JERUSALEM (VINnews) — As part of Diaspora Week, which began this week, the 2026 Diaspora Closeness Index was presented to President Isaac Herzog by Avi Cohen-Scali, Director-General of the Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism. The index examines the attitudes of the Israeli public toward relations with Jewish communities around the world.

President Herzog emphasized that ties with Diaspora Jewry are a fundamental component of Israel’s identity: “The State of Israel sees its relationship with Jewish communities around the world as a value of the highest importance and an inseparable part of the nation’s identity. It is our duty to continue nurturing this deep connection, strengthen the sense of mutual responsibility among all parts of the Jewish people, and pass on to future generations the importance of the bond between the State of Israel and Jewish communities worldwide.”

According to the survey, there is a clear trend toward strengthening Jewish identity among Israelis:

• 57% of respondents define themselves as Jewish before Israeli, a sharp increase from 34% last year.
• 87% of Israelis report being proud of their Jewish identity.
• 85% believe that being Jewish means belonging to a people with a shared history and roots. This perception strengthened particularly among secular Israelis, reaching 82%.

The survey also found that:

• 94% of Israelis expect Diaspora Jews to support Israel during times of war.
• 66% view assimilation as a significant threat to the Jewish people.

At the same time, there has been a decline in the sense of responsibility that Israelis believe the state owes to Diaspora Jewry. According to the report’s authors, this reflects a process of “identity consolidation”, a strengthening of national and communal identity alongside the belief that the state should prioritize its own citizens when allocating resources.

The index is based on a survey of 1,216 Israeli Jews aged 18 and over and includes ten key variables related to identity, mutual responsibility, and perceptions of obligation.

Diaspora Week, taking place from May 31 to June 6, includes a series of educational and community events throughout Israel. As part of the initiative, the government approved three resolutions totaling more than 100 million shekels aimed at strengthening Jewish identity and ties with Diaspora communities.

Among the measures are:

• Expanding educational programs.
• Training teachers from Diaspora communities at Israeli academic institutions.
• Coordinating government programs related to Israel experience initiatives.

Minister for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Amichai Chikli said:

“For decades, Diaspora Jews strengthened the State of Israel. Today it is our turn to strengthen them. That is why the Government of Israel is increasing its investment in Jewish communities around the world, based on the understanding that the most important investment is in Jewish education, the foundation of identity, mutual responsibility, and the future of the Jewish people.”

Avi Cohen-Scali, Director-General of the ministry, added:

“The only way to guarantee the continuity of the Jewish people forever is through Jewish education. We will do everything possible to strengthen Jewish education and Jewish identity throughout the Diaspora in order to ensure the future existence of the Jewish people.”