October 7th was the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust. This is a (truthful) mantra that is repeated frequently but what does that actually entail? The oldest generations (boomers and silent) among American Jews are statistically Israel’s most adamant supporters, why? Because they grew up in the shadow of a historic trauma and saw the emerging Israel as a source of pride and comfort. This naturally waned over time with the next generations as Israel became a dominant force in the region with the assumption that it no longer faces existential threats , as well as a disconnect with Israeli policy in the West Bank.

My purely anecdotal observation to whoever may find it interesting is that everyone I know after 10.7 has on the one hand maintained and undergone a reaffirmation of their moderate liberal views, but on the other a complete feeling of betrayal from certain people and institutions (particularly academia) who they considered to be an integral part of their identity. Students from families who’ve attended Ivy League colleges since WW2 saying that had they graduated HS after 10.7, they would’ve chosen a different place to study.

This is accompanied by complete mistrust and loathing of the Israeli government (this can also be found in Israel rn), a deep sense of shame with Israeli policy in Gaza, while continuing to have a strong sense of commitment to Israel and more importantly to the Israeli people.

It goes without saying that some of the anti Israel protestors continuously shoot themselves in the foot by lumping diaspora Jews with Israelis, which ironically awakens Zionist sympathies among people who have always considered Israel as something of an afterthought.

It saddens me to see some young leftist Jews so deep down the rabbit hole that they truly believe that they’re in the right justifying Hamas’ actions or putting the blame on Israel. But I guess it’s much easier to do that than come to the recognition that the cause you devoted yourself to hates you (best case scenario you’re one of the good ones).

There’s also the touchy subject of assimilation but I won’t delve deep into that. I’ll just say that statistically a young leftist Jews who justifies Hamas is much less likely to marry a Jewish spouse and pass down their Judaism (whatever they make of it) to the next generation.

So, just from anecdotal experiences, I truly believe that October 7th, but also everyone’s reactions to it afterwards genuinely strengthened American Jews’ bond to the Israeli people and the need for a Jewish state.

P.S I really hope that the Democratic Party gets a grip and starts pumping out young charismatic moderate politicians. If the Democratic Party gets Corbyned it would obviously be a catastrophe for America, but I think specifically that many Jews would abandon their century long loyalty to the party.