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Sixth Survey of European Jewish Community Leaders and Professionals, 2024
Author(s): Dimentstein, Marcelo
Date: 2024
Topics: Antisemitism, Jewish Perceptions of Antisemitism, Jewish Identity, Jewish Community, Jewish Leadership, Jewish Organisations, Main Topic: Antisemitism, October 7 2023 attacks + aftermath, Surveys
Abstract: The Sixth Survey of European Jewish Community Leaders and Professionals, 2024, presents the results of an online survey offered in 10 languages and administered to 879 respondents in 31 countries. Conducted every three years using the same format, the survey seeks to identify trends and their evolution over time. The 2024 survey came during a historically fraught moment for the Jewish people globally. The impact of the horrific October 7th attacks and the subsequent war in Israel cannot be understated. How is this affecting Jewish leadership and Jewish communal life? Therefore, in addition to the regular topics covered by the survey (community priorities, threats, security concerns, attitudes towards Europe and Israel), this edition included a special section designed to understand the impact of October 7th on Jewish life in Europe. That October 7th has profoundly affected Jewish Europe is evident across multiple sections throughout the survey. Concern about antisemitism and the threat of physical attack has intensified. A large majority of 78% feel less safe living as Jews in their cities than they did before the Hamas attack, and respondents are more cautious about how they identify themselves as Jews. They are also more distant from their wider environments, with 38% reporting they have become more distant from non-Jewish friends. The respondents were comprised of presidents and chairpersons of nationwide “umbrella organizations” or Federations; presidents and executive directors of private Jewish foundations, charities, and other privately funded initiatives; presidents and main representatives of Jewish communities that are organized at a city level; executive directors and programme coordinators, as well as current and former board members of Jewish organizations; among others
Fifth Survey of European Jewish Community Leaders and Professionals, 2021
Author(s): Dimentstein, Marcelo
Date: 2021
Topics: Main Topic: Identity and Community, Jewish Identity, Jewish Community, Coronavirus/Covid, Antisemitism, Israel Attachment, Fundraising and Philanthropy, Jewish Organisations, Security / Insecurity, Surveys
Abstract: The Fifth Survey of European Jewish Community Leaders and Professionals, 2021 presents the results of an online survey offered in 10 languages and administered to 1054 respondents in 31 countries. Conducted every three years using the same format, the survey seeks to identify trends and their evolution in time.

Even if European Jewish leaders and community professionals rank antisemitism and combatting it among their first concerns and priorities, they are similarly committed to expanding Jewish communities and fostering future sustainability by engaging more young people and unaffiliated Jews.

The survey covers a wide variety of topics including the toll of COVID-19 on European Jewish communities and a widening generational gap around pivotal issues. Conducted every three years since 2008, the study is part of JDC’s wider work in Europe, which includes its partnerships with local Jewish communities and programs aiding needy Jews, fostering Jewish life and leaders, resilience training.

The respondents were comprised of presidents and chairpersons of nationwide “umbrella organizations” or Federations; presidents and executive directors of private Jewish foundations, charities, and other privately funded initiatives; presidents and main representatives of Jewish communities that are organized at a city level; executive directors and programme coordinators, as well as current and former board members of Jewish organizations; among others.

