1998 ANNUAL SURVEY OF AMERICAN JEWISH OPINION Conducted for the American Jewish Committee by Market Facts, Inc. February 19-March 8,1998 The American Jewish Committee The Jacob Blaustein Building 165 East 56th Street, New York, NY 10022
The AmericanJewish Committee protects the rights andfreedoms ofjews the world over; combats bigotry and anti-semitism and promotes human rightsjor all; worksjor the security ofisrael and deepened understanding between Americans andisraelis; advocates publicpolicypositions rooted in American democratic values and the perspectivesofthejewish heritage; and enhances the creative vitality ofthejewish people. Founded in 1906, it is thepioneer human-relations agency in the United States.
1998 ANNUAL SURVEY OF AMERICANJEWISH OPINION
CONTENTS Introduction 1 Summary of Findings 2 Survey Questionnaire 29 Comparative Data from AJC-Sponsored Surveys 41 Survey Questions: Subgroup Data 49
1998 Annual Survey of American Jewish Opinion Introduction The data reported here are from the 1998 Annual Survey ofamerican Jewish Opinion, sponsored by the AmericanJewish Committee, detailing the views of American Jews about a broad range ofsubjects. Among the topics covered in the present survey are the Israel-Arab peace process, the attachment ofamerican Jews to Israel, political and social issues in the United States, Jewish perceptions ofanti-semitism,jewish opinion about various countries, and Jewish identity concerns. Some ofthe questions appearing in the survey are new; others are drawn from previous American Jewish Committee surveys, including the 1997 Annual Survey ofamerican Jewish Opinion. Where available, trend-line data are provided. 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 February 19-March 8, 1998; no interviewing took place on the Sabbath. The sample consisted of 1,001 self-identified Jewish respondents selected from the Market Facts consumer mail panel. The respondents are demographically representative ofthe United States adult Jewish population on a variety ofmeasures. The margin oferror for the sample as a whole is plus or minus three percentage points. Approximately 49 percent of the respondents are men and 51 percent are women. Thirty-four percent are under age 40, 39 percent are 40-59, and 27 percent are 60 and over. Sixty-nine percent are married and 31 percent are unmarried. Twentyfive percent report their household incomes as under $30,000, 23 percent as $30,000-49,999,25 percent as $50,000-74,999, and 27 percent as $75,000 and over. Fourteen percent have a high-school education or less, another 26 percent have attended some college, another 24 percent have four years of college, and 1
another 35 percent have five or more years ofhigher education. In terms ofjewish background, 8 percent of the respondents identify as Orthodox, 33 percent as Conservative, 33 percent as Reform, 2 percent as Reconstructionist, and 23 percent as "Just Jewish." Fifty-three percent of the respondents belong to a synagogue or temple. Ofmarried respondents, 79 percent have Jewish spouses. When asked "How important would you say being Jewish is in your own life?" 56 percent of the respondents say "very important," 35 percent "fairly important," and 8 percent "not very important." Summary of Findings Among the main findings ofthe survey relating to the Israel-Arab peace process are the following: 1. A majority ofamericanjews continue to support the Netanyahu government's current handling ofthe peace negotiations with the Arabs. However, the level ofsupport has declined from one year ago. When asked if they "support" or "oppose" the "Netanyahu government's current handling ofthe peace negotiations with the Arabs," 56 percent of American Jews answer "support," 34 percent "oppose," and 10 percent "not sure." In February 1997, the figures were 61 percent "support," 24 percent " oppose, "d an 15 percent " not sure. " 2. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is viewed favorably by a solid majority ofamericanjews, but his favorability rating is down from one year ago. Presented with a list of"leaders and groups in Israel" and asked about their impression ofeach, 66 percent ofamerican Jews view Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu favorably ("very favorable"--17 percent; "somewhat favorable"--49 percent), 30 percent unfavorably ("somewhat unfavorable"-- 2
, ) hoi 4 " "1 23 percent; "very unfavorable' --7 percent, w 1 e percent are not sure. n February 1997, Prime Minister Netanyahu was viewed favorably by 75 percentof American Jews ("very favorable"--22 percent; "somewhat favorable"--53 percent), unfavorably by 18 percent ("somewhat unfavorable"--14 percent; "very unfavorable"--4 percent), while 6 percent were "not sure." In the case ofopposition leader Ehud Barak, 24 percent ofamerican Jews view him favorably ("very favorable"--2 percent; "somewhat favorable"--22 percent), 30 percent unfavorably ("somewhat unfavorable"--24 percent; "very unfavorable"--6 percent), while 46 percent are "not sure." The responses for some ofthe other groups on the list are as follows: "Israel's Labor Party"--59 percent favorably ("very favorable"--7 percent; "somewhat favorable"--52 percent), 19 percent unfavorably ("somewhat unfavorable"- 15 percent; "very unfavorable"--4 percent), and 21 percent "not sure"; "Israel's Likud Party"--39 percent favorably ("very favorable"--5 percent; "somewhat favorable"--34 percent), 27 percent unfavorably ("somewhat unfavorable"--21 percent; "very unfavorable"--6 percent), and 34 percent "not sure"; "West Bank settlers"--45 percent favorably ("very favorable"--9 percent; "somewhat favorable"--36 percent), 44 percent unfavorably ("somewhat unfavorable"--32 percent; "very unfavorable"--12 percent), and 12 percent "not sure." 3. Majorities ofamericanjews believe that President Mubarak ofegypt and King Hussein ofjordan support peace with IsraeL In contrast, a majority of American Jews maintain that PLO Chairman Yasir Arafat opposes peace with IsraeL When asked about the extent to which a number ofarab leaders "support or oppose peace with Israel," 68 percent ofamerican Jews believe that "President Hosni Mubarak ofegypt supports peace with Israel" ("strongly support"--16 percent; "somewhat support"--52 percent), 20 percent that he 3
