Post-Oct 7 Poll Shows Faith Strengthened Primarily Among Ultra-Orthodox
A 2026 "Religion and State Index" survey in Israel indicates that faith has strengthened for 31% of the Jewish population following the October 7th attacks and subsequent war. However, the study, conducted by the Hiddush organization and reported by Calcalist, found no mass return to religion among secular Israelis. Instead, the increase in religiosity was most pronounced among the ultra-Orthodox (65% reported strengthened faith), religious individuals (54%), and those who identify as traditional (42%). Among secular respondents, only 9% reported strengthened faith, while 12% stated they had moved further away from it. Political leanings also showed differences, with 45% of right-wing supporters reporting increased faith compared to 11% in the political center. The survey also revealed that 11% of all respondents felt closer to Jewish tradition, with traditional Jews being the most likely to report this.
The findings contrast with the post-1973 Yom Kippur War period, which saw a significant religious revival. Researchers suggest that public dissatisfaction with the estimated 80,000 ultra-Orthodox men exempt from military service may be a factor. The annual "Religion and State Index," conducted since 2009 by statistician Rafi Smith with a sample of 800 adult Jews, tracks attitudes toward religious freedom and civic duty.
Support for civil marriage and divorce remains consistently high, between 60% and 70%, though personal choices can be more conservative. The desire for an Orthodox marriage for oneself or children has decreased to 50% from 61% in 2013. Conversely, the proportion of Israelis preferring to live together without formal marriage has tripled to 15% since 2013. Fifty-nine percent of respondents favor separating religion from the state, a figure largely unchanged since 2009, though the study notes this likely reflects a desire to reduce religion's political influence rather than complete separation.
Public transportation on Saturdays continues to be widely supported, with 65% to 75% in favor across various years, perceived as a social as well as religious issue. Support for Reform and Conservative Judaism has grown, with 7% identifying with Reform and 5% with Conservative movements. The survey also highlighted perceived societal rifts, with the left-right political divide cited as the most dangerous by 81% of respondents in 2026, surpassing the religious-secular conflict (74%), despite ongoing tensions over military exemptions.
