It's complicated: Toward a more nuanced understanding of Israel Attachment in the Anglosphere

Session Submission Type: Panel Session

Abstract

Israel attachment is a question that is commonly included in the suite of questions that comprise Jewish community studies internationally. It has been assumed that Israel attachment is an important indicator of personal identification and Jewish engagement, with implications for Jewish communal policies, leadership and the ongoing dialogue between diaspora Jewry and Israel. What is rarely addressed, however, is how historical events, and cultural influences may have transformed the people responding to this question, and the ways in which this question may be understood by respondents to these surveys.
This panel draws on recent quantitative studies conducted in the Jewish communities of Australia, Canada, and the United States of America. While each study differs in timing, context and methodology, they collectively seek to contribute to the scholarly understanding of the diverse attitudes and emotional connections towards Israel among Jews in different diaspora settings.

Dr. Adina Bankier-Karp will present an analysis of data focused on Australian Jewry gathered 6 weeks after October 7, 2023. The analysis highlights the ways in which the Jewish engagement, and the emotionally charged experiences of Australian Jews shaped their Israel attachment in the October 7 aftermath. Modelling will be used to statistically disentangle positive and negative emotions and experiences that shape Israel attachment among Australian Jews.

Professor Robert Brym reports on a recent national study of Canadian Jewry, identifying social processes indicating a potential "Americanization" trend within Canadian Jews. This trend includes shifts in Jewish identification, increased criticism of Israeli government policies, and a decline in emotional attachment to Israel. These observations challenge traditional narratives and highlight evolving expressions of Jewish identity rooted in diaspora realities, with implications for community leadership and inclusivity.

Assistant Professor Matthew Boxer addresses ambiguities inherent in assessing emotional attachment to Israel among North American Jews. By analyzing responses and interpretations of the "emotional attachment" question, the study reveals significant diversity of opinion and varying tolerance for divergent viewpoints within the North American Jewish community. These findings have implications for Jewish communal planning, unity, and the diaspora's relationship with Israel.

Sub Unit

• Social Science

Chair

• Nadia Beider

Individual Presentations

• Honey and bee sting sentiments: Australian Jewry and post-October 7 Israel attachment - Adina Bankier-Karp, Australian Centre for Jewish Civilisation

• What is “Emotional Attachment to Israel”? - Matthew Boxer, Brandeis University

Respondent

• Paulette Kershenovich Schuster, Reichman University

Zoom Host

• Zoom Host 17