opposes peace with Israel ("somewhat opposes"--15 percent; "strongly oppose"--5 percent), while 12 percent are "not sure." Similarly, 66 percent ofamerican Jews believe that "King Hussein ofjordan" supports peace with Israel ("strongly supports"--16 percent; "somewhat supports"--50 percent), 27 percent that he opposes peace with Israel ("somewhat oppose"--19 percent; "strongly opposes"--8 percent), while 7 percent are "not sure." In contrast, in the case of"plo Chairman Yasir Arafat," 40 percent of American Jews believe that he supports peace with Israel ("strongly supports"--3 percent; "somewhat supports"--37 percent), 55 percent that he opposes peace with Israel ("somewhat opposes"--27 percent; "strongly opposes"--28 percent), while 5 percent are "not sure." In February 1997, the fj 62 " " 31 " "d 7 " 19ures were percent supports, percent opposes, an percent not sure." Asked to respond to the statement "The goal ofthe Arabs is not the return of occupied territories, but rather the destruction ofisrael," 68 percent of American Jews "agree," 24 percent "disagree," and 7 percent are "not sure." 4. American Jews show less optimism today than they did one year ago about the chance ofa lasting peace between Israel and the Arabs. In response to the question "As compared with one year ago, are you now more optimistic about the chance for a lasting peace between Israel and the Arabs, less optimistic, or do you think the chance for a lasting peace is about the same as it was one year ago?" 55 percent ofamerican Jews answer "about the same," 39 percent "less optimistic," 5 percent "more optimistic," and 0 percent "not sure." In February 1997, the figures were 58 percent "about the same," 23 percent "less optimistic," 17 percent "more optimistic," and 1 percent "not sure." 4
5. A substantial majority ofamerican Jews believe that the United States government should apply pressure on PLO Chairman Yasir Arafat to advance the peace process. In contrast, a majority ofamerican Jews maintain that the United States government should not apply pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to advance the peace process. When asked "Should the United States government apply pressure on PLO Chairman Yasir Arafat to advance the peace process, even ifthis creates a strain in U.S.-Palestinian relations, or should the United States not apply pressure?" 69 percent ofamerican Jews say "should pressure Arafat," 28 percent "h s ould not pressure Araf: at, "d3 an percent " not sure. " In contrast, when asked "Should the United States government apply pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to advance the peace process, even ifthis creates a strain in U.S.-Israeli relations, or should the United States not apply pressure?" 45 percent ofamerican Jews answer "should pressure Netanyahu," 52 percent "should not pressure Netanyahu," and 3 percent " not sure. " 6. Nearly all AmericanJews maintain that the Palestinian Authority is not doing enough to control terrorist activity against Israel. Asked "Is the Palestinian Authority (PLO) doing enough or not doing enough to control terrorist activity against Israel by Hamas and other Palestinian extremist groups?" 94 percent ofamerican Jews answer "is not doing enough," 3 percent "is doing enough," and 3 percent "not sure." In January 1996, the last time the question was asked, the figures were 82 percent "is not doing enough," 9 percent "is doing enough," and 9 percent "not sure." 5
7. A large majority ofamericanjews believe that the Netanyahu gover~ment is right to make revision ofthe PLO charter a condition for progress m the peace process. In response to the question "The PLO has still not revoked its charter calling for Israel's destruction. Is the Netanyahu government right or wrong in insisting on revocation ofthe charter as a condition for further progress in the peace process?" 80 percent ofamerican Jews answer "right," 9 percent " wrong, "d an 10 percent " not sure. " 8. A solid majority ofamerican Jews maintain 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?" 61 percent ofamerican Jews answer "no," 33 percent "yes," and 5 percent "not sure." These figures are virtually identical to those obtained in August 1995, the last time the question was asked. 9. A plurality ofamerican Jews oppose the establishment ofa Palestinian state. In response to the question "Given the current situation, do you favor or oppose the establishment ofa Palestinian state?" 42 percent ofamerican J ews answer "E:" avor, 49 percent " oppose, "d an 9 percent " not sure. "1n August 1995, the last time this question was asked, the figures were 46 percent "favor," 39 percent "oppose," and 15 percent "not sure." 10. A majority ofamerican Jews favor dismantling some Jewish settlements in the West Bank as part ofa peace settlement with the Palestinians. When asked "As part ofa permanent settlement with the Palestinians, 6
should Israel be willing to dismantle all, some, or none ofthe Jewish settlements in the West Bank?" 52 percent ofamerican Jews answer "some," 40 percent""5 none, percent "11" a, and3 percent " not sure. "These fiigures are identical to those obtained in August 1995, the last time the question was asked. 11. A majority ofamericanjews oppose any significant return ofterritory in the Golan Heights to Syria. 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 American Jews answer "none ofit" (42 percent) or "only a small part ofit" (26 percent)" In contrast, 23 percent favor giving up "some ofit," 3 percent "most ofit," and 2 percent "all ofit." In August 1995, the last time the question was asked, the figures were 33 percent "none ofit," 28 percent "only a small part ofit," 26 percent "some ofit," 3 percent "most ofit," and 2 percent "11 a 0 f" It. " 12. A large majority ofamerican Jews see relations between Israel and the United States today as positive. However, the percentage viewing these relations as "very positive" has declined from one year ago. When asked to "characterize relations between Israel and the United States today," 14 percent ofamerican Jews indicate "very positive," 70 percent "somewhat positive," 14 percent "somewhat negative," and 1 percent "very negative." In February 1997, the figures were 23 percent "very positive," 67 percent "somewhat positive," 9 percent "somewhat negative," and 0 percent "very negative." 7
