BREAKING THE SILENCE TRACING THE RISE OF ANTI-ZIONIST SENTIMENT AMONG JEWISH MILLENNIALS AND GEN-Z

Abstract

This paper examines the evolving stance of young Jewish Millennials and Generation Z toward Zionism and the Israel-Palestine conflict. Historically, Zionism has been widely embraced within Jewish communities as a movement crucial to Jewish identity and security. However, recent years have seen an increasing number of younger Jewish individuals in Israel and the diaspora question, and even oppose, traditional Zionist ideologies. This shift is fueled by growing discomfort with Israel’s policies in Palestinian territories, which many young Jews view as inconsistent with values of social justice, equality, and human rights. Through a mixed-methods approach that includes a review of mainstream and social media content, this study analyzes the factors behind this generational shift, highlighting the role of historical context, educational influences, and increased access to Palestinian perspectives. Prominent voices from within the Jewish community, including intellectuals and activists, reveal a disillusionment with Zionism and a growing alignment with anti-Zionist movements. The paper also explores how these changes are impacting Jewish identity, community dynamics, and global perspectives on the Israel-Palestine conflict. By focusing on the generational divide, this study sheds light on a transformative moment in Jewish engagement with Israel, underscoring increased solidarity with Palestinian rights among young Jews and a rising demand for Palestinian sovereignty.