What do North American Jews think and feel about Israel and why do they feel it? As researcher Mathew Boxer explains, we have, at best, an incomplete understanding of opinion. That’s had a harmful impact on discourse and planning. So to find out, Boxer surveyed some 1,800 North American Jews. In this episode, he shares his findings and what he believes they mean. Among his major takeaways: he disproves the-oft sited statistic that 95 percent of American Jews identify as Zionist, even though most American Jews have attitudes that one would associate with Zionism. Many on the left and right feel that their interpretations are obvious and clear and think that opposing views are dangerous and outside the pale. Also, many American Jews feel strong emotional attachment to Israel, but that emotional attachment doesn’t correlate to particular or obvious opinions about the relationship between Israelis and Palestinians. Boxer shares how he thinks future researchers can learn from his work. And, he makes a case that particular perspectives on Israel should not be a condition for inclusion in Jewish life and community.

Read Matthew Boxer Evolve Essays: “How We Talk About Jewish Young Adults’ Connection To Israel: The Evidence or Lack Thereof” and “What is Zionism? It Depends on Who You Ask.”