More than half of Israelis are afraid to say they are Israeli - survey

More than half of Israelis are afraid to reveal their nationality - survey results

A new survey conducted in August by the Center for Jewish Impact found that more than half of Israelis are afraid to reveal their nationality abroad in the wake of the events of October 7, The Jerusalem Post reported.

The survey covered a variety of topics affecting Israelis, including social cohesion, religious differences and diplomacy. According to the study’s main findings, 52 percent of respondents said they were worried about revealing their nationality while abroad.

41 percent of respondents said they had changed their behavior since October 7, including changing their travel routes, canceling planned trips or avoiding certain activities. This is due to the increase in anti-Semitic sentiment (anti-Jewish sentiment) and hostility towards Israel in the world, as well as the deterioration of Israel's relations with other countries.

The survey sharply criticized Israel's international diplomacy and propaganda. While 64 percent of respondents assessed the strategic relationship between Israel and the United States as strong, only 23 percent of the population believed that Israel is effectively communicating its policies and positions to the international community. Overall, 70 percent of respondents found Israel's diplomacy ineffective.

Israel's global standing can be restored

Nevertheless, the survey showed that the public does not consider Israel's deteriorating international standing to be irreparable. 33 percent of respondents indicated the development of a long-term national strategy for diplomacy and communication as the most important step to improve the country's global standing.

Also, 25 percent believe that changes are necessary in government policies and decision-making processes. Only 14 percent of the population believes that Israel’s international reputation cannot be significantly improved.

The survey also found broad support for strengthening ties between Israel and world Jewry. 70 percent of the population believe that the State of Israel should direct resources to diaspora communities. Of these, 26 percent favor directing investments to encourage immigration to Israel.

23 percent of the population said they would prefer to protect and ensure the security of Jewish communities, while 17 percent of respondents preferred to provide assistance through civil society organizations.