Israel's Central Bureau of Statistics Revises Ultra-Orthodox Employment Data Amid Rising Workforce Participation

The Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) recently published updated data indicating that 56% of ultra-Orthodox Jewish men are employed, a figure higher than previously reported. This revision stems from a methodological update made in 2022, which CBS officials clarified was a professional adjustment rather than a change in actual employment trends. Despite this upward revision, the CBS noted that the government's target of achieving 65% employment among the ultra-Orthodox population by 2030 remains distant. The data highlights ongoing challenges and progress in integrating the ultra-Orthodox community into Israel's labor market. The CBS's update reflects efforts to improve the accuracy of labor statistics, which are crucial for policy planning and assessing social-economic integration. The report was covered by Channel 13 News and included commentary on the implications of the new measurement approach for understanding employment trends within this demographic.