13. American Jews express mixed feelings about dissent from Israeli government policy. Asked to respond to the statement "American Jews should not publicly criticize the policies ofthe government ofisrael," 64 percent ofamerican Jews "disagree," 33 percent "agree," and 2 percent are "not sure." These figures are virtually identical to those obtained in February 1997. At the same time, in response to the statement "Regardless oftheir individual views on the peace negotiations with the Arabs, American Jews should support the policies of the duly elected government ofisrae1," 57 percent ofarnericanjews "agree," 36 percent "disagree," and 7 percent are "not sure." In February 1997, the figures were 55 percent "agree," 42 percent "disagree," and 3 percent "not sure." 14. Support for the Netanyahu government's current handling ofthe peace negotiations with the Arabs is strongest among the Orthodox, among men, among political conservatives, among those who feel close to Israel, and among those who feel that beingjewish is "very important" in their lives. Support for the "Netanyahu government's current handling of the peace negotiations with the Arabs" is more prevalent among the Orthodox (68 percent) than among the other denominations (Conservative--63 percent; Reform--50 percent; "Just Jewish"--55 percent); among men (60 percent) than among women (54 percent); among political conservatives (64 percent) than among liberals (52 percent) or moderates (57 percent); among those who feel close to Israel ("very close"--63 percent; "fairly c1ose"--59 percent) than among those who feel fairly/very distant (48 percent); among those for whom being Jewish is "very important" (61 percent) than among those for whom being Jewish is "fairly/not very important" (51 percent). 8
Among the key findings ofthe survey relating to the attachment of AmericanJews to Israel are the following: 1. A large majority ofamericanjews continue to feel close to Israel. Asked "How close do you feel to Israel?" 25 percent ofamerican Jews answer "very close," 44 percent "fairly close," 23 percent "fairly distant," and 8 percent "very distant." In February 1997, the responses to the same question were 23 percent "very close," 46 percent "fairly close," 23 percent "fairly distant," and 8 percent "very distant." Asked to tespond to the statement "Caring about Israel is a very important part ofmy being a Jew," 74 percent ofamerican Jews "agree," 23 percent "disagree," and 3 percent are "not sure." These figures are virtually identical to those obtained in January 1996, the last time the question was asked. 2. A substantial majority ofamerican Jews have never been to Israel. In response to the question "Have you ever been to Israel?" 62 percent of A. J " "21 " "d 18 " mencan ews answer no, percent yes--once, an percent yes-- more than once." 3. AmericanJews are more likely today than one year ago to believe thatjews in Israel and the United States are drifting apart. When asked "Looking ahead 3 to 5 years, do you see Jews in Israel and in the United States becoming closer, drifting apart, or neither?" 26 percent of American Jews respond "becoming closer," 19 percent "drifting apart," 51 percent "neither," and 4 percent "not sure." In February 1997, the responses to the same question were 31 percent "becoming closer," 13 percent "drifting apart," 54 percent "neither," and 3 percent "not sure." 9
4. The vast majority ofamericanjews support forms ofreligious pluralism in Israel. Asked to respond to the statement "Conversions performed in Israel by Reform and Conservative rabbis should be recognized as much as Orthodox conversions," 89 percent ofamerican Jews "agree," 9 percent "disagree," and 1 percent are " not sure. " When asked about the statement "Conservative and Reform representatives should be permitted to serve on community religious councils in Israel alongside Orthodox representatives," 92 percent ofamerican Jews "agree," 7 "do "d 1 " " percent Isagree, an percent are not sure. 5. Closeness to Israel is widespread among AmericanJews, but more so among the Orthodox, among inmarriedjews, among those who feel that beingjewish is "very important" in their lives, and among olderjews. When asked "How close do you feel to Israel?" 75 percent oforthodoxjews indicate "very close," as compared with 29 percent of Conservative Jews, 15 percent of Reform Jews, and 15 percent of the "Just Jewish." Only 4 percent oforthodoxjews feel either "very distant" or "fairly distant" from Israel, in contrast to 14 percent ofconservative Jews, 40 percent of Reform Jews, and 49 percent of the "Just Jewish." Inmarried Jews (30 percent) are more likely than intermarried Jews (7 percent) to feel "very close" to Israel. At the other end of the spectrum, 23 percent ofinmarried Jews feel either "very distant" or "fairly distant" from Israel, as compared to 52 percent ofintermarried Jews. Thirty-eight percent ofamerican Jews who indicate that being Jewish is "very important" in their lives feel "very close" to Israel, in contrast to 8 percent of those who say that being Jewish is "fairly important" or "not very 10
important" in their lives. At the other end ofthe spectrum, 15 percent of Jews for whom being Jewish is "very important" in their lives feel either "very distant" or "fairly distant" from Israel, as against 51 percent ofjews for whom being Jewish is "fairly important" or "not very important" in their lives. Older Jews are more likely than younger Jews to feel "very close" to Israel (under 40--23 percent; 40-59--22 percent; 60+--31 percent). At the other end ofthe spectrum, younger Jews are more likely to feel either "very distant" or "fairly distant" from Israel (under 40--41 percent; 40-59--30 percent; 60+--19 percent). Among the key findings ofthe survey relating to political and social issues in the United States are the following: 1. American Jews are more likely to describe themselves as "liberal" or "moderate" than as "conservative"; a majority ofamerican Jews identify as Democrats. In comparative terms, AmericanJews are more likely than other Americans to identify as liberal and Democratic and less likely to identify as conservative and Republican. When asked where theywould place themselves on a scale ofpoliticalviews "arranged from extremely liberal to extremely conservative," 39 percent of American Jews indicate "liberal" ("extremely liberal"--3 percent; "liberal"--20 percent; "slightly liberal"--16 percent), 23 percent "conservative" ("extremely conservative"--2 percent; "conservative"--9 percent; "slightly conservative"- 12 percent), 36 percent "moderate, middle of the road," and 2 percent "not sure." In an American Jewish Committee-sponsored survey ofthe Religious Right and other Americans conducted in May-June 1996,34 percent ofamericans (excluding the Religious Right) indicated that they were "liberal" ("extremely 11
