Anti-semitism and Israel affiliation in the American Jewish community: an analysis of American Jewish identity
Description
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.
Date Created
The date the item was original created (prior to any relationship with the ASU Digital Repositories.)
2018
Agent
- Author (aut): Hobbs, Emma Caroline
- Thesis advisor (ths): Adelman, Madelaine
- Committee member: Shabazz, Rashad
- Committee member: Cohen, Adam
- Committee member: Langille, Timothy
- Publisher (pbl): Arizona State University