A year and a half after the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel, Jewish engagement in the United States remains significantly elevated, according to a new study published by the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) on Tuesday.
While many initially expected Jewish involvement to return to pre-war levels over time, the survey results indicate that the so-called "surge" - an increase in Jewish communal engagement - has shown remarkable staying power.
About a third (31%) of American Jews report that they are still seeking deeper engagement with Jewish life, down from 43% last year but still well above historical norms.
"People continue to feel the pain of this moment and relatedly, continue to seek connection, but the data carries an important reminder that the surge is not going to last forever," Chief Impact and Growth Officer for JFNA Mimi Kravetz said. "If we are going to meet people's needs, our community cannot wait - we must step up and respond now."
The study, conducted in March with nearly 6,000 respondents, found that 72% of those who initially increased their Jewish engagement after October 7 are still doing so today. The leading forms of engagement include connecting with Jewish friends, attending synagogue events, and participating in Jewish conversations on social media.
Ongoing engagement presents an opportunity and a challenge
Elan Kramer, Acting Head of Community and Jewish Life at JFNA, emphasized that the ongoing engagement presents both an opportunity and a challenge.
"The data shows that when people show up, the experiences they’re having are overwhelmingly positive," Kramer said.
"But showing up is just the beginning. It’s on us to nurture friendships, create spaces that foster a sense of belonging, and offer meaningful Jewish experiences that turn moments of engagement into lasting community. By meeting people where they are, inviting them into vibrant, welcoming communities, and creating meaningful points of connection, we can strengthen Jewish life in ways that will endure far beyond this moment."