Less Than Half of Israeli Jews Secular

According to a Central Bureau of Statistics survey, 42 per cent of Israeli Jews consider themselves secular.

Twenty-five per cent of those polled considered themselves traditional, but not very religious, while thirteen per cent say they are traditionally religious, twelve per cent religious, and 8 per cent ultra-Orthodox or Haredi.

Among the Arab population, 8 per cent defined themselves as very religious, 42 per cent as religious, 27 per cent as not very religious, and 18 per cent as not religious. As well, Arab women were more likely to identify themselves as religious than Arab men – 55 per cent of women, compared to 38 per cent of men.

Also according to the survey, only 52 per cent of ultra-Orthodox men aged 25 to 54 are employed, compared to 93 per cent of secular men. The employment rate for ultra-Orthodox women is 61 per cent, while 88 per cent of secular women are employed, compared to 83 per cent in the religious sector.

The survey also found that 88 per cent of Israeli Jews, and 82 per cent of Israeli Arabs, are happy with their lives.

The survey data has been compiled based on 7,500 interviews conducted in December and January with Israelis aged 20 and older, from various sectors and backgrounds.