Haredi riots
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Most Israeli Jews unhappy with state-religion policies
Survey shows 80% of seculars want more religious freedom, while 91% of haredim think government policy is too pluralistic. Most seculars, traditional want unity government – excluding haredi parties
Most Jews in Israel are unhappy with the government policy over issues of state and religion, according to a survey published Wednesday by Hiddush, an organization that promotes religious freedom and equality.
Most seculars believe there is not enough religious freedom in Israel, while the majority of haredim claim the government's policy on the matter is too pluralistic.
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Out of all the respondents, 80% said they were "discontent" (61%) or "not so content" (19%) about the current policy vis-à-vis state and religion, compared with 20% who declared themselves "pretty content" (16%) or "extremely content (4%).
According to religious classification, all sectors seemed to have a disgruntle majority – 80% of secular Jews; 74% of traditional Jews; 64% of religious and 91% of haredim.
The respondents were also asked whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should form a unity government excluding haredi parties in order to "repair" the situation. Fifty six percent of respondents replied affirmatively, while 45% said no; excluding haredi respondents, the division was 65% in favor and 39% opposed.
Further analysis of the data indicated that the vast majority of haredim (97%) and religious (85%) opposed the proposal, while traditional Jews were split (52% in favor, 48% opposed) and seculars were mostly in favor (83%).
Hiddus CEO Rabbi Uri Regev commented on the survey's findings, saying "it represents the fact that the public is tired of subjugating his rights and future to haredi parties. The public wants a government that will finally realize the promise put forth by the Declaration of Independence, for freedom of religious – and not a government that passes legislation such as the yeshiva students' stipend law."
Regev called on Netanyahu and opposition leader Tzipi Livni to "grant the public's wishes and form a civil government that would courageously implement the needed reforms."
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