liberal"--6 percent; "liberal"--19 percent; "slightly liberal"--9 percent), 40 percent "conservative" ("extremely conservative"--13 percent; "conservative" --18 percent; "slightly conservative"--9 percent), 20 percent "moderate, middle of the road," and 7 percent "not sure." Among those on the Religious Right, 5 percent identified as "liberal" ("extremely liberal"--2 percent; "liberal"--1 percent; "slightly liberal"--2 percent), 90 percent "conservative" ("extremely conservative"--39 percent; "conservative"--39 percent; "slightly conservative"--12 percent), 3 percent "moderate, middle of the road," and 2 percent "not sure." Asked "In politics, as oftoday, do you consider yourself a Republican, a Democrat, or an Independent?" 52 percent ofamerican Jews respond "Democrat," 30 percent "Independent," 16 percent "Republican," and 2 percent "not sure." In the American Jewish Committee survey ofthe Religious Right and other Americans, 32 percent ofamericans (excluding the Religious Right) answered "Democrat," 35 percent "Independent," 24 percent "Republican," and 8 percent "not sure." Among those on the Religious Right, 28 percent responded "Democrat," 26 percent "Independent," 38 percent "Republican," and 9 percent "not sure." 2. A majority ofamerican Jews oppose educational vouchers. Asked "Do you favor or oppose establishing a school voucher program that would allow parents to use tax funds to send their children to the school of their choice, even ifit were a private schoo1?" 53 percent ofamericanjews answer " oppose, " 44 percent"f:" avor, and 4 percent " not sure. " When the L os Angeles Times asked the same question to a representative sample ofall Americans in 1996, the responses were 48 percent "favor," 44 percent "oppose," and 8 percent "not sure." 12
3. A substantial majority ofamericanjews view immigrants in the United States in a positive manner. Presented with the statement "Immigrants increase crime rates," 5 percent of American Jews "agree strongly," 15 percent "agree," 23 percent "neither agree nor disagree," 43 percent "disagree," 12 percent "disagree strongly," and 2 percent are "not sure." Given the statement "Immigrants are generally good for America's economy," 15 percent "agree strongly," 45 percent "agree," 21 percent "neither agree nor disagree," 15 percent "disagree," 3 percent "disagree strongly," and 1 percent are "not sure." Provided with the statement "Immigrants take jobs away from people who were born in America," 7 percent "agree strongly," 21 percent "agree," 15 percent "neither agree nor disagree," 41 percent "disagree," 15 percent "disagree strongly," and 1 percent are "not sure." Presented with the statement "Immigrants make America more open to new ideas and cultures," 23 percent "agree strongly," 58 percent "agree," 8 percent "neither agree nor disagree," 8 percent "disagree," 1 percent "disagree strong1 y, " and 1 percent are " not sure. " 4. Various subgroups ofamerican Jews differ in their opinions about educational vouchers. There is much greater consensus among the various subgroups with regard to viewing immigrants in the United States in a positive manner. Opposition to educational vouchers is strongest among those who are older (64 percent), among those who have five or more years of higher education (63 percent), among those who are liberal (62 percent), and among those who are Democrats (58 percent). Support for educational vouchers is stron- 13
gest among those who are Orthodox (81 percent), among those who are Republicans (66 percent), and among those who are political conservatives (63 percent). Majorities ofnearly all subgroups ofamerican Jews disagree with the statement "Immigrants increase crime rates." Those most likely to disagree include liberals (62 percent), those with five or more years ofhigher education (60 percent), and Democrats (58 percent). Large majorities ofall subgroups ofamerican Jews agree with the statement "Immigrants are generally good for America's economy." Among these subgroups are men (71 percent), Republicans (61 percent), the Orthodox (63 percent), and liberals (64 percent). Majorities ofnearly all subgroups ofamericanjews disagree with the statement "Immigrants take jobs away from people who were born in America." Included in the subgroups are women (55 percent), those over the age of60 (62 percent), Independents (59 percent), and the Reform (55 percent). Very large majorities ofall subgroups ofamerican Jews agree with the statement "Immigrants make America more open to new ideas and cultures." Subgroups most likely to agree with the statement include those under the age of40 (81 percent), those who earn $75,000 or more (86 percent), those with four years of college (85 percent), and political moderates (80 percent). Among the key findings ofthe survey relating to perception ofanti Semitism are the following: 1. An overwhelming majority ofamerican Jews see anti-semitism as a problem in the United States today, with a large percentage rejecting the view that all positions ofinfluence are open to Jews. 14
