People and Society of Israel

Nationality

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)

Population

7,353,985

Population in Major Urban Areas

Tel Aviv-Yafo 3.381 million; Haifa 1.054 million; JERUSALEM (capital) 791,000

Modern medical care and medicines are available in Israel. A few hospitals in Israel and most hospitals in the West Bank and Gaza, however, fall below Western standards. It is recommended that visitors have health insurance. Travelers can find information in English about emergency medical facilities and after-hours pharmacies in the Jerusalem Post and the English-language edition of the Ha'aretz newspaper, or refer to the Embassy's or Consulate General's medical lists.

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over can read and write

Classroom

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.

• Jewish80.1%
• Muslim14.6%
• other3.2%
• Christian2.1%

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

• Hebrew
• Arabic

• Golda Meir

  Government Leader · 1898

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

Crime Information

The crime rate is moderate in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. Break-ins of parked vehicles are common at beach areas, the Dead Sea, cemeteries, and national parks (especially Caesarea National Park). Car break-ins and purse snatchings in cities and cemeteries occur regularly throughout Israel. U.S. citizens should not leave their valuables (including passports) unattended, in parked vehicles, or unsecured in hotels. Don't buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law. U.S. citizens have occasionally been the victims of high-pressure sales tactics in Jerusalem's Old City tourist shops. In some cases, vendors have not disclosed the true cost of an item and convinced the buyer -- who is unfamiliar with the exchange rate -- to unwittingly sign a credit card sales receipt worth thousands of dollars. Tourists visiting shops in high-traffic tourist areas should not sign credit card receipts unless they are certain of the amount being authorized.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in Israel, the West Bank, or Gaza, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different from our own. In some places you may be taken in for questioning if you don't have your passport with you. In some places, it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings. Penalties for breaking the law can be more serious than those in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Israeli or PA laws, even unknowingly, may be arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking illegal drugs in Israel and PA-administered areas are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States. If you break local laws in Israel, the West Bank, or Gaza, your U.S. passport won't help you avoid arrest or prosecution.