jpost.com
Sustained Rise in US Jewish Engagement Post-Hamas Attacks
A new study by the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) reveals that heightened Jewish engagement in the US following the October 7 Hamas attacks persists, despite a slight decrease from last year, driven by emotional ties to Israel and concerns about antisemitism; 72% of those who initially increased their Jewish engagement are still doing so today.
- How do concerns about antisemitism and emotional ties to Israel shape the nature and extent of Jewish engagement in the US?
- The study, conducted in March 2024 among nearly 6,000 respondents, demonstrates a remarkable resilience in Jewish engagement. 72% of those who initially increased their involvement remain engaged, primarily through social connections, synagogue events, and online discussions. This sustained engagement is linked to enduring emotional ties to Israel (79% report emotional attachment) and widespread concern about antisemitism (79% deeply worried).
- What is the current state of Jewish engagement in the US following the October 7 Hamas attacks, and what are the key factors driving this trend?
- A new study reveals that heightened Jewish engagement in the US, spurred by the October 7 Hamas attacks, persists. While the intensity has decreased slightly, 31% of American Jews still actively seek deeper engagement, exceeding pre-conflict levels. This sustained involvement reflects ongoing emotional connections to Israel and concerns about antisemitism.
- What strategic steps should Jewish organizations take to ensure the long-term sustainability of the elevated Jewish engagement observed post-Hamas attacks?
- This persistent engagement presents both an opportunity and a challenge for Jewish organizations. While positive experiences drive continued involvement, sustained efforts are crucial to nurture these connections and build lasting community. Failure to capitalize on this heightened interest could lead to a decline in Jewish engagement in the future.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing emphasizes the continued high level of Jewish engagement in the US following the attacks, potentially downplaying other significant developments or perspectives related to the conflict. The headline and introduction focus on the sustained "surge" in Jewish engagement, which might overshadow other relevant aspects of the situation.
Language Bias
While generally neutral, the article occasionally uses language that could subtly favor a certain perspective. For example, the phrase "remarkable staying power" when describing the continued engagement suggests a positive connotation. More neutral phrasing could be used to maintain objectivity.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on Jewish engagement in the US following the Hamas attacks, but provides limited details on Palestinian perspectives or the broader global response to the conflict. This omission might leave readers with an incomplete understanding of the multifaceted nature of the situation.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplistic dichotomy between support for Israel and support for Hamas, neglecting the complexity of opinions and positions within both groups and the broader spectrum of views on the conflict. Many individuals hold nuanced positions not captured by this binary.
Sustainable Development Goals
The study highlights the increased engagement of American Jews with their community and Israel following the October 2023 attacks. This engagement, while partly driven by concerns about antisemitism and the conflict, can contribute to fostering peace and understanding by strengthening social cohesion and promoting dialogue within the Jewish community and potentially beyond. Increased philanthropic engagement towards combating antisemitism also directly contributes to building stronger and more inclusive institutions.