U.S. Christians Outpace U.K. in Israel Support, Show Lower Antisemitism, Study Finds

A recently released study titled “A Survey of British Christian Attitudes Towards the Israel-Palestine Conflict: Faith, Politics and Perception” by Chosen People Ministries, co-authored by Kirill Bumin and Motti Inbari, has drawn a comparative analysis with a similar survey conducted six months prior on Christian attitudes in the United States . The research highlights a significant divergence in perspectives, revealing that American Christians generally exhibit stronger pro-Israel sentiments and lower levels of antisemitism compared to their British counterparts. This comparative report aims to provide a detailed examination of the study’s principal findings, its methodological underpinnings, and the broader context surrounding these attitudes.  

The timing of the two surveys offers a crucial lens through which to interpret the results. The UK study was conducted in December 2024, a period closer to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war which commenced in October 2023. In contrast, the US survey was carried out in March 2024, prior to this significant escalation in the conflict. This temporal difference suggests that the heightened tensions and media coverage surrounding the war may have played a more immediate role in shaping the views of British Christians at the time of their survey. Furthermore, the distinct socio-political landscapes of the United States and the United Kingdom likely contribute to differing perspectives within their respective Christian communities on matters concerning Israel and Jewish people.

One of the central findings of the comparative study pertains to the overall favorability towards Jewish people. The data indicates that 58.5% of American Christians hold favorable views of Jews, whereas this figure stands at 50.6% among British Christians . This nearly eight-percentage-point difference suggests a more positive baseline perception of Jewish individuals within the Christian community in the United States. When examining support for the state of Israel, the disparity becomes even more pronounced. The research found that 42.3% of American Christians express support for Israel, while only 23.6% of British Christians do . Interestingly, a notable proportion of Christians in both nations indicated that they do not support either side in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with 27.6% in the US and 37.3% in the UK adopting this neutral stance . The substantial almost 20-point gap in direct support for Israel underscores a considerably stronger pro-Israel orientation among Christians in the United States. The higher percentage of UK Christians who support neither side could potentially reflect a greater sense of neutrality regarding the conflict, or perhaps a stronger disapproval of Israel’s actions leading them to distance themselves from both Israeli and Palestinian positions.  

The study also shed light on the prevalence of specific antisemitic tropes within both Christian populations. When asked about the statement “Jews still talk too much about what happened to them in the Holocaust,” 22% of American respondents agreed it was “probably true,” compared to a higher 33% of British Christians . This eleven-percentage-point difference suggests that this particular antisemitic trope holds less sway among Christians in the United States. Notably, the study also explored the “dual loyalty” trope, revealing that a concerning 44.3% of 18-29-year-old British Christians believe that Jews are more loyal to Israel than to the UK . The significant percentage of young British Christians who subscribe to this harmful stereotype raises particular concerns about potential generational trends in the United Kingdom.  

Further analysis of the UK findings reveals a significant generational divide in attitudes towards Israel. Younger British Christians, aged 18 to 29, demonstrate less sympathy towards Israel, with 33% expressing support for Palestinians compared to only 19% supporting Israel . This contrasts sharply with older generations, as only 14% of young British Christians indicated “strong support” for Israel, compared to 22% of those aged over 65 . This notable generational contrast within the UK Christian community suggests a potential shift in attitudes over time, possibly influenced by variations in media consumption, evolving political leanings, or differing interpretations of theological doctrines. Beyond the issue of support for Israel, the study also uncovered other negative perceptions held by young British Christians. Approximately one in six agreed with the statement that it is “definitely not antisemitic to say that Israel doesn’t have the right to exist” . Furthermore, a quarter (26%) felt it was “probably true” that Jews “don’t care what happens to anyone but their own kind,” and 16.7% believed that Jews were “responsible for most of the world’s wars” . The existence of these deeply concerning antisemitic beliefs among a notable segment of young British Christians underscores a significant challenge in the ongoing efforts to combat prejudice within this demographic.  