When asked "Do you think that anti-semitism in the United States is currently a very serious problem, somewhat ofa problem, or not a problem at all?" 33 percent ofamerican Jews answer "very serious problem," 62 percent "somewhat ofa problem," and 5 percent "not a problem at al1." These figures are similar to those obtained in February 1997. Asked ifthey agree or disagree with the statement "Virtually all positions of influence in the United States are open to Jews," 56 percent ofamerican J ews " agree, "42 percent "d' Isagree, "d an 2 percent are " not sure. "These fi19ures closely parallel those obtained in February 1997. 2. Many more American Jews believe that anti-semitism in the United States will increase over the next few years than believe that it will decrease. In response to the question "Looking ahead over the next several years, do you think that anti-semitism in the United States will increase greatly, increase somewhat, remain the same, decrease somewhat, or decrease greatly?" 40 percent ofamerican Jews say "increase" ("increase greatly"--9 percent; ". Increase somewh at" --31 percent, ) 9 percent "d ecrease" ("decrease somewhat"--8 percent; "decrease greatly"--1 percent), 48 percent "remain the same," and 2 percent "not sure." In February 1997, the figures were identical. 3. American Jews perceive "the Religious Right" and "Moslems" as the most anti-semitic groups in the United States. Presented with a list of 10 groups and asked "In your opinion, what proportion ofeach ofthe following groups in the United States is anti-semitic- most, many, some, very few, or none?" 44 percent ofamerican Jews answer "most" (20 percent) or "many" (24 percent) for the "Religious Right," while only 8 percent respond "very few" (6 percent) or "none" (2 percent). In quite similar fashion, 48 percent ofamerican Jews answer "most" (25 percent) or 15
"many" (23 percent) for "Moslems," while only 9 percent respond "very few" (8 percent) or "none" (1 percent). Ranking third and fourth among the groups seen as anti-semitic by American Jews are "Fundamentalist Protestants" and "Blacks." Thus 28 percent of American Jews see "most" (10 percent) or "many" (18 percent) "Fundamentalist Protestants" as anti-semitic, while 15 percent believe that "very few" (13 percent) or "none" (2 percent) are anti-semitic. Closely parallel to this, 24 percent ofamerican Jews view "most" (8 percent) or "many" (16 percent) "Blacks" as anti-semitic, while 16 percent see "very few" (15 percent) or "none" (1 percent) as such. At the other end ofthe spectrum, ''Asians'' and "liberals" are seen by American Jews as the groups least likely to be anti-semitic. Only 4 percent of American Jews believe that "most" (1 percent) or "many" (3 percent) Asians are anti-semitic, while 44 percent feel that "very few" (37 percent) or "none" (7 percent) are anti-semitic. As for "liberals," 7 percent ofamerican Jews believe that "most" (2 percent) or "many" (5 percent) are anti-semitic, while 45 percent feel that "very few" (37 percent) or "none" (8 percent) are such. The above figures closely parallel those obtained in February 1997. 4. Concern about the nature and extent ofanti-semitism in the United States varies by subgroups ofamericanjews. The belief that anti-semitism is currently a "very serious problem" in the United States is more prevalent among those who are older (under 40--27 percent; 40-59--34 percent; 60+--40 percent), among those with lower incomes «$30,000--41 percent; $30,000-49,999--33 percent; $50,000 74,999--29 percent; $75,000+--29 percent), among those with less education (high school or less--45 percent; some college--39 percent; four years of college--29 percent; five or more years of higher education--27 percent), 16
among those who feel that being Jewish is "very important" in their lives ("very important"--39 percent; "fairly/not very important"--26 percent), and among those who feel "very close" to Israel ("very close"--41 percent; "fairly c1ose"--35 percent; "fairly/very distant"--24 percent). Disagreement with the statement "Virtually all positions ofinfluence in the United States are open to Jews" is more likely among women (men--38 percent; women--44 percent), and among the Orthodox (Orthodox--48 percent; Conservative--42 percent; Reform--41 percent; "Just Jewish"--36 percent). The belief that "most" or "many" of"the Religious Right" are anti-semitic is more common among those who are older (under 40--35 percent; 40-59--46 percent; 60+--53 percent), among liberals (liberals--52 percent; moderates- 42 percent; conservatives--34 percent), among Democrats and Independents (Democrats--48 percent; Republicans--38 percent; Independents--44 percent), and among those who are Reform (Orthodox--28 percent; Conservative--45 percent; Reform--50 percent; "Just Jewish"--40 percent). The belief that "most" or "many" "Moslems" are anti-semitic is more likely among those who are oldest (under 40--46 percent; 40-59--47 percent; 60+ --55 percent), among conservatives (moderates--46 percent; liberals--46 percent; conservatives--57 percent), among the Orthodox (Orthodox--69 percent; Conservative--47 percent; Reform--42 percent; "Just Jewish"--52 percent), and among those who feel close to Israel ("very close"--58 percent; "fairly close"--49 percent; "fairly/very distant"--41 percent). The belief that "most" or "many" "Blacks" are anti-semitic is more prevalent among those who are oldest (under 40--20 percent; 40-59--22 percent; 60+ --29 percent), among those with less education (high school or less--33 percent; some college--23 percent; four years ofcollege--22 percent; five or more years ofhigher education--21 percent), among conservatives (liberals-- 17
18 percent; moderates--22 percent; conservatives--36 percent), and among the Orthodox (Orthodox--39 percent; Conservative--26 percent; Reform- 17 percent; "Just Jewish"--22 percent). Among the key findings ofthe survey relating to opinions ofvarious countries are the following: 1. American Jews are overwhehningly favorable in their opinion ofisrael. Saudi Arabia is the country about which AmericanJews have the most unfavorable opinion. Asked if their "overall opinion" of 13 countries is "very favorable, somewhat favorable, somewhat unfavorable, or very unfavorable," 83 percent ofamerican Jews answer favorable for Israel ("very favorable"--43 percent; "somewhat favorable"--40 percent), 4 percent unfavorable ("somewhat unfavorable"--4 percent) and 13 percent "neutra1." At the other end ofthe spectrum, 57 percent ofamerican Jews have an unfavorable opinion ofsaudi Arabia ("very unfavorable"--21 percent; "somewhat unfavorable"--36 percent), 15 percent a favorable opinion ("very favorable"--1 percent; "somewhat favorable"--14 percent), 27 percent are "neutral," and 1 percent are "not sure." 2. Among European countries, France is viewed most unfavorably by American Jews, and Denmark most favorably. Thirty-nine percent ofamerican Jews have an unfavorable opinion of France ("very unfavorable"--10 percent; "somewhat unfavorable"--29 percent), 29 percent a favorable opinion ("very favorable"--5 percent, "somewhat favorable"--24 percent), 31 percent are "neutral," and 1 percent are "not sure." About Denmark, 57 percent of American Jews express a favorable opinion ("very favorable"--25 percent; "somewhat favorable"--32 percent), 1 percent 18
