Faith in the face of horror: Increase in connection to Judaism among Israelis since October 7th

About a year and a half after the outbreak of the "Swords of Iron" war, a comprehensive survey conducted by the Authority for Jewish National Identity in the Prime Minister's Office reveals that the vast majority of Israelis report a strengthening of their Jewish identity since October 7th. The encouraging data, presented today (Tuesday) to Education Minister Yoav Kisch and MK Galit Distel, chairperson of the subcommittee for Jewish thought in the education system, presents a complex but optimism-inspiring picture regarding the public's deep connection to its roots.

Strengthening Identity and Its Practical Expression

According to the survey findings, 71% of Israelis testified that the strengthening of Jewish identity found practical expression in their lives, whether on the religious or national level. Common examples mentioned include hanging the Israeli flag and adding the Star of David to various items. This figure indicates a transition from internal feeling to external expressions, testifying to strong identification with Jewish and Israeli identity symbols.

Gaps in Knowledge About Judaism and Desire to Expand It

The survey also reveals concerning gaps in knowledge about Judaism and Jewish national identity. 65% of Israeli society believe that youth and young people (up to age 18) do not have sufficient knowledge in these areas. There is a notable difference between sectors: while 59% of secular Jews express this opinion, the figure jumps to 77% among the religious and 82% among the ultra-Orthodox. The gap indicates different perceptions regarding the scope of required or existing knowledge. Moreover, 54% believe that the adult Jewish public (18+) also lacks sufficient knowledge.

Given these figures, there is broad agreement on the need to expand and deepen the transmission of knowledge in this field. 69% believe it is important to increase activities among youth and young people, and 65% think this is also necessary among adults. This agreement crosses sectors: 53% of secular Jews, 79% of traditional Jews, 94% of religious Jews, and 93% of ultra-Orthodox support strengthening the connection to Judaism.

The Connection Between Identity and War

The survey also examined public perception regarding the connection between Jewish identity, the Land of Israel, and fighting. 65% believe that the Israeli public understands the deep connection of the Jewish people to the Land of Israel and the State of Israel, although about a third (35%) still think otherwise. Another significant figure shows that 74% responded that the public understands the connection between love of the land and state and the fighting spirit, as expressed in the "Swords of Iron" war and its aftermath.

"A Meaningful Connection We Seek to Strengthen"

Nir Orbach, head of the Authority for Jewish National Identity, addressed the survey findings and said: "The survey data proves what we have been feeling on the street for over a year, namely that most of the public feels the strong connection we have between the Jewish people, the Land of Israel, and the State of Israel and is connected to our roots. This is a meaningful connection that we seek to strengthen even more in these days."

The survey was conducted last May by the Think Tank research institute under the management of Prof. Yitzhak Katz, and included 503 respondents representing the entire Jewish public in Israel. The sampling error stands at 4.4%.