Inclusivity and Outreach

The issue of diversity does not rank as high for respondents with certain demographic backgrounds who might feel excluded. For 18-39-years-old, Jews of color, and those with disability, it ranks near the bottom of reasons for not being involved. But as detailed below, these groups put a premium on diversity and favor taking steps to increase inclusion.

A majority believe that institutions should do more to be inclusive and in touch

By nearly 3:1, American Jews believe that community organizations and institutions should consider becoming more inclusive and in touch with the community. Sixty-four percent (a 4% increase since 2019) favor change, including 38% strongly in favor of it, compared to only 18% who do not want change.

Do you feel Jewish institutions and organizations should be considering changes to be more inclusive and in touch with the community?

The interest in change of those already involved in the community is even higher. Seventy-four percent of engaged Jews want to see such changes considered. This is also supported by a 51% majority of the unengaged Jews, whereas 25% have no opinion.

Support for change is higher among the younger (69%), non-white (57%), and those with disabilities (75%) Jews. Support was below 50% among non-denominational Jews, over 60% among all denominations, and up to 72% among the Orthodox.

Three of the four proposals tested for this change were seen as at least somewhat effective by over 64%. The most attractive of the proposals we examined – bringing in more leadership from underrepresented groups – was seen as at least somewhat effective by 68%, and very effective by 29%. This was the top-scoring proposal across age groups, giving levels, and engagement levels, as well as with the Jews with disabilities and Jews of color. It was also top scoring across all denominations except the Orthodox, who ranked putting “more policies and decisions up to a vote of all members” as most effective (34% very effective). Even the least supported proposal was seen as at least somewhat effective by 44%.

The issue of diversifying the leadership of communal institutions was perceived as an effective way to increase overall inclusion within these organizations, across all age groups and denominations. Other suggestions supported by 20% or more were reserving leadership slots for volunteers and putting up more decisions for a vote. These suggestions were welcomed by smaller donors, Jews of color, and Jews with disabilities.

Change is not the solution, however. Only 29% said they would get more engaged if “Jewish institutions made some changes and showed they cared about people like me.” Forty-nine percent said that they were not going to become more engaged “…no matter how they change the leadership structure.” Again, those already engaged were more interested, with 31% saying that they would become more involved if changes were made.

Those who voiced an opinion gave their local organizations positive marks for dealing with the pandemic (over 43%), but just as many did not know how the organizations did. The engaged and Orthodox were overwhelmingly positive.

Did your local Jewish community do a positive job of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic?

Connection to Israel

The majority of American Jews feel some emotional attachment to Israel, but few feel it strongly

Israel has always played a role in Jewish communal life. This continuing role was accompanied by ongoing debate, which has become even more public in recent years. Despite all claims to the contrary, this survey shows that the bond between American Jews and Israel is enduring and strong. At the same time, there are cracks beneath the surface that merit the special attention of community institutions.

To start, the story is indeed more positive and unifying than is often reported. Despite the frequent stories about the gap between U.S. Jews and Israel, the vast majority of American Jews feel an emotional connection to the Jewish State and consider themselves “pro-Israel.”

Nearly two-thirds (64%) feel an emotional attachment to Israel. Attachment is slightly higher for seniors (68%). It is also higher for Orthodox (95%) and Conservative Jews (84%) than for Reform Jews (63%). Even among those with no denomination, 44% feel an attachment to Israel.

Attachment to Israel

Strong emotional attachment to Israel by age

The level of attachment of non-denominational Jews dropped 12 points from 2019, when it was 56%. Although other demographics stayed fairly steady, the overall change was only 3 points going from 67% feeling attachment to Israel to 64% in 2021.

Another factor in the emotional attachment to Israel is whether they have been to Israel. Close to half (45%) of American Jews have been to Israel. Among those who have been there, 81% feel emotionally attached to Israel; and 45% say they are very emotionally attached. Among those who have not been there, half (50%) feel an attachment, but only 13% feel very attached.

There is also a notable difference in the level of attachment by engagement. Among those very engaged in the community, almost all (92%) feel some emotional attachment – including 72% who feel very attached. At the other end of the spectrum, among those not all engaged, just over half (52%) feel this connection with Israel, and only 14% feel a strong attachment.

Attachment to Israel by Level of Engagement

The direction of the causal link is not clear. The Jews engaged in the community could be more involved because they have a greater connection with Israel. Or it could be that their involvement in these institutions strengthens their attachment to Israel. It is likely some of both. This also ties back to the regression analysis noted earlier. The perception that institutions are “too focused on Israel” is not widely shared but is one of the strongest drivers of unfavorable views of community organizations.

A majority of U.S. Jews feel a sense of shared fate with Israel

Most American Jews (55%) say that “what happens to Israel will have something to do” with their lives. This percentage is even higher for the seniors (64%), Orthodox (84%), and Conservative Jews (75%), and for those who have visited Israel (66%).

Still, this connection with what happens to Israel is not nearly as strong as the 82% who feel that way about what happens to other Jews in the United States.

Over four in ten (44%) feel that what happens in Israel has little or nothing to do with their lives. Among younger and non-denominational Jews, majorities feel this way (54% and 61%, respectively).