Israeli officials and religious leaders across the political spectrum express concern about a widening generational gap in Jewish Americans’ connection to Israel. According to an AP-NORC survey of 1,022 Jewish adults in the United States, only about 4 in 10 religious Jewish adults under 45 consider support for Israel “extremely” or “very” important to their Jewish identity, compared to roughly half of older religious Jewish adults. Among Jewish adults without religious affiliation, support drops further, with only 2 in 10 saying Israel’s military operations in Gaza are justified.
Israeli government officials, including those leading diaspora outreach, view the deteriorating relationship as a strategic concern. They argue that maintaining strong ties with Jewish Americans has historically been important for political, military, and financial support. Additionally, officials see the connection as significant given rising antisemitism targeting Jewish communities in the United States regardless of their political views. Younger Jewish Americans, having grown up generations after the Holocaust, appear less likely to view Israel through the historical lens of Jewish refuge and survival that shaped older generations’ perspectives.
The shift has accelerated notably since the Oct. 7, 2023, attack and subsequent Israeli military campaign in Gaza, which has sparked widespread protests on American college campuses. Many younger progressive Jews report viewing support for Israel as incompatible with their values around social justice and human rights. Approximately 6 in 10 Jewish adults overall report that prejudice against Jewish people is a serious problem in the United States today.
In response, Israeli organizations and religious bodies are expanding cultural exchange initiatives, including programs like Taglit-Birthright Israel, which has brought approximately one million young Jewish adults from North America and elsewhere for free ten-day tours since 2000. Officials acknowledge that these programs have become increasingly important but note that participation and receptiveness have shifted since 2023. Organizers are particularly targeting secular Jews and members of Reform Judaism, the largest Jewish branch in North America, which emphasizes progressive values.
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