Teens with strong Jewish education show support for Israel

(JNS) — Jewish teens involved in Jewish camps, schools and other programming are more likely to hold positive views of Israel and less likely to harbor negative sentiments about the conflict, according to a new study.

The global survey of teens aged 14-18 was conducted by Mosaic United, an initiative of Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism, in the wake of the Oct. 7, 2023, attack. Of the 1,600 responses collected, half were disqualified for various reasons. The final sample consisted of 80 percent American Jewish teens with various levels of Jewish engagement.

Among the key findings: While 94 percent of Jewish teens report feeling emotionally connected to Israel, 36 percent believe Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. This stark contradiction underscores the need for education to combat misinformation and strengthen Jewish identity.

Teens with strong Jewish educational backgrounds (e.g., attending Jewish schools or camps) show significantly higher support for Israel and are less likely to sympathize with Hamas. Only 6 percent of these teens expressed sympathy for Hamas, compared to 65 percent of those with weaker Jewish backgrounds. Teens who participated in encounters with Israelis demonstrated the strongest support for Israel.

U.S. Jewish teens are more likely to hold critical views of Israel than their international peers. For example: 37 percent of U.S. teens sympathize with Hamas compared to 7 percent of teens from other countries, and 42 percent of U.S. teens believe Israel is committing genocide versus 9 percent internationally.

Older teens exhibit more positive and nuanced views of Israel. Among 14-year-olds, 60 percent sympathize with Hamas compared to just 10 percent of 18-year-olds. This suggests that as teens mature, their perspectives become more supportive of Israel, highlighting the importance of sustained engagement.

“In these challenging times, strengthening the bonds between Jewish teens in the diaspora and Israel is more important than ever. We are heartened that 94 percent of Jewish teens feel connected to Israel and will continue to support global Jewish youth,” said Israeli Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Minister Amichai Chikli of the study’s findings.

“This survey underscores the resilience of teens with richer Jewish backgrounds against anti-Israel sentiment and misinformation. Meaningful programming is critical for fostering Jewish identity and connection,” remarked Alana Ebin, director of Mosaic Teens.

While the survey highlights concerning trends, the overwhelming majority of Jewish teens maintain a connection to Israel. With continued education, engagement and meaningful programming, there is optimism for a stronger Jewish youth identity and a deeper connection to Israel, the study concluded.