Uneasy, preoccupied, and at times disoriented, yet resolute to combat for the future for European Jews. This is how Jewish leaders and professionals are portrayed according to the sixth survey conducted by the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC). Conducted online six months after the October 7 attacks, it included nearly 900 people from 32 different countries. The data offer a scientific assessment on the impact of October 7, with Italy playing a leading role in participation. Approximately one in seven responses came from Italy, placing it just behind France and Germany in the number of completed surveys.
\nThe Italian partner was the Contemporary Jewish. Documentation Center (CDEC)\u00a0Foundation in Milan with sociologist Betti Guetta involved.<\/p>\n
October 7 <\/strong> Who is Jewish?<\/strong>
\nThe terror attack \u201chad a profound impact\u201d on Jewish Communities, the JDC states at the beginning of the report. Not surprisingly, 78% of the survey participants reported feeling \u201cless safe\u201d in expressing their Jewish identity compared to the past, and 38% said they have distanced themselves from non-Jewish friends due to misunderstandings. At the same time, the survey shows a positive increase in community life participation, greater awareness of the importance of building networks, and a strengthened connection to Israel.
\nAt the top of the list of priorities for European Judaism is the \u201cfight against antisemitism\u201d (8.9), closely followed by the obligation \u201cto assist those who most need it\u201d (8.8) and \u201cstrengthening Jewish education\u201d (8.7). In fifth place is \u201csupporting of the State of Israel\u201d (8.2) and in sixth the challenge of \u201creducing community tension and divisiveness\u201d (8.1). \u201cDeveloping creative outreach policies towards the non-affiliated\u201d (7.7) ranks tenth. When asked about the greatest threat to the Jewish future, 79% of respondents identified antisemitism, followed by \u201ca feeling of alienation\u201d that some individuals experience towards the Jewish Community they belong (74%), and the lack of renewal in community leadership (70%). Only one in three respondents (34%) cited as a concern \u201clack of a religious life\/ observance\u201d.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWho shall be accepted as a member of a Jewish community?\u201d, asked the JDC. When surveyed, 72% answered: \u201cAll those who are undergoing a conversion process under a rabbi\u2019s authority, regardless of the denomination\u201d. Regarding the same question, 69% indicated \u201call those who have a Jewish father\u201d, 49% \u201call those who have at least a Jewish grandfather\u201d, 35% \u201conly those who embody the Halakhic criteria\u201d,\u00a0and 23% \u201ceveryone who considers themself Jewish\u201d. Other questions focused on themes such as the conflict in Middleast, empathy towards Israel and strategies to pursue continuity.<\/p>\n