The study also identified a correlation between political and social views and attitudes towards Israel within the UK Christian population. British Christians who hold left-leaning political and social views, such as expressing strong concern about income inequality and climate change, exhibited less support for Israel compared to those with more conservative viewpoints . This suggests that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has become increasingly politicized within the UK Christian community, with individuals’ broader political ideologies influencing their perspectives on the issue. Moreover, denominational differences emerged as a factor, with Protestants in the UK generally displaying higher levels of support for Israel than Roman Catholics, who were identified as the least pro-Israel Christian denomination in the country . This variation across Christian denominations points to the influence of differing theological or historical perspectives within Christianity on attitudes towards Israel. In terms of support for the Palestinian side of the conflict within the UK, 33% of individuals aged 18-29 expressed support for Palestinians, exceeding the 19% who supported Israel . Overall, British respondents showed a near even split in their views on the Gaza conflict, with 23.6% supporting Israel and 22.5% backing Palestine . The significant level of support for the Palestinian cause among young British Christians, even surpassing their support for Israel, represents a key difference compared to the attitudes observed among their American counterparts.  

To understand the robustness of these findings, it is essential to examine the methodology employed in the study. The UK survey was conducted online between December 9 and 20, 2024 . It utilized a non-probability sample of 2,062 Christian adults who were recruited through the Cint Group . This sampling approach involved collecting data from approximately 15 online panels, with demographic quotas set to align with the 2021 UK Census data for factors such as age, gender, region, race/ethnicity, income, education, and marital status . The study was administered by the Savanta Group and reported a margin of error of ±3% . The US study, for comparison, was conducted in March 2024 with a sample size of 2,027 respondents and a margin of error of ±2.2% . The demographic composition of the UK sample revealed that 78.8% identified as White, 15.1% as Black, 2.4% as Asian, 3.0% as Mixed race, and 0.6% as Other. Educational attainment ranged from less than a high school education (22.7%) to holding a graduate degree (12.4%). The mean household income was approximately £30,000, with 56.8% of respondents being married, 52.8% female, and the median age being 44 years old . The US sample demographics showed a different profile, with 66.5% White, 13.1% Black, 12.3% Hispanic, 3.4% Native American, 2.3% Mixed race, 1.8% Asian, and 0.8% Other. Education levels ranged from less than high school (2.4%) to a graduate degree (10.4%). The mean household income was approximately $62,000, with 42.9% married, 54.8% female, and a median age of 49 .  

It is important to note that the use of a non-probability sampling method in the UK study introduces a potential limitation. Since respondents were not randomly selected from the entire population of British Christians, the findings might not be fully representative of all UK Christians and could be subject to certain biases. Additionally, the demographic data highlights notable differences in the composition of the Christian populations in the US and UK. For instance, the UK sample has a higher percentage of Black respondents, while the US sample has a larger proportion of Hispanic respondents. These demographic variations could potentially contribute to the observed differences in attitudes towards Israel and antisemitism, as different ethnic and racial groups within Christianity may hold varying perspectives on these issues.

The researchers behind this study bring significant expertise to the subject matter. Dr. Motti Inbari is a Professor of Jewish Studies at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke . His research interests encompass a wide range of topics, including Jewish fundamentalism in Israel, Jewish history, thought, culture, politics, ethics, and particularly Jewish-Christian relations . He has authored numerous books on these subjects, including “Christian Zionism in the Twenty-First Century” . Dr. Inbari has also actively disseminated his research findings through public seminars and interviews with various news outlets . Dr. Kirill Bumin is an Associate Dean of the Metropolitan College at Boston University . His areas of specialization include survey research on American public attitudes related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as well as broader topics such as ethnic conflict and comparative judicial politics . He is also a co-author of “Christian Zionism in the Twenty-First Century” alongside Dr. Inbari . The extensive expertise of both researchers in areas directly relevant to the study, particularly their prior work on Christian attitudes towards Israel, lends credibility to their analysis. While their focus on Christian Zionism might suggest a particular viewpoint, the study’s broader examination of antisemitic attitudes indicates a wider scope of inquiry.  

