jew," as against 63 percent ofthe intermarried. Forty-five percent of the inmarried have visited Israel, in contrast to 14 percent ofthe intermarried. Conclusion The results ofthe August 1995 American Jewish Committee-sponsored survey of American Jews demonstrate broad general support for the Israeli government's peace initiative. A solid majority of respondents back the Israeli government in its negotiations with the Arabs, and see these negotiations as making peace more likely. However, support for the peace initiative has declined in the two years since September 1993, when Israel and the PLO signed their historic accord. No doubt, this is linked to growing distrust of the Arabs generally and the PLO specifically, with Jordan the one major exception to this trend.

27 21 As for American Jewish attachment to Israel, a large majority of respondents indicate that they feel close to Israel. At the same time, nearly two-thirds of respondents have never been to Israel, and a large percentage lack basic knowledge relating to the country. Orthodox respondents show the greatest degree ofattachment to Israel.

28 APPENDIXES 22

29 AMERICAN JEWISH COMMITTEE Survey Questionnaire on American Jewish Attitudes Toward Israel and the Peace Process (All responses in percents)* August 7-15, To begin, how closely do you follow the news about Israel? Very closely 23 Somewhat closely 56 Not closely 21 Not sure 0 2. How close do you feel to Israel? Very close 26 Fairly close 43 Fairly distant 24 Very distant 6 Not sure 1 3. Compared to 3 or 4 years ago, do you now feel closer to or more distant from Israel, or about the same? Closer More distant About the same Not sure o 4. Have you ever been to Israel? No Yes - once Yes - more than once Do any close friends or members of your family currently live in Israel either all or part of the year? Yes No Not sure Overall, do you support or oppose the Israeli government's current handling ofthe peace negotiations with the Arabs? Support Oppose Not sure *Note: Due to rounding, not all items add to 100 percent. 23

30 24 6a. More specifically, do you support or oppose the Israeli government's current handling ofthe peace negotiations with the Palestinians? Support Oppose Not sure b. Do you support or oppose the Israeli government's current handiingof the peace negotiations with the Syrians? Support Oppose Not sure 7. On October 26, 1994, Israel and Jordan signed a peace treaty establishing full diplomatic relations. From what you know, are you for or against this development? For Against Not sure 8. Do you think that the past two years of negotiations between Israel and her Arab negotiating partners increase the likelihood of another war, or increase the likelihood of peace with the Arabs? Increase the likelihood of another war 18 Increase the likelihood ofpeace with the Arabs 66 Increase neither the likelihood of war nor the likelihood of peace (volunteered) 9 Not sure 7 9. How much land should Israel be willing to give up on the West Bank in order to reach a peace agreement with the Palestinians? All of it 2 Most of it 6 Some of it 36 Only a small part of it 26 None of it 23 Not sure Given the current situation, do you favor or oppose the establishment of a Palestinian state? Favor Oppose Not sure

31 In the framework of a permanent peace with the Palestinians, should Israel be willing to compromise on the status of Jerusalem as a united city under Israeli jurisdiction? Yes No Not sure 12. Can the PLO be relied upon to honor its agreements and refrain from terrorist activity against Israel? Yes No Not sure How much land should Israel be willing to give up on the Golan Heights in order to reach a peace agreement with Syria? All of it 2 Most of it 3 Some of it 26 Only a small part of it 28 None of it 33 Not sure As part of a permanent settlement with the Palestinians, should Israel be willing to dismantle all, some, or none ofthe Jewish settlements in the West Bank? All Some None Not sure As part of a permanent settlement with the Palestinians, should Israel be willing to dismantle all, some, or none of the Jewish settlements in Gaza? All Some None Not sure How do you see Israel's overall situation today'? Very good 5 Good 40 Neither good nor bad 37 Bad 14 Very bad ::I Not sure 2

