One-Fifth of Republican and Democratic Voters Have Anti-Jewish Beliefs, According to Manhattan Institute Poll.

A recent Manhattan Institute survey of nearly 3,000 American voters revealed notable differences in attitudes toward Jewish people among Republicans and Democrats, as well as generational divides within the GOP.

The study found that 17% of Republican respondents and 20% of Democrats either identified as antisemitic, denied aspects of the Holocaust, or held extreme positions against Israel.

Church Attendance Linked to Rejection of Anti-Jewish Beliefs

The Manhattan Institute noted that regular churchgoers were the most likely to reject anti-Jewish views. Conversely, those who rarely attended religious services were more prone to hold beliefs the institute classified as antisemitic.

Generational and Factional Divides Within the GOP

The survey highlighted differences between Core Republicans and newer party members, as well as between younger and older GOP voters. Among current Republicans, 12% admitted to holding antisemitic views, 19% tolerated antisemitism within the party, and another 12% preferred to seek votes from those holding such beliefs but not give them positions of power. Nearly half of Republicans (48%) rejected antisemitism entirely.

Younger GOP voters were more likely to endorse antisemitic views, with 25% of those under 50 identifying as prejudiced against Jews, compared to just 4% of voters over 50.

Overlap With Liberal Policy Support and Conspiracy Beliefs

The study found that some newer Republicans who tolerated prejudice also supported at least one liberal policy position. Among those who accepted antisemitism in the party, 78% held at least one major liberal belief. This group was also more likely to endorse conspiracy theories and support political violence. Notably, 37% of respondents expressed Holocaust denial or minimization, with higher rates among younger men (54%) than younger women (39%). Among those over 50, 41% of men and 18% of women expressed similar views.

Racial and Ethnic Patterns

The survey revealed racial differences in Holocaust denial and minimization: 77% of Hispanic GOP voters, 66% of Black GOP voters, and 30% of White GOP voters held such beliefs.

Views on Loyalty and Israel

Respondents displayed a general skepticism about the loyalty of Americans to their own country, with about a quarter believing that US Jews, like some other ethnic and religious groups, might be more loyal to a foreign nation. Younger Republicans were more likely to hold this view than core GOP members (38% vs. 24%).

Regarding Israel, 55% of Republicans saw the country as a key and effective ally, while 23% viewed it as just another international partner. Twelve percent considered Israel a settler-colonial state and a potential liability. Among new GOP entrants, 24% saw Israel negatively, compared to 39% who recognized it as an ally.

Analysis: Generational and Ideological Shifts in GOP Attitudes Toward Jewish Communities

The Manhattan Institute survey underscores deep divisions within American political parties over attitudes toward Jewish people. While outright antisemitism remains a minority stance, notable portions of both Republican and Democratic respondents hold extreme or prejudiced views, with the GOP showing marked generational and factional differences.

Church attendance appears strongly correlated with rejection of antisemitic beliefs, suggesting that community engagement and structured social environments may play a protective role against prejudice. Conversely, infrequent religious participation correlates with higher tolerance for anti-Jewish sentiment.

Within the GOP, younger voters are disproportionately represented among those holding antisemitic views. About a quarter of Republicans under 50 expressed prejudice against Jews, compared to only 4% of older voters. Core Republicans remain more resistant to antisemitism, with nearly half rejecting it outright.

The survey also highlights unexpected overlaps: many newer Republicans who tolerate prejudice also support at least one liberal policy and are more inclined toward conspiracy theories and political violence. Holocaust denial and minimization show distinct gender and racial patterns, with higher rates among younger men and minority GOP voters.

Finally, views on Israel and perceived loyalty of American Jews reveal further polarization. While a majority of Republicans see Israel as a key ally, a significant minority, especially among newer party entrants, view it negatively or question the loyalty of Jewish Americans. These trends indicate evolving ideological divides that could influence future party dynamics and public discourse.

Sources:

• Fifth of GOP, Dem. voters hold anti-Jewish beliefs - Manhattan Institute poll

Author: Ethan Caldwell
Ethan Caldwell is an experienced reporter with 10 years covering international news. He specializes in politics and economics, with strong investigative journalism and analytical writing skills.