Global Jewish Population Reaches 15.7 Million, Still Below Pre-WWII Levels

The global Jewish population stands at approximately 15.7 million as of 2023, according to a report by Israel's Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS). While this figure represents a significant increase from the 11.5 million Jews recorded in 1948, it remains below the pre-World War II population of 16.6 million in 1939.

The demographic trends of the Jewish population have significant implications for global politics, cultural heritage, and community development. Understanding the current state of the Jewish population can inform policies and initiatives aimed at preserving cultural identity and promoting social cohesion.

The majority of the world's Jewish population is concentrated in two countries: Israel, with 7.1 million Jews (45%), and the United States, with 6.3 million (40%). The remaining 1.7 million Jews (15%) reside in other parts of the diaspora.

Israel's Jewish population has grown significantly since the country's establishment in 1948, when it was home to just 650,000 Jews, representing a mere 6% of the global Jewish population at the time. The CBS report also sheds light on the demographics of Holocaust survivors living in Israel, who number approximately 133,000.

Among the Holocaust survivors in Israel, 62% are women, and 38% are men. A significant portion (43%) of survivors were born during the years 1939-1945 and are currently aged 78-84. The report reveals that 50.8% of all Holocaust survivors are widows or widowers, 36.8% are married, 10.4% are divorced, and only about 2% are single. Notably, "half of the Holocaust survivors are married to another survivor."

Why this matters: The immigration patterns of Holocaust survivors to Israel span several decades. While 6.2% of all survivors made aliyah (immigrated) to Israel even before the country's establishment in 1948, 30.5% arrived during the large immigration wave following Israel's founding (1948-1951). Another 29.8% made aliyah between 1952 and 1989, and approximately one-third (33.5%) arrived from former Soviet Union countries beginning in the 1990s.

Within Israel, 95% of Holocaust survivors reside in urban settlements, with only about 5% living in rural areas. Approximately one-third of the survivors live in major cities, with roughly 9,000 in Haifa, 8,500 in Jerusalem, 5,400 in Tel Aviv-Yafo, and 5,000 in the cities of Ashdod and Netanya.

Beyond Israel and the United States, an estimated 245,000 Jewish survivors are still living across more than 90countries. The CBS report also notes that 1,500 Holocaust survivors were displaced from their homes in the north and south as a result of the war, with the majority (80%) relocated to hotels in cities.

The global Jewish population statistics provide a stark testament to the lasting impact of the Holocaust and the resilience of the Jewish people. The world's ongoing struggle to come to terms with this dark chapter in history underscores the growing importance of preserving the memories and stories of survivors.

The CBS report highlights the diverse experiences and immigration patterns of Holocaust survivors who have made Israel their home, serving as a powerful tribute to the enduring spirit of the Jewish people. With each passing year, the number of living survivors dwindles, and ensuring that their stories are not forgotten and that future generations continue to learn from the lessons of the past remains a critical responsibility.

Key Takeaways

• Global Jewish population stands at 15.7 million as of 2023.
• Israel and the US are home to 85% of the world's Jewish population.
• 133,000 Holocaust survivors live in Israel, with 62% being women.
• 50.8% of Holocaust survivors in Israel are widows or widowers.
• 245,000 Jewish survivors live across 90+ countries beyond Israel and the US.