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Israel

State of Israel

Capital:Jerusalem; note - the US recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in December 2017 without taking a position on the specific boundaries of Israeli sovereignty
Population:9.9M
Currency:New Israeli Sheqel (ILS)
Language:Hebrew (official), Arabic used officially for Arab minority, English most commonly used foreign language.
The Wailing Wall, Al Aqsa Mosque in background

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Quick Look Factsheet

A multi-page overview of Israel.

Israel Factsheet

Customs and Culture

Cultural Attributes

Israel is a country with a rich and diverse cultural heritage, shaped by its history, geography, and the multicultural nature of its population. As a nation at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, Israel's culture is a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern influences.

Religious Diversity and Influence:

Judaism: As the Jewish homeland, Israel's culture is deeply rooted in Jewish traditions and practices. Religious observances such as Shabbat, Passover, and Hanukkah are widely celebrated.

Other Religions: Israel is also home to Muslims, Christians, Druze, and Baha'is, each contributing to the country's cultural tapestry. Sites like the Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Baha'i Gardens highlight this diversity.

Language:

Hebrew and Arabic: Hebrew is the official language and a cornerstone of Jewish identity, revived in the 19th century. Arabic is also an official language and widely spoken, reflecting the Arab minority population.

Multilingual Society: Many Israelis are multilingual, often fluent in English, Russian, or French, reflecting immigration patterns.

Arts and Literature:

Music and Dance: Israeli culture embraces a wide range of music styles, from traditional klezmer and Mizrahi music to modern pop and electronic genres. Dance forms like folk hora and contemporary choreography are integral to cultural events.

Visual Arts: Israeli artists blend historical themes with modern techniques, often exploring identity, politics, and spirituality.

Literature: Israeli literature is renowned globally, with authors like Amos Oz and David Grossman addressing themes of identity, conflict, and human emotion.

Cuisine:

Diverse Influences: Israeli cuisine reflects the diaspora, combining Middle Eastern flavors with European, North African, and Asian influences. Staples include falafel, hummus, shakshuka, and challah.

Kosher Food: Many restaurants and households observe kosher dietary laws, emphasizing the significance of religion in everyday life.

Family and Community:

Family is a central aspect of Israeli society. Communities, particularly in rural areas, often form close-knit bonds. Celebrations, weddings, and holidays are occasions for large family gatherings.

Technological and Entrepreneurial Spirit:

Israel is known as the "Start-up Nation," boasting a high-tech industry and culture of innovation. This modern, forward-thinking mindset contrasts with and complements its ancient traditions.

Military and National Identity:

Military service is compulsory for most citizens and plays a significant role in shaping Israeli identity. The sense of shared responsibility fosters unity and a strong national ethos.

Holidays and Festivals:

Jewish holidays, such as Yom Kippur, Rosh Hashanah, and Sukkot, influence public life, with businesses often closing during observances.

Secular celebrations like Independence Day (Yom Ha'atzmaut) also highlight national pride.

Cultural Tensions and Integration:

The blending of diverse immigrant communities (Ashkenazi, Sephardic, Mizrahi, Ethiopian, Russian, and others) sometimes creates tensions but also enriches cultural life.

Efforts toward integration and mutual respect are ongoing, reflecting Israel's complex social fabric.

The Wailing Wall, Al Aqsa Mosque in background

Land of Ancient Olive Trees and Modern Innovation

Get More Customs and Culture

6 more cultural topics for members

Social Customs & Etiquette · Diet · Family · Dating Customs · Recreation · Student Life

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Holidays

  • Independence Day

    5/14

    Independence Day

    Israel declared independence on 14 May 1948, but the Jewish calendar is lunar and the holiday may occur in April or May

  • Birth date - Golda Meir

    5/3

    Birthday

    Birth date - Golda Meir, Israeli prime minister, was born May 3, 1898.

  • Christmas -- Hanukkah

    12/25

    Christmas

    Hanukkah is an eight day holiday starting on the 25th night of the Jewish month of Kislev.

    Hanukkah (The Hebrew word means ’Dedication’) is also known as the Festival of Lights.

    Hanukkah commemorates the victory of the Maccabees over the Syrians in 165 B.C.

    Jewish families celebrate by lighting a special candelabra, called a menorah.

Dates of Interest

  • October/November.

    Celebrates olive harvesting in Arab and Druze communities.

How do people greet each other in Israel?

