Israel is a country that frequently appears in the news. When we consider Israel, we consider controversy, conflict, and religion. However, only those who live there can truly understand what life is like there. We decided to investigate the culture of a much-discussed nation. Here is a list of what it's like to live in this tiny country, which is smaller than New Jersey.
Israel Essentially Had Socialist Beginnings
The birth of kibbutzim in Israel traces back to the early 20th century when Jewish pioneers were building the homeland from scratch. Facing challenges in an unfamiliar landscape, these settlers adopted communal living as a solution.
Imagine a big family where everyone shares resources, works on the farm and makes decisions together. The idea was to create a fair and supportive community, where nobody was more important than others. They gained financial stability from the goods, crops, or services they produced. Kibbutzim played a big part in developing Israel, especially in agriculture.
There Are Spectacular Models From Israel
Israel is home to residents hailing from every corner of the globe. There are Moroccans, Yemenis, Russians, Poles, and other nationalities represented in Israel's population. The result of ethnically mixed families can produce some of the most unique-appearing people in the world.
As a tourist, you will quickly become aware of how fascinating and distinctive the locals are. As a direct result of this, Israel is home to a number of the world's most famous supermodels and stars. You might be familiar with the models such as Bar Rafaeli and Gal Gadot. Guess what? They are both Israeli.
Tel Aviv Is Home to the World's Highest Per Capita Dog Population
It's common knowledge that Tel Aviv is a dream destination for anyone who adores canines. One canine companion for every seventeen human occupants? That is completely out of the question! There are a number of dog parks spread out across the city, in addition to water bowls placed outside of the majority of restaurants and cafes.
Dog Day is an annual event that is sponsored by the city and held every year. During this event, dogs are given massages, treats, and hopefully are found new homes. It is a day that is celebrated annually on August 26th, and it was founded in 2004 by Pet & Family Lifestyle Expert and Animal Advocate Colleen Paige. The purpose of this day is to bring awareness to the plight of dogs all over the world and to encourage people to adopt rescue dogs.
Friday Afternoon to Saturday Night, Everything Is Closed
On the day of rest known as the Sabbath, certain activities are forbidden by the government. Tel Aviv is the only city in Israel that is not required to shut down its stores as part of the national observance of the day of rest.
During Shabbat, various government offices, businesses, all public transportation, and some entertainment venues are closed. This closure aligns with the religious and cultural significance of Shabbat in Jewish tradition. Therefore, if you are considering traveling to this fascinating nation, you should make it a point to time your vacation so that it doesn't fall on a day when the locals are not working.
Israel Is NOT the Place That Is Oppressing LGBTQ Community
There are only two Arab countries that permit homosexuality, some countries even punish death by stoning if found guilty. Israel, having been the only democracy in the Middle East since its founding, not only allows it but promotes it! According to a recent survey, Tel Aviv is among the top cities in the world for LGBTQ people to call home. This is crazy considering its small size.
The gay community is well served in this city, which features gay-friendly establishments such as bars, beaches, clubs, and even hotels. The annual Pride parade in Tel Aviv draws in excess of 250,000 people and is held along the beachfront of the city. The celebration of Pride in Tel Aviv attracts tens of thousands of people from a diverse range of backgrounds.
There Are 2 Million Arab People In Israel
Israel, a diverse nation, boasts a population where approximately 25% are Arabs living harmoniously alongside the Jewish community. This coexistence is rooted in historical and cultural factors. Arabs, both Muslim and Christian, have been an integral part of Israel since its establishment in 1948
Notably, Arabic is an official language alongside Hebrew. Over the years, Israel has strived to foster inclusivity, with Arabs participating in various aspects of society, including politics, academia, and the arts. This inclusive approach is reflected in shared neighborhoods, workplaces, and educational institutions.
Israel Is Dubbed The Start-Up Nation
Welcome to Israel, the "Start-Up Nation," where a vibrant tech ecosystem in Tel Aviv propels groundbreaking inventions. Ever used a USB? Or use the navigation app Waze? They were both developed by Israeli companies.
