Community
Survey launched to check in with community nearly two years after October 7
The JPR questionnaire asks about Jewish identity, British identity and the community’s relationship with Israel
July 2, 2025 16:09
The JPR questionnaire asks about Jewish identity, British identity and the community’s relationship with Israel
July 2, 2025 16:09Nearly two years on from the October 7 attacks, which led to a sharp increase in antisemitic incidents towards British Jews, the Institute for Jewish Policy Research (JPR) is in the process of conducting its 2025 Jews in Uncertain Times Survey.
People over the age of 16 in the UK are invited to take part in the survey – which will be the largest and most in-depth since the survey the JPR conducted in the immediate aftermath of the Hamas terrorist atrocities.
Dr Jonathan Boyd, the executive director of JPR, explained: “This survey is designed to ensure that community leaders and politicians have a full and credible picture of Jewish opinion, particularly around Israel and antisemitism in the post-October 7th context.”
This iteration of the survey also looks at Jewish identity in multiple ways. In particular, JPR is “interested in exploring Jewish religiosity and belief in more detail”, in relation to trends in Jewish practice following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war.
The survey asks participants about Jewish life in the UK, before turning to international topics such as Donald Trump and then Israel. Some questions ask respondents to what extent they agree or disagree on statements such as: “The way Israel has conducted the war in Gaza clashes with my Jewish values.” One question is: “How do you feel about the state of democratic governance in Israel in the foreseeable future?”
Striking changes in opinion were evident in the previous report from 2024, compared to 2010. The extent to which British Jews agreed or disagreed with the contention: “Democracy in Israel is alive and well” shifted from 80 per cent agreeing in 2010 to 52 per cent 14 years later. Questions on the current survey regarding Netanyahu and Israeli politics aim to see whether another year at war has resulted in further changes, said JPR.
Participants in the questionnaire were also asked to specify their demographics. In 2024, younger people (under the age of 49) had more critical views of Israel and its government than their older counterparts.
Additionally, conclusions from the last survey determined that less affiliation with Judaism often resulted in more negative perceptions of Israel. “The more religiously conservative tend to be more politically conservative, and the more religiously liberal tend to be more politically liberal,” said the report.
This iteration of the survey will be crucial to shaping the understanding of Jewish opinion by “community leaders and government policymakers”, said JPR.
To take part in the survey, click here or go to: https://www.jpr.org.uk/2025-jews-uncertain-times-survey