A handshake is the standard greeting, while friends and close acquaintances may hug or exchange one or two cheek kisses. Native-born Israelis are straightforward, plain-talking, friendly and hospitable.

Do

  • Use a handshake in most settings
  • Offer a verbal greeting or slight nod to Orthodox Jews who may avoid contact with the opposite gender
  • Say "Todah rabah" (thank you very much) when leaving

Don’t

  • Don't initiate physical contact with the opposite gender in Orthodox settings

Good to know

  • Israelis love a good argument and lively conversation, so don't hesitate to engage

What are dining customs like in Israel?

Meals are often communal with shared dishes, and Israelis eat a huge breakfast and continue eating throughout the day. Many observe kosher dietary laws.

Do

  • Wait for the host to invite you to sit and begin eating
  • Try everything offered as a sign of appreciation
  • Allow the host to lead any blessings or toasts

Don’t

  • Don't combine meat and dairy at the same meal or with the same utensils
  • Don't expect camel, pig, or rabbit, which are forbidden by the Jewish diet
  • Don't expect fish without both fins and scales

Good to know

  • Falafel (deep-fried ground chickpea balls) and eggplant are popular staples
  • Jewish Israelis often eat a main meat meal at midday and a lighter dairy meal in the evening

What etiquette should I know when visiting an Israeli home?

Arrange visits in advance rather than dropping by, arrive on time, and respect religious practices in the household.

Do

  • Call ahead to arrange a visit
  • Bring a small gift such as flowers, kosher wine, chocolates, or baked goods
  • Remove shoes if it's customary in religious or traditional homes
  • Express gratitude and follow up with a thank-you message

Don’t

  • Don't bring non-kosher food like pork or shellfish, or meat-and-dairy combinations
  • Don't bring alcohol to Arab households unless you know it's acceptable
  • Don't use electronics or discuss work during Shabbat unless the host says it's okay
  • Don't raise politics or religion unless the host brings them up

Good to know

  • Shabbat runs from Friday evening to Saturday evening
  • Respect prayer times and provide space for rituals in religious homes

How should I dress in Israel?

Daily wear is generally informal Western style, but modest clothing is recommended in traditional or religious households.

Do

  • Wear casual attire in secular settings
  • Cover shoulders and knees in traditional or religious households

Good to know

  • Orthodox Jews wear traditional clothing daily, including black or gray coats for men and wigs and scarves for married women
  • Some Muslim men and women wear a kaffiyyeh (headdress)

What is family life like in Israel?

Family is central to Israeli society, with close-knit communities and large gatherings for celebrations, weddings, and holidays. Children are generally pampered.

Good to know

  • The equality of women is protected by law but often overridden by religious traditions

What do people do for fun in Israel?

Basketball and soccer are the most popular sports, and eating out at vendors or restaurants is a favorite pastime.

Good to know

  • The swim across Lake Kinneret and various marathons are popular
  • Classical music is a favorite in Israel

Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports

Photos of Israel

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Travel and Tourism

Travel Alert Status
Level 3: Reconsider Travel To
Time Difference
UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Climate
The climate in Israel varies greatly from place to place. The coastal plain has wet, moderately cold winters with temperatures ranging from the mid-30s to the mid-60s. Then comes a beautiful spring followed by a long, hot, and humid summer during which the temperature can be more than 100 degrees. Hot spells, known as "sharav" or "khamsin," are quite common during spring and summer and can cause significant discomfort to persons with respiratory problems. These often are accompanied by hot desert winds from the east or the south, carrying dust and sand from as far away as the Sahara. A cooler fall then leads to the beginning of the rainy season in late October or early November. Jerusalem, which is inland and in the Judean Hills, some 2,500 feet above sea level, is generally drier and colder throughout the entire year. In the summer, it gets very hot, but it remains less humid than the coast. In the winter Jerusalem temperatures regularly drop below freezing, and it snows occasionally. The Negev, in the south, is a hot, mostly barren desert. Throughout the country, the rainy season lasts from October or November until March or April. The rains often come in heavy downpours and thunderstorms. With the first hint of summer, people go to the beach. Israelis love outdoor concerts in summer, and the spectacular ancient sites in Caesarea and Jaffa are used as open-air theaters. The high daytime temperatures are cooled off by evening breezes both in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Outdoor dining is especially popular in summer. Fall is somewhat like a southern U.S. fall, with cooler weather and leaves falling off of trees. Winter comes suddenly, and rain falls regularly. In some years, rainfall is sparse, causing water shortages. The northern mountains, particularly Mt. Hermon in the disputed Golan Heights, will often have snow. Toward the south and the Negev, the weather remains balmy, though the nights are cold.
Airports
51
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Recipes

