Israeli leaders across political and religious sectors are expressing alarm over diminishing ties between Israel and younger Jewish Americans, citing recent polling that indicates generational differences in how support for the country factors into Jewish identity.
According to an AP-NORC survey, approximately 4 in 10 religious Jewish adults under 45 in the United States describe supporting Israel as “extremely” or “very” important to their Jewish identity, compared to about half of older religious Jewish adults. The survey also found that roughly half of religious Jewish adults support Israel’s military operations in Gaza, a figure that drops to 2 in 10 among Jewish adults without religious affiliation. Government officials and community leaders characterize the weakening connection as a strategic concern for both Israel and the global Jewish community.
Israeli officials attribute some of the shift to generational distance from historical events that shaped older cohorts’ perspectives. Those interviewed noted that younger Jewish Americans, who did not directly experience the Holocaust or formative periods in Israeli history, approach the question through the lens of contemporary values and may view support for Israel as conflicting with progressive principles. Recent geopolitical events, including the Oct. 7, 2023, attack and the subsequent military campaign in Gaza, have intensified this divide and sparked protests on American college campuses.
In response, Israeli government agencies and Jewish organizations are expanding exchange and educational programs aimed at strengthening connections. Taglit-Birthright Israel, which has provided free 10-day trips to over a million young Jewish adults since 2000, continues operating these initiatives. Additionally, religious organizations representing Reform Judaism—the largest Jewish denomination in North America—are increasing efforts to send young Israeli counselors and educators to North American camps and communities. Organizers argue that person-to-person connections and exposure to Israel’s realities can help younger diaspora Jews develop a stronger sense of connection to the country.
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