The two countries with the greatest shares of the world's Jewish population are the United States and Israel. The United States had been a hub of Jewish immigration since the nineteenth century, as Jewish people sought to escape persecution in Europe by emigrating across the Atlantic. The Jewish population in the U.S. is largely congregated in major urban areas, such as New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, with the New York metropolitan area being the city with the second largest Jewish population worldwide, after Tel Aviv, Israel. Israel is the world's only officially Jewish state, having been founded in 1948 following the first Arab-Israeli War. While Jews had been emigrating to the holy lands since the nineteenth century, when they were controlled by the Ottoman Empire, immigration increased rapidly following the establishment of the state of Israel. Jewish communities in Eastern Europe who had survived the Holocaust saw Israel as a haven from persecution, while the state encouraged immigration from Jewish communities in other regions, notably the Middle East & North Africa. Smaller Jewish communities remain in Europe in countries such as France, the UK, and Germany, and in other countries which were hotspots for Jewish migration in the twentieth century, such as Canada and Argentina.

This statistic shows the top 25 countries in the world with the largest number of Jewish population in 2010. In 2010, there were living about 5.7 million Jews in the United States.

The world's Jewish population has had a complex and tumultuous history over the past millennia, regularly dealing with persecution, pogroms, and even genocide. The legacy of expulsion and persecution of Jews, including bans on land ownership, meant that Jewish communities disproportionately lived in urban areas, working as artisans or traders, and often lived in their own settlements separate to the rest of the urban population. This separation contributed to the impression that events such as pandemics, famines, or economic shocks did not affect Jews as much as other populations, and such factors came to form the basis of the mistrust and stereotypes of wealth (characterized as greed) that have made up anti-Semitic rhetoric for centuries. Development since the Middle Ages The concentration of Jewish populations across the world has shifted across different centuries. In the Middle Ages, the largest Jewish populations were found in Palestine and the wider Levant region, with other sizeable populations in present-day France, Italy, and Spain. Later, however, the Jewish disapora became increasingly concentrated in Eastern Europe after waves of pogroms in the west saw Jewish communities move eastward. Poland in particular was often considered a refuge for Jews from the late-Middle Ages until the 18th century, when it was then partitioned between Austria, Prussia, and Russia, and persecution increased. Push factors such as major pogroms in the Russian Empire in the 19th century and growing oppression in the west during the interwar period then saw many Jews migrate to the United States in search of opportunity.

Throughout history, the displacement and migration of Jewish populations has been a repeating theme. In ancient times, the worlds Jewish population was concentrated in the Middle East, especially around Judaism's spiritual homeland in present-day Israel. However, the population distribution of the world's Jewry began to shift in the Middle Ages, with an increasing share living in Europe. Initially, Western Europe (particularly France, Italy, and Spain) had the largest Jewish populations, before they then migrated eastward in later centuries. Between the 18th and mid-20th centuries, over half of the worl'd Jews lived in Europe, with over 80 percent of these living in Eastern Europe.

Poland had become a refuge for Jews fleeing persecution in the Middle Ages, although shifting borders and foreign influence meant that long-term security was never fully attained, and a series of pogroms in the Russian Empire in the 1800s, and rising anti-Semitism in Central Europe in the early-1900s contributred to waves of migration to the United States and Israel during this time. After the Holocaust saw the genocide of up to six million Jews (over one third of the world's Jewish population), the share of Jews living in Europe dropped drastically, and emmigration outside of Europe increased. Today, the United States has the world's largest Jewish population in the world at around 7.3 million people, just ahead of Israel with 7.1 million.

In 1995, Israel had a Jewish population of approximately 4.5 million people, of whom approximately 1.75 million were born abroad. Over one million of these immigrants were born in Europe, with over 650,000 of these born in the former Soviet Union. Despite Poland having the largest Jewish population in the world in the pre-WWII years, the number of Polish Jewish migrants and descendents in Israel was relatively small in 1995 when compared to the USSR due to the impact of the Holocaust.

