More than four of every five Israeli Jews believe in God and three-quarters of Israeli Jews keep kosher, according to a survey.

The study, conducted by the Israel Democracy Institute’s Guttman Center and paid for by the Avi Chai Foundation, also found that 51 percent of Israeli Jews favor instituting civil marriage; in Israel, marriage is controlled by the religious authorities.

The poll found that 70 percent of Israeli Jews believe the Jews are the chosen people; 61 percent think Israel should ensure that public life is conducted according to Jewish religious tradition; and more than 60 percent support holding sporting and cultural events on Shabbat. (JTA)