32 Is Israel's overall situation better now, worse now, or about the same now as it was one year ago? Better now 33 Worse now 13 About the same 51 Not sure 4 18a. Do you think that the Palestinians are interested, or are not interested, in a true and lasting peace with Israel? Are interested 37 Are not interested 51 Not sure 12 18b. Do you think that the Jordanians are interested, or are not interested, in a true and lasting peace with Israel? Are interested 74 Are not interested 17 Not sure 9 18c. Do you think that the Syrians are interested, or are not interested, in a true and lasting peace with Israel? Are interested 38 Are not interested 45 Not sure Is the PLO doing enough or not doing enough to control terrorist activity against Israel by Hamas and other Palestinian extremist groups? Is doing enough Is not doing enough Not sure 20. The goal of the Arabs is not the return of occupied territories but rather the destruction of Israel. Agree Disagree Not sure Caring about Israel is a very important part of my being a Jew. Agree Disagree Not sure

33 If Israel were destroyed, I would feel as if I had suffered one of the greatest personal tragedies in my life. Agree 67 Disagree 31 Not sure 3 ) 23. American Jews should not publicly criticize the policies of the government of Israel. Agree Disagree Not sure J 24. Regardless of their individual views on the peace process, American Jews should support the policies of the duly elected government of Israel. Agree Disagree Not sure 25. Would you support any decision made by the duly elected Israeli government regarding the establishment of a Palestinian state, regardless of your own personal view about the matter? Yes 62 No 31 Not sure Some Israeli political parties oppose the official policies of the government of Israel. Should those parties lobby members of the U.S. Congress about issues involved in the Israel-Arab peace negotiations? Yes 42 No 52 Not sure As far as you know, do Shimon Peres and Benjamin Netanyahu.~belo~:stothe same political party? 7 No ~ Not sure 53

34 28 I J 28. In what year did Israel declare its independence? (OPEN-ENDED WITH CODES) Others 34 Don't know In what year did Israel take control of the West Bank? (OPEN- ENDED WITH CODES) Others 36 Don't know In your view, which one ofthe following four reasons is the main reason that the U.S. supports Israel? Because of shared values such as freedom and democracy Because Israel is a strategic asset Because of American Jewish influence Because of poor relations between America and the Arabs Not sure 31. Given the current situation, do you see a need for a continuing U.S. role in the Middle East peace process? Yes 87 No 10 Not sure 3 31a. (ASKED OF AND BASED ON RESPONDENTS WHO ANSWERED "YES" TO QUESTION 31) In which of these ways do you see a need for a continuing U.S. role in the Middle East peace process? Not Yes No Sure a. To provide substantial economic aid to the region? b. To help combat Islamic fundamentalist forces? c. To help facilitate a peace treaty between Israel and Syria? d. To encourage further negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians?

35 In considering your vote in a U.S. presidential election, how important to you are the candidates' policies toward Israel? Extremely important 27 Quite important 36 Only somewhat important 32 Not at all important 5 Not sure I 33. Should the United States at present provide economic aid to the Palestinians? Yes No Not sure Should the U.S. at present provide economic aid for Jordan? Yes 42 No 50 Not sure Regarding a possible move of the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, which ofthe following courses of action do you most support? Moving the Embassy to Jerusalem immediately 20 Moving the Embassy at a later date, in conjunction with progress in Israeli-Palestinian peace talks 45 Not moving the Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem 25 Not sure As part of an Israeli-Syrian peace agreement, would you favor or oppose the commitment of U.S. personnel in a multinational monitoring force on the Golan Heights? Favor Oppose Not sure How important would you say being Jewish is in your own life'! Very important 59 Fairly important 32 Not very important 8 Not sure 0

36 Which one ofthe following qualities do you consider most important to your Jewish identity: being part of the Jewish people, religious observance, support for Israel, a commitment to social justice, or something else? Being part of the Jewish people 51 Religious observance 17 Support for Israel 2 A commitment to social justice 17 Something else 12 Not sure Which one of the following three statements comes closest to your position regarding American Jews' financial contributions to Israel? It is just as important as ever to contribute money to Israel 44 It is somewhat less important now than in the past to contribute, but still important 32 Israel must learn to support herself financially 22 Not sure Do you belong to a synagogue or temple? Yes No Do you think of yourself as... Orthodox Conservative Reconstructionist Reform Just Jewish 42. Are you currently married? Yes No a. (IF YES IN 42, ASK:) Is your spouse Jewish? Yes - spouse Jewish 60 No - spouse not Jewish 15

