What does "others" mean in Israel's census?

In the context of Israel's census, when about 5.7% of the population is described as ""others,"" it typically refers to individuals who do not identify as either Jewish or Arab, which are the two primary ethnic and religious groups in Israel. The term ""others"" could encompass a variety of different groups, such as:

1. Non-Jewish and Non-Arab Minorities:

o This category may include people from different religious or ethnic backgrounds, such as Druze, Bedouins, Circassians, and other smaller communities.

2. Foreign Workers and Migrants:

o It could also include foreign workers and migrants who are living in Israel temporarily for work purposes and do not fall under the Jewish or Arab classifications.

3. Other Religious Groups:

o Christians, Baha’is, and other smaller religious groups that are present in Israel may be included in the ""others"" category.

4. Non-religious or Secular Individuals:

o Some people who identify as secular or agnostic but do not belong to any specific religious or ethnic group may also be categorized as ""others.""

Conclusion:

In census data, ""others"" is a general term used for individuals whose identities don’t fit neatly into the major demographic groups of Jewish or Arab. This category includes a variety of smaller ethnic, religious, and national communities living in Israel.