Perceptions of Israel and American Jews: Findings of the May 1990 Roper Poll

Publication Date: January 1990

Publisher: American Jewish Committee

Author(s): David Singer; Renae Cohen

Research Area: Culture and religion

Keywords: Jewish security; Israeli-Palestinian Conflict; Diaspora Relations; Political Behavior

Type: Report

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

The authors report results of a poll conducted in May 1990, designed to gauge the ongoing response of the general American public to the Arab-Israeli conflict, and the Palestinian issue in particular, as well as perceptions of American Jews. The authors find that between April 1989 and May 1990, Israel's standing with the American public was largely unchanged. Sympathy with Israel in the Middle East conflict increased somewhat, while sympathy with the Arab cause decreased somewhat, but the perception of Israel as a reliable ally of the United States decreased somewhat. While the American public continued to view American Jews in a generally positive light, there was an increase in the percentage of those who saw American Jews as more loyal to Israel than the United States.