Israeli Jews

Israeli Jews (Hebrew: יהודים ישראלים, Yehudim Yisraelim), also known as Jewish Israelis, refers to Jewish people who are citizens of Israel. This term is used to distinguish them from Jews in the Diaspora, or those Jews living outside of Israel.

History

The history of Israeli Jews is intertwined with the history of Zionism, the Jewish diaspora, and the history of the state of Israel. The first wave of Jewish immigration to the region, known as the First Aliyah, began in 1882, primarily from Eastern Europe. This was followed by several more waves of immigration, culminating in the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948.

Demographics

As of 2020, Israeli Jews make up approximately 74.1% of the total population of Israel. The majority of Israeli Jews are of Ashkenazi, Sephardi, and Mizrahi descent. There is also a significant number of Ethiopian Jews living in Israel.

Culture

Israeli Jewish culture is a blend of religious and secular traditions, influenced by the diverse backgrounds of the Jewish diaspora, as well as local Middle Eastern culture. This is reflected in various aspects of Israeli society, including its cuisine, music, and literature.

Religion

While the majority of Israeli Jews identify as Jewish, there is a wide spectrum of religious observance, ranging from Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) and Modern Orthodox, to Conservative, Reform, and secular Jews.

See also

• History of the Jews in the Land of Israel
• Religion in Israel
• Israeli Arabs