Medical breakthroughs, like the PillCam for non-invasive imaging, showcase Israel's impact on healthcare. From agricultural innovations to Waze, the navigation app, this nation continuously shapes the future despite its tiny size.
Israel Even Invented The Cherry Tomato
It may come as a surprise to learn that the cherry tomato is a relatively recent creation. The year 1973 marked the year that Israelis came up with the concept of cherry tomatoes. These tomatoes were created by Hazera Genetics, an Israeli seed company, and were developed in Israel. Researchers at the Hebrew University have succeeded in creating a miniature tomato that is not susceptible to a particular virus and that can be transported without any problems.
Those were a smashing success. Cherry tomatoes, despite their diminutive size, pack a significant nutritional punch and can be used in a wide variety of applications, including pasta, salads, and snacks. In comparison to other kinds of tomatoes, they have an especially high concentration of antioxidants, which have been shown to reduce the risk of developing cancer, cardiovascular disease, and skin damage.
Military Service Is Compulsory for Most Israelis
In Israel, most young people must do military service for three years (for men) or two years (for women). This shared experience creates a strong sense of being part of the country. After finishing their military duty, it's common for young Israelis to go on a big trip, like a post-army adventure.
This trip is a way for them to relax and explore the world after dedicating a lot of time to serving their country. During military service, they can take on various roles, from operating drones to becoming media spokespeople. So, not only does military service shape who they are, but it also opens up diverse opportunities, making it a unique and impactful part of Israeli life
International People Make "Aliyah" To Israel
Making Aliyah, the act of Jews immigrating to Israel, is a significant and fulfilling journey drawing people from around the world. In Judaism, it's considered a mitzvah, a divine commandment, to return to the Holy Land. The allure of Israel's rich history, diverse culture, and religious significance prompts this migration.
According to data from the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration and the Jewish Agency for Israel, around 25,000 individuals embark on this transformative journey annually. Since the state's establishment, over 3,340,000 immigrants have made Aliyah, contributing to the nation's vibrant tapestry.
Pigs Are Prohibited From Being Raised On Israeli Soil
In Israel, an intriguing agricultural quirk exists—pigs are off-limits for farming on Israeli soil due to religious and cultural traditions, as pigs are considered unclean animals in Judaism. The ban aligns with kosher dietary laws, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a kosher lifestyle for those who observe. The law was passed during the '60s, and it is widely regarded as one of the most contentious in the country's history.
However, it was drafted with a loophole that authorized the raising of hogs in regions of the North that have a majority Christian population. On the other hand, non-Christian farmers were able to get around this law thanks to a nifty loophole that they discovered. They put a layer of concrete down for their pig farm. As a direct consequence of this, they will not be keeping pigs "on the land."
You Can Float Effortlessly In The Dead Sea
"How low can you go?" is an age-old question, and the Dead Sea provides the answer to that question. This particular sea has the lowest elevation of any sea on the entire planet. It is the only ocean in the world that is actually swimmable due to the high salinity that it contains. Because of the high concentration of salt, there is no chance for any marine life to survive AND you can even completely float in it!
You can put your worries about being eaten by sharks and drowning to rest once you step foot in the Dead Sea. On the other hand, getting the water in your eyes could be very painful! Because of the extremely high concentration of salt, if you have any open cuts or wounds- they will be instantly fixed!
A Large Ethiopian Community Lives in Israel
Over the course of the past ten years, there has been a steady rise in the percentage of Ethiopians living in Israel. There are a great number of people living in this country who assert that they are descendants of the long-vanished Ephraim tribe.
Jewish people from all over the world have been putting aside money for a number of years in order to finance their immigration to Israel. When Ethiopians arrive in Israel, they come face to face with things that Israelis consider commonplace. They are exposed to a variety of things, some of which include fluorescent lights, public restrooms, and airplanes. Growing numbers of Ethiopians are integrating into Israeli society on a step-by-step basis.
