New Survey to Reveal Detailed Financial Realities of Ultra-Orthodox Households in Israel
On Thursday, the "Tevuna for Economy" conference will take place at the Binyanei HaUma convention center in Jerusalem, unveiling a groundbreaking survey on the financial status of ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) households in Israel. Conducted in August 2026 by the research institute Midgam, the study sampled 502 representative adult Haredi respondents, providing unprecedented insights into their economic lives.
The survey covers a wide range of topics including employment rates among spouses, purchasing habits, brand preferences, and major financial concerns such as pensions, mortgages, and wedding expenses. A key focus is housing: beyond ownership and rent payments, the data will reveal whether Haredi families still prefer living in expensive large Haredi cities or are increasingly moving to more affordable peripheral towns.
Daily expenses are examined in depth, including education costs (tuition, yeshiva fees, transportation, after-school programs) and food purchasing behaviors. The survey will disclose how many families had to reduce consumption of staple foods like meat, fish, vegetables, and baby products over the past year. It also explores lifestyle changes, such as car ownership rates, brand loyalty, vacation habits within Israel, and the prevalence of international travel.
The research further investigates financial preparedness for the future, including pension ownership and contributions, early pension withdrawals, and savings plans for children’s weddings, including reliance on community loan funds (gemachim). Finally, it assesses basic financial literacy, such as the ability to read bank statements, compare loans, calculate interest, and track income and expenses.
The data is segmented by age, sector, and other demographics to highlight significant disparities within the Haredi community, aiming to move beyond monolithic stereotypes and portray a nuanced economic picture. The full findings will be presented at the conference, potentially confirming or challenging existing assumptions about the Haredi economy.
