Beit Shemesh nears 200,000 residents, fastest-growing city in Israel

Beit Shemesh's population reached approximately 176,380 with an annual growth rate near 6%, among the highest in Israel. The Haredi community makes up about half the city, with Ramat Beit Shemesh now Israel's third-largest ultra-Orthodox center after Jerusalem and Bnei Brak. Combined, Jerusalem, Bnei Brak, and Beit Shemesh host the lion's share of Israel's 1.35 million Haredim.