What this survey is about
A recent survey conducted by Mosaic United in coordination with Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combatting Antisemitism sheds light on the attitudes of American Jewish teenagers towards Israel. It delves into their perspectives, comparing them to those of Jewish teens globally and examining their educational engagement.
Why it matters
These findings reveal important insights about the evolving perceptions of Israel among young American Jews. Addressing these viewpoints is crucial to maintaining strong Israel-Diaspora bonds.
Details from the survey
The survey concluded that a significant number (37%) of American Jewish teens expressed sympathy for Hamas, compared to 7% of their global counterparts. Furthermore, 42% believe Israel is participating in actions akin to genocide in Gaza, starkly contrasted with 9% internationally.
Educational Influence
The results also underscore the significance of Jewish education on these perceptions. Teens participating in Jewish camps, day schools, or having direct encounters with Israelis demonstrated notably more positive views on Israel. Among teens with robust Jewish educational backgrounds, only 6% sympathized with Hamas, as opposed to the 65% among those with minimal Jewish educational experiences.
Positive Trends with Age
A hopeful statistic revealed that while 60% of 14-year-olds expressed sympathy for Hamas, this number decreases to just 10% for 18-year-olds. This indicates that advancing age and sustained engagement through Jewish programming can lead to more nuanced understandings of Israel and its challenges.
Efforts for Strengthening Bonds
Amichai Chikli, Minister of Diaspora Affairs, expressed the necessity of fortifying the relationship between young Jews in the Diaspora and Israel: “It is more important than ever to strengthen the bonds between Jewish teens in the diaspora and Israel.”
Role of Jewish Programming
Mosaic United’s Alana Ebin highlighted the importance of Jewish programming: “Those with richer Jewish backgrounds are more resilient against anti-Israel sentiments and misinformation. This survey emphasizes the value of meaningful Jewish experiences.”
Despite apparent challenges, the strong emotional ties to Israel acknowledged by 94% of Jewish teens demonstrate the immense potential for deeper connections through targeted education and programs.
This story was first published on jpost.com.