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2026 Community Population Study Findings

Part Two: Israel

Last week, we shared that the Leon Levine Foundation, in partnership with JFNA, recently conducted a community pulse study across the Carolinas. This study dug into a number of important areas, including questions related to community members' connections to and feelings about Israel. 

Questions included:

  • How often do you follow news about Israel?

  • Do you feel emotionally attached to Israel?

  • I believe it is important for Israel to be both a Jewish and democratic state.

  • I am proud of Israel’s contributions to the world.

  • I sometimes find it hard to support actions taken by Israel or its government.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE DATA

The findings reflect a highly knowledgeable American Jewish community that is deeply connected to Israel, but also deeply divided over Israeli politics and the current war.

Most respondents believe it is important that Israel remain both Jewish and democratic, and about half feel a personal responsibility toward it. At the same time, the data reveal significant moral and political tension.

A large majority report sometimes struggling to support actions taken by the Israeli government. While most feel comfortable publicly opposing Israeli government policies, many also experience uncertainty and discomfort within Jewish communal spaces. Many respondents worry they would not be welcomed if they shared their views openly, and many report difficulty finding where they belong due to communal divisions over Israel and the war in Gaza.

Overall, the findings suggest a community that remains connected to Israel while navigating significant political and moral tensions surrounding the current war and Israeli government policies. Some of the survey findings include:

  • 96% of people are following the news about Israel 

  • 69% of people feel it is important that Israel be both a Jewish and democratic state 

  • 78% of people find it hard to support actions taken by Israel or its government 

  • 62% of people are comfortable opposing policies of the Israeli government 

  • 59% of people are proud of Israel's contributions to the world

  • 43% feel like the American Jewish community is so divided on the issue of Israel and the war in Gaza that they're having trouble finding where they belong

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR OUR COMMUNITY

As we reflect on these findings, one important question we are asking is: how do we continue creating spaces where people feel respected and welcome, even when opinions differ? The data show that people remain connected to both Israel and the Jewish community, even amid disagreement. We need to be mindful not to shrink our big tent based on differing opinions, but instead continue creating opportunities to learn and grow together.  

 As an organization, Jewish for Good continues to celebrate Israel’s existence as a Jewish and democratic state. We honor the historic and ongoing cultural and religious connection to the State of Israel as the homeland of the Jewish people. 

Additionally, we updated our guiding principles regarding Israel to better reflect the diversity of perspectives within our community and reaffirm the importance of engaging one another through constructive and respectful dialogue. You can read our updated Israel Guiding Principles here.