The JDC International Centre for Community Development established the survey as a means to identify the priorities, sensibilities and concerns of Europe’s top Jewish leaders and professionals working in Jewish institutions, taking into account the changes that European Jewry has gone through since 1989, and the current political challenges and uncertainties in the continent. In a landscape with few mechanisms that can truly gauge these phenomena, the European Jewish Community Leaders Survey is an essential tool for analysis and applied research in the field of community development.
Germeindbarometer. Ergebnisbericht
Translated Title: Community Barometer
Date: 2020
Topics: Jewish Community, Jewish Organisations, Jewish Involvment, Main Topic: Identity and Community, Surveys
Abstract: Der Zentralrat der Juden hat in Zusammenarbeit mit dem Jewish Joint Distribution Committe (JDC) sowie dem Sozialforschungsinstitut infas eine Online-Umfrage unter Jüdinnen und Juden in Deutschland durchgeführt. Die Befragung lief vom 24. September bis zum 31. Dezember 2019. Untersucht wurden Einstellungen zur jüdischen Gemeinschaft, Erfahrungen in und mit jüdischen Gemeinden sowie mit bestehenden Angeboten.
Growing up Jewish in Poland
Author(s): Budziszewska, Magdalena
Date: 2020
Topics: Main Topic: Other, Youth, Young Adults / Emerging Adulthood, Teenagers, Youth Movements, Summer/Youth Camps, Longitudinal Studies, Interviews
Abstract: Growing up Jewish in Poland presents the findings of a study about the developmental trajectories of 17 children and adolescents from 14 families living in Poland who attended the Lauder-JDC International Jewish Youth Camp Szarvas (Hungary) for the first time at the time of the study (2015-2018). Resorting to a longitudinal analysis, the present study aims to examine what happens, over a period of three years, to a group of Jewish boys and girls that have experienced a Jewish summer camp for the first time in summer 2015. The study focused on the role that the summer camp itself plays in shaping a proactive Jewish life but also analyzed more globally other aspects that influence Jewish participation. What are the main factors that affect Jewish participation both on the kid’s and on the parents’ perspective? What are the possible “Jewish” trajectories of 13-to-16-year-old teenagers in Central Eastern Europe? Do they keep connected with Jewish life? If yes, how? What’s their scale of values? What are their priorities, their hopes, and their perceived future as they make their way from teenagehood to young adults?

The main methodological feature of this study lies in it being a qualitative, longitudinal, observational cohort study. In contrast to most studies that explore development retrospectively, this study involved interviewing first-time Szarvas campers and their families over a longer period, with up to three consecutive interviews per family over a period of three years. To our knowledge, this research experience is unique in Jewish Europe.
Fourth Survey of European Jewish Community Leaders and Professionals, 2018
Author(s): Kosmin, Barry A.
Date: 2018
Topics: Antisemitism, Fundraising and Philanthropy, Israel Attachment, Jewish Continuity, Religious Denominations, Security, Surveys, Jewish Leadership, Jewish Organisations, Main Topic: Identity and Community, Jewish Identity
Abstract: The Fourth Survey of European Jewish Community Leaders and Professionals, 2018 presents the results of an online survey offered in 10 languages and administered to 893 respondents in 29 countries. Conducted every three years using the same format, the survey seeks to identify trends and their evolution in time.

The survey asked Jewish lay leaders and community professionals questions regarding future community priorities, identifying the main threats to Jewish life, views on the safety and security situation in their cities, including emergency preparedness, and opinions on an array of internal community issues. Examples include conversions, membership criteria policies on intermarriage, and their vision of Europe and Israel.

The respondents were comprised of presidents and chairpersons of nationwide “umbrella organizations” or Federations; presidents and executive directors of private Jewish foundations, charities, and other privately funded initiatives; presidents and main representatives of Jewish communities that are organized at a city level; executive directors and programme coordinators, as well as current and former board members of Jewish organizations; among others.

The JDC International Centre for Community Development established the survey as a means to identify the priorities, sensibilities and concerns of Europe’s top Jewish leaders and professionals working in Jewish institutions, taking into account the changes that European Jewry has gone through since 1989, and the current political challenges and uncertainties in the continent. In a landscape with few mechanisms that can truly gauge these phenomena, the European Jewish Community Leaders Survey is an essential tool for analysis and applied research in the field of community development.

The Survey team was directed by Dr. Barry Kosmin (Trinity College), who has conducted several large national social surveys and opinion polls in Europe, Africa and the U.S., including the CJF 1990 US National Jewish Population Survey.
The Israeli-European Diaspora: A survey about Israelis living in Europe
Translated Title: התפוצה הישראלית-אירופית סקר על ישראלים החיים באירופה
Author(s): Dimentstein, Marcelo; Kaplan, Reut
Date: 2017
Topics: Main Topic: Identity and Community, Jewish Identity, Jewish Community, Israeli Expatriates, Diaspora, Immigration, Surveys
Abstract: Conducted in partnership with Machon Kehilot, a grass-roots organization established by Israelis living in Europe, the survey examined degrees of participation of Israelis living in Europe within their own networks and in local Jewish communities. What are the characteristics of the networks and communal frameworks set up by Israelis living in Europe? What kind of relationships do respondents have regarding local Jewish life? How do they perceive themselves in terms of Jewish identity? What are the main lessons for Jewish communities and organizations?

