## Overview “Israel’s ultra-Orthodox” (often referred to as Haredi Jews) is not a single organization but a broad religious and social movement representing a significant and growing segment of Israeli society[1]. While there is no centralized “organization,” the ultra-Orthodox community is characterized by a network of religious institutions, political parties, schools, and communal structures that collectively shape its identity and influence[1][8]. This community is known for its strict adherence to Jewish law (Halakha), distinctive lifestyle, and relative separation from mainstream Israeli society[1][4]. ## What the Community Does Ultra-Orthodox society in Israel is centered around religious study and observance. For men, the ideal is full-time Torah study, often supported by state stipends and charitable donations[4][5]. Yeshivas (religious schools) and kollels (advanced study institutions) are central to community life, with boys beginning intensive religious education as early as age 13[5]. Women often work as teachers in girls’ schools or support their families while their husbands study[4]. The community maintains its own educational systems, media, and social services, largely separate from the secular state[1][4]. ## History The roots of Israel’s ultra-Orthodox community trace back to 19th-century Eastern Europe, where groups sought to preserve traditional Jewish life amid modernization and secularization[1]. In Israel, the community initially resisted the secular Zionist project, viewing it as a threat to religious continuity[4]. Over time, however, the ultra-Orthodox have become a powerful political and demographic force, leveraging their growing numbers to secure government funding for religious institutions and exemptions from military service[8]. ## Key Achievements The ultra-Orthodox community has achieved remarkable demographic growth, with a population that has nearly doubled since 2009, reaching about 1.34 million in 2023—over 13% of Israel’s population