What’s new:
Israel’s population is on the verge of crossing the significant threshold of 10 million inhabitants, as reported in a recent demographic update from the Jewish Virtual Library. As of now, the Jewish state’s populace stands at approximately 9,842,000.
Why it matters:
This growth solidifies Israel as the nation holding nearly half the world’s Jewish population, playing a crucial role in Jewish demographics globally. The focus on national statistics not only holds cultural and societal importance but also reflects Israel’s enduring status as a primary destination for Jewish people worldwide.
By the numbers:
Digging into the figures, the Israeli population grew by 1.9% in 2023, albeit experiencing a dip in immigration compared to the year before. This composition includes about 7.2 million Jews (73.2%), almost 2.1 million Arabs (21.1%), and the following religious demographics: 18% Muslim, 2% Christian, and 2% Druze, excluding approximately 213,000 foreign workers. In terms of global standing, Israel holds the rank of the 100th most populous nation, not considering the foreign worker segment.
Breaking down the demographics:
The Israeli Jewish segment presents a diverse religious adherence, with 44% identifying as secular, 33% traditional, 12% religious, and 11% ultra-Orthodox. Taking a somber perspective, nearly 148 thousand Holocaust survivors reside in Israel, although one-third live below the poverty line. Meanwhile, Israel’s population is bolstered by a flow of 45,000 new immigrants, primarily from Russia and Ukraine, despite the fact that 2,500 Israelis have moved abroad.
The bottom line:
The imminent crossing of the 10 million population mark conveys the continuous, albeit complex, growth of Israeli society. Balancing immigration, religious variety, and the preservation of the memories of its seasoned citizens, such as Holocaust survivors, the complexities of Israel’s expanding population have implications on social services, economic planning, and national identity.
This story was first published on jpost.com.