In total, 2,125 responses were collected, of which 890 full responses were taken for further analysis. The survey sample spans 27 European countries.

The report is available in English and in Hebrew.
Third Survey of European Jewish Leaders and Opinion Formers, 2015
Author(s): Kosmin, Barry A.
Date: 2016
Topics: Antisemitism, Fundraising and Philanthropy, Israel Attachment, Jewish Continuity, Religious Denominations, Security, Surveys, Jewish Leadership, Jewish Organisations, Main Topic: Identity and Community, Jewish Identity
Abstract: Launched by the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee’s International Centre for Community Development (JDC-ICCD), and conducted by a research team at Trinity College (Hartford, Connecticut, USA) between June and August 2015, the Third Survey of European Jewish Leaders and Opinion Formers presents the results of an online survey administered to 314 respondents in 29 countries. The survey was conducted online in five languages: English, French, Spanish, German and Hungarian. The Survey of European Jewish Leaders and Opinion Formers is conducted every three or four years using the same format, in order to identify trends and their evolution. Findings of the 2015 edition were assessed and evaluated based on the results of previous surveys (2008 and 2011). The survey posed Jewish leaders and opinion formers a range of questions about major challenges and issues that
concern European Jewish communities in 2015, and about their expectations of how communities will evolve over the next 5-10 years. The 45 questions (see Appendix) dealt
with topics that relate to internal community structures and their functions, as well as the external environment affecting communities. The questionnaire also included six open-ended questions in a choice of five languages. These answers form the basis of the qualitative analysis of the report. The questions were organized under the following headings:• Vision & Change (6 questions)
• Decision-Making & Control (1 question)
• Lay Leadership (1 question)
• Professional Leadership (2 questions)
• Status Issues & Intermarriage (5 questions)
• Organizational Frameworks (2 questions)
• Community Causes (2 questions)
• Jewish Education (1 question)
• Funding (3 questions)
• Communal Tensions (3 questions)
• Anti-Semitism/Security (5 questions)
• Europe (1 question)
• Israel (1 question)
• Future (2 questions)
• Personal Profile (9 questions)
Jewish Revival in Crete
Author(s): Clark, David
Date: 2006
Topics: Community Development, Outreach, Synagogues, Jewish Renewal, Jewish Heritage, Jewish Museums, Main Topic: Culture and Heritage, Jewish Revival
Abstract: The author sheds light on the efforts made by Nicholas Hanna-Stavroulakis, the mastermind behind the revitalization of the Jewish community in Crete. After the Holocaust, most Jews had been removed from the island; however, in 1979, Hannan-Stavroulakis initiated the creation of the first Jewish museum in Athens. He then moved on to restore Etz Hayyim Synagogue, which was badly damaged during the war. The goal was to orchestrate a Jewish community, which hadn't existed since the war, around the newly restored synagogue. By 2003, the synagogue became the center of a flourishing Jewish community in Crete, with regular Jewish and non-Jewish members who are active members and volunteers of the synagogue.
Survey Results: General Assembly Budapest 2004
Date: 2004
Topics: Jewish Organisations, Jewish Community, Jewish Identity, Surveys, Jewish Leadership, Antisemitism, Affiliation and Belonging, Main Topic: Identity and Community
Abstract: This survey was given to participants in the 3rd General Assembly of European Jewry, which was held in Budapest in May 2004. Participants were asked how many Jews participate in community programs in their respective cities; the programs and activities their Jewish community offers; and how they believe their community could be more effective in attracting more members.
The European Jewish Leaders and Opinion Formers Survey
Author(s): Gallup
Date: 2009
Topics: Community Development, Community Relations, Jewish Continuity, Jewish Leadership, Jewish Organisations, Main Topic: Identity and Community
Abstract: This report presents methodology, results and analysis of an online survey of Jewish leaders (lay and professional) and other Jewish opinion formers, conducted in late 2008. Key topics include population movement and change; security and antisemitism; status issues, intermarriage and non-Orthodox conversions; denominational tensions; financial situation of Jewish communities; ties with and attitudes toward Israel; decision-making and control; vision and change; Jewish community lay and professional leadership; community causes; and major priorities. (Jewish education is the top priority, most of the leaders survey agree.) Supplementary files are an executive summary and an accompanying press release.
Second Survey of European Jewish Leaders and Opinion Formers, 2011
Author(s): Kosmin, Barry A.
Date: 2012
Topics: Antisemitism, Fundraising and Philanthropy, Israel Attachment, Jewish Continuity, Religious Denominations, Security, Surveys, Jewish Leadership, Jewish Organisations, Main Topic: Identity and Community, Jewish Identity
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The Camping Experience: The Impact of JDC Jewish Summer Camps on Eastern European Jews
Author(s): Cohen, Erik H.
Date: 2013
Topics: Jewish Schools, Jewish Education, Main Topic: Education, Evaluation
Abstract: A comprehensive survey conducted (2008-2009) by the JDC International Centre for Community Development (ICCD) among Jews in five Eastern European countries provided data on Jewish background and current attitudes of young adults. Based on this data, a comparison is made of young adults who are alumni of Jewish summer camps and those who did not attend summer camp as youth. Campers express stronger Jewish identity as young adults, as documented through a number of indicators related to religious practice, Jewish Peoplehood and attachment to Israel. The impact of Jewish summer camps is particularly clear among campers from weak Jewish backgrounds.
Cosmopolitan but Slightly Worried: Survey of Young Italian Jews
Author(s): Meghnagi, Saul; Sonnino, Melissa; Techiouba, Ariel
Date: 2012
Topics: Immigration, Intermarriage, Jewish Identity, Young Adults / Emerging Adulthood, Youth, Surveys, Main Topic: Identity and Community
Abstract: This applied research contributes to the field of emerging adulthood studies. 144 young adults aged 18-35 coming from communities all over Italy were surveyed through an online questionnaire. Participants presented different levels of religious observance. 45% of young Italian Jews cited culture as the most important definition of Judaism, over family bonds (28%), religion (21%) and emotional ties (6%). Interestingly, 46% of participants declared being at least as religious as their parents and 32% even more religious. Young Italian Jews are divided over the issue of life partners and mixed marriages. Young Italian Jews are proud of Israel. The great majority of respondents (92%) did not view moving to Israel as a necessary condition for the future of Judaism. It was above all in the small communities where youngsters reported immigrants being hostile towards Jews (43%).
Identity à la Carte: Research on Jewish identities, participation and affiliation in five Eastern European countries
Author(s): Kovács, András; Ildiko, Barna; DellaPergola, Sergio; Kosmin, Barry
Date: 2011
Topics: Affiliation and Belonging, Antisemitism, Intermarriage, Israel Attachment, Surveys, Jewish Identity, Religious Observance and Practice, Main Topic: Identity and Community
Abstract:

