By Nikki Hinshaw, M.A. Global Communication, ’22
Narrative Challenge: Anti-Israel Sentiment [1] in the United States
Growing anti-Israel sentiment has appeared globally, including in the United States, over the past few years. While the roots of such sentiment span as far back as the beginning of the Jewish state and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, more recent controversial domestic policy decisions in Israel such as settlement operations in the West Bank have further exacerbated the issue.
This escalation of anti-Israel sentiment in the U.S. can be found in political platforms and leaders that advocate for anti-Israel boycotts and sanctions, but also through the changing opinions of everyday Americans.
Pew polling[2] detailed in the graphs on the right reveals the extent to which American publics demonstrate diminishing support for Israel. While Republicans have steadily grown their support following 9/11, Democrats—and especially the more liberal segments of the party—have consistently reported lower rates of sympathy and support.
Also of note is that more than 50 percent of American Jews—who serve as significant targets for Israeli public diplomacy efforts—identify with more liberal segments of U.S. politics. Furthermore, the more progressive side of U.S. Democratic politics comprises nearly 50 percent of the party, with a large portion of that camp being young, white college students. This data showcases the segments of American society with which Israel’s existing narrative framework is ineffective. It is within these same segments of society where domestic U.S. narratives are waning as well.
Narrative Contestation in the U.S. and Israel
The U.S. and Israel are connected not only through shared geopolitical concerns in the Middle East region, but also through shared identity—or master—narratives, which connect citizens of a nation under a set of deep-rooted values and characteristics that have been consistently reiterated over time. Both the Israel and the U.S. view themselves as narrative heroes who overcame exceptional obstacles, persecution and occupation only to create flourishing, liberal democracies that serve as international beacons of democratic values and human rights. These narratives have been crafted through historical examples such as the U.S.’s triumph over British rule in the American Revolution, or the creation of the Jewish state following devastating persecution of the Jewish people through the Holocaust.
However, in the modern day, these narratives have become less salient. In order for narratives to be widely accepted, they must be convincing, appealing, and genuine. When narratives fail to encompass these aspects, they can be contested. At the root of Israeli and U.S. identity narrative contestation is epistemological contestation, meaning that the way in which the world has come to understand the situations underlying their narratives is incongruent with the narratives they provide.
For example, within the U.S., the narrative of American exceptionalism drives a vision of the nation as a global leader that holds unique, aspirational, and liberal values. However, the recent Capitol riots, coupled with a summer of protests for civil rights, were seen as evidence of the failure of American democracy by domestic and foreign audiences alike.
As demonstrated through the aforementioned polling on American support for Israel, the view of Israel as a liberal, democratic leader has also diminished, especially through its treatment of the Palestinians and global image as an occupying power. The declining support for Israeli and U.S. master narratives indicate a need for new or altered narratives in both nations; a shared need that could prove useful in Israel’s mission to combat anti-Israel sentiment.
Re-Constructing Democratic Narratives
To garner support across the United States, Israel can capitalize upon recent U.S. reckonings with democratic freedoms and civil rights and lean into shared narratives of the complicated and ongoing process of managing a diverse, democratic state.
As the United States is experiencing similar challenges with leading as an idealistic, Democratic state globally while great injustice occurs at home, Israel should work alongside the U.S. in redefining their democratic identity narratives to reflect the idea of the “great democratic experiment.” This entails the two nations reaffirming their commitments to such values while acknowledging the constant evolution a democratic state must undergo to best uphold those associated values, which is a timely challenge in both countries. In making this change, they will project a narrative that has stronger epistemological congruency than existing identity narratives – such as American exceptionalism – that outright reject any valid criticism of evident anti-Democratic political and social challenges.
Educational Exchange as Narrative Re-Construction
Israel engaging in this narrative re-construction alongside the U.S. serves to illuminate any hypocrisies American publics project when criticizing Israeli actions, as it prompts reflection on the social and political challenges the U.S. experiences itself, especially considering its legacy of racism and slavery. In order to advance this re-construction, I propose further investment into educational exchange programs between Israeli and American youth focused on topics such as democracy, human rights, protest, and more. Such programs can both target the segment of the U.S. population who espouse strong anti-Israel sentiment; young, liberal, college-aged students, and also connect young activists in both nations who are not ignorant to the challenges their nations face, but who are committed to helping their nations reach aspirational democratic goals.
Encouraging open, honest conversation about Israel, what it means to live in a democracy, and the challenges and benefits to such a system will introduce the U.S. and the rest of the world to a new narrative of Israel that is consistent with the complex conditions of its role in the international system today.
