AJC Survey: More Than Half of American Jewish Millennials Say Israel Is Important to Their Identity

A new survey released by the American Jewish Committee (AJC) found that more than half of American Jewish millennials view their connection to Israel as an important part of their identity.

The survey found that 53.5% of American Jewish millennials view the Israel connection as “very important” or “somewhat important” to their identity. Nearly 73% said it was very or somewhat important that the American Jewish community upholds their close ties with the Jewish state and nearly 70% said it was very or somewhat necessary for the Jewish community to survive. Fifty-two percent also expressed optimism that a “viable solution” could be reached between Israelis and Palestinians.

Regarding the anti-Israeli climate on college campuses, nearly 23% of American Jewish millennials said that the climate has caused them to hide their Jewish identity and around 27% said it forced them to “rethink my commitment to Israel.”

Israeli Jewish millennials were also surveyed; nearly 80% agreed that it was important for American Jews and Israeli Jews to foster their close ties. However, 56.2% of Israeli Jewish millennials said they do not believe that a feasible solution can be reached in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and nearly 70% said that it’s “not too appropriate” or “not at all appropriate” for “American Jews to try and influence Israeli policy.”

“Gauging the views of millennials is critical to ensuring strong, enduring ties between the world’s two largest Jewish communities,” AJC ACCESS Global Director Dana Steiner said in a statement. “Our pioneering surveys provide vital insights into the thinking of emerging leaders engaged in Jewish life that will be critical to strengthen mutual understanding and cooperation between American and Israeli Jews, and also address challenges and opportunities.”

The Atlantic’s Yair Rosenberg tweeted, “There has long been a 10-15% minority of American Jews who want very little to do with Israel for various political and religious reasons, and they deserve to be included and heard. But anyone who presents this minority as the majority doesn’t know Jews or doesn’t want you to.”

There has long been a 10-15% minority of American Jews who want very little to do with Israel for various political and religious reasons, and they deserve to be included and heard. But anyone who presents this minority as the majority doesn't know Jews or doesn't want you to. https://t.co/wFrOsL6veJ

— Yair Rosenberg (@Yair_Rosenberg) April 25, 2022