Outside of Europe, Morocco had the largest number of Jewish immigrants and descendents in Israel by 1995. Morocco had the largest Jewish population in the Muslim world when Israel was founded in 1948, with over 250,000 people. Many Moroccan Jews sought to emigrate to Israel at this time, but often faced resistance from authorities and local populations who believed the Jews would join in the fight against the Arab forces seeking to establish a Muslim state in Palestine. The government of Morocco then officially prohibited emigration to Israel after gaining independence from France in 1956, however this policy was reversed in 1961 whereby the Moroccan government began facilitating Jewish emigration to Israel in return for payments from Jewish organizations in the U.S. and Israel. By the 1970s, Morocco's Jewish population had fallen to less than 15 percent of its size in 1948.

Kosher Beef Market Outlook

The global kosher beef market size was estimated to be approximately USD 8 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach around USD 12.7 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1% during the forecast period. The growth of the kosher beef market can be attributed to rising consumer awareness about the benefits of kosher food, which is perceived as being cleaner, healthier, and adhering to stricter quality standards compared to conventional food products. This perception has led to an increase in demand not only among Jewish consumers but also among non-Jewish consumers who are interested in the perceived health benefits and quality assurance that kosher certifications provide.

One of the primary growth factors in the kosher beef market is the increasing demand for high-quality, ethically sourced meat products. Kosher beef meets strict dietary laws and is slaughtered using humane practices, which appeal to a growing number of consumers who are concerned about animal welfare. Furthermore, kosher meat is subject to rigorous inspection and quality checks, providing an added layer of safety and assurance to consumers. This has attracted health-conscious and ethically-minded consumers, expanding the market beyond its traditional Jewish demographic. As consumers globally become more discerning about their food sources, the demand for kosher beef is expected to continue to rise.

Another significant growth factor is the expanding global Jewish population, which inherently drives the demand for kosher products. As the Jewish community grows, particularly in regions like North America and certain parts of Europe, there is a corresponding increase in the demand for kosher foods, including beef. Additionally, the market is further bolstered by cultural and religious practices that necessitate the consumption of kosher foods during Jewish holidays and special occasions. This cultural significance helps sustain the market demand throughout the year, contributing to steady growth prospects for kosher beef producers and retailers.

The rising popularity of specialty diets and the trend towards diverse culinary experiences are also contributing to the growth of the kosher beef market. Consumers are increasingly exploring different food cultures and cuisines, with kosher foods being a part of this trend. Kosher beef, known for its unique preparation and taste, is becoming an attractive choice for food enthusiasts and culinary professionals alike. This is particularly evident in urban areas with diverse demographics, where kosher beef has found its way into gourmet restaurants and specialty foodservice establishments. As a result, the culinary appeal of kosher beef is playing a significant role in expanding its market reach.

The concept of Halal Meat, much like kosher, is rooted in religious dietary laws and has seen a surge in demand globally. Halal meat adheres to Islamic dietary guidelines, ensuring that the meat is not only permissible but also prepared in a manner that is humane and ethical. This includes specific slaughtering practices and a focus on cleanliness and purity. The growing Muslim population worldwide, along with increased awareness among non-Muslim consumers about the ethical and health benefits of halal meat, has contributed to its rising popularity. As consumers become more conscious of their food sources and ethical considerations, the demand for halal meat is expected to continue its upward trajectory, paralleling the growth seen in the kosher market.

From a regional perspective, North America holds a significant share of the kosher beef market, driven by a large Jewish population and a high level of consumer awareness about kosher foods. The United States, in particular, boasts a well-established kosher food industry, which continuously innovates to meet the diverse dietary needs of its population. In contrast, regions like Asia Pacific are witnessing a surge in demand owing to increasing globalization and the spread of Jewish culture and cuisine. Markets in Europe and the Middle East & Africa are also expected to experience growth, albeit at a slower pace, as awareness and availability of kosher products increase. Latin America, while traditionally less exposed to kosher foods, presents untapped potential for growth as consumer preferences evolve.

