Jonathan Weisman on Generational Shifts in Jewish Identity and Israel
JUDJ-Prepared Summary from August 6, 2025 | American Antisemitism: Being Jewish in the Age of Trump. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the speaker.
In a recent America at a Crossroads discussion, journalist and author Jonathan Weisman examined how generational divides and political dynamics are reshaping Jewish identity, American politics, and the U.S.–Israel relationship. Weisman, a veteran political editor for The New York Times and author of Semitism: Being Jewish in America in the Age of Trump, explored how younger American Jews view Zionism, how Israel has become increasingly partisan in U.S. politics, and what these shifts mean for the future of Judaism and American political life.
Generational Divides on Zionism
Weisman described a profound shift in how younger Jews relate to Israel and Zionism. While many older Jews continue to see Israel as central to Jewish identity, younger generations are questioning or outright rejecting that connection.
He noted that even within his own family, his four daughters—once open to identifying as Zionists—no longer embrace the label. For many young Jews, Judaism in America is viewed as distinct from Judaism in Israel, with less emphasis on a shared national identity and more focus on domestic community life. Weisman suggested that insisting on Zionism as a core part of Jewish identity risks alienating Gen Z Jews from Judaism altogether.
Political Change and the “Sea Change” Moment
Beyond generational identity, Weisman pointed to political developments in Washington. A growing number of Democrats in the Senate have questioned arms sales to Israel, signaling what he called a “sea change” in U.S. policy.
He traced this back to former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s open alignment with Republicans during the Obama administration. Netanyahu’s willingness to bypass President Obama and work directly with Republican leaders eroded bipartisan consensus around Israel. As a result, support for Israel is increasingly partisan—a shift with long-term implications for U.S. politics.
The Case of Zoran Mamdani in New York
Weisman highlighted New York politics as an example of changing voter priorities. Zoran Mamdani, a progressive candidate who is critical of Israel, has gained strong support, including from young Jewish voters.
Weisman explained that Mamdani’s appeal has little to do with Israel. Instead, it reflects concerns about cost of living, rent, and the energy of a new political generation. For many voters—Jewish and non-Jewish alike—domestic issues overshadow debates about Israel. Older Jewish voters may worry about what Mamdani’s stance signals, but younger Jews see his campaign as addressing their everyday struggles.
The Crisis of Liberal Zionism
The discussion also turned to the shrinking space for liberal Zionists, both in Israel and the U.S. Weisman described how American liberal Jews often sustain their beliefs by imagining a large community of like-minded Israelis, even though liberal Zionist parties have virtually disappeared from Israel’s political landscape.
This creates a tension for American Jews who wish to reconcile their commitment to Israel with opposition to Netanyahu’s policies. The “dissonance,” as Weisman called it, has become an unavoidable part of liberal Jewish identity today.
Implications for American Politics and Judaism
Despite the generational divide, Weisman noted that Jewish voting patterns in the U.S. remain relatively stable. Most Jews still lean Democratic, though the growth of Orthodox communities may increase Republican support in the future.
The greater concern, he argued, is the survival of liberal Judaism in America. If Zionism is made a mandatory component of Jewish identity, younger Jews may disengage from Judaism altogether. To ensure continuity, Jewish leaders must allow for flexibility in how new generations define their relationship to Israel and their faith.
Conclusion
Jonathan Weisman painted a complex picture of a Jewish community at a crossroads. Generational differences are reshaping how American Jews think about Israel, Zionism, and even Judaism itself. Meanwhile, U.S. politics is undergoing its own transformation, with bipartisan consensus on Israel giving way to partisan division.
The challenge ahead, Weisman suggested, is finding a way for Judaism to remain vibrant and relevant to younger generations while navigating an increasingly fractured political landscape. For American Jews, the future of identity, politics, and faith may depend on how flexibly these questions are approached.
About America at a Crossroads
Since April 2020, America at a Crossroads has produced weekly virtual programs on topics related to the preservation of our democracy, voting rights, freedom of the press, and a wide array of civil rights, including abortion rights, free speech, and free press. America at a Crossroads is a project of Jews United for Democracy & Justice.