Today, English is the primary, and often the sole, language for most American Jews, who are largely descendants of Yiddish-speaking immigrants from Eastern Europe. It is estimated that only around 150,000 active Yiddish speakers remain, predominantly within ultra-Orthodox religious communities. However, there is a movement among secular and moderately religious American Jews focused on preserving Yiddish and promoting its cultural expression as part of their diasporic Jewish identity.

Attitudes towards Israel and Zionism among American Yiddishists are highly varied. While many express solidarity with the State of Israel, there are also significant numbers who align with American progressives and Israeli left-wing radical movements, viewing Zionism as a form of colonialism. This longstanding debate escalated sharply following the Hamas terrorist attacks on Israeli civilians on October 7, 2023, and the subsequent war.

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