JERUSALEM – A growing concern has emerged among Israelis regarding their relationship with younger Jewish Americans. According to a recent AP poll, this demographic appears to prioritize support for Israel less than older generations, sparking worry across political and religious lines in Israel.
“It’s extremely important to us,” stated Itai Nixon, the head of the diaspora department for Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs. “We’re the state of the Jewish people, not just Israelis.” This sentiment underscores the significance of bridging the gap between Israeli and diaspora Jewish identities.
Lesley Sachs, who leads the Israel Movement for Progressive and Reform Judaism, echoed Nixon’s concerns. She emphasized that maintaining a close relationship with diaspora Jews serves as a “strategic asset” for both Israel and global Jewry, particularly in light of rising antisemitism that affects Jews regardless of their political or religious affiliations.
“It was always essential for everyone around the world to know that, especially after the Holocaust, there is a country that will always provide refuge,” Sachs remarked during her synagogue service in Tel Aviv. “Yet, as generations pass, this importance seems to fade, and I believe both Israel and world Jewry have failed to maintain this prominence.”
Since its inception in 2000, Taglit-Birthright Israel has played a pivotal role in fostering connections by offering free ten-day tours of Israel to over a million young Jewish adults from the United States and beyond. Gidi Mark, the organization’s CEO, noted the heightened need to highlight the broader aspects of the Israeli experience beyond its contentious political landscape.
“Our mission is critical; we aim to show participants what they might be missing,” Mark explained. “What we offer is a mirror to their potential connection with Israel.”
The Evolving Dynamics of the Israel-U.S. Relationship
Historically, Israel and the United States have maintained a robust alliance. Recent meetings between U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu highlighted their collaborative stance against Iran amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Tamar Hermann, director of the Israel Democracy Institute’s Viterbi Center for Public Opinion and Policy Research, indicated that while the U.S. is still viewed as Israel’s closest ally, divisions are emerging regarding the ongoing conflict in the region. A stark decline in Jewish Israelis’ trust in Trump’s commitment to their security dropped from 64% in March to just 26% by June.
This shift has emphasized the role of Jewish Americans, who have traditionally lobbied for political, military, and financial support for Israel. There’s growing concern that many progressive young Americans, including those from Jewish backgrounds, view support for Israel as incompatible with their values.
Impact of Recent Conflicts on Perceptions
The attack on October 7, 2023, by Hamas militants, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals in Israel, predominantly civilians, and the subsequent Israeli military response in Gaza that claimed over 73,000 lives, has intensified protests across the United States, particularly on college campuses. This violence has further complicated the already fraught relationship between young Jewish Americans and their perception of Israel.
“For younger Jewish Americans, historical narratives about the Holocaust and Israel’s significance often feel distant,” noted Sachs. “They view their values and beliefs through a different lens and do not find them reflected in Israel’s current actions.”
The Complexity of Jewish Identity in America
Currently, only about 40% of religious Jewish adults under 45 in the U.S. consider supporting Israel as a crucial part of their Jewish identity, a stark contrast to nearly 50% of older adults. A recent AP-NORC poll indicated that just half of religious Jewish adults view Israel’s military operations in Gaza as justified, a number that plummets to 20% among Jewish adults without religious affiliation.
Despite this, a significant 60% of Jewish adults perceive antisemitism as a serious issue currently affecting the United States. Many Israelis lament the fact that young Jewish Americans do not recognize Israel as a potential refuge amid growing threats against Jewish communities worldwide.
“The rise in antisemitism highlights why a Jewish homeland is vital,” asserted Asaf Zamir, deputy mayor of Tel Aviv and former consul general in New York. “Understanding your identity as a Jew necessitates understanding Israel’s role in that history.”
Efforts to Strengthen Ties with Diaspora Jews
To fortify ties between Israel and diaspora Jews, both governmental and religious organizations are enhancing exchange programs. For years, young Israelis have engaged with Jewish summer camps across North America, while non-Israeli Jews are offered complimentary trips to Israel.
“It’s vital for teens to see Israel and meet Israelis firsthand,” Nixon remarked, emphasizing the value of these experiences. Gidi Mark highlighted a shift in participant reactions since 2023, noting that the ongoing conflicts have made young people more cautious and reflective of their experiences in Israel.
These initiatives predominantly target secular Jews and advocates of Reform Judaism, the largest Jewish denomination in North America, which underscores progressive values like social justice. In contrast, Orthodox Jews often
