Poll: Israelis among world’s least religious

Israel may be the birthplace of Judaism and Christianity, but it is also one of the world’s least religious nations, according to a new poll.

The WIN/Gallup poll of 63,898 residents in 65 countries found that 65 percent of Israelis described themselves as either not religious or convinced atheists. Meanwhile, 75% of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza viewed themselves as religious, with 18% not religious.

A Haredi "talmud torah" in the ultra-Orthodox settlement of Beitar Illit, August 27, 2014 (Photo credit: Nati Shohat/Flash90) — A Haredi Talmud Torah in the ultra-Orthodox settlement of Beitar Illit, August 27, 2014 (photo credit: Nati Shohat/Flash90)

The poll found that, overall, 63% of people said they are religious. With 61% of its citizens not religious, China was the world’s least religious country, whereas Thailand, with 94% of its citizens religious, was the most.

— JTA