This report describes the process and results of a research study on Jewish identity and community participation in Central and Eastern Europe. In particular, it identifies trends among Jewish adults in Bulgaria, Hungary, Latvia, Poland, Romania. This two-year and wide-reaching study, examined views on religious observance, Jewish identity, anti-Semitism, Israel, Jewish knowledge, and organizational affiliation among 1,270 Jews, ages 18-60.
Jewish feelings, Jewish practice? Kinderen uit gemengde relaties in Nederland [Nederlandse samenvatting]
Translated Title: Jewish feelings, Jewish practice? Children of Jewish intermarriage in the Netherlands [Dutch summary]
Author(s): Tanenbaum, Barbara; Kooyman, Riki
Date: 2014
Topics: Interviews, Intermarriage, Intermarriage: Children of Intermarried Couples, Main Topic: Identity and Community
Jewish feelings, Jewish practice? Children of Jewish intermarriage in the Netherlands
Translated Title: Jewish feelings, Jewish practice? Kinderen uit gemengde relaties in Nederland
Author(s): Tanenbaum, Barbara; Kooyman, Riki
Date: 2014
Topics: Interviews, Intermarriage, Intermarriage: Children of Intermarried Couples, Main Topic: Identity and Community
Abstract: Whereas there is already quite a significant bibliography focusing on the experiences of intermarried couples in Europe, less attention has been paid to their children. This study, along with parallel studies in Germany and France, suggest that the road to "assimilation" is not as linear and inevitable as it was thought to be; that the children of mixed couples never quite disconnect from Judaism, much on the contrary, Judaism is widely recognized to be an element of their identity. A second important finding is the capital role that the families and the Jewish institutions play in the formation of a positive Jewish identity among the children of intermarriage. Those who grow up in a Jewish household or who have been affiliated with Jewish institutions tend to develop stronger Jewish identities. Last but not least, far from being a "passive" population, most of the interviewees that want to be connected to Judaism show a very active attitude towards the search for a suitable Jewish environment, one that can assure them both legitimacy and acceptance.

