A new survey by the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) presents a complex yet consistent picture of American Jewish attitudes toward Israel and Zionism since the October 7 massacre. The findings point to a stong emotional bond with Israel alongside a deep and persistent gap between support for the country and identification with the term "Zionism."
According to the survey, 71% of Jewish respondents in the US said they feel an emotional connection to Israel, a sharp increase from 58% in a 2020 Pew Research Center survey. In addition, 60% said Israel makes them feel proud of their Jewish identity.
At the same time, 69% said they sometimes find it difficult to support actions taken by the Israeli government, showcasing the tension between strong identification with the country and criticism of its policies.
The survey's central gap concerns identification with the term "Zionism." Only 37% of respondents defined themselves as Zionists, while 7% identified as anti-Zionist and 8% as non-Zionist. Another 30% said none of the definitions applied to them, and 18% said they were unsure how to define themselves.
This is despite the fact that 88% of respondents said Israel has the right to exist as a Jewish and democratic state, a figure that remains high even among younger respondents, standing at 76% among those aged 18 to 34.
An age breakdown sharpens these trends. While the share of those identifying as Zionists does not vary dramatically across most age groups, there is a notable spike among those aged 35 to 44, with 55% defining themselves as Zionists. The highest rate of anti-Zionist identification was recorded among younger respondents aged 18 to 34, at 14%.
At the same time, younger age groups reported lower levels of pride in Israel. Fewer than 50% of respondents aged 44 and under said Israel makes them proud of their Jewish identity.
According to JFNA Chief Impact Officer Mimi Kravitz, the decline in identification with the term "Zionism" does not indicate a move away from Israel's existence. "If we interpret the trend around 'Zionism' to mean that Jews, especially younger Jews, are turning against Israel's very existence, we will reach the wrong conclusions and take the wrong actions," she wrote.
Many respondents, she said, "are not rejecting the existence of a Jewish state, but are reacting to an understanding of Zionism that includes policies, ideologies and actions they oppose and do not want to be associated with."
Kravitz warned against an incorrect response by Jewish leadership to the findings. "We risk responding with anger when steady leadership is required, distancing when connection is needed, and defensiveness when listening and understanding are called for," she wrote.
Despite the complexity and the gaps revealed by the survey, she added that "the vast majority of US Jews can stand together in support of Israel and Israelis, even as they grapple with difficult questions and significant criticism." She stressed that the current moment "does not require uniformity of views, but rather a willingness to act together around what there is broad agreement on: Israel's future and concern for its people."
