According to data released by Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), there are more smokers in Tel Aviv; Beersheva has the most convicted criminals; and Bnei has the fewest number of people injured in vehicular accidents. The information is contained in the CBS’ annual report addressing Israel’s fourteen largest cities.

Tel Aviv, Bat Yam and Netanya have the highest number of residents who feel alone with one-third of the residents of these cities expressing loneliness. In the big picture the situation has improved as the loneliness feeling among persons over 20 is 27% while that number stood at 32% back in 2002. The cities registering the fewest residents complaining of feeling along are Rehovot and Bnei Brak, with only 15% falling into the category.

Beersheva has the most convicted criminals per 1,000 residents (7.7) followed by Bat Yam (7.2), and Ashkelon (7.1). The lowest number per 1,000 residents is Ramat Gan (2.9) followed by Haifa (3.9) and Petach Tikvah (4.3). The prevalent crime is disturbing the peace or disorderly conduct.

Tel Aviv has the highest rate of smokers (30%) followed by Rishon L’Tzion and Ashdod (28%) and the city with the fewest smokers is Bnei Brak (8%).

Bnei Brak residents have another reason to smile for in 2012, it registered the fewest number of injuries from vehicular accidents (228). This is quite remarkable, especially when one compares it to the city with the highest number, Tel Aviv (1,830). Interestingly, the city with the most drivers who have been involved in accidents is Netanya.

The report states that 68% of the residents in 2012 that were registered for public services and social assistance, 921,000 residents, were defined as having “defined needs”. Simply stated, 115.3 residents per 1,000 are in need of welfare and social services. The city with the most residents requiring such services is Netanya (137.5 per 1,000) as opposed to the fewest in Bnei Brak (76.6 per 1,000).

The number of residents in large city who feel employment security varies from 71% in Bnei Brak and Petach Tikvah to 53% in Yerushalayim.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)