Generational Views on Israel Among Jewish Adults in the U.S.

Support for Israel is a vital aspect of the religious identity for many Jewish adults aged 45 and older in the United States. However, younger Jewish adults often prioritize other connections, such as celebrating Jewish holidays, according to a recent AP-NORC poll. This finding indicates that the generational divide concerning Israel’s actions since the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, goes beyond politics, influencing religious identity as well.

Cameron Bernstein, a 27-year-old medical student in New Orleans, expressed her perspective by stating, “I pray for people in the land of Israel. I don’t need to pray for the state.” Despite being raised with strong ties to Israel—having celebrated her bat mitzvah there—she believes Israel now holds the same significance as any other country with loved ones.

The survey conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research involved 1,022 Jewish adults. The data reveals a noticeable divide in support for Israel, particularly among religiously Jewish adults. Those who identify as Jewish in non-religious ways often have a weaker emotional connection to Israel.

The Associated Press-NORC Center conducted the survey from June 11-17, 2026, among 3,040 U.S. adults. The sample was selected from NORC’s AmeriSpeak Panel, ensuring representation of the U.S. population. Survey weighting was used to prevent overrepresentation of any group, reflecting each group’s actual population share.

Respondents were classified as Jewish if they reported their religion as Jewish or identified as Jewish due to ethnic, cultural, or family reasons. Among the religiously Jewish—68% of the overall Jewish adult population—about 60% regard being Jewish as “extremely” or “very” important in their lives. For older religious Jewish adults, nearly half deem supporting Israel as crucial to their Jewish identity, akin to the importance of celebrating Jewish holidays. Conversely, only 40% of younger adults prioritize Israel support, with about 70% considering holiday celebration significant.

Susan Boyer from Southern California believes supporting Israel equates to ensuring Jewish people’s right to a homeland in the Middle East. She views it as necessary security against potential large-scale atrocities similar to the Holocaust. “I’ve been defending myself as a Jew since childhood,” Boyer explained, highlighting the persistent need to guard against redefinition or insults against Jewish identity.

Ari Pollack, an arts fundraiser in Wisconsin, views Israel’s military actions as fuel for antisemitism. “I’m personally pretty opposed to basically everything Israel’s doing these days,” stated Pollack, who critiques the steadfast pro-Israel teachings of his youth. This sentiment has deterred his participation in traditional synagogue activities.

Pollack’s perspective aligns with about 30% of religious Jewish adults under 45, who accuse Israel of committing genocide during the Gaza war—a claim Israel denies—compared to 20% of those aged 45 and older. The poll underscores other elements of Judaism’s importance to younger adults, who prioritize practices like Shabbat observance and dietary restrictions over political issues.

Phoebe Wapnitsky, a 32-year-old Connecticut resident, criticizes Israel’s military conduct, feeling it diverges from her Jewish values focused on promoting social justice and resisting oppression. She was disconnected from Israel’s stance before the recent conflicts.

Brian Ebarb, a 47-year-old Louisiana attorney, views his Jewish identity as grounded in activism and community involvement, which includes supporting Israel. While he believes in critiquing governmental missteps, he warns against conflating criticism of Israel with criticism of Jewish people globally, given Israel’s frail existence.

For detailed findings, the AP-NORC poll included 1,022 Jewish adult interviews, with a margin of error of plus or minus 5 percentage points. Overall adult responses have a margin of error of plus or minus 2.8 percentage points.

The Associated Press religion coverage benefits from collaboration with The Conversation US, funded by Lilly Endowment Inc, although AP retains full content responsibility.