Over half of Israelis fear revealing their identity abroad, study shows
A survey found that 52% of Israelis worry about revealing their nationality abroad, while 41% have changed travel plans or behavior since October 7, including canceling trips.
A recent survey by the Center for Jewish Impact reveals that over half of Israelis are apprehensive about disclosing their identity while traveling abroad since October 7. The poll examined various issues impacting Israelis today, such as social cohesion, religious divisions, and diplomacy. Some 52% of respondents expressed concern about revealing their nationality while overseas, and 41% have altered their actions abroad since the event, including choosing alternative travel destinations, canceling trips, or avoiding specific activities.
These fears are fueled by rising antisemitism, increasing anti-Israel sentiment, and deteriorating Israel's relations with other nations. An overwhelming 64% rate Israel's strategic relationship with the United States as strong, yet only 23% believe Israel effectively communicates its policies to global audiences. Moreover, 70% rate Israeli public diplomacy as ineffective.
Despite these challenges, the survey suggests that Israel's international standing may not be permanent. Thirty-three percent of respondents believe that creating a long-term national strategy for public diplomacy and communication is crucial to enhancing Israel's global image. Twenty-five percent advocate for shifts in government policy and decision-making processes. However, only 14% believe that Israel's standing cannot be significantly improved.
The survey also underscores the importance of strengthening ties between Israel and global Jewry. A majority of the public (70%) thinks Israel should allocate resources to support Diaspora communities. Among these preferences, 26% would like to see investments aimed at encouraging aliyah (immigration to Israel), 23% focus on protecting and securing Jewish communities, and 17% would support assistance provided through civil society organizations.
Optimism is also evident within Israel, with 73% of people believing that a cohesive society is attainable, up from 67% in February 2026 – the highest level recorded since the survey's inception. However, only 64% believe that secular and haredim (ultra-Orthodox) can coexist in Israel, and only 42% trust in Jewish-Arab coexistence.
Robert Singer, chairman of the Center for Jewish Impact, noted that while the majority of Israelis maintain faith in the potential for unity, the significant disparity between abstract belief in unity and trust in real coexistence across different communities requires immediate action. Furthermore, Israel's global image and strained relationships with the Jewish world are alarming signals.
Singer urged Israel to develop a comprehensive, long-term strategic plan that would bolster both societal cohesion from within and Israel's global standing and partnerships with the Jewish world.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
