A new survey shows that younger Americans in both political parties view Israel less favorably than their elders, results that show dissent on the issue is not driven solely by partisanship. “It’s surprising that it’s in both parties,” says David Lazer, distinguished professor of political science and computer and information science at Northeastern University, and a lead on the project. “We know what’s happening in the Democratic Party, but the fact is we’re seeing that incipient change in the Republican Party, too.”
Israel has been the subject of increased attention since October 7, 2023, when the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched an attack on Israel, killing some 1,200 civilians and taking 253 hostages. Israel’s war of retaliation has displaced much of the Gazan population and killed 29,000 Gazans, according to the local health authorities, which do not distinguish between civilians and combatants.
The Civic Health and Institutions Project: a 50 State Survey, involves researchers from Northeastern, Harvard University, Rutgers University and the University of Rochester. Succeeding the COVID States Project, the researchers periodically survey respondents from 50 states and the District of Columbia on attitudes and behaviors.