Unofficial Dress Codes Exist in Some Neighborhoods
There are regions in Israel where the majority of the population adheres to a religious tradition. Despite the fact that the country as a whole does not have any regulations regarding appropriate attire, the residents of these neighborhoods have developed their own unofficial dress standards.
All visitors are reminded to behave appropriately and with courtesy by signs posted outside the neighborhood. In many cultures, women are expected to cover their arms all the way to the elbow, their legs all the way to the knee, and their collarbones at no point should be exposed.
There Is A Big Volunteering Culture
One in every three Israelis is involved in some kind of voluntary community service. It is not uncommon for them to put their beliefs into action in order to lend support to a variety of causes that are important to them.
It is not unheard of for people who have recently graduated high school to put off entering the military in order to spend a year volunteering instead. In addition to that, the vast majority of Israeli businesses participate in volunteer days. What about spending the day with your coworkers volunteering at an animal shelter?
For Those Interested in Electronic Music, Things Are Going Well in Israel!
We are all aware that the United States and the United Kingdom control a relatively large percentage of the market for electronic music; however, it is important to note that this subgenre is not only successful in countries where English is the primary language.
On the other hand, electronic music is thriving and flourishing in other nations, specifically Israel. A lot of people in Israel are into electronic and deep house music, and they take it very seriously. Those who have a craving for house and electronic music can satiate it at any one of a large number of late-night venues.
Two Soccer Teams Divide the Country
Israel is slowly becoming more present in international football, with players and coaches moving to Europe to play for the biggest clubs. In Israel itself, the sport is widely followed in the country. It's a toss-up between Maccabi Haifa and Beitar Jerusalem when it comes to which Israeli soccer team has the most fans.
However, in Israel, politics and soccer, as well as the two sports teams, go hand in hand together. In the arguments that break out among soccer fans, there is a great deal more than just the sport at hand at stake.
The Fourth Prime Minister of Israel Was a Woman
There was never an issue of equality in Israel because it has always been there. Golda Meir, one of the most prominent figures in the country's history, was Israel's fourth Prime Minister. Imagine another Middle Eastern country that would allow women in this position!
In October 1973, the outbreak of the fourth Arab-Israeli war, known as the Yom Kippur War, halted her efforts to forge peace with the Arab states. Israel's lack of readiness for the war stunned the nation, and Meir resigned as prime minister on April 10 after forming a new coalition government with great difficulty in March 1974. She remained in power as head of an interim government until June, when a new government was formed.
Israel Is One of the Most Progressive Countries Out There
Research and Development in Israel employ 23.4 percent of women. Israel ranks second in the world in terms of the number of women working in R&D, after Denmark. Furthermore, women make up 37 percent of all degrees awarded in the country, which is one of the highest percentages in the world.
In other words, if you're thinking about dating an Israeli woman, do some reading first. The good news is, that Israeli women tend to be straightforward, which means you can ask them what they want and expect from as early as the first date, or they might just tell you anyway. This is a long way of saying, you won’t have to invest a lot of time getting to know each other if it becomes clear both of you aren’t on the same page.
In Most Restaurants, Meat and Milk Cannot Be Served Together
Numerous Jews in Israel adhere to a religiously prescribed diet. They adhere strictly to the Kosher dietary regulations and will only eat at restaurants that can provide evidence that the food they serve is Kosher.
According to one of the laws, meat and milk must be stored and consumed separately. Therefore, if you want cheese on your hamburger, you won't find it at a kosher restaurant. We can't possibly imagine a cheeseless hamburger, as that's probably the only way to serve this magnificent meal.
There Are More Sacred Places Than You Can Imagine
In comparison, there are 49 countries that practice Islam, 18 countries that practice Christianity, but only one country that practices Judaism. Nevertheless, Israel is home to holy sites significant to each of the three major religions. Israel is revered as a holy land not only by Jews and Christians but also by Muslims.
