Poll: Israelis support relations with diaspora Jews, but not criticism

According to a Bnai Brith poll, 55% of Israelis ranked relations with Diaspora Jewry as most important (10) and only about 4% ranked them unimportant (ranks 1-4). 78% claim they are interested in news about Diaspora Jews. 88% are willing to support programs that bring Jews on visits to Israel.  However, 54% believe that criticism of Israeli government policies by Diaspora Jews is improper.  46% believe all Jews should live in Israel.

 

Ami Isseroff

 

Israelis Attitudes Toward Diaspora Jewry
B'nai B'rith World Center
June 2007
[Converted from a power point presentation by IMRA]

The following are the results of a poll designed by Keevoon, Research,
Strategy & Communications of a representative sample of 500 adult Israeli
Jews carried out by Mutagim on 6, 7 and 10 June 2007.  The poll was
commissioned by B'nai B'rith World Center Jerusalem.  Statistical error/-
4.5 percentage points.

On a scale of 1-10, with 1 being the least important and 10 being the most
important, how important is Israel's relationship with Diaspora Jewry?
1 - 1%
2 - 2%
3 - 1%
4 - 0%
5 - 7%
6 - 2%
7 - 7%
8 - 19%
9 - 8%
10-  55%
Average:  8.6

How interested are you in television, radio, newspapers and internet reports
concerning Diaspora Jewish communities or issues pertaining to
Israel-Diaspora relations?
Interested 78% Not Interested 22%

Over the past few years the Government of Israel has been providing financial support for programs like "Taglit" and "Masa" which bring thousands of Diaspora youth to Israel for educational purposes, most for the first time. Do you support or oppose your tax money being used to fund these programs?
 Oppose 11%  Support  88%

In the past there have been times when Jews in the Diaspora have publicly criticized the elected Government of Israel in their home countries. Which statement best represents your view?
54% Jews who live in the Diaspora have no right to publicly criticize the
Government of Israel because the don't live in Israel
40% Jews who live in the Diaspora can publicly criticize the Government of
Israel because every Jew is a partner in Israel no matter where they live
6% Don't know/Refuse

During last summer's War in Lebanon and throughout the recent rocket attacks on Sderot, various Diaspora Jewish communities have donated funds to help rebuild damage areas, fortify buildings, and lend economic support to those in need. Are you satisfied or unsatisfied with the level of support extended
by Diaspora Jews?
Total Satisfied 77% Total Not Satisfied 10% Don't Know 13%

 For many years Israel's leaders have called on all Jews to make Aliya. Which statement best represents your view?
46% All Jews should live in Israel because this is the only way Israel and the Jewish people will be strengthened.
41% Jews should live dispersed in various communities in the world as
diversity and global support is the only way Israel the Jewish people will
be strengthened
13% Don't know/ Refuse

Of the following, which will strengthen your personal connection most to Diaspora Jewry
36% Diaspora Jews visiting Israel
25% Increased media coverage of Diaspora communities in the Israeli media
16% Visiting Diaspora communities
14% Increased support from Diaspora communities for projects in Israel
9% Don't know/ Refuse

B'nai B'rith World Center Jerusalem
Keevoon, Research, Strategy & Communications



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IMRA - Independent Media Review and Analysis
Website: www.imra.org.il