Did you know that cell phones were invented in Israel? What about the fact that Israel has 11 basic laws instead of a constitution? Were you aware that Israel provides free critical heart surgery to children in developing countries through it’s “Save a Child’s Heart” organization?
There are so many cool things about Israel that people are not aware of. Many people hear the word “Israel” and immediately think “Arab-Israeli Conflict,” “current events,” or “war.” But Israel is so much more than a country with political concerns; Israel has a personality of its own. It has foods, music, science, and art unique to the country.
Unfortunately, the media tends to portray Israel negatively as a politically and militarily aggressive nation. So let’s get back to the basics and dig up the real scoop behind the state of Israel!
Israel: a People, a Culture, a Lifestyle
Israel 101
Student Resources
Learning More
Israel: a People, a Culture, a Lifestyle
Israeli Radio: What do Israeli’s listen to on their way to work? Check it out and boogie down with Israel!
Music Videos:
Hadag Nachash – “The Sticker Song” (The song lyrics from this song were taken from popular Israeli bumper stickers.)
Subliminal – “HaSod” (The Secret) Click here for translated lyrics.
Israel and Technology: I bet you didn’t know half the facts in this extensive video!
Movies: Come look at this archive of Israeli films and watch them in the comfort of your own home for free!
Sports: Check out these Israeli skateboarders!!
Language: The official language of Israel is Hebrew. This site can help you learn to speak it!
Current Events: Keep yourself updated on the daily happenings in Israel.
- Ha'aretz
- Jerusalem Post
- Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Ynet
Shopping Break: Do you love to shop? Check out what Israel has to offer you!
- www.israeliproducts.com
- www.shopinisrael.com
- www.judaicawebstore.com
So if Israel is such a great country, what’s all the political commotion really about? Here we’ve put together a bunch of great resources that will help you learn about the “textbook” side of Israel.
History
Israel 101: How did Israel come into existence? Teach yourself the history of Israel.
Virtual Archeological Dig: – For all you history lovers out there, check out this historical virtual tour of the land of Israel!
Kid’s Corner: Let your kids explore Israel’s history and culture along with you!
Government
- Political Systems and Elections
- List of Political Parties
- Sight Seeing: Take a virtual tour of the Knesset (the Israeli Parliament) or visit it’s homepage to learn how the Knesset works!
Myth Busters
Myth Busters: Curious if that tid-bit of information you heard from a friend is true? Come find out the real story here!
Student Resources
Here we've complied a list of informative resources to help you with your papers, projects, and activities about Israel.
| Basic Information | People & Population |
| History | Geography |
| Government | History/Timeline (till 2000) |
| Relationship with the United States | Government |
| Tour of Israel | Archeological Dig |
| Archeological Dig | |
| People & Population | Government |
| Geography | Political Parties |
| Zionism | |
|
History (in Chronological Order) |
|
| Pre-Statehood | Peace with Egypt |
| U.N. & Creation of Israel | Oslo Peace Accords (1993) |
| War of Independence | Camp David |
| 1967/Six Day War | al-Aksa intifada |
| Terrorism Begins | Security Fence |
| 1973/Yom Kippur War | War in Lebanon (2006) |
Bibliography Help
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“Wow! Israel is such an awesome country!
But I want to learn more!”
Continue to visit the UJC Community Relations Committee or Legow Family Israel Program Center sections of the UJC website for additional information.
Besides volunteering your time, you can be an advocate for Israel simply by keeping yourself educated on Israel's current situation. Check out these sites for additional resources:
The Israel on Campus Coalition
Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Life on Campus
Aish HaTorah/Hasbara Fellowships
American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC)
American Jewish Committee (AJC)
American Jewish Congress
American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise (AICE)
Anti-Defamation League (ADL)
Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA)
Jewish National Fund (JNF)
Stand With Us
Zionist Organization of America
The David Project
The Israel Project
"But I don’t have time to go searching for Israel udpates."
So sign up for these listservs that bring the updates to you!
Daily Alert: The Daily Alert is an excellent newsletter providing you with daily news and political analysis relevant to Israel and the Middle East.
Israel Campus Beat: A comprehensive newsletter targeted at college students, Israel Campus Beat includes the latest news and analysis, updates regarding on-campus advocacy nationwide, and even articles featuring Israeli music, food and hot trends.
IsraelLine: IsraelLine is a daily summary of news stories from the Israeli media published every few days. It is published by the Israel Consulate in New York.
Guysen: Guysen is a French news service independent of any political organization. It reports current events in Israel and in the Middle East.
For more information, contact the .
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