Chronicle poll results: Feelings about being Jewish post-Oct. 7
We asked our readers if the way they feel about being Jewish has changed since Oct. 7, 2023. Here's what they said.
Last week, the Chronicle asked its readers in an online poll the following question: “How has Oct. 7 changed the way you feel about being Jewish?” Of the 229 people who responded, 56% said, “More connected to my Jewish identity”; 23% said, “No significant change”; 21% said, “My feelings have become more complicated”; and only one person said, “Less connected.” Comments were submitted by 53 people. A few follow.
We need to be heard and proud. It seems Jews are the only minority group that has to fight for acceptance when we say that certain speech feels hurtful to us.
I no longer believe antisemitism can be eradicated; it recedes in one age and resurges in the next. Israel remains necessary for us all.
From 10/7/23 to the flydubai almost-hijacking, near-catastrophe, the last three years have been a wake-up call that we Jews can only rely on ourselves.
My feelings about being Jewish haven’t changed. My unquestioning adoration of Israel has changed dramatically.
There is no change about my feelings of being Jewish. But it has changed my feelings toward the world for its response.
For the first time in years, I’ve joined my local synagogue.
Once a proud Jew, always a proud Jew. If anything, Oct. 7 and the aftermath have inspired me to be more vocal about my beliefs and convictions. But my feelings on Judaism and being Jewish have not changed.
The Israeli response to Oct. 7 has convinced me of the importance of separating my Jewish identity from the state of Israel.
Since Oct. 7, I have become louder and prouder. I find myself trying to educate both Jews and gentiles the truth behind the news. Too many of our own people don’t know the truth.
Oct. 7 made it clearer than ever why Israel needs strong defense and intelligence programs. The ensuing surge in antisemitism underscores how vital Israel is to the lives and safety of the Jewish people.
I’m prouder of being Jewish but leery on demonstrating it.
I never used to be afraid to be Jewish as a U.S. resident. If I wore a Star of David, I was never concerned that doing that would invite verbal harassment, or even worse results. Now, even though I live in a retirement community in a primarily Jewish neighborhood, I think twice about self-identifying as Jewish — especially if I have to go to a doctor’s appointment, or anywhere else outside my retirement community.
I am absolutely more proudly Jewish and more likely to confront BS when I hear it concerning Jews or Israel. I’m not an Israeli government apologist, but I’m a Zionist and I will say so and explain if given the chance. And if not given the chance, I don’t care. I’ve lost “friends” over the events of the last three years, and I think it’s better to know now who stands with us and who doesn’t. PJC
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