Israelis worry about weakening connection with younger Jewish Americans

Israelis across political and religious lines are expressing concern over the weakening bond with younger Jewish Americans according to a recent AP-NORC poll. Younger Jews tend to deem support for Israel less critical to their Jewish identity compared to older adults. Itai Nixon, leading the diaspora department for Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs, emphasized the significance of Israel as the state of the Jewish people.

Lesley Sachs, who protests the current Israeli government and chairs the Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism, highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with diaspora Jews, especially amid rising antisemitism. Gidi Mark, CEO of Taglit-Birthright Israel, stressed the need to demonstrate what a connection to Israel could mean beyond political controversies.

Despite Israel and the United States being close allies, divisions over the Iran war have led to a decline in belief that the U.S. prioritizes Israel's security. Young progressive Americans, including Jews, now view supporting Israel as incompatible with their worldview due to the lack of emotional connection to the country's history and its current situation.