Birthright Israel: Study Shows Impact of Oct. 7 & Rising Disconnection Among Non-Participants

The impact of Birthright Israel trips on young Jewish adults remains significant, even as the composition of participants and their prior experiences have shifted in the wake of the October 7th attacks and the subsequent war in Gaza. A new study from Brandeis University researcher Len Saxe reveals that even as the core effect of strengthening Jewish identity persists, the profile of those taking the trips – and those choosing not to – is changing. The findings underscore the complex interplay between geopolitical events, personal experiences, and Jewish affiliation in a period of heightened global antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment.

Saxe’s research, tracking the impact of Birthright Israel since its inception in 1999, detected a notable trend in the summer of 2025. Individuals who signed up for Birthright trips but ultimately did not participate demonstrated a marked decrease in connection to both Israel and their Jewish identity in the months following their initial application. This decline was significantly higher than anything previously observed, suggesting a unique dynamic at play.

The non-participants – those whose trips were disrupted by the June war with Iran or who opted out independently – reported a weakening sense of connection to Jewish values, history, tradition, and the broader Jewish community. While the study doesn’t definitively explain this shift, Saxe posits that it’s linked to the increasingly critical discourse surrounding Israel prevalent in many communities, particularly on university campuses. He notes that many applicants lack firsthand experience with Israel and Israelis, leading to a potentially unbalanced perspective on the ongoing conflict.

Shifting Demographics and Political Leanings

The study highlights a significant change in the demographics of Birthright participants. In the summer of 2025, 7,300 North Americans participated in a Birthright trip, out of a total of 10,000 applicants. The disruption caused by the war with Iran impacted trip numbers. A substantial 65% of participants were college-aged. Beyond sheer numbers, the study revealed a growing proportion of participants who had already engaged with Israel programming prior to their Birthright trip – 54% in 2025, compared to 38% in 2023. This increase is likely due to Birthright loosening its eligibility requirements in 2014, allowing those who had previously visited Israel to participate again.

Perhaps the most striking demographic shift is the surge in Orthodox participants, now comprising approximately one in five of those on Birthright trips – a threefold increase from the summer of 2023. Similarly, the percentage of participants who attended Jewish day school rose from 23% to 38% over the same period. These changes suggest a growing appeal of Birthright to those already deeply embedded in Jewish life.

Alongside these demographic shifts, the study also detected a noticeable rightward political shift among Birthright participants. In 2025, 42% identified as conservative, and 34% as liberal, a stark contrast to 2023, when 20% identified as conservative and 57% as liberal. This political realignment warrants further investigation, but it could reflect a broader trend of increased conservatism within the Jewish community in response to rising antisemitism and criticism of Israel.

The Enduring Impact on Jewish Identity

Despite these changes in participant profiles, the core impact of Birthright Israel remains consistent: strengthening participants’ connection to Judaism. The study found that those who did participate still reported a deepened sense of Jewish identity. This finding is corroborated by a recent survey by the Jewish Federations of North America, which revealed that millennial Jews – the demographic most heavily influenced by Birthright – are the only age group where a majority identify as “Zionist.”

The analysis further indicates that for self-identified liberals who participated in Birthright, the trip’s most significant impact was on their understanding of what it means to be Jewish. Liberal participants reported substantial increases in their sense of Jewish identity as “extremely vital” after their trips – 48% post-trip compared to 29% beforehand. Even those whose trips were cut short due to fighting overwhelmingly reported a positive impact on their understanding of their Jewish identity.

This suggests that Birthright continues to fulfill its primary objective: bolstering participants’ Jewish identities, particularly among those with limited prior connection to Judaism and Israel. As Saxe explains, the program appears to be most effective in strengthening the connection to Israel and Jewish identity among those who are politically liberal and have the least prior engagement.

Birthright Leadership Emphasizes Program’s Necessity

Birthright Israel’s leadership has responded to the study’s findings by emphasizing the program’s crucial role in countering declining Jewish engagement. Gidi Mark, international CEO of Birthright Israel, stated that the research “makes unmistakably clear that Birthright Israel moves participants in the opposite direction” of the “cultural headwinds” facing young Jews. Elias Saratovsky, president and CEO of the Birthright Israel Foundation, framed the situation as a critical juncture, warning that failure to invest in programs like Birthright could lead to a loss of the younger generation.

The organization’s messaging underscores a sense of urgency, positioning Birthright as a vital intervention in a challenging environment for Jewish identity and affiliation. This perspective is particularly salient given the documented rise in antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment globally, especially following Hamas’s October 7th invasion of Israel and the ensuing conflict in Gaza.

The Broader Context of Jewish Identity and Israel Engagement

The findings from the Brandeis University study resonate with broader trends in Jewish identity and engagement. For decades, concerns have been raised about declining rates of affiliation and participation in Jewish communal life, particularly among younger generations. Factors contributing to this trend include assimilation, intermarriage, and a growing sense of secularism.

The conflict in Israel and the rise of anti-Israel sentiment have further complicated this landscape. For some, these developments have reinforced their connection to Israel and Jewish identity, while for others, they have created a sense of alienation or disillusionment. The Birthright program, with its focus on providing firsthand experiences in Israel, aims to counter negative perceptions and foster a deeper connection to Jewish heritage and culture.

However, the study also highlights the importance of addressing the broader context in which young Jews are forming their opinions about Israel. The lack of personal experience with Israel and Israelis, coupled with exposure to critical narratives, can create a skewed perspective. Birthright’s efforts to reach a wider range of participants, including those with limited prior engagement, are therefore crucial in fostering a more nuanced understanding of the region and its complexities.

Looking Ahead: Sustaining Connection in a Changing World

The evolving demographics and political leanings of Birthright participants suggest a need for continued adaptation and innovation. The program will likely need to address the concerns of those who are critical of Israeli policies while simultaneously reinforcing the core values of Jewish identity and heritage.

the study underscores the importance of reaching those who choose not to participate in Birthright. The decline in connection to Judaism and Israel among non-participants suggests a need for alternative programs and initiatives that can engage this segment of the population. This could include virtual experiences, educational programs, or opportunities for dialogue and exchange.

the success of Birthright Israel – and the broader effort to strengthen Jewish identity – will depend on its ability to navigate a complex and rapidly changing world. The program’s continued relevance will require a commitment to inclusivity, nuance, and a willingness to adapt to the evolving needs and perspectives of young Jewish adults. The organization’s leadership clearly believes that proactive engagement, as demonstrated by Birthright, is essential to counter the forces pushing against Jewish connection and pride.