The study was funded by Chosen People Ministries, an evangelical Christian nonprofit organization with a specific mission to evangelize Jewish people . The organization’s stated mission is to “pray for, evangelize, disciple, and serve Jewish people everywhere and to help fellow believers do the same” . Chosen People Ministries holds a theological stance that God chose the Jewish people and established an everlasting covenant with them, which includes the gift of the land of Israel . They view the modern restoration of Israel as part of God’s divine plan and actively encourage Christians to “stand with the people of Israel” . Their approach to Jewish-Christian relations emphasizes sharing the Gospel with Jewish people in a sensitive and respectful manner , while also acknowledging the historical complexities and striving to build bridges of understanding . Notably, Chosen People Ministries has also established the Coalition Against Antisemitism to raise awareness and advocate for change . As the funding entity, the strong pro-Israel stance and evangelistic focus of Chosen People Ministries could potentially influence the framing of the study or the interpretation of its findings. While the researchers are academics, the financial support from an organization with a clear agenda warrants consideration when evaluating the study’s conclusions. However, the proactive establishment of the Coalition Against Antisemitism by Chosen People Ministries demonstrates an organizational commitment to addressing the very issues highlighted in the study, suggesting a genuine concern beyond simply documenting attitudes.  

The timing of the UK survey, conducted in December 2024, places it within the context of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, which began in October 2023. This proximity to the conflict likely played a significant role in shaping the perceptions of British Christians regarding Israel. The study revealed that concerns about Israel’s military actions in Gaza were widespread among UK Christians, with nearly half (47%) believing that Israel has committed genocide . Additionally, a substantial proportion (38.8%) believed that Israel has deliberately targeted Palestinian civilians . Younger British Christians, in particular, expressed disapproval of Israel’s actions in Gaza, suggesting a potential link between their negative views of Israel’s conduct and their broader attitudes towards Jewish people . The fact that the UK survey was conducted during a period of intense conflict in the region likely contributed to the less favorable views of Israel compared to the US survey, which was carried out several months prior. The negative portrayal of Israel’s military actions in media and public discourse may have influenced some respondents to develop less positive attitudes towards Jewish people as well. The significant difference in the perception of “genocide” in Gaza between US Christians (26.5%) and UK Christians (47%) indicates that the narrative and media coverage of the conflict may vary considerably between the two countries, leading to divergent public opinions . The Israel-Hamas war has also created a complex global environment characterized by increased societal polarization and a rise in both antisemitism and Islamophobia . Even in the United States, younger Americans have expressed strong opposition to Israel’s military actions and have favored a ceasefire . Global attitudes towards Israel in March 2025 continued to reflect concern over Israeli strikes in Gaza and the dire humanitarian situation . This context highlights the intricate dynamic where criticism of Israeli government policies can sometimes be conflated with antisemitism, and conversely, antisemitic sentiments can manifest as criticisms of Israel. This interplay likely influences how Christians in both the US and UK respond to inquiries about Israel and Jewish people.  

The study identified the persistence of several historical antisemitic tropes within Christian communities in both the US and UK. These include the belief that Jews “still talk too much about what happened to them in the Holocaust” , the notion that Jews are more loyal to Israel than their country of residence , the stereotype that Jews wield excessive power in the business world or international financial markets , the prejudice that Jews are only concerned with their own kind , and the conspiracy theory that Jews are responsible for most of the world’s wars . The “dual loyalty” accusation, in particular, carries a long and harmful history. It is a deeply rooted bigoted trope that portrays Jews as inherently “other,” questioning their trustworthiness and national allegiance . Throughout history, this accusation has been used to justify harassment, marginalization, oppression, and even violence against Jewish people . Notable historical examples include the “stab-in-the-back” myth in Germany after World War I and the accusations leveled against Jewish citizens in the Soviet Union . This trope often resurfaces during periods of heightened conflict involving Israel, further exacerbating tensions . The continued presence of these historical antisemitic tropes within Christian communities, especially among younger individuals in the UK, serves as a stark reminder of the enduring nature of prejudice and the critical need for ongoing educational initiatives and awareness campaigns. The “dual loyalty” trope is particularly insidious as it erodes the sense of belonging and civic identity of Jewish individuals in their respective nations, potentially leading to discriminatory practices and acts of violence. The study’s finding that this belief is prevalent among young British Christians is a significant cause for concern, highlighting the urgent need to address this specific form of prejudice.  

