October 7th Spurs Renewed Jewish Identity and Connection to Israel Globally

Following the October 7th Hamas attacks, many Jews worldwide have experienced a significant resurgence in their Jewish identity and connection to Israel. For some, this shift was triggered by the massacre itself, while for others, it emerged from observing reactions on social media, university campuses, and within their communities. Many report experiencing alienation, the dissolution of friendships, and a newfound concern about openly displaying Jewish symbols like the Star of David.

Despite increased fears, a counter-trend has emerged: a deliberate choice by many to emphasize their Jewish identity, reconnect with their communities, wear symbols like the Star of David, and speak openly about their ties to Israel and Zionism. Data supports this phenomenon. A 2024 AJC survey of 1,001 American Jews found 48% felt more connected to their Jewish identity post-October 7th, with only 4% reporting a weakening connection. Overall, 57% felt a stronger connection to Israel, their Jewish identity, or both.

Further research by the Jewish Federations of North America in March 2025, surveying 5,798 Americans including 1,877 Jews, indicated that 31% remained more involved in Jewish life than before the attacks, a slight decrease from 43% a year earlier, but with 72% of those who initially increased their engagement maintaining it.

Prominent figures have shared their experiences. Sheryl Sandberg, former COO of Meta, stated at a Jewish Federations of North America assembly that her Jewish and Zionist identity has become a more visible and central part of how she presents herself, declaring, "I sit on this stage as a proud Zionist and a proud Jew, in a way I wouldn't have a year and a half ago." Avi Zinman, a Jewish student in the US, initially felt relieved not to be immediately identifiable as Jewish but changed her approach after losing friendships due to antisemitism, deciding to wear a Star of David daily as a symbol of pride.

Jennifer Handel, who previously worked with Jewish youth, found herself hiding her Star of David necklace and checking her car for Hebrew items after October 7th. However, after a visit to Israel in February 2024, she decided to wear her necklace openly again, later adding a dog tag for hostages and a "Shema Yisrael" ring, making her Jewish identity a "deliberate choice."

Zehavah Michal Feldstein, who had previously distanced herself from Zionism, adopting progressive views that framed it as "settler colonialism," has re-examined her stance. In an article titled "How I Learned to Stop Apologizing for Being Jewish," she concluded, "Being Jewish is more important." Dori Ben Ami, a former Democratic political operative who worked for Barack Obama, found his long-held political assumptions challenged by the reactions to the October 7th attacks, noting how quickly some people justified or even celebrated the assault, leading him to question if these reactions were merely criticism of Israeli policy.