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Hebrew University Survey Revealed Shifting Israeli Views

A new public opinion survey highlights evolving perspectives on national identity and the safety of Jews in Europe.

Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Judaism

Bold vector editorial illustration showing a stylized compass rose made of terracotta and steel on a grey background, reflecting shifting national perspectives.
A recent Hebrew University survey indicates that 48% of Jewish Israelis report a heightened sense of national identity, while concerns regarding European hostility toward Jewish populations have grown. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should Israel prioritize Middle Eastern regional ties over its traditional relationships with European nations?

Hebrew University released a new public opinion survey showing that 48% of Jewish Israelis feel a stronger national identity since 2023. Meanwhile, a majority of Israelis now view Europe as increasingly hostile toward Jewish populations.

Why it matters

The findings underscore a significant shift in how Israelis perceive their geopolitical alignment and personal security relative to European nations. The data highlights a growing divergence in how different domestic groups view their place within the state.

The survey sampled 1,003 participants in Israel and 1,000 across Europe with a sampling error of 3.1%. Among the findings, 54% of Israeli respondents identified France and Spain as the most antisemitic countries.

The players

Hebrew University

This public research university located in Jerusalem is one of the most prominent academic institutions in Israel.

Kantar

Kantar is a global professional services firm specializing in data, insights, and consulting.

The details

Market research firm Kantar conducted the study, which found that 42% of Israelis now define their country as Middle Eastern. Additionally, 44% of Jewish Israeli respondents expressed support for maintaining ties with far-right European parties, provided those groups explicitly back Israel.

Timeline

  1. October 7, 2023, marked the start of the period for national reassessment.

  2. Surveys were conducted in Israel during May 2026.

  3. European data was gathered between June and July 2026.

  4. Results from the study were officially released on October 5, 2026.

Culture Shift

This study captures a pivotal moment in social psychology following the October 7, 2023 attack. It reflects a wider trend of national identity consolidation that stands in contrast to previous generations of Israeli secular engagement with Europe.

The findings reflect shifting public attitudes that may influence future discourse regarding travel, international relations, and cultural integration for the average person. Readers should note that these statistics represent a broader national consensus that often informs political decision-making.

The takeaway

The survey highlights a significant pivot in how Israelis reconcile their national identity with an increasingly skeptical view of European stability. Residents and observers should recognize that these figures represent a hardening of public opinion following a period of intense regional conflict.

Further reading

For more information on the evolving state of Judaism, explore our latest cultural analysis.

Live Poll

Should Israel prioritize Middle Eastern regional ties over its traditional relationships with European nations?