While at first glance it may appear as though the sacred spots in the country don't have much of a "wow" factor, their hold great importance to the people who live there. The Western Wall for example may not appear shiny and impressive at first, but it's always packed with believers coming to find solace in one of the most important places to Judaism.
Israelis Are Obsessed With Keeping Fit
In Israel, exercise is not conducted in the traditional manner. Popular outdoor public gyms are found in many cities. A standard fitness facility is provided for their use. Even though this is not the intended use of the equipment, people are finding inventive ways to utilize it.
Outdoor exercise provides all the same physical benefits as indoor exercise (blood flow, improved cardiovascular health, improved strength, flexibility, and endurance, etc.) and can also increase vitamin D levels by exposing the body to sunlight. With that being said, good for them that they are utilizing the adage "healthy mind in a healthy body" to the fullest
Israel's Men Are Renowned for Their Self-Esteem
Israeli men have a reputation for being extremely confident. Anyone, no matter how far out of their league, can be approached and asked on a date by these people. It's a big surprise to visitors. Even if you decline their invitation to "take a cup of coffee," you won't hurt their self-esteem in the slightest.
Some people have pointed out that serving in the army helps keep Israeli men in good shape. However, the army also instils confidence in them, which is something that matters a great deal. Because of this, they have a great deal of self-assurance.
The Entire Country Dresses Up in Costume and Takes to the Streets in Celebration
Each year, Israelis in costume from across the country gather for the street parties of the Jewish festival of Purim. Dressing up, imbibing, and enjoying oneself are all components of the celebration. It is a lively Jewish festival, that commemorates the biblical story of Esther, marked by joyful celebrations, colorful costumes, and the tradition of exchanging gifts and treats
In addition to students dressing up for school on Purim, adults also throw some of the year's best parties. At festivals, DJs from all over the world perform, and bars and clubs host themed parties to celebrate the occasion. It seems that Israel is a nation that really loves to party.
Every Year, a New Round of Elections Is Held
It's amazing that Israel is the only democratic country in the Middle East. But just try to fathom the chaos that would be caused if elections were held in the United States on an annual basis. The public would go completely insane in order to defend their preferred candidate.
In order for the Prime Minister to accomplish all of the goals he has established for himself before the next round of elections, he has exactly one year left. On the other hand, there are no limits placed on the number of consecutive terms that a Prime Minister can serve in office.
In the World, Israel's Coca-Cola Is the Second Sweetest
The flavors of Coca-Cola products are tailored to the preferences of each country's population. Israel is second only to the United States in terms of sweetness. According to experts, Israel's preference is for robust flavors.
In Israel, if something is sweet, it's sweet! The same applies to acidic and spicy foods, as well as ice cream. They were required to make their vanilla ice cream extremely sweet for the Middle Eastern population. America is a nation that loves sweet stuff but it seems that Israel took that to the next level.
Four Spots Ahead of America In Happiness
According to the World Happiness Report, Israel comes in at number 14 and the United States comes in at number 18. The Israeli people, despite all of the violence and conflict you see on the news, still have a better quality of life than people in most European countries. Every night the bars are packed with people enjoying their life.
And that’s great because science proved that being happy is so beneficial for our health. First, you have to know that there is a direct correlation between stress and illness and vice-versa. Happiness is the exact opposite of stress, so it is difficult to have both simultaneously. And from that, you can see that if you want to live longer you need to live in a country like Israel.
Don't Leave Your Bag Anywhere in Israel
Terrorist attacks against Israel are not a novel occurrence. In the United States, even seemingly harmless practices are subject to extremely stringent regulations. All trash cans are transparent, making it impossible for anyone to conceal a hazardous substance inside.
