World’s Jewish population hits 15.8 million, on eve of Rosh Hashanah
Jewish Agency says 7.3 million Jews reside in Israel, 6.3 million in US; number of Jews worldwide has increased by 100,000 over the last year
The world’s Jewish population stands at 15.8 million on the eve of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, the Jewish Agency said on Wednesday, an increase of about 100,000 over the last year.
The annual report is based on research conducted by demographer Prof. Sergio Della Pergola of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.
The agency added that of those 15.8 million, 7.3 million reside in Israel, compared to 7.2 million last year. Of the 8.5 million Jews who live outside of Israel, the biggest Jewish population center is the United States — which is now home to 6.3 million, according to the statement.
The remaining 2.2 million Jews live in other countries, with the biggest populations in France and Canada, with 438,500 and 400,000 respectively.
Israel’s population figure was calculated following a correction issued by Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics regarding what defines residency in the country, the agency said.
The relationship between Jews outside of Israel and the Jewish state since the October 7 Hamas massacre in southern Israel, which left 1,200 dead and 251 taken hostage, has strengthened, the agency’s chairman said.
“The existential relationship between the Jewish communities around the world and the State of Israel has strengthened in the past year. We are witnessing unprecedented support that provides us the strength and hope to carry on,” said Maj. Gen. (res.) Doron Almog.
“The difficult war that was imposed on us, alongside the struggle of Jews around the world against rising antisemitism, emphasizes the shared destiny and the mission of The Jewish Agency — to be a living bridge between global Jewry and the State of Israel, to be the home for all Jews from around the world — from all denominations and sectors,” he added.
After Israel, the US, France and Canada, the 10 countries with the largest Jewish populations are the United Kingdom (313,000), Argentina (170,000), Germany (125,000), Russia (123,000), Australia (117,000), Brazil (90,300), South Africa (49,500), Hungary (45,000), Mexico (41,000), and the Netherlands (35,000).
The statistics, the agency said, are based on self-identification as Jewish and/or on having at least one Jewish parent and not belonging to another religion.
