Study Highlights New Model for Strengthening Israel Ties Among Young Professionals Amid Alarming Yale Poll
Experiential, career-based programs foster durable, real-world connections beyond campus and well into adulthood
(New York, NY – December 16, 2025) — A new Yale University poll released last week reveals a widening generational divide, with younger Americans expressing sharply more negative and often openly hostile views toward Israel, a trend echoed across multiple recent national surveys. In contrast to this shift, new research from TAMID Group, an organization that connects thousands of students to Israeli startups through internships, suggests that young people who engage with Israel through their professional and entrepreneurial interests – rather than through traditional advocacy or identity programs – develop lasting engagement with Israel well into adulthood.
“While a lot of energy and focus is on protests and encampments, the next generation of global leaders aren’t taking their cues from attention-seeking demonstrations.” said Yoni Heilman, CEO of TAMID Group. “Engaging them on Israel’s entrepreneurial strengths isn’t just good business – it’s the key to establishing a foundation of engaging Israel directly that lasts throughout their career.”
The study, drawing on data from hundreds of TAMID undergraduate members, fellows and alumni from 2020 to 2025, found that nearly 70 percent surveyed remain meaningfully and tangibly connected to Israel years after graduation. The data paints a clear picture that meeting students where they are in their professional development, helping them build business skills, and linking those ambitions to Israel’s thriving startup culture, fosters a deep and lasting connection to Israel. Unlike short-term measures, this connection is reflected in how alumni continue to work with Israelis, follow Israeli innovation, travel to Israel, and seek professional collaboration across borders.
Key Findings:
- 70 percent of alumni report a meaningful, sustained connection to Israel, with 73% saying that connection feels very or extremely meaningful.
- 92 percent of alumni retain a strong understanding of Israel.
- 92 percent of fellows say they would feel confident working in Israel within five years.
The data also shows engagement that is tangible:
- 82 percent of alumni continue following Israel in the news.
- 77 percent discuss Israel with family and friends.
- 52 percent have traveled to Israel post-graduation.
- 40 percent seek professional opportunities connected to Israel.
- 30 percent actively work with Israeli partners or firms.
These findings come at a moment of deep concern for Israel engagement among younger generations. The new Yale Youth Poll shows Gen Z holding significantly more anti-Israel and antisemitic views than older Americans. A 2025 Harvard–Harris poll found that 60 percent of Gen Z voters say they favor Hamas over Israel, while a study by researchers at the Carnegie Endowment reported that Gen Z feels more connected to Palestinians than the general public. Together, these polls point to a broad generational drift away from Israel — one that TAMID’s career-based model appears uniquely positioned to counteract.
For many participants, TAMID is the only Israel-related organization they engage with, yet the program still inspires lasting engagement. In fact, 75 percent of those surveyed credit their involvement in TAMID with influencing their relationship with Israel. Among non-Jewish alumni, every respondent who reported a strong bond with Israel credited their TAMID experience as the primary reason.
“The findings of this study are unmistakably clear: we have a breakthrough model to encourage the new generation to connect with Israel in a new and exciting way,” said Heilman. “When students see Israel as a source of innovation, opportunity, and real professional growth, they connect with it on their own terms, and with far greater conviction. The Jewish community should expand this model to other industries and sectors – not just business – to promote lasting engagement for young people with Israel.”
Unlike many campus-based Israel engagement efforts that focus on identity or advocacy, TAMID immerses students in the Israeli economy — through consulting projects with Israeli startups, summer internships, and leadership training. Each semester, more than 200 consulting projects link undergraduates from more than 60 campuses with Israeli companies. Top TAMID students are then chosen to participate in a prestigious 8-week summer fellowship with Israeli companies and startups, where they live in Tel Aviv and gain hands-on experience in the business world, while immersing themselves in Israeli culture for a semester.
TAMID Group is a nonprofit organization that connects undergraduate students with the Israeli economy through consulting, investment, and fellowship opportunities. With chapters at 70+ universities, TAMID develops future business leaders through hands-on experience with Israeli startups and companies.
Featured image: Knesset Jerusalem – Pixabay
