New study reveals: nearly half of the ultra-Orthodox public in Israel supports tax evasion
New data from the Jewish People Policy Institute reveals a surprising figure in Israeli society, as one group shows exceptionally high support for bypassing tax reporting and paying in cash without receipts.
A deep divide in Israeli society: new data from the "Moral Map" of the Israeli Society Index, conducted by the Jewish People Policy Institute (JPPI), reveals a complex picture and sharp gaps regarding financial conduct, tax reporting, and "black" payments.
According to the index, only 18% of the total Jewish public in Israel believe that paying in cash without receiving an invoice or receipt is morally acceptable. However, when segmented by level of religiosity, a value-based abyss is revealed: while among the secular public only 16% find legitimacy for this conduct, and among the traditional non-religious public the figure drops to a low of 5%, in the ultra-Orthodox public, no less than 45% express support and state that this is acceptable and perfectly moral behavior.
The findings also point to a notable gender and demographic gap within the population: among Jewish men, 22% express a willingness to justify cash payments without reporting, compared to only 12% among women. In the Arab sector, 35% of respondents support the legitimacy of bypassing reporting to tax authorities.
Researchers at the institute note that while most of the Israeli economy views tax evasion as a violation of social norms and a harm to the public treasury, among certain subgroups it is a common practice that receives broad social approval, which poses a complex challenge for enforcement authorities.
