US Jews Deepen Jewish Life Engagement Post-Oct. 7, But Antisemitism Fears Rise
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
A survey of 3,000 American Jews shows 38% have increased their engagement with Jewish life since October 7th, with 94% supporting Israel's right to exist. Concerns about antisemitism have also risen significantly, with 65% reporting high levels of antisemitism in the US. Jewish Federations see this as a call for adapted support structures.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- 38% of American Jews increased their engagement with Jewish life after October 7th.
- 94% of more engaged American Jews believe in Israel's right to exist.
- 65% of American Jews perceive significant antisemitism in the US, up from 45% in 2020.
- Increased Jewish engagement correlates with stronger emotional ties and pride in Israel.
- Jewish Federations see a need for adapted support structures for the community.
A recent survey of approximately 3,000 American Jews indicates a significant increase in engagement with Jewish life since the October 7th attacks. The third annual survey on Jewish life post-October 7th found that 38% of respondents have deepened their involvement, a seven percent rise from the previous year. This heightened engagement correlates strongly with positive views of Israel; 94% of those more involved believe in Israel's right to exist, compared to 74% of those less involved. Furthermore, 93% of the more engaged group feel an emotional connection to Israel, versus 51% of the less engaged. Pride in Jewish identity was also higher among the more involved, with 75% feeling pride due to Israel, compared to 36% of the less engaged.
Alongside this increased engagement, concerns about antisemitism have surged. The survey revealed that 65% of American Jews believe there is "a lot" of antisemitism in the United States, a substantial increase from 45% in 2020. Those who have deepened their Jewish involvement reported even higher levels of concern regarding antisemitism. Jewish Federations noted that these findings reflect the evolving needs of American Jews, the impact of antisemitism, and the opportunity for Jewish organizations to provide relevant support structures for the current reality.