Product Type Analysis

In the kosher beef market, product type plays a critical role, with fresh, frozen, and processed kosher beef being the prim

The Jewish dating app market, currently valued at $152 million in 2025, is experiencing robust growth, projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.3% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is driven by several key factors. The increasing comfort level with online dating among Jewish singles, particularly younger generations, contributes significantly to market growth. Furthermore, the specialized nature of these apps caters to the specific cultural and religious needs of users, offering a niche market with strong community engagement. Features like advanced matching algorithms, facilitating connections based on shared values and religious observance, are key differentiators driving adoption. The market segmentation by operating system (iOS and Android) reflects the widespread smartphone penetration and differing user preferences. Geographical distribution reveals that North America and Europe currently hold the largest market shares, although growth in other regions, especially within the Asia-Pacific region with a growing Jewish diaspora, presents significant future opportunities. Competition within the market is relatively high, with established players like JDate and eHarmony competing alongside newer, niche apps catering to specific age demographics (OurTime for older adults, JSwipe for younger users) and levels of religious observance. The market faces some restraints, such as the relatively smaller overall user base compared to general dating apps and ongoing challenges around data privacy and security. However, consistent technological advancements in matching algorithms and user experience are expected to drive future growth. The success of Jewish dating apps hinges on their ability to foster meaningful connections. Maintaining a balance between catering to specific cultural and religious needs while also creating a user-friendly and inclusive platform is crucial for sustained growth. The increasing integration of features focused on community building, such as events and group chats, demonstrates a market trend toward enriching the user experience beyond simple matching algorithms. Future growth will also likely involve leveraging data analytics and AI to personalize matching and enhance user engagement. The market’s evolution is also likely to see increased diversification of features that cater to specific subsets within the Jewish community, such as those with varying levels of religious observance, or those from different cultural backgrounds. Continued innovation in addressing user privacy concerns and maintaining a safe and positive online environment will be essential for market sustainability.

Kosher Frozen Meals Market Outlook

As per our latest research, the global kosher frozen meals market size reached USD 13.8 billion in 2024, with a robust year-on-year growth fueled by increasing demand for convenient, healthy, and culturally compliant food options. The market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 7.1% from 2025 to 2033, with the forecasted market size projected to reach USD 25.5 billion by 2033. This growth trajectory is primarily driven by rising consumer awareness regarding kosher dietary standards, the proliferation of diverse frozen meal offerings, and the expanding global Jewish population, alongside growing interest from non-Jewish consumers seeking perceived health and quality benefits associated with kosher-certified foods.

One of the most significant growth factors for the kosher frozen meals market is the increasing consumer preference for convenience without compromising on dietary compliance or quality. Urbanization and busier lifestyles have led to a surge in demand for ready-to-eat and easy-to-prepare meal solutions. Kosher frozen meals, which adhere to strict preparation and ingredient standards, are particularly attractive to health-conscious consumers and those with dietary restrictions. The market is also benefiting from the expanding range of product offerings, including entrees, appetizers, sides, and desserts, catering to a variety of tastes and dietary requirements. This diversification is further supported by advancements in food preservation technology, which ensures that frozen meals retain both nutritional value and flavor, making them a viable alternative to freshly prepared kosher foods.

Another key driver is the growing global recognition and acceptance of kosher certification as a mark of quality and safety, even outside the Jewish community. Many consumers now perceive kosher-certified products as being subject to higher standards of cleanliness, ingredient sourcing, and preparation, which has broadened the market’s appeal. In regions such as North America and Europe, where food safety concerns and dietary transparency are paramount, kosher frozen meals are gaining traction among mainstream consumers. In addition, the rise in food allergies and sensitivities has prompted more individuals to seek out kosher products, which are often free from common allergens such as shellfish and certain additives, further expanding the potential customer base.

Digital transformation and the proliferation of e-commerce platforms have also played a pivotal role in the growth of the kosher frozen meals market. Online grocery shopping has surged in popularity, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, making it easier for consumers to access a wide variety of kosher frozen meal options. Retailers and manufacturers are leveraging digital channels to reach new customer segments, offer detailed product information, and facilitate hassle-free purchasing experiences. This shift towards online distribution is complemented by the expansion of specialty stores and dedicated kosher sections in supermarkets and hypermarkets, ensuring that consumers have greater access to these products both online and offline.

