Please use this information as you facilitate conversations about Israel with your fellow region members, colleagues, friends and family. If you have any further questions or would like to know more information, please contact us at zionisted@hadassah.org.
‍

Click on a question below to view its answer:

Q) "Why are the Maccabiah Games so popular and important in the Diaspora?"

‍

Q) "Why is Israel having another election? Didn’t Israel just have an election?"

‍

Q) "What is Israel’s relationship with other small countries?"

‍
Q) "How do Israelis observe days like Yom Hashoah, Yom Ha’atzma'ut and Yom HaZikaron?"

‍

Q) "What foods are special or unique to Israel?"

‍

Q) "I understand that there is a relatively large population of Russian Jews, Jews from Arab countries and Ethiopian Jews living in Israel. Are there any other communities of Jews in Israel that contribute to its "melting pot" reputation?"

‍

Q)  “How did Israel become such a melting pot of people and cultures?”  

‍

Q) “I want to visit Israel but I am hearing conflicting reports in the news about international travel”
‍

Q) Golda Meir was the first and only female prime minister of Israel. What other glass ceilings have been broken by Israeli women, in politics and beyond?‍‍
‍‍

Q) Why is it important for us to know about Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs as an example of Israel being the Zionist homeland of all Jews?
‍

Q) What is the composition of the current Israeli government? Are women and Arabs a part of the coalition?
‍

Please use this information as you facilitate conversations about Israel with your fellow region members, colleagues, friends and family. If you have any further questions or would like to know more information, please contact us at zionisted@hadassah.org.
‍

Click on a question below to view its answer:

Q) "Why are the Maccabiah Games so popular and important in the Diaspora?"

‍

Q) "Why is Israel having another election? Didn’t Israel just have an election?"

‍

Q) "What is Israel’s relationship with other small countries?"

‍
Q) "How do Israelis observe days like Yom Hashoah, Yom Ha’atzma'ut and Yom HaZikaron?"

‍

Q) "What foods are special or unique to Israel?"

‍

Q) "I understand that there is a relatively large population of Russian Jews, Jews from Arab countries and Ethiopian Jews living in Israel. Are there any other communities of Jews in Israel that contribute to its "melting pot" reputation?"

‍

Q)  “How did Israel become such a melting pot of people and cultures?”  

‍

Q) “I want to visit Israel but I am hearing conflicting reports in the news about international travel”
‍

Q) Golda Meir was the first and only female prime minister of Israel. What other glass ceilings have been broken by Israeli women, in politics and beyond?‍‍
‍‍

Q) Why is it important for us to know about Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs as an example of Israel being the Zionist homeland of all Jews?
‍

Q) What is the composition of the current Israeli government? Are women and Arabs a part of the coalition?
‍

Q) Why are the Maccabiah Games so popular and important in the Diaspora?

A) First held in 1932, the Maccabiah Games (a.k.a. the World Maccabiah Games, sometimes referred to as the "Jewish Olympics"), are an international Jewish and Israeli multi-sport event now held every four years in Israel. The Maccabiah Games are open to Jewish athletes from around the world and to all Israeli citizens regardless of their religion. The goal of the Maccabiah is to promote the physical strength of Jews while fostering a sense of nationalism among Jewish athletes. Competitions at the Maccabiah are organized into four divisions: 1) Open (Seniors); 2) Juniors; 3) Masters; and 4) Disabled. It is the third-largest sporting event in the world (after the Olympics and the FIFA World Cup) with approximately 10,000 athletes competing.

The 2022 Maccabiah Games, also known as the 21st Maccabiah Games, took place between July 12-26, 2022.  President Joe Biden attended the opening ceremonies, cheering on the US delegation of 1,400 athletes -- larger than the US delegation to the 2021 Tokyo Olympics making him the first American president to attend the Maccabiah Games.

A little bit of history:

The Maccabiah is named for the Jewish warrior Judah Maccabee who fought against the ancient Greeks.

The idea for an international Jewish sports competition grew out of the various sports clubs that existed in Eastern European countries in the late 1800s. At that time, many young Jews began to stress the importance of physical strength in the quest to downplay the image of "ghetto Jew." These clubs were to be united in the first decade of the new century, into the Jüdische Turnerschaft (the Union of Jewish Gymnastics Clubs).

The Union became particularly Zionist in focus when it began arranging visits to Palestine, and in 1921 it became the Maccabi Work Union, further uniting the various associations.

