The last 19 months have been grueling and devastating for Jews worldwide, but have also sparked disagreements among the Jewish community at this university.

Mitzpeh conducted a survey that was sent to Jewish students, asking them for their stances regarding the Israel-Hamas war, whether a two-state solution is possible, on what capacity should the U.S. get involved, and how they feel about Israel’s leadership.

The 40-question Google Form survey – which was posted on Mitzpeh’s Instagram page and sent to various Whatsapp group chats containing Jewish students – drew 48 responses. Despite the small sample, the results reflect divisions within the Jewish community at this university on key issues.

Of the 48 responses, 45 identify as Jewish and 3 do not. 45 of the 48 responses believe Israel has the right to exist and defend itself, two respondents do not think so, and one responded “I don’t know.” When asked if they believe Palestinians have the right to self-determination, 26 said “yes,” 8 said “no,” and 14 said “I don’t know.”

Where Do Students Get Their News?

FINDING: Of the 47 responses to the multiple-select question asking where students get their news from, 36 respondents said they get most of their news from social media, and 26 selected “Whatsapp group chats.” It’s important to note that 26 respondents also selected Times of Israel and the Jerusalem Post as the main source of their news. 

ANALYSIS: These numbers could reflect an aversion to engaging with news one disagrees, popular among this community.

Using social media or Whatsapp group chats to receive your news makes it easy to be selective as to which perspectives you are exposed to.  

The majority of respondents engage with social media platforms, and whatsapp group chats, but not with various reputable news sources. This can suggest a lack of conversation and acknowledgement of disagreements in the community. 

It may also contribute to growing polarization, as echo chambers reinforce existing beliefs rather than encouraging exposure to opposing viewpoints. In a time of high political stakes, students may be prioritizing comfort in their communities over hearing a wider range of perspectives.

Israel’s Leadership

FINDING: Questions regarding Israel’s leadership revealed a divide in UMD’s Jewish community. Reflecting on their perception before the war, 33.3% of respondents remembered feeling “neutral” on Israel’s leadership, whereas 25% were “not that confident,” and just 6% were “very confident.”

Now, 31.3% are “completely unconfident”, 35.3% are “not that confident,” and 4.2% are still “very confident.”

ANALYSIS: Nearly 94% of respondents believe Israel has the right to defend itself, but many of those same people have lost trust in the way Israel has managed its priorities in this war: including prolonged hostage negotiations, repeated ceasefire collapses, and the IDF’s intensive operations in Gaza.

These world events have filtered into the perceptions of UMD’s Jewish students. While many still support Israel broadly, 65% of respondents said they believe Israel’s leadership has not shown complete transparency.

The majority of Maryland’s Jewish community fosters Zionism and support for Israel, but students have increasingly lost trust and confidence in its leadership as the war has gone on.

Two-State Solution

FINDING: Before the war began, 56.3% of respondents believed a two-state solution was possible. 

Now, just 10.4% think it should happen immediately. Instead, 41.7% believe it will never be possible, and 35.4% think it’s only possible in the distant future. Respondents identified the biggest obstacle as Hamas and Palestinian leadership (52.1%), followed by a lack of trust between the sides (25%).

ANALYSIS: These results suggest a sharp decline in optimism about the two-state solution among Jewish students since Oct. 7. Several developments over the last 19 months have strained belief in a viable peace process. Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack, which killed 1,200 Israelis and took hundreds hostage, further destroyed trust. 

Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has resulted in international criticism, and may have hardened views on both sides. With no clear alternative of Palestinian leadership to Hamas, and with trust in leadership at a low point, the idea of coexistence seems increasingly difficult to many students. 

While support for Israel’s right to exist remains strong among respondents, that support no longer translates to belief in a negotiated two-state solution.

American Intervention

FINDING: Respondents were divided on what role the U.S. should play in the near future. About 47% said the U.S. should play a major role in mediating peace in the region whereas nearly 49% argued for the U.S. to play a minor role. The remaining 4% believe the U.S. should play no role.

ANALYSIS: The near-even split among Jewish students at this university over the U.S.’s role in this conflict reflects a broader national uncertainty about American involvement in the Middle East. 

The percentage of respondents who support a major U.S. role likely view American representation as essential to achieving a long-term resolution, given the historic ties the U.S has to Israel. 

Meanwhile, the respondents advocating for only a minor role may be influenced by skepticism about America’s effectiveness, or concern that its involvement could increase tensions.

Events over the last 19 months – the international community divided over Israel’s military actions, tensions over weapons being sent to Israel, and the numerous calls for ceasefires – have likely reinforced doubts among students about how impartial or involved U.S. mediation can be. 

For some, American leadership is necessary, but for others, it is seen as politically compromising.

What have we learned?

While the Jewish community at this university is primarily Zionist, the survey results reveal divisions on key issues surrounding the ongoing war – ranging from trust in Israel’s leadership to the role of the U.S. in the conflict.

These differences suggest that even with the notion of a unified campus perspective from the Jewish community, the war has sparked criticism and reflection from students at this university.

The war has pushed many to reevaluate previously-held views and speak more openly about their concerns.