Recruitment into the IDF is not only a marginal phenomenon in the ultra-Orthodox community; It is also in decline. 1,266 haredim (ultra-Orthodox Jews) were drafted in 2023, compared to 1,972 in 2013, a 36% decline, according to the Israel Democracy Institute’s annual survey of the ultra-Orthodox community. Meanwhile, the number of students in yeshivas and institutes of higher rabbinical education rose by 86% in the same period. In 2023, there were 169,366 students in religious schools in Israel, representing an 8% increase over 2022, an unusually sharp increase, apparently linked to higher state stipends for married students that year, as the Haredi parties once again became Part of the ruling coalition. . However, there was a 64% increase in the number of Haredi volunteers for the National Civil Service in 2023.
According to the report, the Haredim represent 14% of the Israeli population. The community’s birth rate is 6.4 per family, a continuation of the moderate decline in the ultra-Orthodox birth rate since 2003. Part of the reason for the decline is the rising age of marriage for ultra-Orthodox couples. Despite this, the Israel Democracy Institute stands by its prediction that the proportion of Haredim in Israeli society will reach 32% in 2065.
Only 16% of Haredi school students obtain a high school diploma (Bagroot), and only 10% meet the minimum qualifications necessary to enter universities. However, the absolute number of Haredim studying for a first degree has doubled in a decade, from 6,893 in 2014 to 14,332 in 2024. 54% of Haredim who obtain a first degree do so in education, compared to 13% among Gentiles. – Haredi Jews. Only 12% of Haredim achieved a first degree in natural sciences, computer science, engineering and architecture, compared to 28% among non-Haredi Jewish students.
The high proportion of Haredi men in work has stopped. After reaching a peak of 56% in 2023, it fell to 54% in 2024. The low employment rate, high number of children, lack of public education, and long period spent in religious school lead to widespread material poverty. . 34% of Haredi families (and 47% of Haredi children) live below the poverty line, compared to 15% of non-Haredi Jewish families.
However, the poverty rate has decreased in recent years, as has the Israeli population in general. The net monthly income per capita among the Haredim is 4,027 shekels, compared to 8,307 shekels among non-Haredi Jews. But in complete contrast to this situation, 78% of Haredi families own their homes, compared to only 73% of non-Haredi Jewish families.
Published by Globes, Israel Business News – en.globes.co.il – on January 8, 2025.
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