Poll Finds Israelis Believe in National Unity, But Doubt Intergroup Coexistence
A recent "Israeli Society Barometer" poll reveals that 73% of Israelis believe the nation can remain united despite internal divisions, the highest figure since the survey began three years ago and a rise from 67% in February. This optimism persists despite political turmoil, the October 7th attacks, and the ongoing war. However, the survey highlights a significant gap between belief in national unity as an abstract concept and the perceived ability of different groups to coexist.
Only 64% of respondents believe secular and Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) Jews can live together, and a mere 42% believe in the possibility of Jewish-Arab coexistence. This latter figure shows a stark divide, with 74% of Arab respondents believing in coexistence compared to 48% of secular Jews and only 7% of religious and Haredi Jews. The survey suggests that while Israelis hold onto the idea of national unity, practical intergroup trust is lacking, necessitating spaces for collaboration beyond political discourse and social media.
The poll also points to a crisis in Israel's international image, with 64% believing US relations are strong but only 23% confident in Israel's ability to explain its policies globally, and 70% deeming public diplomacy ineffective. This perception impacts Israelis abroad, with 52% admitting to fearing openly discussing their nationality overseas and 41% altering their behavior abroad post-October 7th. The article argues for a long-term national strategy for international communication, emphasizing the need to explain not just Israel's actions but also its people and values.
Furthermore, 70% of respondents believe the state should allocate resources to support diaspora Jewish communities, prioritizing Aliyah (immigration), community security, and organizational support. The survey indicates a strong sense of interdependence between Israel and the global Jewish community, viewing antisemitism abroad and Israel's international reputation as directly impacting Jewish lives worldwide. This underscores the need for Israel to consider the security and resilience of Jewish communities globally as a strategic national task.
Looking ahead to the upcoming elections, the poll identifies key priorities for the next government: 38% cited reducing the cost of living and strengthening the economy, followed by national security (25%), national unity (13%), and resolving the IDF conscription crisis (11%). The article concludes that these issues are interconnected and that Israel's internal divisions weaken its ability to face external threats. Despite the challenges, the survey indicates a population that still believes in unity but is increasingly frustrated by a lack of leadership commensurate with the nation's challenges, urging immediate action to transform solidarity into a lasting foundation for the country.