Featured Dish

Mana-eesh Be Za'tar (Thyme Loaves)

Bread

Browse all 15 recipes

History

Historical Eras

  1. Biblical & Ancient Israel

    1200 BCE – 63 BCE

    The Israelites emerged as a distinct people following the Exodus and settlement of Canaan, eventually establishing a unified monarchy under Saul, David, and Solomon. The kingdom split into Israel and Judah around 930 BCE; Assyria destroyed the northern kingdom in 722 BCE, and Babylon conquered Jerusalem in 586 BCE. After the Persian period and Alexander's conquest, the Hasmonean dynasty briefly restored Jewish sovereignty from 142 to 63 BCE.

  2. Roman & Byzantine Rule

    63 BCE – 636

    Roman general Pompey captured Jerusalem in 63 BCE, drawing the region into the Roman sphere. The catastrophic Jewish revolts of 66–73 CE and 132–135 CE led to the destruction of the Second Temple, mass exile, and the renaming of the province as Syria Palaestina. Under Byzantine Christian rule from 313 CE onward, the Jewish population was marginalized, though the land retained profound religious significance for multiple faiths.

  3. Islamic Caliphates & Crusaders

    636 – 1516

    Arab Muslim forces under the Rashidun Caliphate conquered the region in 636 CE, inaugurating centuries of Islamic rule under successive dynasties including the Umayyads, Abbasids, and Fatimids. The Crusaders seized Jerusalem in 1099 and established the Latin Kingdom, which fell to Saladin in 1187 and was extinguished by the Mamluks by 1291. Mamluk rule lasted until 1516, during which the region's population remained largely rural and the Jewish community small but continuous.

  4. Ottoman Period

    1516 – 1917

    The Ottoman Empire conquered Palestine in 1516 under Sultan Selim I, incorporating it into a provincial administrative structure that persisted for four centuries. The region was relatively underpopulated and economically stagnant for much of this period, though the late nineteenth century brought significant Jewish immigration waves driven by European pogroms and the rising Zionist movement founded by Theodor Herzl in 1897. By the early twentieth century, competing Jewish and Arab nationalisms were creating mounting tensions under Ottoman and then British oversight.

  5. British Mandate

    1917 – 1948

    Britain's 1917 Balfour Declaration pledged support for a Jewish national home in Palestine, and following World War I Britain administered the territory under a League of Nations mandate. The period was marked by mass Jewish immigration, particularly as Nazi persecution intensified in the 1930s, intensifying conflict between Jewish and Arab communities and against British authorities. The Holocaust's devastation galvanized international support for Jewish statehood, and Britain's withdrawal precipitated the declaration of Israeli independence in May 1948.

  6. State of Israel

    1948 – present

    David Ben-Gurion proclaimed Israeli independence on May 14, 1948; the following day five Arab states invaded, launching the first of several major Arab-Israeli wars. Israel expanded its territory through the 1967 Six-Day War, signed peace treaties with Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994, and has navigated decades of conflict with Palestinian groups alongside efforts at negotiated settlement. The country has developed into a technologically advanced democracy while grappling with unresolved questions of borders, security, and the status of the Palestinian population.

Overview

A Jew wearing a tasseled cap or

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Timeline of Key Events

  1. 1201 BCE – 1300 BCE

    Exodus from Egypt

    Exodus from Egypt. Moses leads Israelites from Egypt, followed by 40 years of wandering in the desert.

  2. 1101 BCE – 1200 BCE

    Israelites settle the Land of Israel

    Israelites settle the Land of Israel.

  3. 930 BCE

    Kingdom divided into Judah and Israel.

    Kingdom divided into Judah and Israel.

  4. 722 BCE

    Israel crushed by Assyrians; 10 tribes exiled (Ten Lost Tribes)

    Israel crushed by Assyrians; 10 tribes exiled (Ten Lost Tribes).

  5. 536 BCE – 142 BCE

    Persian and Hellenistic Periods

    Persian and Hellenistic Periods.

  6. 129 BCE – 63 BCE

    Jewish independence under Hasmonean monarchy.

    Jewish independence under Hasmonean monarchy.

