New Israeli Society Barometer Reveals: Over Half of Israelis Fear Identifying as Israeli Abroad Since October 7
Updated: 2 days ago
Belief in societal cohesion among Israelis reaches an all-time high, yet deep internal divides persist; 70% view Israel’s public diplomacy as ineffective, and only ~40% currently believe in Jewish-Arab coexistence, according to the "Israeli Society Barometer" survey by the Center for Jewish Impact.
A significant majority of the Israeli public believes that Israel can be a cohesive society despite existing social gaps. However, moving from the general concept of cohesion to actual relations between different segments of society presents a far more complex picture. These findings emerge from the "Israeli Society Barometer" survey conducted by the Center for Jewish Impact during August 2026.
According to the survey, 73% of Israelis agree that Israel can be a cohesive society, up from 67% in February 2026 - marking the highest level recorded since the beginning of the Barometer. Nevertheless, only 64% believe that secular and ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) Jews can coexist in Israel, and only 42% currently believe in Jewish-Arab coexistence.
The divides among different population groups are particularly stark regarding Jewish-Arab relations. While 74% of respondents in the Arab sector believe in Jewish-Arab coexistence, and 48% of secular Jews share this view, that figure stands at only 7% among religious and ultra-Orthodox Israelis. Conversely, the highest belief in the feasibility of secular–ultra-Orthodox coexistence was found specifically among religious and ultra-Orthodox respondents, at 88%.
The survey also indicates sharp public criticism of Israel’s international diplomacy and outreach. While 64% rate the strategic relationship between Israel and the United States as strong, only 23% believe that Israel effectively communicates its policies and positions to international audiences. In contrast, 70% assess Israeli public diplomacy as ineffective.
This sentiment also impacts individuals on a personal level: 52% of Israelis report feeling some level of concern about identifying as Israeli while traveling abroad, and 41% reported that they have actively changed their behavior abroad since October 7 - including changing travel destinations, canceling trips, or avoiding specific activities.
At the same time, the public does not view Israel's international standing as irreversible. 33% identify formulating a long-term national strategy for public diplomacy and communication as the most critical step required to improve Israel's global standing, while 25% point to changes in government policy and decision-making processes. Only 14% believe that Israel’s international standing cannot be significantly improved.
The Barometer also highlights broad support for strengthening ties between Israel and global Jewry: 70% of the public believe the State of Israel should invest resources in Diaspora Jewish communities. Among them, 26% prefer the investment to focus on encouraging Aliyah (immigration to Israel), 23% on protecting and securing Jewish communities, and 17% on providing assistance through civil society organizations.
Robert Singer, Chairman of the Center for Jewish Impact:
"The data illustrates an Israeli society that firmly believes in its capacity to stand together, yet recognizes how long the road ahead remains. The fact that the vast majority believes in the potential for cohesion is a true source of optimism, but the wide gap between the abstract belief in unity and the trust in actual coexistence between different communities requires immediate action. Equally, the fact that most Israelis are dissatisfied with how Israel presents itself on the global stage, and that over half fear identifying as Israelis abroad, must serve as a major red flag. Israel urgently needs a long-term strategic plan- both to strengthen Israeli society from within and to bolster its global standing and partnerships with the Jewish world."
In terms of public priorities, the cost of living and the economy remain at the top:
38% believe that reducing the cost of living and strengthening the economy should be the primary task of the next government.
25% prioritize strengthening national security.
13% prioritize fostering unity and bridging social divisions.
11% prioritize resolving the IDF enlistment crisis.
The Center for Jewish Impact (CJI) works to strengthen the bond between the State of Israel and Diaspora Jewry, enhance the resilience of Israeli society, and combat antisemitism through strategic partnerships and public diplomacy initiatives.
The survey was conducted by the Geocartography Group on behalf of the Center for Jewish Impact. The study was conducted among a nationally representative sample of 500 respondents (men and women aged 18 and older) during August 2026.
To read the full report: