Across Israel, there is a shared concern over the diminishing bond with younger Jewish Americans. A recent AP poll highlights that younger Jewish Americans view support for Israel as less integral to their Jewish identity compared to older adults. Itai Nixon, head of the diaspora department for Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs, emphasizes the significance of this connection, stating, “We’re the state of the Jewish people, not just Israelis.”
Lesley Sachs, leader of the Israel Movement for Progressive and Reform Judaism, stressed that nurturing ties with diaspora Jews is a strategic asset. She worries about diaspora Jews losing the perception of Israel as their homeland, especially amidst rising antisemitism.
“That was always important that everybody knows there is a country that will always take them,” Sachs expressed in her synagogue in Tel Aviv.
Since 2000, Taglit-Birthright Israel has organized free 10-day tours for over a million young Jewish adults from the U.S. and beyond. The organization’s CEO, Gidi Mark, believes these trips are increasingly crucial to showcase Israel beyond its politics.
Tensions between Israel and the United States, although traditionally strong allies, have surfaced. U.S. President Donald Trump and Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently met to discuss the war against Iran, causing some Israelis to question Trump’s commitment to Israel’s security. According to the Israel Democracy Institute, belief in Trump’s prioritization of Israel’s security has dropped from 64% in March to 26% in June.
The shifting perspectives of Jewish Americans, particularly young progressives, have become evident since the October 7, 2023, attack when Hamas-led militants killed 1,200 people in southern Israel. Israel’s subsequent actions in Gaza, which resulted in over 73,000 deaths according to the Gaza Health Ministry, intensified protests in the U.S., especially on college campuses.
Polls indicate that about 40% of religious Jewish adults under 45 in the U.S. consider support for Israel as crucial to their identity, compared to half of older Jewish adults. Furthermore, only half of religious adults believe Israel’s military operations in Gaza are justified, with the number reducing to 20% among secular Jewish adults.
About 60% of Jewish adults acknowledge antisemitism as a serious problem in the United States. Israeli officials deem it alarming that young Jewish Americans do not view Israel as a safe haven.
Asaf Zamir, a deputy mayor of Tel Aviv, notes, “Antisemitism sadly explains why a Jewish homeland is necessary.” He underscores the challenge of understanding Jewish history without recognizing Israel’s role in it.
Efforts to reconnect young Jews with Israel are underway through enhanced exchange programs. For decades, young Israelis have attended Jewish summer camps in North America, and non-Israeli Jews have been offered trips to Israel.
Programs like Taglit-Birthright Israel focus on providing participants with an authentic experience of Israel. Since 2023, although the number of participants has dwindled, their engagement with Israel has become more resonant.
Initiatives now target secular Jews and supporters of Reform Judaism. Orthodox Jews tend to maintain strong ties, while secular Israelis are encouraging connections with diaspora Jews. The Israeli Reform movement is working to send more young Israelis to the U.S. to foster these bonds.
“That kind of action is important, that one-on-one connection,” Sachs stated. “We need to be partners in making Israel the country we all need.”
Alma Edry, an 18-year-old counselor at a Jewish summer camp in Ontario, noted her surprise at Israel’s prominence among those outside the country. These interactions present an opportunity for international youth to celebrate their connection to Israel.
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Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.