  7. 63 BCE

    The Romans conquered the region

    The Romans conquered the region.

View full timeline (39 events)
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Interesting Facts

  • Consumes the most sugar at 216 pounds per person each year.

  • In Isreal when a child has a birthday the child sits in a chair while grown-ups raise and lower it a number of times corresponding to the child's age, plus one for good luck.

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Geography and Environment

Israel is a narrow country at the junction of Asia and Africa. It takes about seven hours to drive its 280-mile length. The greatest distance east to west is about 65 miles. The topography ranges from the rugged mountainous desert in the Dead Sea area to the flat coastal plain where Tel Aviv and Caesarea are located. The Negev Desert, Judean Hills, and the higher hills and mountains of the Galilee add to the variety of the country’s landscape.
Terrain
Negev desert in the south; low coastal plain; central mountains; Jordan Rift Valley
Climate
The climate in Israel varies greatly from place to place. The coastal plain has wet, moderately cold winters with temperatures ranging from the mid-30s to the mid-60s. Then comes a beautiful spring followed by a long, hot, and humid summer during which the temperature can be more than 100 degrees. Hot spells, known as "sharav" or "khamsin," are quite common during spring and summer and can cause significant discomfort to persons with respiratory problems. These often are accompanied by hot desert winds from the east or the south, carrying dust and sand from as far away as the Sahara. A cooler fall then leads to the beginning of the rainy season in late October or early November. Jerusalem, which is inland and in the Judean Hills, some 2,500 feet above sea level, is generally drier and colder throughout the entire year. In the summer, it gets very hot, but it remains less humid than the coast. In the winter Jerusalem temperatures regularly drop below freezing, and it snows occasionally. The Negev, in the south, is a hot, mostly barren desert. Throughout the country, the rainy season lasts from October or November until March or April. The rains often come in heavy downpours and thunderstorms. With the first hint of summer, people go to the beach. Israelis love outdoor concerts in summer, and the spectacular ancient sites in Caesarea and Jaffa are used as open-air theaters. The high daytime temperatures are cooled off by evening breezes both in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Outdoor dining is especially popular in summer. Fall is somewhat like a southern U.S. fall, with cooler weather and leaves falling off of trees. Winter comes suddenly, and rain falls regularly. In some years, rainfall is sparse, causing water shortages. The northern mountains, particularly Mt. Hermon in the disputed Golan Heights, will often have snow. Toward the south and the Negev, the weather remains balmy, though the nights are cold.
Natural Hazards
sandstorms may occur during spring and summer; droughts; periodic earthquakes
Current Environmental Issues
limited arable land and natural fresh water resources pose serious constraints; desertification; air pollution from industrial and vehicle emissions; groundwater pollution from industrial and domestic waste, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides
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People & Demographics

Religion

Languages Spoken

Hebrew (official), Arabic used officially for Arab minority, English most commonly used foreign language.

  • Hebrew
  • Arabic

Population

Population
9,900,000
Population in Major Urban Areas
Tel Aviv-Yafo 3.381 million; Haifa 1.054 million; JERUSALEM (capital) 791,000
Nationality Noun
Israeli(s)
Ethnic Groups
Jewish 80.1% (Europe/America-born 32.1%, Israel-born 20.8%, Africa-born 14.6%, Asia-born 12.6%), non-Jewish 19.9% (mostly Arab)

Education

Literacy Definition
age 15 and over can read and write

A school day is different, based on school's location, whether a long day program (including lunch) exists. A typical day consists of 5-6 classes, 45-50 minutes long. There is one "major" 30 minutes recess at 9:35, which includes 10 minutes in the classroom, having a light brunch, then 20 minutes break. There is no recess between the first and second class, Yet there is a 10 minutes break between all other classes. You usually won't find a class with more than 40 pupils, however small villages and local schools may have smaller classes. The main subjects include: language, basic mathematics, nature and sciences, literature, training or sports, and some history. English is mandatory beginning at 4th grade.

