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JFNA Survey Shows Many U.S. Jews Shun the ‘Zionist’ Label Despite Strong Support for Israel

JFNA cites confusion over the term, urging engagement with critics rather than treating label rejection as denial of Israel.

Overview

  • About one-third of American Jews identify as Zionist, while roughly 88% say Israel has a right to exist as a Jewish, democratic state.
  • More than 70% report feeling emotionally attached to Israel and 60% say Israel makes them proud, yet nearly 70% sometimes struggle to support actions taken by Israel or its government.
  • Only 36% of Jewish respondents define Zionism solely as the right to a Jewish state, with many associating it with backing all Israeli actions or claims to the West Bank and Gaza.
  • Younger Jews show the sharpest divide, with 14% of those 18–34 identifying as anti-Zionist and 76% in that group affirming Israel’s right to exist compared with 98% among ages 55–74.
  • The March 2025 Burson survey, commissioned by JFNA, polled over 1,800 Jewish respondents and finds 37% Zionist, 7% anti-Zionist, 8% non-Zionist, with sizable shares unsure or rejecting all labels.