Barnet continues to have largest Jewish population, Census 2021 confirms

Barnet, in north London, remains the UK borough with the highest number of Jews living within it, according to the results of the newly published 2021 Census.

Data published by the Office of National Statistics confirmed the community numbered 56,616 – up on the last census in 2011, when 54, 084 people confirmed they were Jewish.

Census 2021 also showed an increase in the number of Jews living in Greater Manchester, with the community numbering 28,072, an increase on the 25,013 in 2011.

Driving the rise in Greater Manchester’s overall Jewish population is an increase from 7,681 to 10, 373 in Salford.

A small increase also took place in Bury.

The census also confirmed there was also a rise in the number of Jewish people living in Hertfordshire – with the new results showing the community now numbered 26,436 – up from 21,345 in 2011.

In Hertsmere, which is the most Jewish borough within the country of Herts, the community now numbers 18, 436. It numbered 14, 271 in 2011.

Overall, the census confirmed London had the largest Jewish population in England and Wales, followed by Greater Manchester, then Herts, then Essex, and then Yorkshire.

But the new census results also confirmed dramatic declines in Jewish populations in some areas previously known for a sizeable community.

In Redbridge, east London, the community size is shown to have fallen from 10, 208, to 6,412 over the past decade.

But in nearby Havering the community shows a slight rise from 1, 158 to 1305, probably as a result of some migration from Redbridge.

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In Leeds the community size drops from 6841 to 6267. In Liverpool the small community now numbers 1807, compared to 2, 156 a decade ago.

While in Birmingham the community now numbers 1687, a decline on the 2,204 in 2011.

The census also shows big falls in community numbers in certain London boroughs. In Harrow the community now numbers 7,304 as opposed to 10, 530 in 2011.

In Enfield the community now numbers just 3, 713, a fall of around 800 on the previous census.

Again in Westminster the Jewish community is shown to have declined from 7,234 to 5,628.

Brent now has 3, 723 Jews according to the 2021 Census – a decline on the 4,353 who lived in the borough in 2011.

But amongst the London boroughs to show a slight increase in community numbers is Camden, with 10,079 Jews now living there compared to 9, 816 in 2011.

Meanwhile Haringey also shows an increase – with 9397 Jews living in the borough compared to 7, 632 in 2011.

And in Hackney there are 17, 426 people identifying as Jews.

The overall figure from those who identified as Jewish by religion increased from 265,000 in 2011 to 271,000 in last year’s survey of the nation – a rise of 2.3 per cent.

“It is very striking there is significant growth in Hackney, Haringey, Bury, Salford all areas where there are strong Charedi populations,” said Dr Jonathan Boyd of the Institute for Jewish Policy Research. (JPR)

“That’s a big explanation for why the Jewish population of England and Wales is growing.

“Other areas have seen decline, Harrow, which includes Stanmore, Redbridge, Leeds – less decline, but nevertheless not insignificant.”

The Board of Deputies responded to the new census data saying: “Today’s census release provides invaluable information on the Jewish population in England and Wales.

“JPR’s analysis and insights of that data will guide community decision-makers for years to come.

Michelle Janes, co-CEO of the Jewish Leadership Council, added: “At the JLC we want to work strategically, responding to the changing needs of the community, and data like this is vital.”

JPR’s Boyd added: “UK Census data, once analysed, are of immense value to community leaders and planners because they provide a remarkably detailed and accurate view of the country’s Jewish population.

“They allow us to see not only the demographic changes that have occurred over the past twenty years, but also to make projections of how the community is likely to change going forward.”