Anti-Semitism and Israel Affiliation in the American Jewish Community: An Analysis of American Jewish Identity

abstract: Relevant literature was analyzed alongside interview data from participants concerning issues of anti-Semitism, Israel affiliation, and Jewish identity. Qualitative coding and theme identification were used to determine possible relationships among the variables, with special attention to...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Other Authors: Hobbs, Emma Caroline (Author)
Format: Dissertation
Language:English
Published: 2018
Subjects:
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/2286/R.I.49356
Description
Summary:abstract: Relevant literature was analyzed alongside interview data from participants concerning issues of anti-Semitism, Israel affiliation, and Jewish identity. Qualitative coding and theme identification were used to determine possible relationships among the variables, with special attention to the role anti-Semitism plays in influencing Israel affiliation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 9 young American Jews (18-24) currently enrolled as undergraduate students in universities. The results revealed that continuity of the Jewish people is a core value for many American Jews. Anti-Semitism is often under reported by young American Jews, but for some anti-Israel sentiments are conflated with anti-Semitism. It was also observed that knowledge of anti-Semitism plays an integral role in shaping Jewish identity. Finally, it was found that Israel affiliation polarizes the Jewish community, often resulting in the exclusion of left-leaning Jews from the mainstream Jewish community. These results were analyzed within racial, social, and political frameworks. === Dissertation/Thesis === Masters Thesis Justice Studies 2018