New Survey Reveals High Fasting Rates Among Secular Israelis on Yom Kippur

A recent survey by the Israel Democracy Institute indicates that a significant majority of Jewish Israelis, regardless of religious observance, participate in fasting on Yom Kippur. The study found that 74% of Jewish Israelis fast, with 63% observing a full fast and 11% fasting partially. Among the strictly religious and traditional-religious populations, fasting rates are nearly universal, at 97-98%. Even among those identifying as "traditional" but not religious, 90% fast, 77% of whom do so fully.

The survey revealed a surprising trend among secular Israelis, with 47% reporting they fast on Yom Kippur. Of these, 28% fast completely, and an additional 19% fast partially, either for part of the day or in some years. Conversely, 53% of secular respondents stated they do not fast at all.

Further demographic breakdowns showed a notable difference in fasting habits among secular Israelis based on origin. 63% of secular Israelis of Mizrahi (Eastern) descent fast fully or partially, compared to 39% of secular Ashkenazi (European) Israelis. Those with mixed origins reported a 53% fasting rate.

The survey also highlighted that Yom Kippur draws individuals to synagogue services who do not typically attend. 18% of all Jewish Israelis participate in Yom Kippur prayers (Orthodox, Reform, or Conservative) without regularly attending synagogue throughout the year. This figure rises to 37% among non-religious traditional individuals, 21% among religious traditional individuals, and 16% among secular individuals.

The poll was conducted in July-August 2026 among 1,002 Jewish adults aged 18 and over. Fieldwork was carried out by iPanel for the Israel Democracy Institute, with a maximum sampling error of 3.1%. Respondents were asked about their fasting practices.