Three Years Later: Listening, Learning, and Reflecting
It should not go unnoticed that the anniversary of October 7 comes just days after our observance of Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah. Literally translated as the eighth day of gathering or stopping, Shemini Atzeret is a time to pause and reflect, and to recite Yizkor for loved ones who are no longer with us.
The connection is especially poignant because October 7, 2023, itself fell on Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah in Israel and on Shemini Atzeret in the Diaspora. A day on the Jewish calendar intended for gathering, prayer, and celebration instead became forever associated with one of the darkest days in modern Jewish history.
As we wrote in last week’s Connections about Simchat Torah, the completion of the annual Torah-reading cycle is immediately followed by beginning it anew—a powerful reminder of continuity and renewal.
This year, those days carried profoundly mixed emotions. Within just a few days, we moved from celebration and renewal to commemorating the barbaric slaughter by Hamas on October 7, 2023, of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction of 251 hostages—including children, women, the elderly, foreign nationals, and Bedouin Israelis.
As we mark the third anniversary of the horrific Hamas attacks, we remember the innocent lives lost, the families forever changed, and the profound trauma carried by the people of Israel and Jews throughout the world.
Yet, even in the face of unimaginable tragedy, the Jewish story does not end. Just as we complete the reading of the Torah and immediately begin again, we reaffirm our resilience, our shared responsibility to one another, and our enduring hope for a future of peace, security, and renewal.
As an Israeli screenwriter, film producer, and director Yariv Mozer reminds us in the title of his documentary about the Nova music festival massacre and abductions, We Will Dance Again. On television and in video clips across the internet, we have seen Israelis do exactly that—beginning anew in a powerful expression of the Jewish people's centuries-old resilience. While we will never forget, and will continue to remind others to remember, we, as a people, are dancing again.
Polling Captures a Moment—Trends Tell a Story
Yet, even as we celebrate that resilience, we cannot ignore the political and social challenges confronting Jewish communities around the world, especially here at home.
Yesterday, at the Nova music festival memorial site, President Isaac Herzog emphasized Israel's right to defend itself while expressing the hope that Israel and its neighbors can live in peace. We will dance again, we will live again. Our JEI polling offers important insight into how Jewish Americans view Israel, its government, and the political challenges confronting their community.
One of the clearest findings in our latest survey is that American Jews remain overwhelmingly connected to Israel. Eighty-six percent identify as pro-Israel, including 65% who describe themselves as pro-Israel while also critical of some or many policies of the Israeli government.
These numbers remind us that being pro-Israel does not mean agreeing with every decision made by an Israeli government. Jewish Americans can love Israel, care deeply about its security and future, and still have serious disagreements about its policies and leaders.
But, concern about the impact of the Netanyahu government also crosses party lines: 65% of Jewish Democrats, 46% of Independents, and 34% of Republicans express a great deal of concern that Israel's actions under Prime Minister Netanyahu have contributed to increased antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment in the United States. Yet 71% of Jewish Americans continue to view Israel favorably.
Antisemitism Does Not Belong to One Party
Since October 7, 2023, the rise in antisemitism has moved from the shadows into places where it can no longer be ignored. Jewish communities, families, students, and institutions are grappling with this reality, and many are looking to both major political parties for answers.
Our polling also underscores a distinction too often lost in public debate: criticism of Israeli government policies is not inherently antisemitic, although criticism of Israel can cross that line. Recognizing antisemitic rhetoric while protecting legitimate political disagreement is essential.
Our latest poll reveals concerns within both parties. Half of Jewish Democrats believe antisemitism is increasing within their own party, while 37% of Jewish Republicans say the same about theirs. Nearly half (46%) of Jewish Democrats say “fighting antisemitism” does not describe their party.
Antisemitism is not confined to one political party, nor should Jewish safety become a partisan issue. When antisemitism is dismissed because it comes from someone on our side, we do a disservice to both the Jewish community and the political process. We should expect political leaders, regardless of party, to recognize antisemitism, speak out against it, and understand its impact on Jewish families and communities.
The Complicated Political Identity of Jewish Americans
On the generic congressional ballot, Democrats hold a 71% to 23% advantage, virtually unchanged from our March poll. Jewish Democrats remain highly consolidated, with 97% indicating they would vote Democratic.
Yet voting intentions do not necessarily tell the whole story. The share of Jewish voters identifying as Independents increased from 7% in March to 10% in September, while 35% of Jewish Democrats say the rise of anti-Israel Democratic candidates has made it harder for them personally to identify as Democrats.
A voter can remain loyal to a party at the ballot box while questioning its direction on issues of particular importance. As our pollster, Michael Bloomfield, observed, People can hold contradictory attitudes. Jewish Americans are not a monolithic community, and the Jewish vote cannot be taken for granted.
Looking Ahead
As we approach the midterm elections and beyond, new issues, candidates, and debates will undoubtedly emerge. Some will divide Jewish Americans; others may bring them together.
Our collective responsibility is to recognize and understand these changes as they unfold. A poll is a snapshot in time. A series of snapshots can tell a story and reveal trends.
JEI will continue to listen, research, and share what we learn from Jewish Americans across the political spectrum.
