US Jews See Stronger Link Between Israeli Policy and Antisemitism Than Israelis

A new survey by the Jewish People Policy Institute (JPPI) reveals a widening gap in perceptions between American and Israeli Jews regarding the connection between Israeli government policy and the rise in global antisemitism. The "Voice of the Jewish People" index for September 2026 indicates that a growing number of American Jews believe Israel's actions directly fuel antisemitic incidents worldwide.

According to the findings, 39% of American Jews surveyed, or two in five respondents, stated that Israeli policy contributes "to a great extent" to the increase in global antisemitism. This marks a significant rise from 31% who held this view in September 2025. An additional 35% of US respondents believe Israeli policy contributes "to some extent," while only 23% completely reject any connection, a sharp decrease from 32% a year prior. JPPI researchers noted that the index primarily reflects the views of "connected" Jews with strong ties to their community, Israel, or Jewish identity, and is not representative of all American Jews.

In stark contrast, the survey found that only 28% of Israeli Jews attribute a significant contribution to government policy in rising antisemitism, with a majority of 44% seeing no connection at all. This divergence extends to how Israel should respond to increased antisemitism. Approximately 28% of American Jews believe Israel should change its policies significantly, up from 21% last year, whereas only 17% of Israeli Jews agree.

Conversely, 57% of Israelis believe policy should not change at all, compared to just 37% of American Jews. The survey also examined optimism about Israel's future, finding Israelis significantly more optimistic than their American counterparts. While 43% of Israelis express optimism, only 19% of connected American Jews share this sentiment. However, the proportion believing Israel is on a "continuing downward spiral" is nearly identical in both communities, at about a quarter of respondents, reflecting an improvement in optimism among American Jews from 38% in 2025.

JPPI President Prof. Yedidya Stern commented that the data illustrates the complex, non-unidimensional relationship between Israel and Diaspora Jewry. He emphasized that while perceptions on antisemitism diverge, American Jews show less pessimism about Israel's future and maintain strong ties through Hebrew language and identity. Stern stressed the need to distinguish clearly between criticism of government policy and deep commitment to Israel and Jewish identity.