Question 1

What is the population of Israel?

Accepted Answer

The population of Israel is approximately 9.9M.

Question 2

How do people greet each other in Israel?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 3

What are dining customs like in Israel?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 4

What etiquette should I know when visiting an Israeli home?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 5

How should I dress in Israel?

Accepted Answer

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)

Question 6

What is family life like in Israel?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 7

What do people do for fun in Israel?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 8

What is the capital of Israel?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

Where is Israel located?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

What countries border Israel?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

What is the predominant religion in Israel?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

What currency is used in Israel?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 13

What languages are spoken in Israel?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

What is Israel known for?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

What is the geography of Israel like?

Accepted Answer

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.

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