37 During the past twelve months, have you or your spouse made a fmancialcontribution to Israel, to an Israeli institution, or to any pro-israel cause? Yes 57 No 41 Not sure How would you evaluate your ability to speak and understand Modem Hebrew? Excellent Good Fair Poor None 45. Does your household cia the following things all the time, usually, sometimes, or never? All the Time Usually Sometimes Never a. Light Hanukkah candles b. Attend a Passover seder c. Have a Christmas tree d. Celebrate Purim Looking ahead 3 to 5 years, do you see Jews in Israel and in the United States becoming closer, drifting apart, or neither? Becoming closer 29 Drifting apart 11 Neither 56 Not sure What is your age as of your last birthday? Under or over

38 I'm going to read a series of income ranges, and please stop me when I read the one that includes your total household income in 1994 before taxes. Under $20,000 8 $20,000 to under $30, $30,000 to under $40, $40,000 to under $50, $50,000 to under $75, $75,000 to under $100, $100,000 and over 10 Don't know 1 Refused 4

39 AMERICAN JEWISH COMMITTEE 1995, 1994, and 1993 AJC-Sponsored Surveys on American Jewish Attitudes Toward Israel and the Peace Process Comparative Data (All responses in percents)* 1. To begin, how closely do you follow the news about Israel? Very closely Somewhat closely Not closely Not sure How close do you feel to Israel? Very close Fairly close Fairly distant Very distant Not sure Compared to 3 or 4 years ago, do you now feel closer to or more distant from Israel, or about the same? Closer More distant About the same Not sure o o 17 :3 79 o 4. Have you ever been to Israel'! No Yes - once Yes - more than once OveralL do you support or oppose the Israeli government's current handling ofthe peace negotiations with the Arabs? Support Oppose Not sure *Note: Due to rounding, not all columns add to 100 percent

40 34 6. More specifically, do you support or oppose the Israeli government's current handling of the peace negotiations with the Palestinians? Support Oppose Not sure NA* NA NA 7. Do you support or oppose the Israeli government's current handling ofthe peace negotiations with the Syrians? Support NA Oppose NA Not sure NA 8. How much land should Israel be willing to give up on the West Bank in order to reach a peace agreement with the Palestinians? All of it Most ofit Some of it Only a small part of it None of it Not sure Given the current situation, do you favor or oppose the establishment of a Palestinian state? Favor Oppose Not sure 10. In the framework of a permanent peace with the Palestinians, should Israel be willing to compromise on the status of Jerusalem as a united city under Israeli jurisdiction? Yes No ~ 00 ~ Not sure Can the PLO be relied upon to honor its agreements and refrain from terrorist activity against Israel? Yes No Not sure * Identical question not asked that year

41 How much land should Israel be willing to give up on the Golan Heights in order to reach a peace agreement with Syria? All of it Most of it Some of it Only a small part of it None of it Not sure Note: The wording in 1993 and 1994 was, "What should Israel be willing to give up on the Golan Heights in order to reach a peace agreement with Syria?" 13. How do you see Israel's overall situation today? Very good Good Neither good nor bad Bad Very bad Not sure Is Israel's overall situation better now, worse now, or about the same now as it was one year ago? Better now Worse now About the same Not sure 15. Do you think that the Palestinians are interested, or are not interested, in a true and lasting peace with Israel? Are interested Are not interested Not sure NA NA NA 16. Do you think that the Jordanians are interested, or are not interested, in a true and lasting peace with Israel? Are interested Are not interested Not sure NA NA NA

42 Do you think that the Syrians are interested, or are not interested, in a true and lasting peace with Israel? Are interested Are not interested Not sure NA NA NA 18. The goal of the Arabs is not the return of occupied territories but rather the destruction of Israel. Agree Disagree Not sure Caring about Israel is a very important part of my being a Jew Agree Disagree Not sure If Israel were destroyed, I would feel as if I had suffered one of the greatest personal tragedies in my life. Agree Disagree Not sure American Jews should not publicly criticize the policies of the government of Israel. Agree Disagree Not sure As far as you know, do Shimon Peres and Benjamin Netanyahu belong to the same political party? Yes 7 10 NA No NA Not sure NA

43 In your view, which one ofthe following four reasons is the main reason that the U.S. supports Israel? Because of shared values such as freedom and democracy Because Israel is a strategic asset Because of American Jewish influence Because of poor relations between America and the Arabs Not sure Given the current situation, do you see a need for a continuing U.S. role in the Middle East peace process? Yes No Not sure Note: The wording in 1993 was, "In light of the autonomy agreement with the Palestinians and mutual Israel-PLO recognition, do you see a need for a continuing U.S. role in the Middle East peace process?"

