While Jews make up just 2 percent of the U.S. population, they are geographically concentrated and typically vote in very high percentages, according to a U.S. News & World Report.

The U.S. presidential candidates can gain favor with American Jews, who make up large voting blocs in key states like California, Florida, New York and New Jersey, if they can prove they are loyal friends of Israel. In a recent Gallup poll about Americans’ most-and least-favored nations, Israel is viewed more favorably by Republicans than by Democrats, according to a recent article in Slate, “What Does It Mean To Be “Pro-Israel”?

While Republican Presidential Candidate Sen. John McCain has been gaining the support of Jewish voters nationwide, there are ongoing concerns about Obama’s ties to Nation of Islam leader, Louis Farrakhan, and his track record on Middle East issues. In fact, back in February, Obama had to repudiate e-mails claiming his advisors are “Israel haters,” calling it a smear campaign.

Since all of the candidates– Sens. Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and John McCain have stressed their commitment to defending Israel’s right to exist and have called on the Palestinian leadership to fight terrorism– it’s helpful to move beyond their rhetoric, and take a look at their actions.

To find out where the candidates stand on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and review their key votes, public comments and official statements, read more on the Council of Foreign Relations Issue Tracker. And, to get an overall look at what issues will matter most to Jewish voters in 2008 and the candidates’ messages to Democrat and Republican Jewish voters, see Religion & Ethics Newsweekly.