Where are the Jews?

The global Jewish population is estimated to be approximately 15.7 million people. The population is highly concentrated, with about 85% of all Jewish people living in either Israel or the United States.

Here is a breakdown of where Jewish communities are primarily located today:

1. Israel (Approx. 7.2 million) Israel is the only country in the world where Jews make up a majority of the population (about 73%). The largest concentrations are in: Tel Aviv Metropolitan Area: The largest Jewish population center in the world. Jerusalem: Home to a diverse range of secular, traditional, and Orthodox communities.

2. United States (Approx. 6.3 million) The U.S. has the second-largest Jewish population. It is primarily an urban population, concentrated in: New York City: Home to the largest Jewish community outside of Israel (approx. 1.6 million in the metro area). Other hubs: South Florida (Miami), Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Boston.

3. Other Significant Populations Beyond Israel and the U.S., the largest communities are found in: France (440,000): The largest community in Europe, mostly in Paris and Marseille. Canada (393,000): Centered mainly in Toronto and Montreal. United Kingdom (313,000): Primarily in London and Manchester. Argentina (171,000): The largest community in Latin America, mostly in Buenos Aires. Russia (132,000): Though the population has declined due to emigration, significant communities remain in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Germany (125,000): Has seen growth in recent decades, particularly in Berlin. Australia (117,000): Mostly in Melbourne and Sydney.

Summary Trends Urbanization: The Jewish population is overwhelmingly urban; the vast majority live in a few major global metropolitan areas. The "Core" vs. "Enlarged" Population: Demographic figures vary depending on how "Jewish" is defined. "Core" populations usually refer to those who self-identify as Jewish, while "enlarged" figures (which include people with Jewish ancestry eligible for Israeli citizenship under the Law of Return) can exceed 25 million worldwide. Shift to Israel: Since the mid-20th century, the center of gravity for the Jewish population has shifted from Europe to Israel and North America.