While Israel continues to rely on its historic ties with American Jewry, a new survey by the Ruderman Family Foundation points to growing concern among the Israeli public over an erosion of U.S. support for Israel. The survey also underscores the importance Israelis attach to the relationship with the United States and to considering the views of American Jews in Israeli decision-making, alongside a sense that Israel is not doing enough to strengthen ties or combat antisemitism worldwide.
The survey, initiated by the Ruderman Family Foundation and conducted by the Dialogue Institute among a nationally representative sample of 1,002 Jewish adults in Israel, shows that despite the high importance the public assigns to the relationship with American Jewry — 78% define it as important and essential — confidence in the future of that relationship is weakening.
The findings reflect public criticism in Israel regarding the critical role of the government and Israeli policy. Some 43% of Israelis believe the way the war in Gaza has been conducted weakened support for Israel among American Jews, compared with just 28% who say it strengthened that support.
At the same time, only 17% believe Israel is doing a great deal to help combat antisemitism in the United States, while more than one-third of respondents say its contribution is limited or nonexistent. Asked whether Israel should take the views of American Jewry into account when shaping policy, 41% said it should do so to some extent, while another 23% said it should do so to a great extent.
Nearly half of Israelis, 44%, believe the younger generation of American Jews will support Israel less than it does today, while only 22% think support will grow. By contrast, 67% say U.S. President Donald Trump has a positive or very positive influence on Israel, while just 12% describe his impact as negative or very negative. This contrast points to concern over generational change in the American arena — a shift from a generation of leaders supportive of Israel to one that may grow more distant or even develop anti-Israel positions.
The findings reflect public criticism in Israel regarding the critical role of the government and Israeli policy
The concern is not merely theoretical and is widely felt. Nearly half of respondents, 48%, say they are very worried about declining support for Israel among the American public, with another 30% worried to some extent. Taken together, nearly eight in 10 Israelis identify an emerging problem, with many feeling it is already here.
Recent developments in U.S. politics, including the election of Zohran Mamdani as New York City’s next mayor, are cited as tangible evidence of the rise of young, progressive voices critical of Israel, and of the growing understanding that these voices are no longer seen as fringe but as part of a broader trend of increasing distance among younger generations from Israel, once viewed as only a future threat.
Alongside the criticism, the survey also reflects a clear expectation for a change in direction and greater diplomatic engagement. A large majority of the public, 74%, believes Israel should invest significant efforts in strengthening the connection of young Jews worldwide to Israel and Zionism. Half of the respondents view Israelis living in the United States as an important bridge between the communities to a great extent, with another 32% agreeing to some extent.
Shira Ruderman, chief executive officer of the Ruderman Family Foundation, warned that this is a critical moment requiring action. “The data show that the Israeli public understands something deep is changing. The rise of young critical voices in the United States is not detached from reality. It is the result of a long process of distancing and ignoring conditions on the ground,” she said. “This is a moment that requires Israel to stop, listen and act differently — to move from tactics to strategy.”
Ruderman added: “The relationship with American Jewry is a strategic asset for the national security of the State of Israel and the Jewish people. Neglecting this relationship today will come at a high cost tomorrow. Young Americans are the ones who will shape the future direction of the United States — as elected officials and as voters — and they will have a significant impact on relations between the two countries.”