Washington (CNN) -- Jewish voters, a typically reliable bloc for the Democratic Party, are now the focus of Democrats intent on keeping their support and Republicans who see an opportunity to pull them in after New York's recent special congressional election. Longtime New York Democratic strategist Hank Sheinkopf said the election, in which a Republican won the historically Democratic district, was in part a reaction to the president's approach to Israel. Sheinkopf said the contest served as a "liberating device" for Jewish voters and not just Orthodox Jews, who tend to be more socially conservative. "It is very unlikely he gets large portions of the pro-Israel community back; it's too late. Something extraordinarily miraculous would have to occur," Sheinkopf said. "There is a general sense of betrayal that this guy just doesn't understand who these Jews are.
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Obama "got his first warning" in New York special election, strategist says
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Speech suggesting return to pre-1967 Israeli borders angered many Jews
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Republican's surprise victory in New York election brought new attention to Jewish bloc
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Parties should focus on economic plan as well as Middle East, analyst says
Although Obama received a 67% approval rating among @placeholder in the state, he garnered 49% approval from Jewish Democrats.
CNN exit polling says the national @placeholder vote has not surpassed 4% of the total vote in the past five presidential elections.
Democrats need to better explain their Middle East positions to ensure that their support in the @placeholder base does not wane, Harris said.