an unfavorable opinion ("somewhat unfavorable"--1 percent), 38 percent a "neutral" opinion, and 3 percent are "not sure." 3. A substantial majority ofamerican Jews see the Swiss government as uncooperative in providing a full accounting ofits dealing with the Nazis. Majorities ofamerican Jews support various actions, including sanctions, to prod the Swiss government. Asked "The Swiss government is being pressed to provide a full accounting of Switzerland's dealing with the Nazis during World War II. In your view, is the Swiss government being cooperative or uncooperative in providing such an accounting?" 18 percent ofamerican Jews answer "cooperative," 72 percent " uncooperative,. " and 10 percent " not sure. " When asked ''As part of an effort to have the Swiss government provide a full accounting of Switzerland's dealings with the Nazis during World War II, would you support or oppose each ofthe following actions?" 86 percent answer "support" for "quiet diplomacy by the United States government," (11 percent "oppose," and 3 percent "not sure"); 55 percent answer "support" for "public protests and demonstrations by Jews and others" (41 percent "oppose, " and 4 percent " not sure "); and 53 percent answer""l support lor " sanctions and boycotts against Swiss banks and companies" (43 percent "oppose," and 5 percent " not sure. ") In the response to the question "Is your overall opinion of Switzerland very favorable, somewhat favorable, neutral, somewhat unfavorable, or very unfavorable?" 11 percent ofamerican Jews answer "very favorable," 23 percent "somewhat favorable," 34 percent "neutral," 24 percent "somewhat unfavorabl e, " 7 percent " very unfavorabl" e, and 1 percent " not sure. " 19
4. A substantial majority ofamerican Jews believe that Germany is making a sincere effort to come to grips with the Holocaust. When presented with the statement "Germany today is making a sincere effort to deal with the legacy ofthe Holocaust," 69 percent ofamerican Jews agree ("agree strongly"--16 percent; "agree somewhat"--53 percent), 28 percent disagree ("disagree strongly"--8 percent; "disagree somewhat"--20 percent, ) and 3 percent are " not sure. " Overall, 32 percent ofamerican Jews have an unfavorable opinion ofgermany ("very unfavorable"--ll percent; "somewhat unfavorable"--21 percent), 30 percent a favorable opinion ("very favorable"--4 percent, "somewhat favorable"--26 percent), 36 percent are "neutral," and 1 percent are "not sure." 5. Among Middle East countries, AmericanJews have a more favorable opinion ofegypt than ofjordan. Thirty-four percent ofamerican Jews have a favorable opinion of Egypt ("very favorable"--3 percent; "somewhat favorable"--31 percent), 32 percent an unfavorable opinion ("very unfavorable"--7 percent; "somewhat unfavorable"--25 percent), 33 percent are "neutral," and 1 percent are "note sure." Twenty-four percent ofamerican Jews have a favorable opinion ofjordan ("very favorable"--2 percent; "somewhat favorable"--22 percent), 43 percent an unfavorable opinion ("very unfavorable"--10 percent; "somewhat unfavorable"--33 percent), 31 percent are "neutral," and 2 percent are "not sure." 6. With regard to Asia, a majority ofamericanjews have an unfavorable opinion ofchina. Eighteen percent of American Jews have a favorable opinion of China ("very favorable"--2 percent; "somewhat favorable"--16 percent), 50 percent an 20
unfavorable opinion ("very unfavorable"--14 percent; "somewhat unfavorable"--36 percent), 30 percent are "neutral," and 1 percent are "not sure." 7. While a majority ofall Americans have a favorable opinion ofisrael, American Jews are even more favorable. AmericanJews have a far less favorable opinion ofgermany, France, Russia, Egypt, and China than do Americans in general. In March 1996, the Gallup Organization fielded a question--"i'd like your opinion of some foreign countries. Is your overall opinion of [ ] very favorable, mostly favorable, mostly unfavorable, or very unfavorable?"--which makes possible comparisons for a number ofcountries with the data obtained in the present survey. The picture that emerges is as follows: Israel: American Jews--total favorable: 83 percent; total unfavorable: 4 percent; all Americans--total favorable: 62 percent; total unfavorable: 29 percent; Germany: American Jews--total favorable: 30 percent; total unfavorable: 32 percent; all Americans--total favorable: 75 percent; total unfavorable: 16 percent; France: American Jews--total favorable: 29 percent; total unfavorable: 39 percent; all Americans--total favorable: 70 percent; total unfavorable: 20 percent; Russia: American Jews--total favorable: 27 percent; total unfavorable: 32 percent; all Americans--total favorable: 52 percent; total unfavorable: 39 percent; ~: American Jews--total favorable: 34 percent; total unfavorable: 32 percent; all Americans--total favorable: 58 percent; total unfavorable: 24 percent; 21
