Polling
Misunderstanding Zionism
Boundless partnered with Burson Insights & Intelligence to examine how Americans understand Zionism and how those understandings relate to their views of Israel and Jewish people.
The study finds that familiarity with Zionism is limited and misconceptions are widespread. Nearly two-thirds of Americans have either never heard of Zionism or do not know what it means. Among those familiar with the term, a more accurate understanding is associated with more favorable views of both Israel and Jewish
people.
Key Findings:
63% of Americans have never heard of Zionism or have heard the term but do not know what it means.
Among Americans who have heard of Zionism, 20% correctly define it, while another 30% have a partially correct understanding.
Americans who correctly understand Zionism are more likely to view Israel and Jewish people favorably.
After being presented with definitions of Zionism and anti-Zionism, 48% of Americans say they support Zionism, compared with 20% who oppose it.
Support for Zionism varies considerably by age. Among Americans ages 18–34, 35% express support and 37% opposition, while among those 65 and older, 65% express support and just 9% opposition.
Opposition to Zionism reflects a range of concerns, including colonialism, conflictand Israeli policies, Palestinian rights, equality, and Jewish statehood.
Among those opposed to Zionism, 20% explicitly oppose the idea of a Jewish state.