Israelis proud of hi-tech, IDF

Survey shows 77 percent of Israelis proud of their country; only 38 percent proud of democracy
Ronny Sofer

Some 77 percent of Israelis are proud of their country, a relatively low figure compared to similar studies in other countries, a new survey published Wednesday revealed.

 

According to the survey, while Israelis are proud of the country's technological achievements (97 percent) and its security forces (86 percent), only 38 percent take pride in Israel's democracy, and a mere 22 percent are happy with the state's welfare system.

 

The "Patriotism Survey," conducted by the Institute for Policy and Strategy at the Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya ahead of the sixth Herzliya Conference, surveyed 800 people from all sectors of the population, in a bid to examine four aspects of patriotic attachment: Sacrifice, rootedness, pride and symbolism.

 

Presented to President Moshe Katsav Wednesday, the poll indicated that 94 percent of the Jewish citizens of the country, 87 percent of ultra-orthodox citizens and 27 percent of Israeli-Arabs will be willing to fight for the country if a war breaks out.

 

According to the survey's findings, feels of patriotism have been declining in recent years, particularly in aspects having to do with the young population's attachment to its Jewish roots and the willingness to defend the country.

 

One out of seven youngsters stated he is likely to refuse to fight for the State, while two out of five said they will positively consider leaving Israel if they are promised a better quality of life abroad.

 

44 percent of Arabs proud of Israeliness

 

The survey also revealed that while 24 percent of Israeli-Arabs define themselves as "Israeli patriots," 48 percent prefer to identify as "Palestinian patriots." However, more Arabs than Jews (77 percent in comparison to 66 percent) believe Israel is better than most other countries. The Arab citizens are also prouder than Jews when it comes to Israel's welfare policy - 53 percent compared to only 17 percent of Jews.

 

The survey also attempted to characterize the typical Israeli patriot and showed that among Jews, rightists are more patriotic than leftists, religious and observing Jews are more patriotic than secular Jews, and patriotism is more widespread among the wealthy than the poor.

 

Older Israelis are more patriotic than younger ones, and those less educated more patriotic than people possessing higher education.

 

Meanwhile, 83 percent of Jewish citizens said they were proud of their Israeliness, compared to just 44 percent of Arabs.

 

President Moshe Katsav, who was presented with the poll, said he disputes its findings, stating Israeli youths he meets with frequently are no less patriotic than older generations.

 

"The young people today have faith and willingness to sacrifice," the president said. Referring to the survey's conclusions regarding Israeli-Arabs, Katsav said "I don't think anyone who is an Israeli citizen, like Israeli-Arabs, can define himself as not patriotic. I am proud of the fact Israel's Arabs do not want to live under Palestinian sovereignty. I expect every Israeli national to be proud of his country and defend it if needed," he concluded.