The police use a device whenever a bag is abandoned so that it can be detonated safely if it is going to explode anyway. Therefore, if you ever wish to view it again, ensure that nothing is lost. Kudos to them! They are treating the safety of their citizens extremely seriously.
It's the Cat Ladies Vs. Israel
There's an abundance of felines in Israel. In this country, cats outnumber humans by a wide margin. In this town, cat feeding is a divisive issue, which explains why its residents are so divided. Cat ladies are known to feed neighborhood strays in the middle of the night.
However, the "cat ladies" defend themselves and the felines by asserting that the animals are also living beings who deserve to be fed and watered. Nonetheless, Israel has a significant problem with stray cats, with approximately two million in the country and 240,000 in Jerusalem. The British introduced cats in the late 20th century to combat a rat infestation. However, this cat population exploded.
One of the World's Best College Parties Takes Place in Israel
Beersheva, a city in southern Israel, hosts one of the best college parties in the world. All year, university students in Israel anticipate their exclusive three-day pool party in Eilat, the country's southernmost city. Each day, it is held in a different upscale hotel. It is a student-only event, and the hotel parties never end.
On top of that, there is a nightclub awaiting you following the day's festivities. These celebrations, which included birthday cakes and candles, balloons, music, posters and T-shirts, photo booths, and Tel Aviv-themed beach parties in California schools, aimed to inspire a surge of pride for the Jewish homeland among millions of individuals with little or no knowledge of Israel.
More People Than You Think Engage in Bargaining
From food to household goods, Israeli markets offer a vast selection of merchandise. These guys stand out from other big-box retailers for a variety of reasons. There is no fixed cost. As long as they are willing to negotiate, anyone who is good enough can get any price they want.
Remember that the owners of these stands have a great deal of experience, so bring your A-game! Seizing control of the bargaining table is one of the most effective negotiation strategies. The best negotiators accomplish this by establishing the negotiation's initial terms. If they are selling something, they set a high price and allow the buyer to propose a lower price. Therefore, capitalize on this by making the initial offer.
It's Still Manly for Men to Call Each Other Sweetie – At Least In Israel!
Men call each other, to name a few, bro, man, and dude all over the world. However, it is not unique to Israel to call a friend by a nickname. Nearly every Israeli uses at least one of the following nicknames on a daily basis: Neshama, which literally means "soul" but is used as "dear" or Chamud/Chamuda for females, which means "cute."
It's extremely common, but you should only use it if you know the person extremely well. To avoid uncomfortable situations... Israeli men, on the other hand, take this tradition one step further. In Israel, it is common to use a more endearing nickname for a friend, such as Motek. Motek is synonymous with the English nickname "honey." Don't be surprised if you frequently hear many friends refer to one another as "motek."
The Israeli Bus Rule That Isn't Written Down
If an elderly person does not have a seat on the train or bus, you are expected to stand and give it to them. It's common knowledge that you should always give up your seat to someone else, and it's even more prevalent in Israel! If you happen to not give up your seat for someone else, you'll probably be very highly judged.
Curiously, in some areas in Israel there was segregation of men and women in public transport. Men are expected to sit in the front half of the bus, while women are supposed to find a seat somewhere in the back. The Israeli High Court of Justice ruled that buses couldn’t require gender segregation back in 2011, but despite that, gender segregation is still practiced on some bus lines in cities with relatively large ultra-Orthodox populations.
Bomb Shelters Are a Common Sight in Some Cities’ Parks
Some Israeli cities are literally on the verge of the border with their neighboring countries. It is not uncommon for rockets to be fired from countries that are nearby. When a rocket siren sounds, people only have a few seconds to get to a safe location before the alarm is activated again.
People have responded to this situation by constructing playgrounds that double as shelters for those in need. A bomb shelter turned into a playground may seem odd, but at least the Israelis are making an effort to maintain as much normalcy as they can.
Finding a Home With Central Heating and Air Conditioning Can Be Difficult
Israel is able to keep up with the big boys in terms of technology, research, and development; however, there are some areas in which they are significantly behind. Temperatures can fluctuate greatly from one day to the next in Israel, despite the country's predominantly desert climate.
