Over half of Israelis fear identifying as such abroad since October 7, according to a survey conducted by the Center for Jewish Impact this month.
The poll covered a range of topics affecting Israelis today, including social cohesion, religious divides, and diplomacy.
Some 52% of Israelis reported feeling some level of concern about revealing their nationality while traveling abroad. 41% reported that they have actively changed their behavior abroad since October 7, including changing travel destinations, canceling trips, or avoiding specific activities.
These fears come amid rising antisemitism, growing anti-Israel hostility, as well as a disintegration of Israel’s relations with other countries.
There was staunch criticism of Israel’s international diplomacy and outreach. While 64% rate the strategic relationship between Israel and the United States as strong, only 23% believe that Israel effectively communicates its policies and positions to international audiences. In fact, 70% assess Israeli public diplomacy as ineffective.
Israel’s declining global image can be reversed
Despite this, the survey found that the public does not view Israel’s worsened international standing as irreversible. Some 33% identify formulating a long-term national strategy for public diplomacy and communication as the most critical step required to improve Israel’s global standing, while 25% point to changes in government policy and decision-making processes. Only 14% believe that Israel’s international standing cannot be significantly improved.
The survey also highlighted broad support for strengthening ties between Israel and global Jewry. A majority of the public (70%) believe the State of Israel should invest resources in Diaspora communities. Among them, 26% prefer the investment to focus on encouraging aliyah (immigration to Israel), 23% on protecting and securing Jewish communities, and 17% on providing assistance through civil society organizations.
Most Israelis believe a cohesive society is still possible
Regarding matters inside Israel proper, the center found similar optimism. Seventy-three percent believe that Israel can be a cohesive society, up from 67% in February 2026 – marking the highest level recorded since the beginning of the survey.
Nevertheless, only 64% believe that secular and haredim (ultra-Orthodox) can coexist in Israel, and only 42% believe in Jewish-Arab coexistence.
“The data illustrates an Israeli society that firmly believes in its capacity to stand together, yet recognizes how long the road ahead remains,” commented Robert Singer, chairman of the Center for Jewish Impact.
“The fact that the vast majority believes in the potential for cohesion is a true source of optimism, but the wide gap between the abstract belief in unity and the trust in actual coexistence between different communities requires immediate action.
“Equally, the fact that most Israelis are dissatisfied with how Israel presents itself on the global stage, and that over half fear identifying as Israelis abroad, must serve as a major red flag.”
He called on Israel to urgently develop a long-term strategic plan, both to strengthen Israeli society from within and to bolster its global standing and partnerships with the Jewish world.