According to a 2022 Gallop Poll, U.S. adults who said they were “extremely proud” to be an American hit an all-time low of 39%. When broken down by age, it was only 18% of those aged 18-34.
What can be done to restore a sense of patriotism in America, especially among younger Americans? For almost two years, we have seen street and campus protests roiled not only by extreme antisemitism but also the shouts of those who call for the destruction of America and Western civilization. This should be the wake up call for civics education together with educating students beginning in Kindergarten about the special place of America.
In our own community, we balance sharing shortcomings of past generations with teaching how beautiful our mesorah is, its laws and the path it gives us to connect to Hashem and greater ethical refinement. The secular world of education can find a path to educate younger Americans in a harmonious way that can lead to a greater appreciation of America and in turn greater patriotism.