Intermarriage within the Dutch Jewish community is on the rise. The numbers speak for themselves: out of the 52,000 Jews residing in the Netherlands 25% just have a Jewish mother and 30% a Jewish father. 50 in-depth interviews were conducted with individuals between the ages of 20 and 40 who have one Jewish parent and have different levels of community involvement. All respondents identify with Judaism in some way. How people connect to Judaism varies from person to person. Most people feel Jewish although their level of Judaism depends on their personal situation. There is a small group that feels Jewish in every situation and another group that only has a minimal connection to Judaism (mostly holding on to memories of the Shoah passed on by their parents and grandparents). Many individuals feel (strongly) connected to Judaism but do not practice Judaism in their daily lives.
„Ab und zu Kosher, ab und zu Shabbat” Eine Studie zu Identitäten, Selbstwahrnehmungen und Alltagspraktiken von Kindern aus „mixed families“ in Deutschland
Translated Title: “Once in a while kosher, once in a while Shabbat” A Study on the Identities, Perceptions, and Practices of Children of Mixed Marriages in Germany
Author(s): Bernstein, Julia
Date: 2014
Topics: Interviews, Intermarriage, Intermarriage: Children of Intermarried Couples, Jewish Identity, Main Topic: Identity and Community
Abstract: Für diese Studie wurden 45 Einzelpersonen aus verschiedenen Städten Deutschlands
interviewt. 26 davon haben jüdische Vorfahren mütterlicherseits, 19 haben jüdische
Vorfahren väterlicherseits. 23 davon haben einen Migrationshintergrund, wobei 21 aus
der früheren Sowjetunion nach Deutschland eingewandert sind. Mit einem Anteil von
90 bis 95% der heutigen Juden in Deutschland kann man davon ausgehen, dass diese
Gruppe einen maßgeblichen Einfluss auf das jüdische Leben in Deutschland gegenwärtig
hat und auch in Zukunft haben wird. Die Methode der Interviews war semistrukturiert
und mit offenem Ende. Als Folge bildete sich ein spezielles Forschungsmilieu heraus, in
dem sich die Teilnehmer emotional einbrachten und ihre Lebenserfahrungen mit dem
Forschungsteam teilten.
“Ma part juive : partie du judaïsme ou judéité à part ?“ La transmission du judaïsme chez les personnes issues de couples mixtes en région parisienne.
Translated Title: “My Jewish part: Being a Part of Judaism or Keeping Judaism Apart?” The transmission of Judaism among children of mixed marriages residing in the Paris metropolitan area.
Author(s): David, Julia
Date: 2014
Topics: Interviews, Intermarriage, Intermarriage: Children of Intermarried Couples, Main Topic: Identity and Community
Abstract: Cette étude a pour objectif de mettre en perspective les différents rapports existants
entre les personnes issues de couples mixtes au regard du judaïsme, de la communauté
juive et d’Israël. Elle a été réalisée par le biais d’entretiens menés auprès de 50 personnes
entre 20 et 40 ans, résidant en région parisienne. Ces différents témoignages permettent
d’illustrer et de prendre en considération la perception que ces personnes ont de leur
identité et de leur parcours, ainsi que de mieux appréhender les multiples enjeux liés à la
notion de « mixité »