Respondents also reported growing distance (38%) in relationships with non-Jewish friends, including 46% of those under 40 reporting diminished relationships.
Many (54%) reported closer friendships with Jews and connecting more with the Jewish community, and 97% said, “It is very important to strengthen relationships between Jews living in different parts of Europe.” More than eight in 10 (82%) reported feeling more connected to the Jewish state after October 7.
“The grim impact of October 7 on Jewish communities in Europe is fully reflected in this study, but so is the commitment of local Jewish leaders to help their communities brave the storm,” Ariel Zwang, the CEO of JDC, stated.
“Since the attacks, we have worked hard to foster safe environments for thriving Jewish life, aid the most vulnerable and develop the next generation of Jewish leadership,” he said, calling the survey results “crucial data” for guiding efforts to strengthen European Jews.
