Between Fatigue and Hope: Insights from the Third Israeli Society Barometer
- Center for Jewish Impact
- Jun 11
- 3 min read
The new Barometer report by the Center for Jewish Impact and the Geocartography Knowledge Group (GCKG) Reflects a Complex Israeli Society.
The Center for Jewish Impact, in collaboration with the Geocartography Knowledge Group (GCKG), has published the third report in its "Israeli Society Barometer" survey series. The survey examines public sentiment in Israel regarding social, security, and identity-related issues, serving as part of a continuous effort to monitor the social pulse in the post-October 7th era.
The survey included adult men and women, ages 18 and older, who are internet users and represent a national sample reflective of the Israeli population. While some indicators are tracked over time, this edition places particular emphasis on the ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) sector and its interaction with other segments of Israeli society, in light of the growing public discourse on the topic.
This survey holds special significance amid the ongoing social and political processes in Israel, a period marked by both intensifying conflict and increasing calls for unity. Understanding public feelings, attitudes, and hopes is a crucial tool for shaping responsible and responsive social policy and for building bridges of understanding between Israeli society and global decision-makers.
Key Findings:
Israel-Diaspora Relations: 45% of respondents believe that the relationship between Israel and Diaspora Jewry has weakened over the past six months, compared to only 37% who perceive it has grown stronger.
Personal Security: Only 32% of the public rate their sense of personal security as "good," showing no significant change since the previous survey.
Connection to National Symbols: About 72% feel that their connection to state institutions and symbols has changed since October 7th – with 35% reporting a stronger connection, and 37% a weaker one.
Limited Optimism: Just 35% believe that the quality of life in Israel will improve in the next six months – a figure similar to the end of 2024 (39%).
Religion in the Public Sphere: 52% believe that the presence of religion in public life has increased in recent years. Among religious and ultra-Orthodox participants, 66% identify a trend of growing religiosity in society, while only 22% of all respondents recognize a trend toward secularization.
Ultra-Orthodox Conscription: Half of the public (50%) believe that a new draft law will not be enacted, and there is no clear public consensus on how the issue should be resolved.
Inter-Sectoral Relations: While secular, traditional, and religious groups maintain broad inter-group connections, ultra-Orthodox and Arab populations are characterized by significant social isolation, with few interactions outside their communities.
Economic Policy Impact: A majority (71%) feel that current economic policy is harming them, with about half (37%) feeling this impact strongly.
Hope for Social Unity: 61% of respondents believe that Israeli society can be unified – a stable figure compared to late 2024. Additionally, 64% believe compromise is possible to bridge societal gaps, and 62% expressed personal willingness to take action toward unity.
Robert Singer, Chairman of the Center for Jewish Impact: "The new Barometer report paints a complex picture of Israeli society – one of fatigue, distance, and uncertainty on the one hand, and a deep desire for closeness, responsibility, and hope on the other. As someone deeply involved for decades in both the Israeli and global Jewish arenas, I believe that moments of crisis carry great potential for positive change. The Center for Jewish Impact continues to work actively to strengthen Israel’s social fabric, advance relations with the Diaspora, and develop initiatives that reinforce the resilience of the State of Israel."