For a detailed analysis by the author on the subject, Click Here.
[1] Anti-Israel sentiment is defined in accordance with the Anti-Defamation League, referring to both legitimate and illegitimate criticism of Israel, the Israeli government, and its policies: https://www.adl.org/resources/tools-and-strategies/what-is-anti-israel-anti-semitic-anti-zionist
[2] Pew Research Center bears no responsibility for the analyses or interpretations of the data presented here. The opinions expressed herein, including any implications for policy, are those of the author and not of Pew Research Center.
The opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author. They do not express the views of the Institute for Public Diplomacy and Global Communication or the George Washington University.
So true! Reflection is vital – we have to remember that narratives are just that, stories that we tell to connect facets of our nations’ past, present, and future. At the end of the day, lived experience is what guides our creation and perception of narrative, and without concrete evidence of a truly equitable and democratic, neither Israel nor the United States can continue to parrot these notions of democracy and fairness.
I think your assertion that a shared focus on combating injustice in our democratic systems can strengthen the relationship between these two countries is insightful. During the pandemic, marginalized populations are especially vulnerable to oppression by these systems.
I think educational exchange programs provide part of a solution as long as they highlight perspectives from these communities.
Great article with very interesting polling results! I think your case is laid out perfectly and you provide some solid options for Israel to capitalize on current U.S. events to engage in narrative re-construction. However, I am not sure the U.S. has figured out what its messaging will be after the Capitol events, so Israel may want to see how well that plays out. The 2024 elections will be an interesting point in U.S. democracy and Israel may find leverage during that election to reach out to American audiences.
The idea of a shared narrative between the U.S. and Israel is super fascinating. I would be interested to see whether levels of support for Israel have stayed the same, increased, or decreased on among religious communities in the U.S. over the years–especially among Christian populations (Catholic, Evangelical, etc.).
Regarding narratives and support, I notice that being critical of certain policies in a different nation is often equated with being “anti” the country. Is it possible to be critical of the U.S. and some of the issues we are walking through (I.e. race) but still be overall supportive? And vice versa–is it possible to be critical of some aspects of Israel’s policy, but still find affinity and support for Israel? Support often feels treated like a monolith, especially when polling is concerned.
Excellent article with an interesting use of polling data! The benefits of educational exchange programs are truly endless.
Lots of really important insights, especially on the question of narratives, shared and otherwise. I might also add the importance of the evangelical community in the United States. One of the other possible connections is how Israel used to be bipartisan but no more. I think that Bibi gets a lot of credit for this.
Great work! I am one of those pesky anti-zionist American Jews, so perhaps I can offer my perspective. An apartheid state built on colonization and ethnic cleansing run by an authoritarian racist like Netanyahu cannot be considered a democracy by any means. If Israel wants to redefine their democratic identity they will have to move away from the idea of a jewish ethno-state and start to learn how to live with Palestinians, Palestinian-Israelis, and Black Jews without legalized segregation, racism, and islamophobia.
I think the idea of an educational exchange is a good one, but it must include a Palestinian perspective. Learning about a person’s culture face-to-face humanizes them and could help educate Israelis and Americans alike on, not only the very real and tragic history of zionist colonization, but also what it means to celebrate Palestinian identity and culture while living under a military occupation.
In relation to American Jews, Netanyahu’s weaponization of anti-semitism and constantly “playing the victim” is infuriating and quite disgusting. If Israel wants to reach progressive American Jews, they’ll have to stop using the Holocaust as an excuse to perpetrate violence onto a far weaker adversary in Palestine. Will Israel’s extreme right-wing politics allow for these changes to occur domestically without international interference? I have serious doubts. Would a cultural exchange, free of propaganda and the white-washing of the Palestinian experience, between Americans, Israelis, and Palestinians of different political ideologies help Israel’s case? Absolutely.
Very thought-provoking! I’m no expert on the topic, but would be interesting to further examine concrete strategies to target the policy to the desired audience. It’s very likely that even within young and college-aged students, people already more aligned with pro-Israel sentiment are gonna be the ones ultimately sorting into the policy. What do you think?
Fantastic use of polling data and communications theory. Educational exchange is a generally well-received arm of public diplomacy, to both participating cultures. To Ben’s point, having an open and honest discourse (on democracy, human rights and protest) should take into account recent conversations on race, nationalism and colonial narratives. A constructive critique is necessary for any democracy, especially those that have undergone recent or drastic changes [i.e. the foreign policy shift under Biden and the uncertain outcomes of Israel’s last four legislative elections].
