Most US Jews back nuclear deal with Iran, J Street poll shows

In April, a CNN poll found that 53 percent of Americans back such an agreement.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Orthodox Jews gather to celebrate the completion of study of the entire Talmud religious text in East Rutherford, New Jersey (photo credit: AFP PHOTO)
Orthodox Jews gather to celebrate the completion of study of the entire Talmud religious text in East Rutherford, New Jersey
(photo credit: AFP PHOTO)
A greater percentage of American Jews support an agreement with Iran over its nuclear program than the general population in the United States, according to a poll whose results were announced on Wednesday by the liberal lobby J Street.
With just weeks before a June 30 deadline, the survey found that 59 percent would support an agreement that the Obama administration is trying to hammer out with Tehran.
In April, a CNN poll found that 53 percent of Americans back such an agreement.
The poll sampled the opinions of 1,000 Jewish adults from May 31 to June 3.
When asked if they would back a deal that would mandate “intrusive inspections of Iran and a cap of its enrichment of uranium at a level far below what is necessary to make a nuclear weapon,” 78% replied that they would be in favor.
“When it comes to the best way to keep Iran from getting a nuclear bomb, these results make clear that American Jews overwhelmingly support the president’s diplomatic efforts,” said J Street President Jeremy Ben-Ami.
“The numbers just go to show - once again -  that pundits and presumed communal representatives are flat-out wrong in assuming American Jews are hawkish on Iran or US policy in the Middle East in general.”
The survey also found that US President Barack Obama enjoys a 56% job approval rating from US Jews, compared to 44% who disapprove of his performance in office. Nonetheless, a whopping 61% replied that they feel the US “is on the wrong track.”
The poll also gauged American Jewish opinions regarding possible presidential battles in the 2016 elections, with a predictably strong tilt toward Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton.
If Clinton were to go head-to-head with Jeb Bush, she would win 68 percent of support from US Jews compared to just 30% for Bush.