Among Jewish adults in the United States, support for Israel holds varied significance depending on age. Older Jewish adults often see it as a key component of their religious identity, while younger adults prioritize other connections such as celebrating Jewish holidays. This divide goes beyond politics, indicating differences in religious identity following Israel’s response to the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, and subsequent events in Gaza.
Cameron Bernstein, a 27-year-old medical student from New Orleans, reflects this shift. Raised with strong ties to Israel, she celebrated her bat mitzvah there but now views Israel as a country with people she cares about rather than a significant aspect of her religious identity.
The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research surveyed 1,022 Jewish adults to examine these perspectives. Adults who identify as religiously Jewish show a particular split in support for Israel. Those identifying as Jewish without a religious affiliation often have less emotional connection to Israel.
Religious Jewish adults account for 68% of Jewish adults overall. About 6 in 10 of these express that being Jewish is crucial to their life, regardless of age. However, only about half of older religious Jewish adults see support for Israel as highly important, similar to those who prioritize celebrating Jewish holidays. In contrast, around 40% of younger adults emphasize support for Israel, while approximately 70% highlight Jewish holiday celebrations.
Examples illustrate these differences. Susan Boyer, a 72-year-old from Southern California, equates supporting Israel with backing the right of Jewish people to have a homeland. She views Israel as a vital refuge in light of rising antisemitism and historical threats such as the Holocaust. “It’s invasive into your daily living that you have to constantly, constantly be defending yourself as a Jew,” she notes.
Ari Pollack, a 30-year-old arts fundraiser in Wisconsin, criticizes Israel’s military actions, believing they exacerbate antisemitism globally. He opposes current Israeli operations, feeling alienated by the pro-Israel teachings from his religious education.
While disagreement exists on Israel’s actions, other aspects of Judaism remain vital, especially among younger adults. Those under 45 frequently emphasize celebrating Shabbat and dietary practices as significant parts of their identity compared to older adults.
Phoebe Wapnitsky, a 32-year-old from Connecticut, also opposes Israel’s military actions, citing a disconnect with Jewish values such as promoting social justice. She felt disconnected from Israel even before recent events.
Brian Ebarb, a 47-year-old attorney from Louisiana, believes his Jewish identity involves supporting Israel. He acknowledges governmental mistakes but warns against equating criticism of Israel with criticism of Jewish people worldwide.