Survey: 90 Percent of Jews in Israel Oppose Intermarriage

A survey conducted by the Smith Institute on behalf of Yad L’Achim shows that more than 90 percent of the Jewish public in Israel staunchly opposes intermarriage between their son or daughter and a Muslim.

The survey, released last week, also shows that among the secular public in Israel some 20 percent are personally familiar with couples who have intermarried, compared to 12 percent in the religious-chareidi sector.

The survey also examined the public’s attitude toward Yad L’Achim, which is known for its promotional campaigns aimed at preventing intermarriage among young Jews, for battling missionary groups and for rescuing Jewish girls married to Arab men who are seeking to return to their people. More than 50 percent expressed support for the organization’s activities.

In response to the survey, Yad L’Achim released the following statement: “The fact that more than 90 percent oppose assimilation shows that it’s a consensus issue: the people of Israel oppose intermarriage. This is a very encouraging and moving figure and tells us that the vast majority of the public is faithful to the Jewish principle that has always protected us.

“On the other hand, the figure showing that 20 percent personally know an intermarried couple is further evidence of the tragic fact that every year hundreds of girls assimilate and intermarry. This is a frightening figure.

“We have long known that the Israeli public identifies with Yad L’Achim in its campaigns to promote pride among the youth in their Jewish identity and assistance in cases of intermarriage, and are gratified to see it reflected in this survey.”

The public identifies.
The cover of a Yad L’Achim publication on the perils of intermarriage