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Government & Politics

Country Identity

Country Name
Israel
Full Country Name
State of Israel
Local - Long
Medinat Yisra'el
Local - Short
State of Israel

Government Structure

Government Type
parliamentary democracy
Legal System
mixture of English common law, British Mandate regulations, and, in personal matters, Jewish, Christian, and Muslim legal systems; in December 1985, Israel informed the UN Secretariat that it would no longer accept compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Executive Branch
chief of state: President Isaac HERZOG (since 7 July 2021) head of government: Prime Minister Benjamin NETANYAHU (since 29 December 2022); note - NETANYAHU previously served as prime minister from 1996 to 1999 and again from 2009 to 2021 cabinet: Cabinet selected by prime minister and approved by the Knesset elections: president is largely a ceremonial role and is elected by the Knesset for a single seven-year term; election last held 2 June 2021 (next to be held 2028); following legislative elections, the president assigns a Knesset member — traditionally the leader of the largest party — the task of forming a governing coalition; election last held 1 November 2022 (next to be held by October 2026) election results: Isaac HERZOG elected president by the 120-member Knesset, receiving 87 votes against opponent Miriam PERETZ, who received 26 votes; Benjamin NETANYAHU returned as prime minister following the November 2022 Knesset elections, in which his Likud party won 32 seats; NETANYAHU subsequently formed a coalition government composed of Likud, Shas, United Torah Judaism, Religious Zionism, Otzma Yehudit, and Noam, representing the most right-wing government in Israel's history; the coalition commands 64 seats in the 120-member Knesset
Legislative Branch
unicameral Knesset (120 seats; members elected by party-list proportional representation to serve four-year terms) elections: last held on 1 November 2022 (next scheduled to be held in 2026) election results: percent of vote by party - Likud 23.4%, Yesh Atid 17.8%, Religious Zionism Party 10.8%, National Unity 9.1%, Shas 8.2%, United Torah Judaism 5.9%, Yisrael Beiteinu 4.5%, Ra'am 4.4%, Hadash-Ta'al 3.8%, Labor 3.7%, Meretz 3.2%; seats by party - Likud 32, Yesh Atid 24, Religious Zionism Party 14, National Unity 12, Shas 11, United Torah Judaism 7, Yisrael Beiteinu 6, Ra'am 5, Hadash-Ta'al 5, Labor 4, Meretz 0 (failed to cross electoral threshold)
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court (justices appointed for life by the president)
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Constitution
no formal constitution; some of the functions of a constitution are filled by the Declaration of Establishment (1948), the Basic Laws of the parliament (Knesset), and the Israeli citizenship law
Independence
14 May 1948 (from League of Nations mandate under British administration)
National Holiday
Independence Day, 14 May (1948); note - Israel declared independence on 14 May 1948, but the Jewish calendar is lunar and the holiday may occur in April or May

Capital City

Capital Name
Jerusalem; note - the US recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in December 2017 without taking a position on the specific boundaries of Israeli sovereignty
Capital - geographic coordinate
31 46 N, 35 14 E
Capital Time Difference
UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Jerusalem's settlement may date back to 2800 B.C.; it is named Urushalim in Egyptian texts of the 14th century B.C.; uru-shalim likely means "foundation of [by] the god Shalim", and derives from Hebrew/Semitic yry, "to found or lay a cornerstone", and Shalim, the Canaanite god of dusk and the nether world; Shalim was associated with sunset and peace and the name is based on the same S-L-M root from which Semitic words for "peace" are derived (Salam or Shalom in modern Arabic and Hebrew); this confluence has thus led to naming interpretations such as "The City of Peace" or "The Abode of Peace"

Military

Branches: Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Israel Naval Force (IN), Israel Air Force (IAF)

Embassy / Diplomatic Mission

TEL AVIV: The U.S. Embassy is located at 71 Hayarkon Street in Tel Aviv.The U.S. mailing address is 9700 Tel Aviv Place, Washington, DC 20521-9700. The telephone number is (972) (3) 519-7575, Monday through Friday. The after-hours emergency number on weekends and from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. local time on weekdays is (972) (3) 519-7551. The fax number is (972) (3) 516-4390, or 516-0315. The Embassy can be contacted by e-mail.

Contact the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy for information and assistance in Israel and the Golan Heights, at the ports of entry at Ben Gurion Airport, Haifa Port, the northern (Shaykh Hussein) and southern (Arava) border crossings connecting Israel and Jordan, and the border crossings between Israel and Egypt.

The Embassy also has a consular agent in Haifa at 26 Ben Gurion Boulevard, telephone (972) (4) 853-1470. The consular agent can provide both routine and emergency citizen services in the northern part of Israel. After normal working hours you can contact him via the Embassy.

