British Jews have become more likely to identify as Zionist since the October 7 attacks, according to new research from the Institute for Jewish Policy Research (JPR). The study, titled “October 8 Jews: The Impact of October 7 on British Jewish Identity,” reveals significant shifts in identity, attachment to Israel, and perceptions of antisemitism.
Key Findings: Rise in Zionist Identity and Attachment to Israel
The JPR study, led by Dr David Graham, compared data from 2022 and 2025. It found that the percentage of British Jews identifying as Zionist rose seven points to 66% by June 2025. Additionally, those feeling “very emotionally attached to Israel” increased to 51%, up 13 points from before the Israel-Gaza war. The proportion who considered supporting Israel “very important” to their Jewish identity also rose 10 points to 45%.
Growing Concern Over Antisemitism in the UK
The research highlights a tripling of British Jews who view antisemitism in the UK as a “very big problem,” reaching 50% by June 2025. This sharp increase underscores heightened anxiety within the community following the October 7 attacks and subsequent conflict.
Political Divides: Green Party Voters Show Weaker Attachment
Not all segments of the Jewish community experienced the same shift. The study found that Jewish people who vote for the Green party felt their attachment to Israel had weakened. Between 2023 and 2024, the percentage of Jewish Greens who felt “very emotionally attached to Israel” fell one point to 7%, while those who felt supporting Israel was “very important” to Jewish identity also declined. This divergence comes as the Green party conference voted on a motion stating “Zionism is racism.”
Data Snapshot: Changes in British Jewish Identity (2022–2025)
| Indicator | 2022 | 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identify as Zionist | 59% | 66% | +7 pts |
| Very emotionally attached to Israel | 38% | 51% | +13 pts |
| Supporting Israel very important to identity | 35% | 45% | +10 pts |
| Antisemitism a “very big problem” | 17% | 50% | +33 pts |
Implications for British Jewish Life and Politics
These findings suggest a deepening of Zionist identity and connection to Israel among British Jews, alongside rising concerns about antisemitism. The political divide, particularly with Green party supporters, indicates that these trends are not uniform across the community. As debates over Zionism continue, the study provides crucial data for understanding the evolving landscape of British Jewish identity.
- 66% of British Jews now identify as Zionist, up from 59% in 2022.
- 51% feel very emotionally attached to Israel, a 13-point increase.
- 50% see antisemitism in the UK as a very big problem, tripled since 2022.
- Jewish Green party voters show weaker attachment to Israel, with only 7% feeling very emotionally attached.
FAQ
What did the JPR study find about British Jews and Zionism?
The study found that the percentage of British Jews identifying as Zionist rose from 59% in 2022 to 66% in 2025, a seven-point increase.
How has attachment to Israel changed among British Jews?
Those feeling “very emotionally attached to Israel” increased from 38% to 51% between 2022 and 2025, a 13-point rise.
Why do Jewish Green party voters feel less attached to Israel?
The study suggests that political affiliation with the Green party, which has debated motions critical of Zionism, correlates with weaker emotional attachment to Israel among Jewish voters.