Against the odds, a new generation of Jews is choosing hope

Jews aged 18-28 express twice as much optimism about their community than those aged 60 and above. Some 64% of young Jews worldwide are optimistic about the future of the Jewish community in their country.

The new report is based on a global survey conducted by the Ipsos Social Research Institute, among a representative sample of 1,428 Jewish respondents in Israel and 18 countries across North America, Europe, Australia, and South America. Respondents were surveyed between September 25, 2025, and October 10, 2025, with questions examining the key trends that shape Jews around the world as one people.

“The ‘One People Report’ reminds us of a profound reality: As tensions rise around us, the Jewish people draw strength from their ability to hold one another up,” said Maj. Gen. (res.) Doron Almog, Chairman of the Executive of The Jewish Agency. “From this threat, we also see resilience, belonging, and hope emerge. These values call on us to stand as one people and to responsibly write the next chapter of our shared story; to choose community, mutual responsibility, and hope. This is the strength of the Jewish people.”

However, alongside these challenges, the Jewish people are demonstrating remarkable resilience rooted in community connection: Across generations, those who feel more connected to Jewish life also report greater strength and security, and the bond with Israel remains a central anchor. Furthermore, young Jews are expressing a powerful sense of agency and optimism.

The survey’s findings underscore a shared understanding that the strength and continuity of the Jewish people depend on a sense of mutual responsibility between world Jewry and Israel.

Some 56% of Jews worldwide consider it important to be connected to the Jewish community around them; 55% feel that their community provides a strong and supportive environment; 88% see Israel as the homeland of the Jewish people; 85% agree that the existence of the State of Israel is essential for the flourishing of the Jewish people; and 84% of Jews in Israel and 75% of Jews worldwide agree that Israel has a responsibility toward global Jewish communities.

Simultaneously, respondents acknowledge the challenging reality facing world Jewry. Antisemitism has seeped into daily life and undermines Jews’ sense of security around the world. Some 69% of Jews worldwide and 79% of Jews in Israel see antisemitism as the central challenge facing Jewish communities today.

Some 43% of European Jews experienced antisemitism personally or within their family in the past year. And only 22% of French Jews feel safe as Jews in their country.

At the same time, the issue of Israel’s image in the international arena has become an inseparable part of everyday challenges, with 46% of Jews worldwide identifying Israel’s image as the community’s greatest challenge. This includes 54% of respondents in Israel, 53% in Europe, 37% in North America, and 51% in Australia and South America.

FOLLOWING THE release of the “One People Report,” this moment calls for action – a rare convergence of concern, belonging, and willingness to effect change.

Accordingly, The Jewish Agency is mobilizing the momentum demonstrated by the data to strengthen Israel and the global network of mutual responsibility through five core areas: encouraging aliyah (immigration to Israel) and supporting successful absorption; rebuilding and supporting Israel’s North and South and communities affected by October 7; empowering young Israelis and deepening their connection to the Jewish people; strengthening Jewish identity and connection to Israel among young Jews worldwide; and ensuring the resilience and security of Jewish communities around the world.

The Jewish Agency’s plan of action is already being realized in the mobilization of global Jewry in support of Israel amid the Iran war, as communities worldwide demonstrate mutual responsibility, solidarity, and collective strength at this critical moment.

“This report underscores a powerful truth: Even in the face of unprecedented challenges, the Jewish people remain resilient, connected, and forward-looking,” said Mark Wilf, chairman of The Jewish Agency’s Board of Governors.

“The optimism and sense of responsibility expressed by younger generations are especially encouraging – they signal not only hope but a readiness to lead. Our collective task now is to nurture that energy, strengthen the bonds between Israel and Jewish communities worldwide, and ensure that this moment of unity translates into lasting impact for the future of the Jewish people.”

TO UNDERSCORE the broader significance of the findings and their implications for global Jewish unity and leadership, Yehuda Setton, CEO and director-general of The Jewish Agency, emphasized the moment as both a challenge and an opportunity:

“At a time when the Jewish people are confronting real and complex threats, what this report makes clear is not only how strongly young Jews feel connected to their communities but how ready they are to step forward and lead. Our role is to meet that moment,” he said.

“The connection between Israel and Jewish communities worldwide is not automatic; it must be actively built, sustained, and reinforced. Our responsibility is to ensure that this mutual commitment is translated into real, lasting structures that can support the Jewish people in moments of both challenge and growth.”

Fiana Drang, The Jewish Agency’s global chief marketing officer, said: “We led a global initiative to identify the challenges and opportunities shaping this moment and convert them into a foundation for strategic action. The survey reveals a quiet but powerful sense of hope, one that reflects our shared story as a people whose resilience is sustained by deep connection and an enduring commitment to mutual responsibility.”