China: American Jews--total favorable: 18 percent; total unfavorable: 50 percent; all Americans--total favorable: 39 percent; total unfavorable: 45 percent. 8. Various subgroups ofamericanjews differ in their opinions ofindividual countries. A "very favorable"opinion ofisrael is more prevalent among those who are oldest (under 40--41 percent; 40-59--41 percent; 60+--48 percent), among those with a high school education or less (high school or less--53 percent; some college--42 percent; four years ofcollege--41 percent; five or more years ofhigher education--40 percent), among those who are Orthodox (Orthodox--69 percent; Conservative--50 percent; Reform--33 percent; "Just Jewish"--35 percent), among those with a Jewish spouse (spouse Jewish--47 percent; spouse notjewish--31 percent), among those who feel that being Jewish is "very important" in their lives ("very important"--58 percent; "fairly/not very important"--23 percent), and among those who feel "very close" to Israel ("very close"--72 percent; "fairly close"--45 percent; "fairly/ very distant"--16 percent). A "very unfavorable/somewhat unfavorable" opinion ofgermany is more prevalent among women (women--36 percent; men--27 percent), among those who are older (under 40--27 percent; 40-59--33 percent; 60+--36 percent), among those with a high school education or less (high school or less--43 percent; some college--31 percent; four years ofcollege--34 percent; five or more years ofhigher education--27 percent), among those who are Orthodox (Orthodox--69 percent; Conservative--33 percent; Reform--28 percent; "Just]ewish"--24 percent), among those with a Jewish spouse (spouse Jewish--38 percent; spouse not Jewish--22 percent), and among those who feel that being Jewish is "very important" in their lives ("very important"--39 percent; "fairly/not very important"--24 percent). 22
The view that the Swiss government is being uncooperative in providing a full accounting ofits dealing with the Nazis during World War II is more prevalent among those who are older (under 40--66 percent; 40-59--70 percent; 60+--83 percent), those with a Jewish spouse (spouse Jewish--76 percent; spouse not Jewish--65 percent), and those who are close to Israel (very close--77 percent; fairly close--75 percent; fairly/very distant--64 percent). Among the key findings ofthe survey relating to Jewish identity are the following: 1. A majority ofamerican Jews claim that beingjewish is "very important" in their lives. Fewer than one in ten AmericanJews assert that beingjewish is "not very important" in their lives. When asked "How important would you say being Jewish is in your own life?" 56 percent ofamerican Jews indicate "very important," 35 percent "fairly important," and 8 percent "not very important." These figures closely parallel those obtained in February 1997. 2. AmericanJews rate "being part ofthe Jewish people" as the quality most important for personaljewish identity; "remembrance ofthe Holocaust" is seen as the activity most important for Jewish identity. Asked "Which one ofthe following qualities do you consider most important to your Jewish identity?" 46 percent ofamerican Jews respond "being part of the Jewish people," 18 percent "religious observance," 15 percent "a commitment to social justice," 5 percent "support for Israel," 14 percent "something else," and 2 percent "not sure." Presented with a list ofsix activities and asked to indicate the importance of each for their Jewish identity, 76 percent ofamerican Jews rate "remembrance of the Holocaust" as either "extremely important" (22 percent) or 23
"very important" (54 percent). This is followed by "celebration ofjewish holidays" ("extremely important"--17 percent; "very important"--50 percent), "Jewish study" ("extremely important"--10 percent; "very important"- 29 percent), "participation in synagogue services" ("extremely important"--8 percent; "very important"--25 percent), "Jewish organizational activity" ("extremely important"--5 percent; "very important"--20 percent), and "travel to Israel" ("extremely important"--5 percent; "very important"--17 percent). 3. A large majority ofamericanjews identify as Reform or Conservative. In the current survey, 8 percent ofamerican Jews identify as Orthodox, 33 percent as Conservative, 33 percent as Reform, 23 percent as "Just Jewish," and 2 percent as Reconstructionist. In February 1997, the figures were 9 percent Orthodox, 31 percent Conservative, 32 percent Reform, 26 percent "Just Jewish," and 1 percent Reconstructionist. 4. A majority ofamericanjews belong to a synagogue or temple. At the same time, a majority ofamericanjews attend synagogue services infrequendy. In the current survey, 53 percent ofamerican Jews report that they belong to a synagogue or temple, while 47 percent do not belong. When asked "How often do you attend synagogue services?" 34 percent of American Jews answer "never or only on special occasions," 30 percent "high holidays and perhaps once or twice during the year," 19 percent "monthly," and 16 percent "weekly or more." 24
5. A majority ofamerican Jews believe that anti-semitism is a greater threat to Jewish life in the United States today than is intermarriage. Asked "In your opinion, which is a greater threat to Jewish life in the United States today--intermarriage or anti-semitism?" 57 percent ofamerican Jews answer "anti-semitism," 38 percent say "intermarriage," 3 percent volunteer "both equa11" y, and 1 percent are " not sure. " 6. A majority ofamerican Jews take the position that thejewish community today is "badly divided." Asked ifthey agree or disagree with the statement "Much talk is heard about Jewish unity, but the reality is that the Jewish community today is badly divided," 68 percent ofamerican Jews respond "agree," 29 percent "disagree," and 3 percent "not sure." In February 1997, the figures were 56 percent "agree," 40 percent "disagree," and 4 percent "not sure." 7. Various subgroups ofamerican Jews differ on the Jewish identity items. The feeling that being Jewish is "very important" in their lives is more prevalent among women (women--61 percent; men--51 percent), among the Orthodox (Orthodox--96 percent; Conservative--75 percent; Reform--48 percent; "Just Jewish"--28 percent), among those with a Jewish spouse (spouse Jewish--66 percent; spouse not Jewish--37 percent), and among those who feel "very close" to Israel ("very close"--86 percent; "fairly close"- 60 percent; "fairly/very distant"--27 percent). The view that "being part ofthe Jewish people" is the most important element of personal Jewish identity is more common among Democrats (Democrats--50 percent; Republicans--40 percent; Independents--43 percent), among the Conservative (Orthodox--23 percent; Conservative--57 percent; Reform--48 percent; "Just Jewish"--38 percent), among those who 25
