American Jews Show Strong Support for Israeli Businesses Through Surge in Judaica Purchases

Edited by: TJVNews.com

A remarkable surge in American Jewish support for Israeli businesses has emerged through significantly increased purchases of Israeli-made Judaica items since the outbreak of the Swords of Iron War, according to a new study reported by JNS.org. The research, conducted by business management students at Jerusalem College of Technology’s (JCT) Tal Campus for women, reveals a striking 134% increase in these purchases, demonstrating tangible solidarity with Israeli merchants during wartime.

According to JNS.org, the study, led under the guidance of lecturer Limor Hatsor, uncovered this significant trend despite higher prices for Israeli-made religious items compared to similar products available in the United States. This price differential makes the increase in purchases particularly noteworthy, as it indicates that American Jews are prioritizing support for Israeli businesses over cost considerations, effectively creating an economic bridge of solidarity during challenging times.

The research methodology included a comprehensive approach, combining interviews and online surveys of U.S. customers, conducted in partnership with Sifrei Torah, a Jerusalem-based Judaica store. The study also analyzed three years of sales data from the store’s eBay platform, providing a robust historical context for understanding current purchasing patterns and their relationship to major events affecting the Jewish community.

The student researchers, Haya Havi, Rachel Ben Arush, and Hana Eliasian, shared a key finding with JNS.org: “The vast majority of respondents indicated that the war gave them a greater sense of connection to Judaism and empathy for Israel, which is why they chose to purchase Judaica from the Jewish state.” This emotional and spiritual connection appears to be overriding purely economic considerations in purchasing decisions, reflecting a deeper sense of community and shared responsibility.

Interestingly, as reported by JNS.org, the research revealed that this isn’t the first time crisis has sparked increased Judaica purchases. The study’s analysis of eBay sales data showed a notable uptick in sales during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, particularly for Torah books and tallitot (prayer shawls). This surge was likely attributed to the rise in home-based prayer services, which necessitated personal religious items, suggesting that times of crisis often lead to both increased religious observance and stronger connections to Jewish suppliers.

The research emerged from JCT’s Tal Campus, which JNS.org notes is home to over 2,000 women pursuing various undergraduate and graduate degrees across multiple disciplines, including computer science, industrial engineering, bioinformatics, accounting, business management, and nursing. This study represents a significant contribution to understanding the intersection of consumer behavior, religious practice, and international solidarity during times of crisis.

The findings highlight how American Jews are leveraging their purchasing power to express support for Israel during challenging times, choosing to buy from Israeli vendors even when faced with higher costs. This economic behavior suggests a deeper connection between diaspora Jews and Israel, particularly manifesting during periods of national crisis through conscious consumer choices.

The surge in Judaica purchases also reflects a broader trend of diaspora communities seeking tangible ways to support Israel beyond traditional charitable donations or political advocacy. By choosing to purchase religious items directly from Israeli vendors, American Jews are creating a sustainable form of economic support that directly benefits Israeli businesses and their employees, helping to maintain economic stability during uncertain times.

The study provides valuable insights into how geopolitical events can influence religious consumer behavior and international commerce, while also demonstrating the practical application of business research in understanding cultural and economic ties between American Jews and Israel. This research not only documents current trends but also suggests potential long-term implications for international Jewish business relationships and community solidarity in times of crisis.

The findings could have broader implications for understanding how religious and cultural communities worldwide might respond to crises through consumer behavior, potentially offering lessons for other diaspora communities seeking to support their ancestral homelands during challenging periods.