JERUSALEM: The Consular Section of the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem is located at 14 David Flusser, Jerusalem 93392 (near the former Diplomat Hotel, now the Caprice Diamond Center, in the neighborhood of Arnona). The U.S. mailing address is 6350 Jerusalem Place, Washington, DC 20521-6350. The Consular Section's public telephone number for information and assistance is (972) (2)630-4000, Monday through Friday. The after-hours emergency number on weekends and from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. local time on weekdays is (972) (2) 622-7230. The Consular Section's fax number is (972) (2) 630-4070. You may also contact the Consulate by e-mail.

Contact the Consular Section of the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem for information and assistance in Jerusalem, the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and the Allenby Bridge crossing between the West Bank and Jordan.

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Economy

Israel has a highly developed, technology-driven market economy and ranks among the wealthiest nations in the Middle East.

Snapshot

Currency Name and Code
New Israeli Sheqel (ILS)
GDP — official exchange rate
$114,300,000,000 (USD)
GDP Real Growth Rate
5.2%
Gini Index
34
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News & Weather

Current Weather

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Latest News

News via Google News

Climate Overview

The climate in Israel varies greatly from place to place. The coastal plain has wet, moderately cold winters with temperatures ranging from the mid-30s to the mid-60s. Then comes a beautiful spring followed by a long, hot, and humid summer during which the temperature can be more than 100 degrees. Hot spells, known as "sharav" or "khamsin," are quite common during spring and summer and can cause significant discomfort to persons with respiratory problems. These often are accompanied by hot desert winds from the east or the south, carrying dust and sand from as far away as the Sahara. A cooler fall then leads to the beginning of the rainy season in late October or early November. Jerusalem, which is inland and in the Judean Hills, some 2,500 feet above sea level, is generally drier and colder throughout the entire year. In the summer, it gets very hot, but it remains less humid than the coast. In the winter Jerusalem temperatures regularly drop below freezing, and it snows occasionally. The Negev, in the south, is a hot, mostly barren desert. Throughout the country, the rainy season lasts from October or November until March or April. The rains often come in heavy downpours and thunderstorms.

With the first hint of summer, people go to the beach. Israelis love outdoor concerts in summer, and the spectacular ancient sites in Caesarea and Jaffa are used as open-air theaters. The high daytime temperatures are cooled off by evening breezes both in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Outdoor dining is especially popular in summer.

Fall is somewhat like a southern U.S. fall, with cooler weather and leaves falling off of trees. Winter comes suddenly, and rain falls regularly. In some years, rainfall is sparse, causing water shortages. The northern mountains, particularly Mt. Hermon in the disputed Golan Heights, will often have snow. Toward the south and the Negev, the weather remains balmy, though the nights are cold.

Videos

2 curated YouTube videos.

