---
title: "Most U.S. Jews believe two-state solution is possible, but many doubt leaders’ efforts are sincere"
description: "American Jews are skeptical that either Israeli or Palestinian leaders are making a sincere effort to reach a peace settlement. "
date: "2013-10-04"
authors:
  - name: "Michael Lipka"
    job_title: "Associate Director, Research"
    link: "https://www.pewresearch.org/staff/michael-lipka/"
url: "https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2013/10/04/most-u-s-jews-believe-two-state-solution-is-possible-but-doubt-leaders-efforts-are-sincere/"
categories:
  - "Judaism"
  - "War & International Conflict"
  - "War & International Conflict"
---

# Most U.S. Jews believe two-state solution is possible, but many doubt leaders’ efforts are sincere

This Sunday, Oct. 6, marks the [40th anniversary](http://news.yahoo.com/israel-guard-40-years-yom-kippur-war-204859229.html) of the beginning of the Yom Kippur War. On Oct. 6, 1973, a coalition of Arab forces led by Egypt and Syria launched a surprise attack on Israel on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar. After nearly three weeks of conflict, a ceasefire was imposed with Israel holding its borders.

Israel and Egypt signed a peace treaty in 1979, but Israel still does not have diplomatic relations with Syria and several other Arab countries. In addition, of course, Israeli and Palestinian leaders are [still trying](http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/09/26/us-palestinians-israel-kerry-idUSBRE98P00620130926) to work toward a possible peace agreement and two-state solution.

[![FT_13.10.04_YomKippurWar_1](https://www.pewresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2013/10/FT_13.10.04_YomKippurWar_1.png)](https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2013/10/01/chapter-5-connection-with-and-attitudes-towards-israel/)

A major new [Pew Research Center survey](https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2013/10/01/chapter-5-connection-with-and-attitudes-towards-israel/) released this week asked American Jews about Israel and the prospects for peace. When asked if there is a way for Israel and an independent Palestinian state to coexist peacefully, 61% of U.S. Jews say yes while 33% say no, which is more optimistic than the U.S. general public (50% yes vs. 41% no) and the [Israeli public (50% yes vs. 38% no)](https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2013/05/09/despite-their-wide-differences-many-israelis-and-palestinians-want-bigger-role-for-obama-in-resolving-conflict/).

American Jews, however, are skeptical that either Israeli or Palestinian leaders are making a sincere effort to reach a peace settlement. About four-in-ten (38%) say the current Israeli government is making a sincere effort, while 48% say this is not the case. Even fewer (12%) think that the Palestinian leadership is sincerely attempting to make peace; 75% do not think Palestinian leaders are sincere in this regard.

The survey took place between February and June this year, before U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry [announced a renewed push for peace talks](http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2013-07-30/world/40887062_1_long-stalled-direct-peace-talks-state-john-f-kerry) in July.

Jews in the United States, 43% of whom say they’ve been to Israel and 69% percent of whom say they are at least somewhat attached to the Jewish state, also express concerns about the continued building of Jewish settlements in the West Bank. A plurality (44%) of American Jews say these settlements hurt Israel’s security, while 17% say they help make Israel more secure and 29% say they do not make a difference.