Between Home and Homeland: Jewish College Students Confront the Israel-Gaza Conflict and Campus Divides

Abstract

This study examines the experiences of Jewish college students in the United States following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel and the resulting Israel-Gaza conflict. Using qualitative analysis, it identifies six distinct response categories–“Affirmed,” “Aggrieved,” “Retrenched,” “Conflicted,” “Disengaged,” and “Disillusioned”–based on ratings across seven axes, including connectedness, activism, and emotional well-being. The findings highlight the intersection of global events and polarized campus climates, revealing tensions between Jewish identity, antisemitism, anti-Zionism, and political engagement. This study provides insights into how young Jews navigate vulnerability, community, and solidarity during a time of crisis, revealing responses ranging from pride to alienation.