Poll shows support for Israel
MICHAEL J. JORDAN
Jewish Telegraphic Agency
NEW YORK - American support for Israel is remaining strong during the current conflict with the Palestinians, according to a new poll commissioned by a coalition of Jewish organizations.
The findings contradict the perception among many American Jews that the Palestinians are crushing Israel in the battle for public opinion.
The poll, said to be the broadest of its kind, strengthens Jewish activists when they seek to rally Congressional support for Israel and pinpoints the precise areas where the activists must focus their P.R. efforts, Jewish leaders say.
The pollsters surveyed 450 "elites" and opinion-makers - defined as those with high income and education levels or those working as journalists, legislators or businessmen - 400 American Jews and 600 members of the general public. The margin of error was plus or minus 3 percent.
More than two-thirds of the general public and three-quarters of the elites view Israel favorably, according to the survey.
Two-thirds of the general public and elites also said the United States should help defend Israel militarily, if need be.
Only 18 percent of the general public has a favorable attitude toward the Palestinian Authority, and 28 percent are favorably inclined toward the group's president, Yasser Arafat.
Division of the Holy City is among the most explosive issues in negotiations between Israeli and the Palestinians.
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