44 38 24a. (ASKED OF AND BASED ON RESPONDENTS WHO ANSWERED "YES TO QUESTION 24:) In which of these ways do you see a need for a continuing U.S. role in the Middle East peace process? Not Not Not Yes No sure Yes No sure Yes No sure a. To provide substantial economic aid to the region? b. To help combat Islamic fundamentalist forces? c. To heip facilitate a peace treaty between Israel and Syria? d. To encourage further negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians? Note: The response alternatives in 1993 and 1994 were, "Providing substantial economic aid to the region," "Combatting Islamic fundamentalist forces," "Brokering a deal between Israel and Syria over the Golan Heights," and "Encouraging further compromise between Israel and the Palestinians." 25. How important would you say being Jewish is in your own life? Very important Fairly important Not very important Do you belong to a synagogue or temple? Yes No

45 Do you think of yourself as Orthodox Conservative Reconstructionist Reform Just Jewish Are you currently married? Yes No a. (ASKED OF RESPONDENTS WHO ANSWERED "YES" TO QUESTION 28) Is your spouse Jewish? Yes - spouse Jewish No - spouse not Jewish Does your household do the following things all the time, usually, sometimes, or never? All Usu- Sometime ally times Never a. Light Hanukkah candles b. Attend a Passover seder c. Have a Christmas tree d. Celebrate Purim

46 What is your age as of your last birthday? Under or over I'm going to read a series of income ranges, and please stop me when I read the one that includes your total household income in 1994 before taxes. Under $20, $20,000 to under $30, $30,000 to under $40, $40,000 to under $50, $50,000 to under $75, $75,000 to under $100, $100,000 and over Note: The 1994 survey asked about total household income in 1993 before taxes, and the 1993 survey asked about total household income in 1992 before taxes.

47 AMERICAN JEWISH COMMITTEE Survey Questions - August 1995 Subgroup Data Table 1 "How closely do you follow the news about Israel?" (in percents) Very Somewhat Not Not Subgroup closely closely closely sure Total Sex Male Female Age Under Income <$30, $30,000-49, $50,000-74, $75, Education High school or less Some college Four years of college Five or more years of higher education Denomination Orthodox Conservative Reform Just Jewish Synagogue member Yes No Visited Israel Yes II 0 No Closeness to Israel Very close Fairly close Fairly/very distant Marital status (if married) Spouse Jewish Spouse not Jewish

48 42 Table 2 "How close do you feel to Israel?" (in percents) Very Fairly Fairly Very Not Subgroup close close distant distant sure Tolal Sex Male Female Age Under Income <S3U.OOO $ S $75.( Education High school or Ies:, I Some college Four years of college Five or mort' years of higher t'ducation Denomination Orthodox I n Conservative Reform Just Jewish " J J Synagogue member Yes No Visited Israd Yes I 0 No IJ 43 3.' 9 2 Closeness to Israel Yay close loo Fairly close Fairly/very distant Marital status (if married) SPOllSt' Jewish SpOllse' not Jewish :-s 16 :2

49 43 Table 3 "Have you ever been to Israel?" (in percents) Yesmore Yes- than Subgroup No once once Total 6" Sex Male Female Age Under Income <530, BO,000-49, $50,C10O-74, $75, Education High school or less Some college Four years of college Five or more years of higher education Denomination ( lrthodox Conservative In Reform Just Jewish Synagogue member Yes No Visited Israel Yes No 100 () () Closeness to Israel Very close Fairly close Fairly/very distant Marital status (if married) Spouse Jewish Spouse not Jewish