Seventy per cent of Israelis don’t recognise patrilineal Jews, study shows

The survey also found 44% of Israelis don’t recognise non-Orthodox conversions, although only 20% consider themselves observant.

These are the key findings of a survey published on Tuesday by the Jerusalem-based Israel Democracy Institute, included in a first-of-its kind report on religion and state in Israel.

The survey, conducted last month, found that 70% of Jewish Israelis do not accept patrilineal descent, while 26% do (the rest had no opinion). The Reform movement, the largest denomination in the US, has accepted Jews of patrilineal descent since 1983. Neither the Conservative nor the Orthodox denominations do.

Even among secular Israeli Jews, 50% were not prepared to accept patrilineal descent, though 44% were.

The results suggest a more ambivalent attitude toward non-Orthodox conversions. Among the respondents, 44% said they did not recognise non-Orthodox conversions, while 40% did. Another 16% did not know. In the 2009, survey, 48% recognised non-Orthodox conversions.

The study shows increased alignment with Orthodoxy. The last time the question was put, in 2009, 40% of respondents recognised patrilineal descent and 48% recognised non-Orthodox conversion.

Although nearly 80% of Israeli Jews are non-observant, 65% prefer a religious burial, the survey found. Another 12% preferred a civil burial, and 5% cremation.

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70% of Israelis don't recognise patrilineal Jews, report shows (Haaretz)