The first Maccabiah was held in Palestine in 1932, with 390 athletes from 14 countries participating. The second was held in Tel Aviv in 1935, and was of particular importance to the Yishuv as most of the 1,700 athletes from 27 countries remained due to the rise  of antisemitism throughout Europe.

The Maccabiah Games have different significance for different participants. In 2022 there were delegates from 54 countries. For the participants from Israel — by far the largest delegation — the event means one thing; to those coming from countries with large Jewish communities such as the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia, it means something else;  To those from countries with small Jewish communities, particularly those  from underprivileged areas of Central Asia and parts of South America, the Maccabiah offer an opportunity to interact with other Jews and to see themselves as part of a larger, global people.

Chile is home to 18,000 Jews,  making it the third-largest Jewish community in South America. The Chilean athletes competed with their brothers and sisters from Argentina, which is home to over 250,000 Jews and brought close to 800 athletes to the games. Behind the U.S and Israel, Argentina was the third largest delegation, with Canada rounding out the top four. At the other end of the spectrum was Lithuania, which brought 17 delegates to the 2022 Maccabiah.

Q) Why are the Maccabiah Games so popular and important in the Diaspora?

A) First held in 1932, the Maccabiah Games (a.k.a. the World Maccabiah Games, sometimes referred to as the "Jewish Olympics"), are an international Jewish and Israeli multi-sport event now held every four years in Israel. The Maccabiah Games are open to Jewish athletes from around the world and to all Israeli citizens regardless of their religion. The goal of the Maccabiah is to promote the physical strength of Jews while fostering a sense of nationalism among Jewish athletes. Competitions at the Maccabiah are organized into four divisions: 1) Open (Seniors); 2) Juniors; 3) Masters; and 4) Disabled. It is the third-largest sporting event in the world (after the Olympics and the FIFA World Cup) with approximately 10,000 athletes competing.

The 2022 Maccabiah Games, also known as the 21st Maccabiah Games, took place between July 12-26, 2022.  President Joe Biden attended the opening ceremonies, cheering on the US delegation of 1,400 athletes -- larger than the US delegation to the 2021 Tokyo Olympics making him the first American president to attend the Maccabiah Games.

A little bit of history:

The Maccabiah is named for the Jewish warrior Judah Maccabee who fought against the ancient Greeks.

The idea for an international Jewish sports competition grew out of the various sports clubs that existed in Eastern European countries in the late 1800s. At that time, many young Jews began to stress the importance of physical strength in the quest to downplay the image of "ghetto Jew." These clubs were to be united in the first decade of the new century, into the Jüdische Turnerschaft (the Union of Jewish Gymnastics Clubs).

The Union became particularly Zionist in focus when it began arranging visits to Palestine, and in 1921 it became the Maccabi Work Union, further uniting the various associations.

The first Maccabiah was held in Palestine in 1932, with 390 athletes from 14 countries participating. The second was held in Tel Aviv in 1935, and was of particular importance to the Yishuv as most of the 1,700 athletes from 27 countries remained due to the rise  of antisemitism throughout Europe.

The Maccabiah Games have different significance for different participants. In 2022 there were delegates from 54 countries. For the participants from Israel — by far the largest delegation — the event means one thing; to those coming from countries with large Jewish communities such as the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia, it means something else;  To those from countries with small Jewish communities, particularly those  from underprivileged areas of Central Asia and parts of South America, the Maccabiah offer an opportunity to interact with other Jews and to see themselves as part of a larger, global people.

Chile is home to 18,000 Jews,  making it the third-largest Jewish community in South America. The Chilean athletes competed with their brothers and sisters from Argentina, which is home to over 250,000 Jews and brought close to 800 athletes to the games. Behind the U.S and Israel, Argentina was the third largest delegation, with Canada rounding out the top four. At the other end of the spectrum was Lithuania, which brought 17 delegates to the 2022 Maccabiah.

Q) Why is Israel having another election? Didn’t Israel just have an election?

A) The voting system in Israel:

Israelis vote by party, and in the country's 74-year history no single faction has won a majority in the 120-member parliament, otherwise known as the Knesset. So after every election, any prospective prime minister must form alliances in order to secure a majority of at least 61 seats.

That gives small parties outsized power. After nearly every election, attention focuses on one or more potential candidates and their particular demands. Thirteen parties were elected to parliament, for instance, in last year's election. This can result in weeks of negotiations and political vote-trading among various party leaders.

