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The ongoing Israel-Hamas war has profoundly impacted the dating scene in Israel, as new data from OkCupid reveals a shift in the priorities of singles across the country.
According to the dating app, 72% of Israeli users now express a desire for more serious, committed relationships, a significant rise in a period marked by uncertainty and emotional strain.
The data shows that 76% of women and 70% of men are now focused on finding long-term partners, suggesting that the war has prompted many to reassess their personal goals and relationships.
A majority of singles, particularly in Israel’s current climate, have returned to the dating scene despite the ongoing conflict, underscoring the human need for connection during challenging times.
However, the war has also led to a significant number of people stepping away from dating altogether.
About 31% of Israeli OkCupid users reported that they stopped dating during the war, while 6% indicated that they would only return to the dating world once the conflict ends.
This indicates a widespread feeling of uncertainty and distress, which has affected the dating habits of many individuals.
For those who have continued to seek companionship, the type of partner they are looking for has notably changed.
According to the survey, 50% of respondents expressed a newfound attraction to partners who demonstrate practical support, such as performing household tasks without being asked.
This shift reflects the emotional and practical challenges individuals are facing in the wake of the war, as people become more attuned to the importance of shared responsibility in relationships.
“The effects of the long war are felt in the singles market,” said Hadi Axelrod, a lecturer at Tel Aviv-Yafo Academic College and a couples counselor.
Axelrod noted that the pool of available singles has been significantly reduced, as many men and women in their 20s and 30s are away on reserve duty.
When they do return, the uniform itself has become an unspoken marker of distinction in the dating world.
Beyond the availability of potential partners, the nature of dating has also undergone a transformation.
Axelrod explained that traditional meeting spots like bars and cafes have given way to more intimate settings, with many singles opting to meet at home or via video calls, reminiscent of the restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This shift has led to deeper and more personal conversations, as people seek emotional connections in a time of crisis.
However, Axelrod pointed out that the psychological toll of the war has made it harder for many people to form meaningful connections.
“Traumas and emotional distress make it difficult to build the same level of intimacy that people might otherwise seek in relationships,” he said.
Despite these challenges, the shift in dating priorities highlights a broader societal response to the ongoing war.
As uncertainty continues, the importance of forming emotional bonds, whether through virtual means or in person, remains a key factor for many individuals navigating the complexities of life in Israel.