Israel Democracy Institute

Who goes to Uman for Rosh Hashanah? IDI releases new poll as holiday approaches

Uman, a city in central Ukraine, is the burial site of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov (1772–1810), the founder of the Breslov Hasidic movement.

Jewish men pray at the tomb of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov in Uman, ahead of the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah, October 1, 2024
 THE ZIONIST identity didn’t overcome the Jewish identity, nor did the opposite occur: An IDF soldier puts on tefillin.

National-religious men overrepresented in IDF reserves as haredim stay absent, IDI analysis finds

New York Times columnist Bret Stephens delivered the "State of World Jewry" talk at the 92nd Street Y in Manhattan, Feb. 1, 2026.

'Jewish terrorists': Pro-Israel columnist Bret Stephens speaks against West Bank settler violence

US VICE President JD Vance and President Donald Trump listen to Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the White House, April 23, 2026, during an earlier round of talks. Trump leads now; Vance and Rubio are next. Israel was in the room as an ambassador, not a principal.

Editor's Notes: Israel just met the America that comes after Trump - comment


Haredi boys schools lack enforcement of basic educational requirements, IDI study reveals

The study's findings have raised concerns about the quality of education and the integration of ultra-Orthodox students into Israeli society.

 Ultra-Orthodox children hold makeshift gallows as part of a protest against the haredi draft, in Jerusalem in 2024.

Mossad chief Barnea most trusted official among Arab Israelis, IDI poll reveals

In a poll conducted during Operation Rising Lion, the IDI learned that only 40% of Israeli adults have retained trust in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Mossad director David Barnea seen over a wall of hostage posters in Tel Aviv (illustrative)

Shas ministers will support any deal that will bring home hostages, Ben-Tzur says

The remarks were noteworthy, as they contradicted those of other ministers and of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said that the ultimate goal of the war was victory over Hamas.

 Minister of Labour Yoav Ben Tzur at a presentation of the Poverty report for 2024, provided by National Insurance Institute, in Jerusalem, December 18, 2024.

Israel not prioritizing Iran, beating Hamas won’t end Gaza extremism, former security advisor says

"The absolute damage Israel has caused and exacted from Hamas is unprecedented compared to any other enemy Israel has fought," said Dr. Eyal Hulata.

A Palestinian Hamas terrorist displays guns on the day of the handover of hostages,  in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, February 22, 2025.

Bill proposing 80% tax on NGO foreign aid may harm Diaspora Jews, Kariv warns

The bill aims to prevent indirect influence by foreign governments by taxing donations to NGOs that serve as their "agents of change."

 MK Gilad Kariv leads an Immigration, Absorption and Diaspora Affairs Committee meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem on March 11, 2025.

Nearly half of Israelis back Iran strike without US support – survey

Among Jewish Israelis, 52% support a strike compared to 34.5% who oppose it. In contrast, 76% of Arab Israelis oppose military action against Iran, with just 9% in support.

 A war between Israel and Iran (illustrative)

Letters to the editor, April 28, 2025: Judge and Jury

Readers of The Jerusalem Post have their say.

 Letters

Almost half of Israelis do not think you can remove Hamas and release hostages - poll

Israel Democracy Institute found that 68% of respondents would prioritize returning the hostages, compared to 25% who would prioritize toppling Hamas.

A Palestinian Hamas terrorist speaks with a Stephanie Eller before the release of hostages held in Gaza since the deadly October 7, 2023 attack, as part of a ceasefire and a hostages-prisoners swap deal between Hamas and Israel in Khan Yunis, in the southern Gaza Strip, February 15, 2025.

'Loyalist’ Shin Bet head could dismantle democracy, says Israel Democracy Institute VP - interview

"This could have dramatic, far-reaching implications for the independence and professionalism of the entire public service,” Navot wrote.

 Ronen Bar, head of the Shin Bet security services, at a state ceremony marking the Hebrew calendar anniversary of the Hamas attack on October 7 of last year which sparked the ongoing war in Gaza, at Mount Herzl military cemetery in Jerusalem on October 27, 2024.

Purim Shpiel: Itamar Ben-Gvir voted Israel's Sexiest Man Alive

Purim Shpiel: The following is a satirical article from The Jerusalem Post's annual parodic Purim page, The Jerusalem Roast. Enjoy!

 Itamar Ben-Gvir.