Regionally, North America remains the largest market for kosher frozen meals, accounting for over 38% of global revenue in 2024. This dominance is attributed to the sizeable Jewish population in the United States and Canada, well-established distribution networks, and high consumer awareness. Europe follows closely, driven by increasing multiculturalism and the presence of established kosher certification bodies. The Asia Pacific region is emerging as a high-growth market, with rising disposable incomes, urbanization, and growing interest in international cuisines contributing to increased demand for kosher frozen meals. Meanwhile, Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are witnessing steady growth, supported by expanding retail infrastructure and rising consumer interest in convenient and culturally compliant food options.

Product Type Analysis

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Kosher Foods Market Size 2025-2029

The kosher foods market size is forecast to increase by USD 16.5 billion, at a CAGR of 7.2% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth due to several key factors. The rise in Jewish and Muslim populations worldwide is driving demand for kosher-certified food products. Additionally, the increasing popularity of private labels and ethical labels is attracting consumers seeking transparency and authenticity. Meat substitutes, such as tofu and meat alternatives, are gaining traction as consumers look for more sustainable and ethical food options. Seafood, another major category in the market, is benefiting from the growing trend of consumers preferring healthier food choices. Furthermore, the demand for gluten-free food and energy drinks with kosher certification is on the rise. Intense competition from halal foods, however, poses a challenge to the market growth. Overall, the market is expected to witness steady growth in the coming years, with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and consumer preferences.

What will be the Size of the Kosher Foods Market During the Forecast Period?

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The market encompasses a diverse range of food products adhering to Jewish dietary regulations. This market caters to consumers seeking healthier options, with a growing emphasis on allergen-free food and ethical sourcing. The demand for vegan kosher foods is also on the rise, aligning with broader trends in plant-based diets. Kosher foods are produced under strict supervision, ensuring the separation of milk and animal products. Hypermarkets, grocery stores, online platforms, and specialty stores serve as key distribution channels for this market. Major product categories include seafood, meat, dairy products, beverages, dietary supplements, and a wide array of packaged goods such as pasta, bread, cereals, juices, frozen meals, and packaged snacks. Buckwheat and other alternative grains have gained popularity due to their inclusion in kosher diets. Overall, the market exhibits strong growth, driven by increasing consumer awareness and adherence to dietary preferences and ethical considerations.

How is this Kosher Foods Industry segmented and which is the largest segment?

The kosher foods industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Product

  Kosher pareve
  Kosher meat
  Kosher dairy


Distribution Channel

  Supermarkets and hypermarkets
  Grocery stores
  Online stores


End-user

  Household consumers
  Food service industry
  Food processing industry


Geography

  North America

    Canada
    US


  Europe

    Germany
    UK
    France
    Italy


  Middle East and Africa



  South America

    Brazil


  APAC

By Product Insights

The kosher pareve segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The kosher pareve market encompasses a range of food products that adhere to Jewish dietary regulations, excluding meat and dairy. These neutral foods, which can be consumed with meat and dairy, include fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, grains, tofu, plant proteins, confectionery products, beverages, and dietary supplements. Strict adherence to kosher standards mandates careful inspection of fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts for bugs, insects, or larvae. Eggs, too, must be free of blood spots to be considered kosher. Pareve products cater to various consumer groups, such as health-conscious individuals, vegetarians, and those with celiac disorders or lactose intolerance. This segment also includes snacks, savory dishes, bakery items, and culinary products. The pareve market serves both the Jewish and non-Jewish communities, with offerings available at grocery stores, hypermarkets, and online platforms. Examples of pareve foods are buckwheat, seafood, lamb, pulses, juices, frozen meals, packaged snacks, and baked goods.

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The kosher pareve segment was valued at USD 13.80 billion in 2019 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

North America is estimated to contribute 39% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period.

Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

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The North American market holds the largest share in the global consumption of kosher foods, with the US and Canada being the key contributors. While the Jewish community is the primary consumer base, the Muslim population in the US also favors ko

With the heightened threat to Germany's Jewish population following the Nazi Party's ascent to power in 1933, many German Jews chose to flee or emigrate. In 1933, Germany's Jewish population was approximately 500,000 people; by the end of the war, it is estimated that 300,000 fled the country, and 165,000 were murdered in the Holocaust. In order to flee, most Jewish emigrants from Germany had to give up the majority of their wealth to the German state, whose emigration tax and seizure of property stripped Jews of their financial assets. Destination and transit For Germany's Jewish refugees, the most common destination country was the United States, and almost half of all these refugees would arrive in the U.S. over this 12 year period. As the United States had a strict quota of 27,000 German migrants per year, many refugees were forced to enter via other countries. France was the second most common destination country, receiving 100,000 refugees. However, France was also used as a transit country for German Jews wishing to travel further afield, especially after it was annexed by Germany in 1940. This was also true for several other European countries, such as the Netherlands, which had provided protection for German Jews in the mid-1930s, before rapidly becoming very unsafe following the outbreak of war in 1939. The Frank family Possibly the most famous example of this was the story of Anne Frank and her family. Anne had been born in Frankfurt, Germany in 1929, but her family moved to the Netherlands in 1934 after Hitler came to power. The family then led a relatively comfortable and successful life in Amsterdam, with her father, Otto, founding his own businesses. When the Netherlands was invaded by the Germans in 1940, the family tried to emigrate once more; Otto had been granted a single Cuban visa in 1942, but the family was forced to go into hiding as the restrictions tightened. For the next two years, with the help of non-Jewish friends, they lived in secret in the upper floor of Otto's business premises with several other Jewish refugees, in a small space concealed behind a bookcase. In August 1944, through unknown means, the group was betrayed and then arrested by Dutch authorities, and the Frank family was sent to Auschwitz-Birkenau thereafter. Anne's mother, Edith, died of starvation in Auschwitz within five months of her capture, while Anne and her sister, Margot, died one month later after being transferred to the Bergen-Belsen camp in Germany. Otto was the sole survivor of the group. Otto's secretary, Miep Gies, had saved Anne's diary the day after the group was arrested, which she then gave to Otto; he then devoted much of the remainder of his life to the publication and promotion of his daughter's diary, which has now become one of the most famous and widely-read books in recent history. Additionally, the hiding space is now open to the public, and has become one of the Netherlands' most popular tourist museums.

This study, designed and carried out by the "http://www.asarb.org/" Target="_blank">Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies (ASARB), compiled data on 372 religious bodies by county in the United States. Of these, the ASARB was able to gather data on congregations and adherents for 217 religious bodies and on congregations only for 155. Participating bodies included 354 Christian denominations, associations, or communions (including Latter-day Saints, Messianic Jews, and Unitarian/Universalist groups); counts of Jain, Shinto, Sikh, Tao, Zoroastrian, American Ethical Union, and National Spiritualist Association congregations, and counts of congregations and adherents from Baha'i, three Buddhist groupings, two Hindu groupings, four Jewish groupings, and Muslims. The 372 groups reported a total of 356,642 congregations with 161,224,088 adherents, comprising 48.6 percent of the total U.S. population of 331,449,281. Membership totals were estimated for some religious groups.

In January 2024, the ARDA added 21 religious tradition (RELTRAD) variables to this dataset. These variables start at variable #12 (TOTCNG_2020). Categories were assigned based on pages 88-94 in the original "https://www.usreligioncensus.org/index.php/node/1638" Target="_blank">2020 U.S. Religion Census Report.

Visit the "https://www.thearda.com/us-religion/sources-for-religious-congregations-membership-data" Target="_blank">frequently asked questions page for more information about the ARDA's religious congregation and membership data sources.