The residents of the building do not have access to a centrally located heating or cooling system. They rely on space heaters and air conditioners to keep themselves at a comfortable temperature throughout the day. This way of life choice is heavily influenced by the widespread but unsubstantiated myth that heating and cooling systems make people sick. You can learn the opinions of Israeli mothers and grandmothers on the topic by asking them directly what they think about it.
You Won't Find More Languages In One Place!
Due to the country's extensive language offerings, it is an appealing option for vacationers. Detailed instructions are provided in the language that you are most comfortable with. Although every road sign in Israel is typically written in English, Hebrew, and Arabic, there are a few instances where this is not the case.
It is possible that signs will be written in Russian in Israel due to the sizeable Russian community there. In most cases, you will find your way around, as there will always be someone that will assist you in finding your way. Or, you could, on the other hand, make use of Waze, which is currently the most popular navigation app in the country.
Did You Know That Tel Aviv Is the Vegan Capital of the World?
The city of Tel Aviv, Israel, is proudly known as the world's vegan capital. Vegan-friendly stickers are plastered all over the places where you can get your shwarma fix, so you won't have a problem finding them. Animal rights are a big issue in Tel Aviv, and every day, there is a protest against eating animals.
Beautiful parks, ancient architecture, fascinating museums, a thriving culture, and a vast selection of vegan delicacies attract tourists from around the globe. Numerous restaurants in the city cultivate their own fruits and vegetables, providing diners with a genuine farm-to-table experience. Many Tel Aviv restaurants cultivate their own juicing watermelons, red plump tomatoes, sweet plums, and seedless peppers.
The Clown College in Israel Is a Work of Art
No one desires to be the school's source of shame. Well, almost no one. For educational clowns, being the bumbling idiot and failing the class is the intended outcome. Educational clowns are the most recent colorful characters to emerge on Israel's thriving therapeutic clowning scene.
Similar to medical clowns, these red-nosed buffoons help reduce stress and anxiety among students, teachers, and other school personnel, just as their counterparts do in hospitals. In one Israeli high school, Talia Safra, a clowning instructor at the Kibbutzim College of Education, Technology, and the Arts, initiated this novel program. Today, six schools have educational clowns and four are on the waiting list.
The Healthcare System in Israel Is Among the Best in the World
According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Israeli healthcare is among the best in the world. Israel's national health insurance law provides citizens and permanent residents with universal coverage.
Four competing nonprofit health plans offer a mandated benefit package, which includes hospital, primary, specialty, mental health, and maternity care, as well as prescription drugs and other services. Cost-sharing is required for specialist visits and prescription drugs, but there are no deductibles. However, doctors dislike complaining patients. It is difficult to be a hypochondriac in Israel, where doctors are paid less than in the United States.
Fake Politeness Is What Israelis Hate About Americans
It's heartwarming to see how friendly fellow vacationers are with one another, but most people don't believe the neighborliness is genuine. It is common knowledge that Israelis are forthright and honest people. They won't ask about your health if they don't care about how you are feeling.
If they don't have that mindset, they won't tell a customer that "I would be happy to help" because they won't really mean it. This quality has a number of positive as well as negative aspects. It seems that a surprising number of Europeans have the same view of people living in the United States.
Sitting in a Stadium for a Football Game Is Like Going to the Beach
At sporting events, you'll hear cries of "ice cold beer, cotton candy, and soda!" from the staff. Israel's beaches are no exception. While relaxing in the sun, you'll hear people yelling "banana, chocolate, lemon" in their heads.
Ice cream is available for purchase on the beach from a small number of vendors. As if by magic, they'll show up in front of you whenever you think about delicious ice cream. Just imagine how awesome is that! You are sitting on a hot beach, and whenever an ice cream pops in your mind there is a person that will give one to you.