A new survey by the American Jewish Committee (AJC) has unveiled a strengthening connection between American Jews, their Jewish identity, and the State of Israel, despite rising antisemitism in the United States. The AJC's 2024 Survey of American Jewish Opinion found that the majority of American Jews are not distancing themselves from their Jewish roots but rather embracing them.
"Despite rising antisemitism making Jews feel less safe, American Jews are defiantly proud about who they are and even more connected to Israel," said AJC CEO Ted Deutch.
The survey revealed that 85% of American Jewish adults believe it is important for the US to support Israel in the aftermath of October 7, and 57% of American Jews report feeling more connected to Israel or their Jewish identity after October 7 than before. When asked what they have done to feel connected, 17% said they have attended synagogue or synagogue events since Hamas' attack.
However, the social cost of being Jewish in America has taken a toll. According to the survey, 64% of American Jews report that since the Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel on October 7 and the subsequent discourse about the war has affected their relationships in some way. More than half (53%) said they have avoided talking about the Israel-Hamas war with other people, and 45% said they have felt unsafe sharing their views on Israel on social media. Alarmingly, more than one in ten (12%) American Jewish adults said they ended a friendship or relationship with a person since October 7 because they expressed antisemitic views.
Rising antisemitism has also led to concerns about the future for some American Jews. Since Hamas' October 7 massacre, 7% say they have considered moving to another country due to antisemitism in the US. When looking solely at American Jews who reported having a strong education about Israel, that number rises to 14%.
Despite growing anxiety due to antisemitism, the survey found that American Jews are leaning into their Jewish identity. While 42% reported feeling unsafe wearing Jewish symbols in public since October 7, 19% said that since the terror attack, they have been wearing signs or items to display their Jewish identity in an effort to feel connected to Israel or their Jewish identity.
The survey also highlighted the impact of education about Israel on the connection American Jews feel toward the Jewish state. More than one in five (22%) American Jews said they had received zero formal education about Israel from kindergarten through grade 12. Those who reported no education about Israel were least likely to say they felt more connected to Israel since October 7 (35%), while 62% of those who characterized their education about Israel as strong said they felt more connected to the Jewish state since October 7.
On the upcoming presidential election, the survey found that 61% of American Jews said they would vote for Joe Biden, while 23% said they would vote for Donald Trump. Additionally, 49% of American Jews believe Biden would be the better choice for preserving the US-Israel relationship, compared to 25% who favor Trump, and 55% favored a Biden administration when it comes to combating antisemitism versus 20% who think Trump would do a better job.
