The People of Israel
Because Israel was founded as a home for all Jewish people, Israel's population is extremely diverse. For example, the ethnic groups in Israel mainly consist of Jews, 74.8% of the population, and non-Jews which is mostly Arabs, 25.2% of the population. Although this may seem pretty cut and dry, Israel's population could not be more eclectic. Of the approximate 75% of the population that is Jewish 2.9% are Asian-born, 4.9% are African-born, 16.6% come from European decent, and 75.6% are Israeli-born or nicknamed Sabras. Sabra is a nickname, taken from the sabra cactus fruit in order to describe their personality; like the fruit Israelis have a prickly, tough outer shell, but a sweet and savory inside. In addition, Israel is one of the only countries in the world that has two official languages: Arabic and Hebrew. Though Hebrew is most widely spoken, it is not uncommon to come across citizens who are fluent in both languages, or who can at least pick up a conversation in their less-dominant language ("The World Fact book: ISRAEL"). Israel's proclaimed capital, and third most populated area in Israel with 839,000 residents, is Jerusalem. Because Jerusalem is extremely holy to several significant religions worldwide, the capital only adds to Israel's embedded diversity. Even though the city it extremely divided, especially the old city which is split into four sectors, people still live in close proximity to each other with surprising amounts of peace. Another spectacle of life are soldiers of the Israeli Defense Force (IDF), commonly found around the city of Jerusalem carrying large rifles. These soldiers are typically extremely nice, welcoming, and mean no harm. In Jerusalem, it is also immensely common for Israelis to shop in outdoor markets, shooks, where they can buy fresh fruit, spices, and visit falafel carts for a quick snack. Like the hotdog stands in New York City, Israel, specifically Jerusalem, has mounds of falafel carts where people line up to get the ultimate Israeli, chickpea based food. Here they fill up a pita pocket with Israeli salad, hummus, pickles, french fries, tahini, and more (Cassella) . |
The Beauty of Israel
Although many would argue the rich culture and history is what makes Israel beautiful, it is in fact the diverse geography which serves as the backdrop for the people of Israel making this land beautiful. Mountains, plains, beaches, deserts, seas, and etc. are all compacted in a country about the size of New Jersey where it is possible to travel from north to south in less than 10 hours by car. Israel's coastal plain region borders the southeast Mediterranean Sea which encompasses sandy beaches in major urban centers, like Tel Aviv, where Israelites swim and surf, a large portion of the country's agriculture takes place , along with industry. Continuing southeast of Israel's coastal plain region is the Jezreel Valley region where the country's rich agricultural industry takes place. The Jezreel Valley in Israel is one of the most diverse; the area contains the rolling hills of Judea, rigid hilltops, fertile land, and groves of silver-green olive trees. East of the coast is the central plains region which is largely dominated by mountain ranges. This region of Israel stretches from the most northern point in Israel where you would find the Golan Heights, and travels over the rolling hills of Galilee made of beautiful limestone and dolomite. Next, along the eastern border of Israel is the Jordan River and its valley. The river flows through Mount Hermon, and the Hula valley, until the river is fed into the Dead Sea where people are able to float in the salt-concentrated body of water. The last prominent region in Israel is the Negev desert which takes up the southern half of the country ("THE LAND: Geography and Climate) ("Israel Geography-The Fascinating Geography of Israel"). |
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Challenges Facing Israel
Although the people and geography of Israel are pleasant and beautiful, the country faces serious challenges. 1) One of Israel's main issues is the rising social inequality due to the increase of housing and food. In February 2015, Israel's state comptroller found a 55% rise in housing prices from 2008 to 2014. In addition to the housing concern, Israel's social media blew up in July 2011 as the price of cottage cheese, a food staple in Israel, rose (Labott). |
2) Another concern, directly facing the citizens of Israel is the violence at the Gaza strip. After a group called Hamas won elections and began to control Palestinian territories, including the Gaza strip, they refused to recognize Israel as a legitimate country, and wanted Palestinians to return to their homeland. Because of this belief, Hamas began to act with violence against Israel such as bombings and airforce strikes. Israelites have responded with violence as well, and the Israeli government placed a blockade on Gaza ("Guide: Why Are Israel and the Palestinians Fighting over Gaza?").
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3) In addition to the social inequality and the Gaza strip, the Israeli government needs to push for a broader government. Currently, there is a clear distinction in who opposes or supports Prime Minister Netanyahu's policies and priorities. Creating a broader coalition would not only hush arguments stating Prime Minister Netanyahu has created an extreme right-wing government, and illustrate to party leaders that "government policies are endorsed by the clear majority of the nation," but also form a more united front against Palestine and Iran (Leibler).
Works Cited
Cassella, Brian. “Jerusalem: Modern Life in an Ancient City.” Chicagotribune.com, 15 Sept. 2015, Web. 9 January 2017.
“Guide: Why Are Israel and the Palestinians Fighting over Gaza? - CBBC Newsround.” BBC News, BBC, 20 February 2015, Web. 6 January 2017.
“Israel Geography – The Fascinating Geography of Israel.” Israel-Travel-Secrets.com, Web. 6 January 2017.
"Israel- Small but Outstanding." YouTube, uploaded by Israel, 29 April 2012, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AoizSL-TEJQ.
Green, John. "Conflict in Israel and Palestine: Crash Course World History 223." YouTube, uploaded by Crash Course, 28 January 2015,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wo2TLIMhiw.
Labott, Elise. “5 Key Issues for next Israeli Prime Minister.” CNN, Cable News Network, 13 March 2015, Web. 6 January 2017.
Leibler, Isi. “The Nine Challenges Facing Israel.” Algemeiner.com, 11 May 2017, Web. 9 January 2017.
“THE LAND: Geography and Climate.” Mfa,Gov.il, Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Web. 6 January 2017.
“The World Factbook: ISRAEL.” Central Intelligence Agency, Central Intelligence Agency, 3 Jan. 2018, Web. 9 January 2017.
Header borrowed from "Israelis Attend Tisha B-Av Prayer Services at Western Wall Following Weeks of Jerusalem Tensions"
http://5tjt.com/israelies-attend-tisha-bav-prayer-services-at-western-wall-following-weeks-of-jerusalem-tensions/
“Guide: Why Are Israel and the Palestinians Fighting over Gaza? - CBBC Newsround.” BBC News, BBC, 20 February 2015, Web. 6 January 2017.
“Israel Geography – The Fascinating Geography of Israel.” Israel-Travel-Secrets.com, Web. 6 January 2017.
"Israel- Small but Outstanding." YouTube, uploaded by Israel, 29 April 2012, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AoizSL-TEJQ.
Green, John. "Conflict in Israel and Palestine: Crash Course World History 223." YouTube, uploaded by Crash Course, 28 January 2015,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wo2TLIMhiw.
Labott, Elise. “5 Key Issues for next Israeli Prime Minister.” CNN, Cable News Network, 13 March 2015, Web. 6 January 2017.
Leibler, Isi. “The Nine Challenges Facing Israel.” Algemeiner.com, 11 May 2017, Web. 9 January 2017.
“THE LAND: Geography and Climate.” Mfa,Gov.il, Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Web. 6 January 2017.
“The World Factbook: ISRAEL.” Central Intelligence Agency, Central Intelligence Agency, 3 Jan. 2018, Web. 9 January 2017.
Header borrowed from "Israelis Attend Tisha B-Av Prayer Services at Western Wall Following Weeks of Jerusalem Tensions"
http://5tjt.com/israelies-attend-tisha-bav-prayer-services-at-western-wall-following-weeks-of-jerusalem-tensions/