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  • Source: YouTube

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Israel?
The population of Israel is approximately 9.9M.
How do people greet each other in Israel?
A handshake is the standard greeting, while friends and close acquaintances may hug or exchange one or two cheek kisses. Native-born Israelis are straightforward, plain-talking, friendly and hospitable. Do: Use a handshake in most settings Offer a verbal greeting or slight nod to Orthodox Jews who may avoid contact with the opposite gender Say "Todah rabah" (thank you very much) when leaving Don't: Don't initiate physical contact with the opposite gender in Orthodox settings Israelis love a good argument and lively conversation, so don't hesitate to engage
What are dining customs like in Israel?
Meals are often communal with shared dishes, and Israelis eat a huge breakfast and continue eating throughout the day. Many observe kosher dietary laws. Do: Wait for the host to invite you to sit and begin eating Try everything offered as a sign of appreciation Allow the host to lead any blessings or toasts Don't: Don't combine meat and dairy at the same meal or with the same utensils Don't expect camel, pig, or rabbit, which are forbidden by the Jewish diet Don't expect fish without both fins and scales Falafel (deep-fried ground chickpea balls) and eggplant are popular staples Jewish Israelis often eat a main meat meal at midday and a lighter dairy meal in the evening
What etiquette should I know when visiting an Israeli home?
Arrange visits in advance rather than dropping by, arrive on time, and respect religious practices in the household. Do: Call ahead to arrange a visit Bring a small gift such as flowers, kosher wine, chocolates, or baked goods Remove shoes if it's customary in religious or traditional homes Express gratitude and follow up with a thank-you message Don't: Don't bring non-kosher food like pork or shellfish, or meat-and-dairy combinations Don't bring alcohol to Arab households unless you know it's acceptable Don't use electronics or discuss work during Shabbat unless the host says it's okay Don't raise politics or religion unless the host brings them up Shabbat runs from Friday evening to Saturday evening Respect prayer times and provide space for rituals in religious homes
How should I dress in Israel?
Daily wear is generally informal Western style, but modest clothing is recommended in traditional or religious households. Do: Wear casual attire in secular settings Cover shoulders and knees in traditional or religious households Orthodox Jews wear traditional clothing daily, including black or gray coats for men and wigs and scarves for married women Some Muslim men and women wear a kaffiyyeh (headdress)
What is family life like in Israel?
Family is central to Israeli society, with close-knit communities and large gatherings for celebrations, weddings, and holidays. Children are generally pampered. The equality of women is protected by law but often overridden by religious traditions
What do people do for fun in Israel?
Basketball and soccer are the most popular sports, and eating out at vendors or restaurants is a favorite pastime. The swim across Lake Kinneret and various marathons are popular Classical music is a favorite in Israel
What is the capital of Israel?
Jerusalem serves as the capital of Israel, functioning as the seat of government and home to the Knesset (parliament), the Supreme Court, and the official residence of the president. One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on Earth, Jerusalem holds profound religious significance for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam alike. In December 2017, the United States formally recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital, though the city's precise sovereign boundaries remain a subject of ongoing international debate.
Where is Israel located?
Israel is located at the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea, in a region historically known as the Levant and broadly situated within the Middle East. It occupies a narrow strip of land at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, placing it at one of the world's most geopolitically and historically significant junctions. The country's western coastline runs along the Mediterranean, while its southern tip touches the Red Sea at the Gulf of Aqaba.
What countries border Israel?
Israel shares land borders with four countries: Lebanon to the north, Syria to the northeast, Jordan to the east, and Egypt to the southwest. The Palestinian territories — the West Bank and the Gaza Strip — also border Israel, representing areas whose political status remains a central issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. These borders reflect the outcomes of successive wars and diplomatic agreements since Israel's establishment in 1948.
What is the predominant religion in Israel?
Judaism is the majority religion in Israel, practiced by approximately 80 percent of the population, making Israel the world's only Jewish-majority state. Islam is the second-largest faith, observed by roughly 14.6 percent of residents, primarily Arab citizens concentrated in northern regions and mixed cities. Smaller communities of Christians, Druze, and other religious groups account for the remaining population, and Israeli law formally recognizes multiple religious communities for matters of personal status.
What currency is used in Israel?
The official currency of Israel is the New Israeli Sheqel, with the ISO code ILS. Introduced in 1986 as a replacement for the original sheqel following a period of hyperinflation, the New Israeli Sheqel is subdivided into 100 agorot. The currency is issued and regulated by the Bank of Israel and is widely accepted throughout the country; US dollars and euros are also commonly exchanged at banks, hotels, and licensed currency exchange offices.
What languages are spoken in Israel?
Hebrew is the primary official language of Israel, used in government, education, media, and daily life across the Jewish population. Arabic holds official status as well, serving the Arab minority community in public signage, courts, and government services. English functions as the most widely spoken foreign language and is taught from an early age in schools, reflecting Israel's strong academic, technological, and international business ties; Russian is also broadly spoken among immigrants from the former Soviet Union.
What is Israel known for?
Israel is known for its outsized influence in technology and innovation — often dubbed the "Start-Up Nation" — with one of the highest concentrations of tech companies and patents per capita in the world. Culinarily, Israeli food culture is celebrated for dishes such as hummus, falafel, shakshuka, and fresh mezze spreads that reflect diverse regional influences. The country is also noted for its striking archaeological heritage, including the ancient fortress of Masada and the Old City of Jerusalem, as well as for distinctive birthday customs: children are traditionally lifted in a chair by adults, once per year of age plus one extra lift for good luck.
What is the geography of Israel like?
Israel encompasses a remarkably varied landscape for its compact size, ranging from the fertile coastal plain along the Mediterranean and the forested hills of the Galilee in the north to the arid Negev Desert, which covers roughly half the country's total land area. The Jordan Rift Valley runs along the eastern border, containing the Sea of Galilee (the country's primary freshwater source), the Jordan River, and the Dead Sea — the lowest point on Earth's surface at approximately 430 meters below sea level. This geographic diversity supports a wide range of climates within a short driving distance.

Last reviewed 2026

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