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Jewish Engagement Remains High Three Years After Oct. 7 Attacks, Survey Finds
A Jewish Federations of North America survey found that 38% of American Jews have increased their involvement in Jewish life since October 7, and that the trend has endured. It links the shift to stronger ties to Israel and rising concern about antisemitism in the United States.
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What happened
- 01A Jewish Federations of North America survey of 2,836 Jewish Americans found that 38% increased their involvement in Jewish life after October 7.
- 02The Jerusalem Post said JFNA calls that post-October 7 pattern the "Surge," and it has continued into 2026.
- 03The study links higher engagement to stronger emotional attachment to Israel and concern about rising antisemitism in the United States.
- 04Arutz Sheva reported that 93% of the more engaged respondents felt an emotional connection to Israel, compared with 51% of less engaged respondents.
- 05Arutz Sheva also reported that 75% of the more engaged group said Israel strengthens pride in their Jewish identity.
- 06Informal events such as Shabbat dinners were the most commonly cited trigger for deeper participation in Jewish life.
- 07Political disagreements over Israel and antisemitism remained the main obstacle to engagement, according to the survey and Haaretz English.
- 08Haaretz English said many American Jews still struggle to find meaningful connections because of communal divisions over Israel and Zionism.
The study, conducted among 2,836 Jewish Americans in May and June 2026, says the surge in engagement has become more durable than expected. The Jerusalem Post said JFNA has called this trend the "Surge," while Haaretz English described it as nearly 40% finding new ways to connect with Jewish life.
Among those whose involvement grew, the survey found a stronger emotional connection to Israel, more pride in Jewish identity, and greater confidence in community security resources. Arutz Sheva reported that 93% of the more engaged respondents felt emotionally connected to Israel, and 75% said Israel strengthened pride in their Jewish identity.
Informal gatherings such as Shabbat dinners were the most frequently cited way people deepened their engagement. At the same time, political disagreements over Israel and antisemitism remained a major obstacle, and Haaretz English said communal fractures over Israel and Zionism still made meaningful connection harder for many American Jews.
Summarized by baba from the reports of 3 newsrooms. Updated
Latest report: Israel National News. Read Israel National News’s original
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