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Jewish population hits 15.8 million globally

Some 7.3 million Jews live in Israel, while 8.5 million Jews live outside of Israel, including 6.3 million in the United States, according to the Jewish Agency.

Jews pray for forgiveness ahead of Rosh Hashanah at the Western Wall in the Old City of Jerusalem, Sept. 20, 2024. Photo by Chaim Goldberg/Flash90.
Jews pray for forgiveness ahead of Rosh Hashanah at the Western Wall in the Old City of Jerusalem, Sept. 20, 2024. Photo by Chaim Goldberg/Flash90.

On the eve of the Jewish year 5785, the Jewish population worldwide numbered 15.8 million, an increase of about 100,000 compared to 5784, according to data published by the Jewish Agency.

Israel is home to 7.3 million Jews, compared to 7.2 million at the beginning of 5784, while 8.5 million Jews live outside of Israel—including 6.3 million in the United States and 2.2 million in other countries, according to the data based on research by demographer professor Sergio Della Pergola from the Hebrew University.

“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. Doron Almog, chairman of the Jewish Agency of Israel.

The Jewish population estimates for Russia and Ukraine were adjusted for the significant immigration that followed the war there. In some countries, calculations were made according to recent surveys and in other countries, the total was determined according to statistical data and accepted tools for demographic assessment.

The data in this study refers to what is defined as the core Jewish population: people who identify as Jews and/or sons and daughters of at least one Jewish parent, and who are not members of another religion.

The core Jewish population in countries with a total of at least 10,000 Jews, as of January 2024 (not including broad definitions of those entitled to the Law of Return), is as follows:

France: 438,500
Canada: 400,000
Great Britain: 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
Holland: 35,000 
Ukraine: 32,000
Belgium: 29,000
Italy: 26,800
Switzerland: 20,500
Uruguay: 16,100
Chile: 15,500
Turkey: 15,000
Sweden: 14,900
Spain: 13,000
Austria: 10,300
Panama: 10,000

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