As Yom Kippur begins, divisions within the American Jewish community over Israel and the ongoing conflict in Gaza are becoming increasingly pronounced, affecting how individuals observe religious observances and interact with family members and congregations.
Generational differences in perspectives on Israel are well-documented, with younger Jews generally expressing less support than older generations. An AP-NORC poll released in July found that four in ten American Jewish adults have disagreed with family members over Israel, while three in ten reported ceasing contact with someone over the issue. These tensions are creating difficult situations during major holidays and religious observances, as individuals navigate conflicting beliefs with loved ones and community members.
Some families are attempting to work through these differences directly. Rabbi Amy Eilberg, the first woman ordained in the Conservative movement, initially struggled when her daughter expressed different views on Israel roughly two decades ago. Following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks and the subsequent war, their perspectives continued to diverge, yet they maintained dialogue through letters and conversations. Eilberg emphasized her responsibility as a rabbi to show empathy for Israelis and Jews with ties to Israel who were experiencing grief, while her daughter, Penina Eilberg-Schwartz, took different positions on the conflict. Despite their disagreements, they have continued to share holidays and engage in what Eilberg described as “peace-building work.”
Community leaders are addressing these tensions through structured approaches. Rabbanit Dasi Fruchter, who leads the South Philadelphia Shtiebel, noted that while discussions across ideological differences can be difficult, Jewish tradition values what is called a “machloket l’shem shamayim,” or an argument for the sake of heaven. Her congregation has established ground rules for discussions about Israel, including commitments to the flourishing of Jewish life in both Israel and the diaspora, and to acknowledging both the suffering and joy of Jewish communities.
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