In a proportional representation system, no single party usually musters enough of a presence to lead a government on its own. Parties, and sometimes political rivals, need to form coalitions that agree to work together to pass legislation; there is often just one ruling coalition and one opposition coalition.

If a majority cannot be assembled, as happened after elections in April and September 2019, the country goes back to the polls and the government remains in place as a caretaker.

What happened to the current Knesset and government?

The Israeli government, formed almost exactly a year ago, had a shaky foundation from its start, combining a slew of parties that historically would have not worked together: Bennett and Ayelet Shaked’s national religious Yamina, Lapid’s centrist secular Yesh Atid, the left-wing Meretz and the Muslim Arab Ra’am. There are 120 seats in parliament, and the Bennett-Lapid government had a 61-59 majority for only a short time.

The final blow came as the result of behind-the-scenes maneuvering by former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been leading the Knesset opposition and whose veteran politician wiles helped him remain Israel’s leader for a record 12 years. Netanyahu, who reportedly had been meeting with Yamina members to try and lure them away, seized the opportunity to create a crisis.

Why does this keep happening in Israel?

For years, Netanyahu’s conservative coalition defeated any contenders, usually a mixture of liberal and more centrist parties, pretty soundly. But by 2019 a schism emerged,  giving centrist and liberal parties, led by former Chief of General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Benny Gantz, an opportunity to challenge Netanyahu’s reign.

The final voter math, though, led to repeated deadlock; neither the Netanyahu or Gantz coalitions could establish a firm majority. As the COVID-19 hit in 2020, Gantz said the pandemic required sacrifice and agreed to a unity government with a rotating prime ministers, but Netanyahu dissolved the government before Gantz's turn came up.

Now what?

Yair Lapid is the interim prime minster of Israel and will remain so until the November election. The governmental parties have approximately five months either to secure a majority of seats in parliament or to form a cohesive coalition with other parties.

Q) Why is Israel having another election? Didn’t Israel just have an election?

A) The voting system in Israel:

Israelis vote by party, and in the country's 74-year history no single faction has won a majority in the 120-member parliament, otherwise known as the Knesset. So after every election, any prospective prime minister must form alliances in order to secure a majority of at least 61 seats.

That gives small parties outsized power. After nearly every election, attention focuses on one or more potential candidates and their particular demands. Thirteen parties were elected to parliament, for instance, in last year's election. This can result in weeks of negotiations and political vote-trading among various party leaders.

In a proportional representation system, no single party usually musters enough of a presence to lead a government on its own. Parties, and sometimes political rivals, need to form coalitions that agree to work together to pass legislation; there is often just one ruling coalition and one opposition coalition.

If a majority cannot be assembled, as happened after elections in April and September 2019, the country goes back to the polls and the government remains in place as a caretaker.

What happened to the current Knesset and government?

The Israeli government, formed almost exactly a year ago, had a shaky foundation from its start, combining a slew of parties that historically would have not worked together: Bennett and Ayelet Shaked’s national religious Yamina, Lapid’s centrist secular Yesh Atid, the left-wing Meretz and the Muslim Arab Ra’am. There are 120 seats in parliament, and the Bennett-Lapid government had a 61-59 majority for only a short time.

The final blow came as the result of behind-the-scenes maneuvering by former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been leading the Knesset opposition and whose veteran politician wiles helped him remain Israel’s leader for a record 12 years. Netanyahu, who reportedly had been meeting with Yamina members to try and lure them away, seized the opportunity to create a crisis.

Why does this keep happening in Israel?

For years, Netanyahu’s conservative coalition defeated any contenders, usually a mixture of liberal and more centrist parties, pretty soundly. But by 2019 a schism emerged,  giving centrist and liberal parties, led by former Chief of General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Benny Gantz, an opportunity to challenge Netanyahu’s reign.

The final voter math, though, led to repeated deadlock; neither the Netanyahu or Gantz coalitions could establish a firm majority. As the COVID-19 hit in 2020, Gantz said the pandemic required sacrifice and agreed to a unity government with a rotating prime ministers, but Netanyahu dissolved the government before Gantz's turn came up.

Now what?

Yair Lapid is the interim prime minster of Israel and will remain so until the November election. The governmental parties have approximately five months either to secure a majority of seats in parliament or to form a cohesive coalition with other parties.

Q) What is Israel’s relationship with other small countries?

A) That’s a great question! Many people don’t know about the great relationship Israel has with Costa Rica.

Though the Israeli community in Costa Rica is tiny – with some people estimating that there are 300 Israelis or about 40 to 50 Israeli families -- Costa Rica has a long history of positive relations with Israel.

