British Jews More Likely to Identify as Zionist Since 7 October Attacks, Research Finds

British Jews have shown a significant increase in identifying as Zionist since the 7 October attacks, according to a study by the Institute for Jewish Policy Research (JPR). The research, titled “October 8 Jews: The Impact of October 7 on British Jewish Identity,” found that the percentage of British Jews who identified as Zionist rose seven points to 66% between 2022 and 2025. This shift reflects a broader trend of increased emotional attachment to Israel, with 51% of British Jews feeling “very emotionally attached” to the country in June 2025, up 13 points from before the Israel-Gaza war.

The study also noted that 45% of British Jews now consider supporting Israel to be “very important” to their Jewish identity, a 10-point increase since the conflict began. These findings highlight a growing alignment between British Jewish identity and support for Israel, particularly in the wake of the 7 October attacks. However, the research also revealed disparities among different segments of the Jewish community.

Jewish individuals who identify with the Green party showed a marked divergence from this trend. The percentage of Jewish Greens who felt “very emotionally attached to Israel” fell to 7% between 2023 and 2024, while those who considered supporting Israel “very important” to their Jewish identity dropped eight points to 3%. Jewish Greens were also less likely to view antisemitism as a “very big problem” in the UK, with the percentage declining seven points to 7% during the same period.

The JPR director, Jonathan Boyd, noted that Jewish Greens tend to be secular and more influenced by broader societal conversations. This suggests that political and social frameworks can shape Jewish identity in different ways. The study also found that Jewish Greens were least likely to express a desire to emigrate to Israel, with a mean score of 0.2 on a migration scale, compared to 1.99 in the wider community.

These findings underscore the complex interplay between Jewish identity, political affiliation, and national sentiment. As the research highlights, the 7 October attacks have had a profound impact on how British Jews perceive their connection to Israel and the broader Zionist movement. The data reflects a growing sense of solidarity with Israel, while also revealing the nuanced perspectives within the Jewish community.

Micah 6:8 calls for justice, mercy, and humility, reminding us that our actions should reflect these values. As the Jewish community navigates these changing dynamics, it is essential to approach the situation with compassion and a commitment to understanding the diverse experiences within the community.

Source: Read the original report