Jewish Engagement “Surge” Three Years After Oct. 7 Attacks

A survey by the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) in May-June 2026 of 2,836 Jewish Americans found 38 % reported increased involvement in Jewish life since the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks. This is a seven-point rise from the 31 % recorded the previous spring, though still below the 42 % peak in March 2024. Margin of error: 1.8 percentage points.

The Jerusalem Post

The Oct. 7, 2023 terror attacks sparked an immediate surge of communal activity, dubbed “the Surge,” as Jews sought solidarity and meaning. Early surveys captured a sharp jump in engagement that many expected to fade.

‘The Surge’ in post-Oct. 7 Jewish engagement is growing again, JFNA finds

• Overall engagement: 38 % “Surged” (2026); 31 % (2025); 42 % (2024).

‘The Surge’ in post-Oct. 7 Jewish engagement is growing again, JFNA finds

• Age distribution: Adults 55-74 lead, followed by 20-30-year-old adults and parents of young children.

‘The Surge’ in post-Oct. 7 Jewish engagement is growing again, JFNA finds

• Institutional venues: 65 % attended synagogue services; 63 % spent time with Jewish friends; 41 % engaged via social-media or messaging groups; 32 % participated through Chabad-Lubavitch centers.

Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA)

• Emotional attachment to Israel: 93 % of “Surgers” felt attached versus 51 % of non-surging respondents.

Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA)

• Pride in Israel: 75 % of “Surgers” said Israel makes them proud to be Jewish, compared with 36 % of others.

Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA)

• Perceived antisemitism: 65 % said antisemitism is “a lot” in the United States, up from 45 % in 2020; concern is higher among “Surgers.”

Commentary Magazine

• Security confidence: Awareness of where to turn if targeted rose from 46 % (2025) to 58 %; confidence in organizational security grew from 47 % to 60 %.

‘The Surge’ in post-Oct. 7 Jewish engagement is growing again, JFNA finds

She emphasized that many participants are seeking “apolitical” spaces where they can feel comfortable and that communal leaders must “support a diversity of spaces” to accommodate varied values.

‘The Surge’ in post-Oct. 7 Jewish engagement is growing again, JFNA finds

• “I think the fact that people are continuing to engage with community during a difficult time is a good thing, and it’s an opportunity for us to meet people’s needs in this moment,” — Mimi Kravetz, JFNA chief impact and growth officer

Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA)

• “Chabad in particular has been doing a really excellent job engaging people,” — Mimi Kravetz, JFNA chief impact and growth officer

‘The Surge’ in post-Oct. 7 Jewish engagement is growing again, JFNA finds

• “The 'surge' continues because, even amid deep concern about antisemitism and security, that concern is not keeping people away,” — Mimi Kravetz, JFNA chief impact and growth officer

The Jerusalem Post

The survey links heightened engagement to two primary drivers: a stronger emotional connection to Israel and heightened awareness of antisemitism. Respondents cite informal social events—such as Shabbat dinners and personal invitations—as the most effective motivators. Political tension surrounding Israel emerges as the leading barrier, mentioned repeatedly in open-ended responses. Participants report feeling “worn out” by partisan debate and often shift to congregations that better align with their views rather than disengaging entirely.

The Jerusalem Post

Security perceptions have improved markedly, with more respondents knowing where to turn if targeted and expressing confidence that Jewish organizations provide effective protection. The desire for “apolitical” and welcoming environments remains central to sustaining the new level of involvement.

The Jerusalem Post