By Natasha Mozgovaya, Haaretz – 15 June 2010
www.haaretz.com/jewish-world/news/poll-65-of-jewish-israelis-say-u-s-jews-should-criticize-obama-s-mideast-policy-1.296386
Sixty-five percent of Jewish Israelis believe U.S. Jews should criticize the Obama administration’s policy toward Israel, according to a survey published in June that was conducted on behalf of the B’nai B’rith World Center in Jerusalem.
The fifth annual Survey of Contemporary Israeli Attitudes Toward World Jewry, conducted by Keevoon Research, surveyed 500 Jewish Israelis over the age of 18 between June 1 and 4. The poll has a margin of error of +/- 4.5 percent.
Twelve percent of respondents said American Jews should support Obama’s current policy on Israel.
The survey also found that 46 percent of Jewish Israelis believe American Jews are reluctant to criticize the Obama administration’s Israeli policy due to fear of being accused of dual loyalty. Meanwhile, 36 percent said that type of accusation has no effect on them.
Meanwhile, 54 percent of Jewish Israelis believe that Jewish advocacy groups who work with foreign governments and call themselves “pro-Israel” should always support Israeli government policy.
A majority of Jewish Israelis (55 percent) also said they believe a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is essential to the survival of Israel as a Jewish democratic state.
However, 49 percent disagreed that settlements pose a threat to Israel and “feed the delegitimization process” that Israel currently faces.
Respondents were also asked questions about immigration, including the Law of Return and what role the Jewish Agency should play in forging Jewish identity in the Diaspora.
