Longtime Jewish support for the Democratic Party is being tested by growing divisions over Israel and the party’s progressive wing, according to Zoose Political Index founder Patrick Allocco.
Allocco stated that recent tensions surrounding New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Democrat positions on Israel reflect a broader political shift. “This is much more than just a New York City internal battle between Mamdani and the Jewish community,” he said. “We’re observing a historical moment unfold.”
Allocco noted that Jewish Democrats have been a cornerstone of the party’s coalition for decades, dating back to the New Deal era under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. “This is a community that built one of the Democratic Party’s most enduring coalitions over 80 years,” he said. “Now you’ve got a character like Mamdani and the progressive left that is really making them rethink whether Jewish Democrats even have a place in today’s party.”
He added that Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel marked a turning point. “The Hamas invasion became an inflection point, and it created a perfect storm within the Democratic Party for Jews,” he said.
Citing polling data, Allocco reported significant shifts in Democrat attitudes toward Israel. “Prior to October 7, Democrats had a 53% negative view of Israel. Today it’s 80%,” he stated. “Think of that. Eight out of 10.”
Allocco argued that the changing political environment has fueled rising antisemitism and empowered progressive activists within the Democrat coalition. “This gave permission for the DSA [Democratic Socialists of America] to bring that Trojan horse inside the big tent along with Islamic fundamentalists, what we’re calling a coalition of convenience,” he said. “That’s a real problem. Antisemitism is on the rise.”
When asked whether Republicans face their own divisions over support for Israel, Allocco confirmed they do. “I couldn’t understand why Jews weren’t flocking to the Republican Party,” he explained. “A lot of that goes back to their longstanding loyalty to the Democratic Party.”
He noted that Republicans also face internal disagreements on Israel and foreign policy. “On the Republican side, we have our own split right now,” Allocco said.
Pointing to Orthodox Jewish voting trends, Allocco stated that support for President Donald Trump remained strong compared with Democrat candidates, though many voters remain politically independent. “Back in 2016, 39% of them voted for President Trump,” he said. “This past election, 24% of Orthodox Jews voted for Trump. Only 12% voted for Kamala Harris.”
Allocco concluded that both major parties face challenges in maintaining support among Jewish voters. “We see that the Jewish voters right now are split inside the Democratic Party,” he said. “They are trying to rescue their own party. Right now, Republicans need to do the same.”
