Survey: 31% of US Jews more engaged in Jewish life than before Oct 7

Eighteen months after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, 31 percent of American Jews say they are more engaged in Jewish life than they were before the attack, according to a report released Tuesday by the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA).

While that figure has waned somewhat from a year earlier, when 43% of American Jews said they had increased their Jewish engagement, the findings reflect a sustained emotional and communal response to the war and rising threats of antisemitism, the report said, referring to the trend as “the Surge.”

“A year and a half after the Hamas attacks on Israel upended Jewish life, we would have expected to see a significant return toward the status quo, but the Surge has shown staying power,” said JFNA Chief Impact and Growth Officer Mimi Kravetz.

The survey, conducted via text message March 5-25, included responses from 1,877 people who identified as Jewish, as part of a larger survey of 5,798 adults around the US. Only responses from the Jewish population were included in this report.

Some 79% of Jewish respondents said they were deeply concerned with rising antisemitism, and 73% expressed a desire to learn more about Israel and general Jewish knowledge. This thirst for understanding represents an opportunity for Jewish institutions to offer more meaningful communal experiences, the report noted.

Antisemitic incidents in the United States continued to rise to unprecedented levels for the fourth straight year in 2024, with 9,354 recorded cases of harassment, vandalism, and assault, according to the Anti-Defamation League. Communities around the world have seen sharp rises in antisemitic activity since Hamas launched its war against Israel on October 7, 2023, kidnapping 251 people and murdering about 1,200.

The survey identified three demographic groups leading the surge, each with different needs and expectations.

Mid-life adults without kids at home said they seek spiritual or cultural meaning, and frequently reported a lack of age-appropriate Jewish experiences. Young adults indicated they are looking for nonpolitical, inclusive communities, and frequently feel isolated from their secular peers due to differing views on Israel. Meanwhile, parents with kids at home are focused on finding supportive environments for their families, with rising concerns about their children’s exposure to antisemitism, the report said.

A father and son learning Jewish texts together (iStock by Getty Images)

The survey found that people who were previously unengaged Jewishly cited three main entry points for increasing their Jewish engagement: spending time with Jewish friends, attending programs at a local synagogue, and communicating with other Jews on social media or WhatsApp groups. From there, many began involvement at Hillel, Chabad, JCCs, and other local organizations.

Of those who were not very engaged before October 7, 28% said they now feel part of a Jewish community, 16% said they are becoming part of a community, and 26% said they have attended events but still seek a Jewish community that is right for them, the report said.

“The Surge continues, but is not going to last forever,” the survey concluded, with a message to Jewish community leaders. “If we are going to meet people’s needs, we must respond now.”