Most estimates place the total number of deaths during the Second World War at around 70-85 million people. Approximately 17 million of these deaths (20-25 percent of the total) were due to crimes against humanity carried out by the Nazi regime in Europe. In comparison to the millions of deaths that took place through conflict, famine, or disease, these 17 million stand out due to the reasoning behind them, along with the systematic nature and scale in which they were carried out. Nazi ideology claimed that the Aryan race (a non-existent ethnic group referring to northern Europeans) was superior to all other ethnicities; this became the justification for German expansion and the extermination of others. During the war, millions of people deemed to be of lesser races were captured and used as slave laborers, with a large share dying of exhaustion, starvation, or individual execution. Murder campaigns were also used for systematic extermination; the most famous of these were the extermination camps, such as at Auschwitz, where roughly 80 percent of the 1.1 million victims were murdered in gas chambers upon arrival at the camp. German death squads in Eastern Europe carried out widespread mass shootings, and up to two million people were killed in this way. In Germany itself, many disabled, homosexual, and "undesirables" were also killed or euthanized as part of a wider eugenics program, which aimed to "purify" German society.

The Holocaust Of all races, the Nazi's viewed Jews as being the most inferior. Conspiracy theories involving Jews go back for centuries in Europe, and they have been repeatedly marginalized throughout history. German fascists used the Jews as scapegoats for the economic struggles during the interwar period. Following Hitler's ascendency to the Chancellorship in 1933, the German authorities began constructing concentration camps for political opponents and so-called undesirables, but the share of Jews being transported to these camps gradually increased in the following years, particularly after Kristallnacht (the Night of Broken Glass) in 1938. In 1939, Germany then invaded Poland, home to Europe's largest Jewish population. German authorities segregated the Jewish population into ghettos, and constructed thousands more concentration and detention camps across Eastern Europe, to which millions of Jews were transported from other territories. By the end of the war, over two thirds of Europe's Jewish population had been killed, and this share is higher still when one excludes the neutral or non-annexed territories.

Lebensraum Another key aspect of Nazi ideology was that of the Lebensraum (living space). Both the populations of the Soviet Union and United States were heavily concentrated in one side of the country, with vast territories extending to the east and west, respectively. Germany was much smaller and more densely populated, therefore Hitler aspired to extend Germany's territory to the east and create new "living space" for Germany's population and industry to grow. While Hitler may have envied the U.S. in this regard, the USSR was seen as undeserving; Slavs were the largest major group in the east and the Nazis viewed them as inferior, which was again used to justify the annexation of their land and subjugation of their people. As the Germans took Slavic lands in Poland, the USSR, and Yugoslavia, ethnic cleansings (often with the help of local conspirators) became commonplace in the annexed territories. It is also believed that the majority of Soviet prisoners of war (PoWs) died through starvation and disease, and they were not given the same treatment as PoWs on the western front. The Soviet Union lost as many as 27 million people during the war, and 10 million of these were due to Nazi genocide. It is estimated that Poland lost up to six million people, and almost all of these were through genocide.

In 2022, there were *** incidents related to anti-Semitism in the state of New York, the most out of any state. California, New Jersey, Florida, and Texas rounded out the top five states for anti-Semitic incidents in that year.

This statistic shows U.S. prison chaplains estimations of the percentage of inmates belonging to different organized faiths and religions as of 2011. Chaplains surveyed reported that on average **** percent of inmates were of protestant faiths.

Additional information on religion in United States prisons

The religious affiliation of inmates in the United States, the country with most prisoners per head globally, is reasonably similar to the religious affiliations of the society overall. That said, the proportion of non-religious inmates and those declining to express their religious affiliation is smaller than the overall proportion. In contrast the number of Muslim inmates is disproportionately large in comparison with wider society. As a result a sizable share of prison chaplains identity as Muslim, catering to the preferences of the Muslim prison population.

Following the September 11, 2001 World Trade Centre attacks and the subsequent War on Terror launched by George W. Bush, religious extremism has been a target of public debate and policy. The debate has stretched into prisons particularly with the United States prison on Guantanamo Bay holding a number of suspected terrorists related to religious extremism. In turn, fears have been raised that prisons have become a hotbed for religious extremism.

Critics have argued that religious extremism has provided an unwarranted justification for the conviction of Muslims. Regardless of the supposed reason for their imprisonment, this disproportionate number presents a problem for United States policy makers.