A recent poll has highlighted significant generational differences among Jewish Americans in how they relate to Israel as part of their religious identity. The survey, conducted from June 11 to 17, found that while support for Israel remains a core element of identity for many Jewish adults aged 45 and older, younger Jewish adults are more inclined to emphasize other cultural and religious practices.

The poll, which included interviews with 1,022 Jewish adults drawn from a representative national panel, shows that among those who identify as religiously Jewish—about 68% of the Jewish adult population—approximately 60% across age groups say their Jewish identity is very or extremely important. However, when it comes to viewing support for Israel as a crucial aspect of that identity, only about 40% of religious Jewish adults under 45 indicate it holds high importance. By contrast, about half of their older counterparts associate supporting Israel as a key part of being Jewish. Younger respondents were more likely to prioritize celebrating Jewish holidays and other religious traditions such as observing Shabbat or dietary restrictions.

Interviews with individuals exemplify the spectrum of attitudes. Cameron Bernstein, 27, a medical student from New Orleans, noted that while she was raised with strong connections to Israel, the country no longer plays a central role in her Jewish identity. "I pray for people in the land of Israel. I don’t need to pray for the state," she said, indicating a more personal rather than political attachment.

Older respondents expressed a stronger link between Jewish identity and support for Israel. Susan Boyer, 72, from California, underscored Israel’s significance as a refuge for Jewish people amid rising antisemitism and historic persecution. “It’s invasive into your daily living that you have to constantly be defending yourself as a Jew,” she said, explaining her belief in the importance of Israel as a homeland.

The poll also reveals points of contention related to Israel’s recent actions in Gaza following the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas. A notable share of younger religious Jews express opposition to Israel’s military operations and characterize them as inconsistent with their interpretation of Jewish values. Ari Pollack, 30, from Wisconsin, said he opposes “basically everything Israel’s doing these days” and criticized what he describes as entrenched pro-Israel teachings in Jewish institutions, which have contributed to his distancing from synagogue attendance. Pollack and around 30% of religious Jewish adults under 45 accuse Israel of genocide in Gaza, a claim Israel strongly denies. Among Jewish adults 45 and older, about 20% hold this view.

Others emphasize distinguishing criticism of Israeli government policies from antisemitism. Brian Ebarb, 47, an attorney from Louisiana, said he supports Israel but believes government actions should be critiqued “without attacking an entire people.” He cautioned that Israel’s precarious existence requires careful discourse to avoid conflating political disagreement with broader antisemitism.

Overall, the survey suggests that younger Jewish Americans are redefining their Jewish identity with less emphasis on political support for Israel and greater focus on cultural, social justice, and religious practices. The findings reflect ongoing debates within the community about the role of Israel in American Jewish life amid evolving political and social contexts.