feel that being Jewish is "very important" in their lives ("very important"--54 percent; "fairly/not very important"--36 percent), and among those who feel close to Israel ("very close"--48 percent; "fairly close"--50 percent; "fairly/ very distant"--39 percent). The view that "a commitment to social justice" is the most important element ofpersonal Jewish identity is more prevalent among those who are older (under 40--10 percent; 40-59--14 percent; 60+--22 percent), among those who are liberal (liberal--25 percent; moderate--ll percent; conservative--6 percent), among those who feel that being Jewish is "fairly/not very important" ("very important"--9 percent; "fairly/not very important"--23 percent), and among those who feel "fairly close" to, or "fairly/very distant" from, Israel ("very close"--8 percent; "fairly close"--17 percent; "fairly/very distant"--18 percent). The view that "religious observance" is the most important element of personal Jewish identity is more common among those who are younger (under 40--23 percent; 40-59--19 percent; 60+--10 percent), among those who are political conservatives (liberal--ll percent; moderate--21 percent; conservative--26 percent), among those who are Orthodox (Orthodox--61 percent; Conservative--19 percent; Reform--13 percent; "Just Jewish"--10 percent), among those who feel that being Jewish is "very important" in their lives ("very important"--23 percent; "fairly/not very important"--11 percent), and among those who feel "very close" to Israel ("very close"--25 percent; "fairly close"--16 percent; "fairly/very distant"--16 percent). The beliefthat anti-semitism and not intermarriage is the "greater threat to Jewish life in the United States today" is more prevalent among those who are Reform or "Just Jewish" (Orthodox--16 percent; Conservative--43 percent; Reform--70 percent; ''Just Jewish"--73 percent), among those with a spouse who is not Jewish (spouse Jewish--44 percent; spouse not Jewish--85 percent), among those who feel that being Jewish is "fairly/not very impor- 26
tant" ("very important"--46 percent; "fairly/not very important"--71 percent) and among those who feel "fairly close" to, or "fairly/very distant" from, Israel ("very close"--35 percent; "fairly close"--59 percent; "fairly/very distant"--71 percent). The belifthat intermarriage and not anti-semitism is the "greater threat to Jewish life in the United States today" is more common among those with a college education or more (high school or less--31 percent; some college--33 percent; four years ofcollege--39 percent; five or more years ofhigher education--45 percent), among those who are Orthodox (Orthodox--79 percent; Conservative--52 percent; Reform--27 percent; "Just Jewish"--23 percent), among those with a Jewish spouse (spouse Jewish--51 percent; spouse not Jewish--10 percent), among those who feel that being Jewish is "very important" in their lives ("very important"--50 percent; "fairly/not very important"--24 percent), and among those who feel "very close" to Israel ("very close"--60 percent; "fairly close"--36 percent; "fairly/very distant"--25 percent). 27
AMERICAN JEWISH COMMITTEE Survey Questionnaire 1998 Annual Survey ofamerican Jewish Opinion (All responses in percents*) February 19-March 8, 1998 I. How close do you feel to Israel? Very close 25 Fairly close 44 Fairly distant 23 Very distant 8 Not sure I 2. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? "Caring about Israel is a very important part ofmy being a Jew." Agree 74 Disagree 23 Not sure 3 3. Have you ever been to Israel? No 62 Yes--once 21 Yes--more than once 18 4. 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 26 Drifting apart 19 Neither 51 Not sure 4 5. How would you characterize relations between Israel and the United States today? Are they very positive, somewhat positive, somewhat negative, or very negative? Very positive 14 Somewhat positive 70 Somewhat negative 14 Very negative 1 Not sure 1 "Note: Due to rounding, not all items add to 100 percent. 29
30 6. As compared with one year ago, are you now more optimistic about the chance for a lasting peace between Israel and the Arabs, less optimistic, or do you think the chance for a lasting peace is about the same as it was one year ago? More optimistic now 5 Less optimistic now 39 Same as one year ago 55 Not sure 0 7. To what extent do each ofthe following Arab leaders support or oppose peace with Israel? Strong- Some- Some- Strongly what what ly Not support support oppose oppose sure a. President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt b. President Hafez Assad of 16 52 15 5 12 Syria 1 15 31 37 16 c. King Hussein ofjordan 16 50 19 8 7 d. PLO Chairman Yasir Arafat 3 37 27 28 5 8. What is your impression ofthe following leaders and groups in Israel? Some- Some- Very what what Very favor- favor- unfavor- unfavor- Not able able able able sure a. Israel's Labor Party 7 52 15 4 21 b. Israel's Likud Party 5 34 21 6 34 c. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 17 49 23 7 4 d. Opposition leader EhudBarak 2 22 24 6 46 e. West Banksettlers 9 36 32 12 12 f. Secular or nonreligious Israelis 20 55 13 3 9 g. Modem Orthodox Israelis 11 42 28 10 9 h. Ultra-Orthodox Israe lis 9 18 35 32 5 I. Israeli Arabs 3 41 34 9 13
31 9. Do you support or oppose the Netanyahu government's current handling ofthe peace negotiations with the Arabs? Support Oppose Not sure 56 34 10 10. As part ofa 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 II. How much land should Israel be willing to give up on the Golan Heights in order to reach a peace agreement with Syria? 5 52 40 3 All ofit 2 Most of it 3 Some of it 23 Only a small part of it 26 None of it 42 Not sure 3 12. Given the current situation, do you favor or oppose the establishment ofa Palestinian state? Favor Oppose Not sure 13. In the framework ofa permanent peace with the Palestinians, should Israel be willing to compromise on the status ofjerusalem as a united city under Israelijurisdiction? 42 49 9 Yes 33 No 61 Not sure 5 14. Is the Palestinian Authority (PLO) doing enough or not doing enough to control terrorist activity against Israel by Hamas and other Palestinian extremist groups? Is doing enough 3 Is not doing enough 94 Not sure 3