Gaza genocide reshapes Muslim political behavior, mental health in US
The genocide in Gaza has profoundly influenced American Muslim political engagement and mental health, according to a new national poll
NEW YORK, United States (MNTV) – The genocide in Gaza has profoundly influenced American Muslim political engagement and mental health, according to a new national poll by the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU).
The study found 22% of Muslims sought mental health help after the 2024 election—up from 13% following Trump’s 2016 victory.
Nearly 30% said they feared for personal safety, although that figure is down from 38% in 2017.
Gaza dominated Muslim political consciousness more than any other issue.
Among Muslims who voted third-party, 78% cited Gaza as their top concern.
By contrast, only 6% of Harris voters and 2% of Trump voters in the general population said the same.
The conflict caused a political split: only 55% of Muslims who supported Biden in 2020 backed Vice President Harris in 2024, with 16% shifting to third-party candidates.
In contrast, 82% of Muslim Trump voters stayed loyal to him.
Family and political networks shaped voter choices more than religious leadership, with 53% citing family influence and 49% party affiliation as decisive.
The institute urged policymakers and mental health professionals to address the stress faced by Muslim communities in times of global conflict.
It also called for better access to culturally sensitive mental health care and urged faith institutions to provide safe spaces for political and emotional support.
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