Views on Israel and Jewish Identity

Key Findings:

This quantitative research project surveyed 18–40 year-old American Jews to understand:  Views & connection to Israel and Jewish identity (including the impact of October 7); How people get information about and engage on topics related to Israel (including impact of October 7); How American Jews are affected by antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment since October 7.

Demographics:

Respondents self-reported as either: Progressive, Liberal, Moderate, or Conservative. Liberals make up 44% of 18-40-year-old Jews.

The sample of Jewish College Student respondents self-reported as: Gender, 45% men, 52% women; Class, 22% Freshmen, 25% Sophomores, 26% Juniors, 27% Seniors+; Region of School, 39% Northeast, 14% Midwest, 28% South, 19% West; Race, 74% White only, 9% Black, 7% Latino/a, 23% All POC; Denomination, Just Jewish 51%, Reform 31%, Conservative 10%, Modern Orthodox 6%, Traditional Orthodox 5%, Deconstructionist 4%; Ideology, 21% Progressive, 42% Liberal, 24% Moderate, 13% Conservative.

Israel’s Role in Young Jews’ Identity

Young American Jews are connected to (76%) and care about (90%) Israel. Those who feel connected (76%) say their connection is driven by culture, Jewish identity, and Israel as a safe haven for Jews. Many of those who feel disconnected (24%) say it’s because they disagree with the treatment of Palestinians. Those who already feel connected to Israel are much more likely to feel the same or more connected after October 7 than those who had little to no connection.

Attitudes toward Israel & Zionism

There is strong belief that Israel has a right to exist as a Jewish state (85%). At the same time, many young Jews (66%) believe Israel’s actions often conflict with their moral values. 73% of young Jews agree that both Jews and Palestinians have a right to self-determination. 42% of young American Jews said they have never heard of the word “Zionism” or have heard of it but don’t know what it means. When given the definitions of Zionism and anti-Zionism, the number of young people who identify as Zionist increased by 22 points (from 31% to 53%).

Israel Engagement

Most young Jews have actively engaged with Israel since the war started, although one third have avoided an interaction with Israel. Since the war started, more than half of young Jews said they have felt unwelcome or excluded because of Israel or their Jewish identity.

Sources of Information about Israel

81% of young Jews are closely following news about Israel. They are most likely to first turn to mainstream news sources and social media for information. The most trusted sources of information are direct conversations and mainstream news sources. Facts, expertise, and experience lend the most credibility to sources of information.

How Young Jews Want to Engage

Young Jews are looking for smaller group conversations or learning opportunities led by experts and professionals. They are looking to become more knowledgeable, learn from a variety of viewpoints, and find ways to advance peace. Young Jews want to connect directly with both Israelis and Palestinians and hear multiple narratives.

Reflections on Israel Education

Most young Jews (67%) are satisfied with the Israel education they received. The top reasons people reported being satisfied were having had an Israel education that left them feeling well-informed and increased their knowledge of history and culture. The top reasons people reported being dissatisfied were not having been given enough information about the complexity of Israel, not being critical enough of Israel, and feeling that they were taught propaganda. A fair and balanced Israel education leads to stronger connection to Israel.

Antisemitism and Feelings of Safety

Almost half of young Jews (46%) feel less safe since October 7. A majority are changing their behavior by being more cautious about sharing that they are Jewish and/or by keeping a lower profile. Half of young Jews (56%) have seen or experienced antisemitism since October 7. Most reported it when it happened, but 1 in 3 young Jews said they ignored the incident or did nothing when they encountered antisemitism.