The Sabra Report | Surveying the Damage

Recap:

A Pew Research Center survey paints a stark picture of Israel’s standing on the global stage. Across 24 countries, public sentiment toward Israel skews overwhelmingly negative. In 20 of those countries, majorities hold unfavorable views of Israel—often by large margins. The trend is especially evident among younger generations.

The Context:

·      In the early days following Hamas’ October 7th attack, Israel saw a glimmer of global support which quickly eroded. Countries like Australia (74%), Japan (79%), and Sweden (75%) now express strong disapproval of Israel. In countries like the US, France, and South Korea, young adults view Israel more critically than their parents. In America, 74% of liberals hold an unfavorable view of Israel versus 30% of conservatives.

·      On college campuses, once fringe slogans like “globalize the intifada” have gone mainstream. Sit-ins, disrupted commencements, and building occupations have created campus climates where Jewish students feel unsafe. On May 22nd, two Israeli Embassy staffers were murdered outside a Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. and less than two weeks later, a man posing as a gardener launched Molotov cocktails and a makeshift flamethrower at a pro-Israel rally in Boulder, injuring 12. One of the victims was a Holocaust survivor.

·      The Anti-Defamation League recorded over 9,300 antisemitic incidents in the US in 2024 and those are only the ones actually reported. Jewish organizations globally have warned that the lines between criticism of Israeli policy and hatred of Jews have blurred.

·      Nearly 60% of Israelis believe Israel is not respected internationally, up 9% from last year. The United States on Wednesday vetoed a UN Security Council resolution calling for an “immediate, unconditional and permanent” ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The US was the only nation to oppose the resolution, which did not call for Hamas to disarm and leave Gaza.

Conversation Points:

·      Is there a difference between anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism?

·      Why did initial support for Israel disappear so quickly?

·      If Israel has set clear terms for ending the war—Hamas disarming and releasing hostages—why isn’t the UN pressuring Hamas to surrender?

·      What does Israel’s future look like in a world where much of the next generation views it so negatively?

Notes:

·      “Most people across 24 surveyed countries have negative views of Israel and Netanyahu,” Pew Research Center, June 4, 2025

·      “Poll: Americans aged 18–29 overwhelmingly view Israel unfavorably,” Pew Research Center, June 4, 2025

·      “Pain, anger for US Jews at killings of Israel Embassy staffers,” Times of Israel, May 22, 2025

·      “Boulder attack suspect had 'no regrets' over long-planned 'antisemitic' plot,” NBC News, June 3, 2025

·      “Record-breaking year of antisemitic incidents,” ADL, April 2025

·      “Campus protests against Israel roil US universities,” CNN, May 2025

·      “Support for two-state solution hits record low,” Jerusalem Post, June 4, 2025

·      “Why young Americans are turning against Israel,” New York Times, June 2, 2025