September 22, 2003
Source: Chicago Tribune
On September 22, 2003 the Chicago Tribune reported that "A statistical survey showing the Jewish population has dwindled over the last decade has unleashed a debate among American Jews that touches on the community's determination to preserve its identity and place in American politics. The study found the country's Jewish population had dropped over the last decade to 5.2 million from 5.5 million, but some Jewish demographers said the real number could be significantly higher.The dispute has spilled into the public arena with denunciations and arguments over everything from statistical models to the meaning of Jewish identity. "