Chronicle poll results: Issue that will impact Jews most in the next 5 years
We asked our readers what issue they think will have the biggest impact on American Jews in the next five years. Here's what they said.
Last week, the Chronicle asked its readers in an online poll the following question: “Which issue do you think will have the biggest impact on American Jews over the next five years?” Of the 246 people who responded, 42% said “antisemitism”; 24% said “Israel, including U.S-Israel relations”; 20% said “political polarization and radicalization”; 6% said “Jewish continuity and engagement”; 1% said “economic and/or social challenges”; and 7% said “something else.” Comments were submitted by 53 people. A few follow.
You can’t separate antisemitism and Israel/U.S. relations.
The radical extremists on both the left and the right are crushing the sane people who just want to live our lives in peace. This affects all Americans — not just Jews — but a lot of it specifically targets Jews, as well as immigrants and women.
Our priority should be to provide Jewish education and religious services to the Jewish community.
Radicalization! What’s going on? How did we come to so many political figures openly expressing hatred for Jews and the Jewish state, and they are getting so much public support! What are we thinking (or are we thinking)?
Israel has already had a direct effect on inciting antisemitism from the left wing here and in other countries. As our parents used to tell us, if a few Jews do something negative, it reflects badly on all of us.
I, as a lifelong Democrat, am concerned about what is being referred to as the progressive wing of the party — AOC, Platner, our congresswoman, just to name a few. Yet I can hardly cast a vote for a party helmed by Trump. I don’t want to be disenfranchised.
I see climate change (already) having a major impact on our world. Regarding my specific Jewish identity, I think the general atmosphere of hate and intolerance being fostered by the Trump administration will continue to harm American Jews.
We are still not above pre-Holocaust population levels worldwide, so that needs to be a priority.
Anti-Israelism is the umbrella for antisemitism. Attacks on Jews are going to get worse, and our leadership, which is sorely lacking, needs to come out strong. This means you, rabbis.
I think that American Jews will be confronting the horrors that Netanyahu has perpetrated and the shame he has brought on our people while we declined to speak out.
With political polarization and radicalism continuing, Jews will experience antisemitism from both political parties. This will, in turn, affect our relations with Israel and present social challenges.
I chose Israel because I feel it encompasses all of the topics. PJC
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