Israel is a small country, but holds a unique combo of ancient history and modern technological advancements, Israel is full of surprises. Here are 10 unique facts about Israel that will give you a deeper appreciation of its role on the global stage.
1. Israel: A Leader in Technology and Innovation
Despite its small size, Israel is known as the “Startup Nation” due to its high concentration of startups and tech companies. It has more startups per capita than any other country in the world. Israeli innovations include everything from the USB flash drive ,advances in cybersecurity, food tech , medical research and more. Additionally, Tel Aviv has become a global tech hub, attracting talent and investment from all over the world.
2. The Oldest and Youngest: Home to Ancient Sites and a Young Population
Israel is a land of extremes when it comes to age. On one hand, it’s home to some of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, such as Jerusalem and Jericho, with histories that go back thousands of years. On the other hand, its population is relatively young, with nearly 30% under the age of 14. This mix of ancient and modern is a hallmark of Israel’s unique culture.
3. Cultural Melting Pot: Diverse Ethnic and Religious Communities
Israel is a country with incredible cultural diversity. It’s home to Jews, Arabs, Druze, Christians and many other ethnic and religious communities. The Jewish population itself is incredibly diverse, with roots from countries all over the world, including Ethiopia, Russia, the U.S., and Yemen. This mix creates a vibrant and eclectic society where different traditions, languages, and cuisines coexist.
4. Israel’s Ecological Achievements: From Reforestation to Water Conservation
Israel is a global pioneer in ecological and environmental advancements. It’s one of the few countries in the world to have a net gain in trees over the last century, largely due to its impressive reforestation efforts. Israel is also a leader in water conservation technologies, having developed advanced drip irrigation systems that are now used worldwide.
5. The World’s Vegan Capital: Israel’s Surprising Food Scene
Israel boasts one of the highest percentages of vegans per capita, earning Tel Aviv the title of “Vegan Capital of the World.” With a wide variety of plant-based restaurants and food products, Israel has embraced veganism as part of its modern food culture. In addition, the traditional Israeli diet, rich in vegetables, legumes, and olive oil, is naturally conducive to a healthy, plant-based lifestyle.
6. Israel in Space: Pioneering Space Exploration
Israel was one of the first countries to develop its own satellite, launching Ofeq 1 in 1988. Since then, Israel has continued to invest in space research and technology, making strides in satellite development, astronomy, and more. The country’s small yet innovative space program continues to contribute to global scientific efforts, including research related to space exploration and satellite communication.
7. The Hebrew Language is the only language revived to a spoken modern language
One of the most extraordinary aspects of Hebrew is its revival. By the 2nd century CE, after the Roman destruction of the Second Temple and the dispersion of Jews from Judea, Hebrew ceased to be a spoken vernacular and was largely reserved for religious texts and prayer. For nearly 1,700 years, it remained a “dead” language in everyday conversation, similar to how Latin is used today.
However, in the late 19th century, Eliezer Ben-Yehuda, a Jewish linguist and journalist, spearheaded an effort to revive Hebrew as a spoken language for Jews returning to the Land of Israel (then Ottoman-controlled Palestine). His vision was to make Hebrew the national language of the Jewish people in their ancestral homeland. This revival was hugely successful, and by the time of the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, Hebrew had become the official language.
Today, Modern Hebrew is spoken by over 9 million people worldwide, making it one of the few instances where a dead language was fully revived and adapted for modern life. This accomplishment is unparalleled in linguistic history.
8. Israel’s Unique National Holidays and Traditions
In Israel, national holidays are tied closely to Jewish history and tradition. For example, Yom Ha’atzmaut celebrates Israeli independence, while Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is observed with a complete halt in activity—public transportation stops, businesses close, and even the streets are empty. Another unique holiday is Tu Bishvat, the New Year for Trees, where Israelis plant trees in a show of their connection to the land.
9. Innovative Agriculture: Growing Crops in the Desert
One of Israel’s most remarkable achievements is its ability to cultivate crops in the desert. Through innovations such as drip irrigation, desalination, and advanced greenhouse technologies, Israel has transformed arid lands into fertile farming regions. The country exports agricultural products worldwide, including high-quality fruits, vegetables, and flowers, all grown in regions that were once barren desert.
10. Israel’s Contributions to Global Health and Medicine
Israel’s contributions to the field of medicine are far-reaching. From the invention of the PillCam, a tiny camera that can be swallowed to capture internal images, to breakthrough treatments in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, Israeli researchers and medical companies are at the forefront of global health innovation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Israel was also a leader in vaccine distribution and response efforts.
Know any other interesting things about Israel?
Israel is much more than just a destination for history buffs and religious pilgrims. Its innovations, cultural diversity, and contributions to the world in technology, agriculture, and health make it a truly unique country. These 10 facts only scratch the surface of what Israel has to offer. If you haven’t been yet, come visit us!
FAQ
Two. Hebrew and Arabic are both official languages. But you can also find a lot of Russian speaking Jews that came to Israel in the big Aliyah from the soviet union in the 90’s.
Hummus and Falafel are top 2 that instantly pop when you think of Israeli food.
Absolutely! Israel recycles almost 90% of its wastewater, which is more than any other country in the world.