Religious Life In Israel
Approximately 78% of Israeli citizens define themselves as Jewish. Religion is an integral part of the culture with many devout Jews having moved to the region in recent times. The majority of the population follows mainstream Judaism, while others practice the more liberal forms of Reform and Conservative Judaism.
The Israel Central Bureau of Statistics collects data on the religious makeup of Israel, with the most recent figures being from 2018. Out of the total population of 8.9 million, 75.8% are Jewish and 24.2% are non-Jewish minorities. Breaking it down further, 59.7% are Jews from the region of Israel, and 16.1% originate from diaspora countries, such as the United States, Canada, and Russia.
Orthodoxy Dominates
As far as the practice of Judaism within Israel is concerned, the majority identify themselves with an ultra-orthodox denomination. According to the Central Bureau of Statistics, 44% of Jewish Israeli’s describe themselves as ultra-orthodox, while another 15% classify as religious. The remaining 40% of the population views themselves as non-religious. This breakdown is consistent across individual religious denominations, with a higher percentage of Israeli Jews in the ultra-orthodox and religious streams practicing the laws and rituals of their faith than those of the non-religious streams.
The ultra-orthodox stream is the fastest growing population group in Israel thanks to their larger families. They make up 10% of the total population and number around 860,000 people. The vast majority live in Jerusalem (25%), with many congregating in the capital’s Meah Shearim and Bnei Brak neighbourhoods, both of which are considered centres of religious observance.
Coexistence Between Religions
The history of conflict between Jews and Christians in the region has been well documented. However, negotiations between the two sides have steadily improved in recent years and there is an ever increasing sense of coexistence.
There exists a series of diplomatic meetings and conferences where Jewish and Christian leaders come together to discuss issues in the region. In addition, Jewish organisations have been lending their support to Christian groups in their efforts to protect the rights of their minority communities.
The government has also undertaken policy initiatives to ensure that all religious communities in Israel are recognised and respected. For instance, in 2015, the government passed a law that prohibits discrimination against Israel’s Arab, Christian, Circassian, Druze and Armenian citizens.
The Ongoing Challenges
Despite the prevailing sense of unity and dialogue, there are still many challenges facing religious groups in Israel. This includes the struggles of maintaining traditional values in the face of a rapidly changing and westernised society.
In addition, the tension between those who adhere to a strict interpretation of religious text and those who advocate a more progressive approach has been a major cause of disagreement, while the religious-secular divide has been a source of conflict across the country.
These tensions reached a head in 2019 when the government proposed a piece of legislation that would limit women’s movements on certain public transportation lines in attempts to maintain the religious identity of certain towns. This move sparked widespread protests, as many saw it as a violation of individual rights and a clear example of religious persecution.
Inclusion of Non Jews
Israel is a multicultural and diverse country that is home to many different religious denominations. In the face of this, the Jewish communities have nonetheless strived to ensure that non Jews are included in the wider society.
In 2016, the Israeli parliament passed a law protecting the rights of followers of other religions and granting them special rights and privileges. This includes granting special access to civil services, ensuring equitable tax treatment, and guaranteeing fair access to public services.
In addition, the government has taken active measures to implement intercultural dialogues and programs between religious minorities and to provide resources that enable the expression and development of non-Jewish religious practices.
The Controversial Nature of Conversion
The issue of conversion to Judaism in Israel has long been a topic of contention. The Jewish state is the only place in the world where converts are required to adhere to a strict set of religious laws and regulations. This includes having to prove Jewish ancestry or participating in a full conversion process, which is often lengthy and expensive.
On the other hand, some argue that stringent conversion standards are necessary in a modern Israel, where individuals should be able to easily identify themselves as members of the Jewish faith. Those who disagree argue that the current criteria of conversion excludes individuals who would otherwise be deemed to be Jewish by traditional standards.
The Plight of Interfaith Couples
Unmarried couples, whether in an interfaith or same faith relationship, face a number of challenges in Israel. This is because marriages between individuals of different denominations are not officially recognised by the government, meaning they are not eligible to receive benefits or public housing. They are also unable to arrange joint burials in Jewish cemeteries, or to receive any rights afforded to married couples.
