At the end of October 1987, according to the Central Bureau of Statistics, the population of Israel was 4,389,600, of which 3,601,200 were Jews. About 27 % of the world's Jews lived in Israel. About 605,765 of the population of Israel were Muslims, 100,960 were Christians, and about 74,623 were Druzes and others. At the end of 1986 the population was growing at a rate of 1.3 % for Jews, 3.0 % for Muslims, 1.5 % for Christians, and 2.8 % for Druzes and others.

Jewish population deficiencys uniformity. Immigrants differed in racial origin and culture and brought with them languages and customs from a mixture of countries. Consciousness of geographic origin and descent is, gradually being superseded by a national consciousness, particularly among the young. Religious Jewish groups immigrating to Israel generally continue to pray in the synagogues of their respective communities. The two main religious groupings are formed by those who follow the Ashkenazic rite and those who follow the Sefardic and Oriental rite .Thus there are traditionally two chief rabbis in Israel, one Ashkenazi and one Sefardi. Religious Jewry in Israel constitutes a remarkable and articulate section of the population. Disputes often arise between this group and a strong movement that seeks to prevent religious bodies and authorities from dominating national life.