While the study provides valuable insights, it is important to consider potential criticisms and alternative interpretations of its findings. Given that the study was funded by Chosen People Ministries, an organization with a clear evangelical mission directed towards Jewish people, some might argue that this funding source could introduce a bias in the types of questions asked or the way in which the results are interpreted . Within the Jewish community, concerns have historically been raised regarding Christian proselytizing efforts, which are often viewed as a threat to Jewish religious and cultural identity . Alternative perspectives on Christian antisemitism in the UK might place greater emphasis on the role of fundamental theological differences between Christianity and Judaism or the significant impact of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict on shaping attitudes . Furthermore, various Christian groups hold differing theological viewpoints on the enduring relevance of God’s covenant with the Jewish people and the theological significance of the modern state of Israel. These differing views could influence how these groups interpret the findings of the study regarding Christian attitudes towards Israel . It is crucial to acknowledge the historical tension between Christian evangelistic goals and Jewish concerns about preserving their religious and cultural heritage. This historical context provides essential background for understanding the potential sensitivities surrounding studies of this nature. While the study highlights concerning levels of antisemitism, it is also important to recognize the substantial efforts within Christianity to actively combat these prejudices. A balanced analysis should acknowledge both the challenges identified by the study and the positive developments and ongoing dialogues within Christian communities aimed at fostering better understanding and combating antisemitism.  

Despite the concerning findings, numerous initiatives and organizations exist in both the United States and the United Kingdom dedicated to combating antisemitism within Christian communities and promoting positive interfaith dialogue with Jewish people. In the US, Chosen People Ministries itself has established the Coalition Against Antisemitism . Christians United for Israel (CUFI) also actively engages in efforts to counter antisemitism . The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) offers various programs aimed at engaging congregations and addressing antisemitism in educational settings, including campuses and K-12 schools . The Interfaith Alliance promotes countering hate and building united interfaith fronts against all forms of bigotry . Moody Bible Institute, in collaboration with Chosen People Ministries, recently hosted a Summit on Opposing Antisemitism . The Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) is a global coalition that includes various Christian partner organizations in its mission . The American Jewish Committee (AJC) actively builds coalitions with Christian leaders and communities to combat antisemitism . In the UK, the Council of Christians and Jews (CCJ) is a leading organization working to counter antisemitism and foster mutual understanding between the two faiths . The Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) undertakes litigation, runs awareness-raising campaigns, and provides education on antisemitism . StandWithUs UK focuses on educating about Israel and actively fighting antisemitism . The ADL also has a presence and provides resources relevant to the UK context . The Community Security Trust (CST) plays a vital role in protecting the Jewish community in the UK from antisemitism . The Inter Faith Network (IFN) in the UK lists numerous national and regional interfaith organizations, including several focused on Christian-Jewish dialogue . Furthermore, the International Council of Christians and Jews (ICCJ) serves as an umbrella organization for national Jewish-Christian dialogue groups worldwide, including the CCJ in the UK . The existence of this wide array of organizations in both the US and UK signifies a growing recognition and commitment to addressing antisemitism within Christian communities and fostering stronger interfaith relations. The involvement of various Christian denominations and leaders in these initiatives suggests a broad understanding within Christianity of the importance of positive relationships with the Jewish community and the necessity of actively confronting antisemitism.  

In conclusion, the study by Chosen People Ministries provides a valuable comparative snapshot of Christian attitudes towards Israel and antisemitism in the United States and the United Kingdom. The findings reveal that US Christians generally exhibit stronger pro-Israel sentiments and lower levels of belief in certain antisemitic tropes compared to their UK counterparts. However, the study also highlights concerning trends, particularly among younger British Christians, regarding the prevalence of harmful antisemitic stereotypes. The ongoing Israel-Hamas war appears to have influenced these attitudes, especially in the UK, where negative perceptions of Israel’s actions in Gaza are more pronounced. The persistent challenge of antisemitism, with its deep historical roots including the damaging “dual loyalty” trope, remains a significant concern in both countries. While the study has potential limitations due to its funding source and sampling methodology, it underscores the importance of ongoing dialogue and education. Numerous organizations in both the US and UK are actively working to combat antisemitism within Christian communities and promote positive interfaith relations with Jewish people. These efforts demonstrate a growing awareness and commitment to fostering understanding and respect, suggesting that while significant challenges persist, there is also a strong desire to build stronger, more understanding relationships between Christian and Jewish communities in the future. Continued research, education, and open dialogue are essential to address the complex issues highlighted by this study and to further strengthen these vital interfaith connections.

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