This situation is further complicated when it comes to adoption: single and interfaith couples are not allowed to adopt children, and must rely on fostering or private adoptions via foreign countries.
Perspectives of the Jewish Population
Many Israeli Jews view themselves as having a responsibility to ensure that the government upholds the principles and core values of the Jewish faith. They are particularly aware of the need to cultivate a society that is cohesive, respecting the dignity of all its citizens and celebrating diversity.
In recent years, surveys have shown that an increasing number of Jewish Israelis see the democratic and historical elements of the Jewish state as equally valid to the religious aspects. This suggests that there is an ongoing shift in public opinion towards a more inclusive approach to the practice of Judaism in Israel.
The Ethnicity Divide
Despite the best efforts of the government, there remains a significant divide between Jews and non-Jews in Israel. This is particularly true in terms of educational and economic opportunities. According to a 2018 report, Jewish citizens of Israel were three times as likely to hold a university degree than their non-Jewish counterparts, while non-Jewish citizens of the state earned on average 8% less than Jewish citizens.
The survey also showed that non-Jewish citizens of Israel experienced higher rates of poverty, poor housing conditions, and unemployment. This divide is further compounded by the fact that many non-Jewish citizens face discrimination and hostility from members of the Jewish community, while they are often denied access to certain public services and amenities.
Perceptions In The West
The perception of Israel in the West is often mixed. While many see the country as a vibrant and successful democracy, there are also those that criticise the Israeli government for its handling of certain policies, particularly in regards to its treatment of non-Jewish citizens.
However, for the Jewish population living in Israel, Judaism remains a fundamental part of their identity and is often seen as synonymous with Israeli national identity itself. For many, being a Jew in modern Israel is not only a matter of faith, but also a matter of pride and patriotism.
The Grouping Of Ethnicities In Israel
The breakdown of Israel’s population groups is far from uniform, and can be divided into three main racial and ethnic groups: Jewish Israelis, Arab Israelis, and non-Jewish Israelis. Jewish Israelis comprise just over 71.2% of the population, while Arab Israelis constitute 21.3%, and non-Jewish Israelis account for 7.5%.
The remainder of the population is made up of small minorities such as Christian, Druze and Circassian. While most of the non-Jewish population is comprised of Arab citizens, there are also many African, Russian and Western European groups that contribute to the diversity of the country.
Discrimination In The Work Force
Despite the commitment to promoting religious tolerance in Israel, many non-Jewish citizens of the country still experience discrimination in the work force. According to a 2018 survey, only 44% of surveyed non-Jewish Israelis reported feeling equally represented in positions of power and influence, compared to 75% of Jewish respondents.
Furthermore, in a 2014 report by the Adva Center, it was revealed that Arab citizens of Israel earned 25-58% less than their Jewish counterparts for the same types of work. This discrepancy is largely due to gaps in education, experience, and language abilities.
The Defense Of Israel’s Policy
There are those who argue that Israel’s policy of preserving the religious identity of the state is necessary as a means of preventing the erosion of its national identity. They point to the successes of the country in terms of economic growth, stability and democracy as evidence that it is a model of how to practice religion in a modern society.
Others, however, view the policy as detrimental to the development of civil rights in the country, arguing that it has led to the marginalization of non-Jews, as well as minority faiths within the country. They contend that while it is important to protect the religious heritage of the state, it should not come at the cost of the rights of minorities.
The Growing Debate Among Religious Extremists
The debate over Israel’s policy towards religion has intensified over recent decades. On one side, we have the more extreme elements of the Jewish population, who advocate for a total adherence to Jewish law and tradition. On the other side, there are those who are more open to progressive interpretations of the Jewish faith, embracing aspects of the secular culture that has grown in recent times.
As this debate continues, the Israeli government is under increasing pressure to ensure that the country’s religious identity is not compromised. This has led to a number of measures designed to appease both sides, while also ensuring that minorities enjoy the same rights and freedoms as any other citizen.
