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 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%. Other demographic groups stayed fairly steady—theoverall change in attachment was only 3 points, going from 67% in 2019 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 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 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).