Support for Israel has long been intertwined with the religious and cultural identity of many older Jewish Americans. However, a recent poll indicates that this connection is changing, particularly among younger generations. The findings from an AP-NORC survey shed light on a generational divide within the Jewish community, as younger individuals increasingly prioritize other aspects of Jewish identity over support for Israel.
Generational Divide: Perspectives on Israel
The generational gap in attitudes toward Israel has grown more pronounced in the wake of recent events, including the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, which escalated tensions in Gaza. While older Jewish adults, particularly those who describe themselves as religiously affiliated, often see support for Israel as integral to their Jewish identity, younger adults prioritize different forms of connection. For instance, a significant percentage of younger religious Jews prioritize celebrating Jewish holidays, suggesting a shift in focus away from national ties to Israel.
Cameron Bernstein, a 27-year-old medical student from New Orleans, highlights this shift. Raised in a family with strong ties to Israel—she celebrated her bat mitzvah there—Bernstein now views Israel more as a country with beloved people rather than a core part of her identity. This change in perspective is echoed in the poll results, where approximately 60% of religious Jewish adults emphasized that being Jewish is important in their lives. Yet, only 40% of younger religious Jewish individuals resonate similarly with Israel’s prominence in their Jewish identity.
The Importance of Jewish Identity Beyond Israel
The AP-NORC survey reveals that nearly half of older religious Jewish adults view support for Israel as “extremely” or “very” important, closely mirroring the importance they place on celebrating Jewish holidays. Conversely, younger religious Jews are less likely to emphasize support for Israel to the same degree. Instead, around 70% of younger adults highlight the significance of holiday celebrations as a way to express their Jewish identity.
The concerns surrounding Israel’s military actions in Gaza also weigh heavily on the minds of younger Jewish adults. Ari Pollack, a 30-year-old arts fundraiser, is among those who question Israel’s decisions, perceiving them as contributing to rising antisemitism and creating a less secure environment for Jews. Pollack expresses frustration over what he sees as dogmatic pro-Israel messaging he was exposed to in his youth, which he now feels he must unlearn.
Concerns About Antisemitism and Community Identity
Amid rising antisemitism concerns in the U.S., many older Jewish adults firmly believe in supporting Israel as a safeguard for the Jewish homeland. Susan Boyer, a 72-year-old from Southern California, draws parallels between Israel’s existence and the historical need for a refuge like following the Holocaust. She articulates her personal experiences of facing discrimination, emphasizing the necessity to defend her identity in everyday life.
Despite these concerns, younger Jews are redefining their identities by focusing on broader themes such as social justice and community engagement. Phoebe Wapnitsky, a 32-year-old in Connecticut, clearly articulates her belief in standing against oppression and promoting justice as central to her Jewish life, asserting that such values often feel misaligned with Israel’s current actions.
Critics within the younger demographic argue that the criticism of Israel should not translate into attacks on Jewish people globally. Brian Ebarb, a 47-year-old attorney, insists on the distinction between political critique and broader antisemitism, advocating for a balanced discussion that acknowledges Israel’s complex situation while protecting the Jewish community’s integrity.
In sum, the evolving attitudes among younger Jewish adults toward Israel highlight a significant cultural shift that prioritizes personal expression of Jewish identity, emphasizing social justice over traditional ties to the state. This changing perspective suggests a need for an ongoing dialogue about the future of Jewish identity in America.