“As new discoveries are made, new truths discovered and manners and opinions change, with the change of circumstances, institutions must advance to keep pace with the times.” – Thomas Jefferson.
These educational exchanges, I hope, can give these words life. Very inspired by this recommendation and the dialogue in the comments! Thank you as well for providing book recommendations for further reading.
Nikki, this was a great read. You spelled out the complex problems that both the U.S.and Israel are facing in a succinct and engaging way. I especially loved the concept of “epistemological contestation.” It is so important to remember that though master narratives are intrinsic to and deeply rooted in history and culture, even the most pervasive of those need to be refreshed and reinvented to meet the narrative needs of the times. Your point about leveraging the “great democratic experiment” is great – it’s a classic example of turning your “weakness” into your strength. I do think, however, that the narrative contestation is not going to be enough – or complete – until the public diplomacy efforts are able to actually inform domestic and/or foreign policy. Public diplomacy’s primary aim is to foster mutual understanding, and if that understanding is not reflected in your policy, then it may continue being an uphill battle to explain or defend that policy.
Great take on this, Nikki. I am similarly fascinated by the concept of “American exceptionalism” and what it is doing to our foreign policy. Therefore, my favorite part was your suggestion of BOTH the United States and Israel redefining their identity narratives as “a great democratic experiment.” Your blog does well to demonstrate just how similar the United States is to younger nations, specifically how we’re all reckoning our histories to make the most of the present.
A great and well-written read!
Narrative construction, or “national myth,” is a key component to national identity which elected officials consistently utilize as a political tool. You provide compelling arguments for how and why this narrative is being contested in both the US and Israel. This contestation is clearly demonstrated in the declining soft power of the US, its reduced democratic rating according to the Freedom House Index, and the reduced number of new international students studying in the US as compared to its competitors during the previous administration. While narrative reconstruction is easier said than done, I agree with your argument that emphasizing the “great democratic experiment” provides a way forward for a more legitimate US global role. As an international exchange advocate, I too believe that educational exchange will provide opportunities for enhanced US-Israel mutual understanding and cooperation.
A strong, thought provoking article on an intriguing and highly relevant topic! I think that consideration of which demographic these narratives are no longer resonating with is especially important. While I agree that moving away from old narratives, American exceptionalism in particular, is necessary, I believe that offering a narrative of the great democratic experiment could prove difficult given the way media is ruled by clickbaity headlines and pithy tweets. With nuance so often lost, the idea of educational exchange with attendant in-depth discussions of democracy as a solution is fascinating.
Great disaggregation and analysis of American population segments regarding views of Israel, and focusing in on the problem areas for the readers. Your observation about epistemological contestation / dissonance leading to narrative failure or contestation was elegant, too. Of course narrative reconstruction or reformulation is not a simple matter, because it is wrapped up in domestic politics (Israel itself has seen a decline of the center left and strengthening of the center right and far right), but the educational exchange is a good place to start. Good read.
Your explanation of perceptions or situations incongruent with narratives was well done. The narrative of American exceptionalism is a great example. I really appreciated the demographic breakdown of support for Israel, especially in terms of college students. I think that Israel prompting American reflection is a two-way street; America can also prompt Israeli reflection and I think the left is likely to do so.
This was a strong and interesting analysis of the anti-Israel sentiment. But, I feel it is still necessary to create distinctions between the anti-Israel sentiment, antisemitism, and criticism of occupation and war crimes. By critically understanding these groups better, I believe that Israel and United States could successfully start a process of creation of new narratives and policies that support those narratives.
This blog is also an incredible example of why it is so important for narratives and policies to go hand in hand. New narratives for the United States and Israel should only come with a shift of policies that allow for the narratives to be believable.
Nikki, I like your idea for a shared narrative between the US and Israel. I also think that the way in which you propose a shared narrative re-construction would be a powerful message to the world. I wonder if instead of abandoning the American exceptionalism narrative, perhaps this could be incorporated into the new narrative as one of an exceptional nation means a nation that is able to constantly evolve and help other democracies do the same. Food for thought.
Nikki, you give an interesting recommendation to a very difficult problem Israel is facing in the US. Do you think this would pave the way for a return to “bipartisan support” to Israel or should pro-Israel advocates drop the bipartisan frame for something else? I share Ben’s perspective that Palestinians must be included in such a cultural exchange, although engaging with Israelis and Palestinians can be hard since they both have divergent narratives around the same issue, I think this kind of engagement would weaken more aggressive counter-narratives such as those presented by BDS.