Ultra-Orthodox say they're happy with life
Photo: Reuters
Survey: 44% of Israeli Jews secular
According to Central Bureau of Statistics survey, ultra-Orthodox work less but are happier than other Israelis
The number of Jews characterizing themselves as ultra-Orthodox and secular has risen between 2002 and 2004, according to a survey conducted by the Central Bureau of Statistics.
According to the study, the ultra-Orthodox population is more satisfied with life than the secular population.
The survey also found that in the years 2002-2004 there were no changes in the Arab population in terms of religiosity.
In 2004, eight percent of Israelis aged 20 and above characterized themselves as ultra-Orthodox, nine percent said they are religious, 39 percent described themselves as tradition, and 44 percent as secular.
Meanwhile, among the Arab population 11 percent describe themselves as very religious, 49 percent as religious, 21 percent as slightly religious, and 18 percent as not religious.
Jews who describe themselves as secular have the highest number of academics, 32 percent, Among religious Israelis, the number of academics is also high, 28 percent, yet six percent of them said they never studied. Meanwhile, 30 percent of ultra-Orthodox reported that the last place where they studied at, or are still attending, is a yeshiva, compared to six percent of the religious segment.
According to the study, when it comes to the Arab sector the level of education is higher the less devout the person is. Among the very religious, over one-fifth never studied at all, while 57 percent of Arab academics are either slightly religious or not religious at all.
When it comes to employment, the survey showed a rise in employment rates the less religious the person is, with the main difference detected between ultra-Orthodox men and men who belong to other segments. Overall, 32 percent of ultra-Orthodox men are employed compared to 66 percent of religious men and 73 percent of men who describe themselves as secular.
When it comes to being satisfied with life, the ultra-orthodox seem to be doing better than other segments - 96 percent are satisfied with their lives compared with 81-89 percent of religious, traditional, and secular Jews in Israel. Meanwhile, 49 percent of ultra-Orthodox said they never feel lonely compared to 29-33 percent in other segments.
