Lead story
Editor's note:
As Israel’s actions continue to divide America’s Jewish communities, nearly three years into the war in Gaza, a new poll reveals that some of the biggest gaps are between religious and secular Jews.
The survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research makes clear that for many U.S. Jews, support for Israel remains a bedrock of their religious identity. Yet others – particularly those who identify as Jews through ethnic, cultural or family ties, rather than religion – feel less connected to Israel and judge its actions in the ongoing conflict more harshly.
About 7 in 10 Jewish adults overall identify as Jewish when asked about their religious affiliation, according to the sweeping survey that touched on everything from views on Israel to antisemitism concerns and strains on interpersonal relations. The rest, about 3 in 10 Jewish adults, say they are atheists, agnostics, or have no particular religious affiliation, but still identify as Jewish.
Religion News
The Bible verses dividing Washington: How Matthew 25 became a political litmus test
'He told me that Matthew 25 was about individuals, and not nations,' Sen. Raphael Warnock said, referring to Speaker Mike Johnson. 'The text actually says nations.' By Jack Jenkins/Religion News Service
Pope heads on vacation after decisive flexing of papal muscle on international and church stage
Pope Leo XIV's summer vacation caps a whirlwind finale to the first half of 2026, in which he emerged as a powerful global statesman on issues from artificial intelligence to war and governed internal church problems. By Nicole Winfield/The Associated Press
The El Paso Diocese-run nonprofit is one of the largest providers of legal services for unaccompanied children. It says the US is defying a court order. By Robert Moore/Religion News Service and El Paso Matters
Funeral processions held in Iraq for Iran’s late supreme leader
Watched by thousands of mourners, funeral processions for Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei have been held in the holy Iraqi cities of Najaf and Karbala. By Qassim Abdul-Zahra/The Associated Press
Prayers and celebrations for the Dalai Lama’s 91st birthday, in photos
The Dalai Lama attended celebrations marking his 91st birthday in Leh, India, as devotees gathered for prayers and celebrations across India and Nepal. By Tenzin Choejor, Niranjan Shrestha and Manish Swarup/The Associated Press
Commentary and Analysis
Daoism approaches the world not from the perspective that the world is broken or needs to be saved, but rather that it is naturally balanced. By Michael Naparstek for The Conversation
If we take our nation's long history of exclusionary politics seriously, it illuminates how white supremacist groups frame themselves as patriots. They believe they are not viruses to the American project, but white blood cells. By Andre Henry/Religion News Service
The Russian Orthodox Church is creating another pro-family day, part of a broader ‘traditional values’ campaign run by the government. By Diana Dukhanova for The Conversation
Paintings of early Christian saints were designed to show worshippers what sacred authority looked like, using books, clothing and gestures as symbols. By Denva Gallant for The Conversation
Mourners attend the start of the dayslong funeral ceremonies for the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and members of his family at the Imam Khomeini Mosalla Grand Mosque in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, July 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)
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