Since 1958, MASHAV, Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation, has trained hundreds of thousands of people from around the world, including over 5,000 Costa Ricans in areas such as agriculture, sustainable development, entrepreneurship and education.

Costa Rica recognized Israel as a country on June 19, 1948 but the relationship goes back before Israel became a state. Costa Rica supported the 1947 Partition Plan and voted in favor of the 1947 League of Nations plan.

In 1954, Costa Rica and Israel established diplomatic relations and Israel presented its first diplomatic delegate to the country. In 1962, the president of Costa Rica visited Israel and met with Prime Minister David Ben Gurion. Both leaders signed a treaty to open mutual embassies both in Jerusalem and San Jose. In 1966, Israel opened its embassy in Costa Rica.

In 1980, after East Jerusalem was officially incorporated into greater Jerusalem, the United Nations recommended that all 16 Embassies in the city (most of them from Latin American countries) leave Jerusalem, and the Costa Rican government did so. However, only two years later, in 1982, the country moved its Embassy back to Jerusalem.

In the last few years two Costa Rican foreign ministers visited Israel, demonstrating the importance of Israel to the Central American country. In 2016, during the visit of Costa Rica’s Minister of Foreign Commerce, the country opened a commercial office in Israel, becoming the first Latin American country to do so.

In February 2022 Israel and Costa Rica signed an agricultural cooperation agreement, which will lead to a significant increase in trade relations.

Under the terms of the agreement, the two countries will exchange policy and regulation information on sustainable and efficient use of water resources for agriculture, and promote agricultural research collaborations, especially in advanced solutions for growing and producing food in changing climatic conditions.

‍

Q) What is Israel’s relationship with other small countries?

A) That’s a great question! Many people don’t know about the great relationship Israel has with Costa Rica.

Though the Israeli community in Costa Rica is tiny – with some people estimating that there are 300 Israelis or about 40 to 50 Israeli families -- Costa Rica has a long history of positive relations with Israel.

Since 1958, MASHAV, Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation, has trained hundreds of thousands of people from around the world, including over 5,000 Costa Ricans in areas such as agriculture, sustainable development, entrepreneurship and education.

Costa Rica recognized Israel as a country on June 19, 1948 but the relationship goes back before Israel became a state. Costa Rica supported the 1947 Partition Plan and voted in favor of the 1947 League of Nations plan.

In 1954, Costa Rica and Israel established diplomatic relations and Israel presented its first diplomatic delegate to the country. In 1962, the president of Costa Rica visited Israel and met with Prime Minister David Ben Gurion. Both leaders signed a treaty to open mutual embassies both in Jerusalem and San Jose. In 1966, Israel opened its embassy in Costa Rica.

In 1980, after East Jerusalem was officially incorporated into greater Jerusalem, the United Nations recommended that all 16 Embassies in the city (most of them from Latin American countries) leave Jerusalem, and the Costa Rican government did so. However, only two years later, in 1982, the country moved its Embassy back to Jerusalem.

In the last few years two Costa Rican foreign ministers visited Israel, demonstrating the importance of Israel to the Central American country. In 2016, during the visit of Costa Rica’s Minister of Foreign Commerce, the country opened a commercial office in Israel, becoming the first Latin American country to do so.

In February 2022 Israel and Costa Rica signed an agricultural cooperation agreement, which will lead to a significant increase in trade relations.

Under the terms of the agreement, the two countries will exchange policy and regulation information on sustainable and efficient use of water resources for agriculture, and promote agricultural research collaborations, especially in advanced solutions for growing and producing food in changing climatic conditions.

‍

Q) How do Israelis observe days like Yom Hashoah, Yom Ha’atzma'ut and Yom HaZikaron?

A) What a great question!

At 10 a.m. on Thursday, April 28, as sirens sounded for two minutes, Jewish Israelis across the country observed a standstill to commemorate Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Martyrs and Heroes Remembrance Day, in honor of the six million Jews killed by the Nazis during World War Two.

After a two-year suspension because of COVID, the International March of the Living resumed in 2022. Since its inception in 1988, more than 260,000 participants from 52 countries have marched down the three-kilometer path leading from Auschwitz to Birkenau on Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, in tribute to all victims of the Holocaust.

This year, for the first time, just over one hundred Arab-Israeli teens from across Israel marched alongside Holocaust survivors and their progeny. Half of the young people, from the Atidna youth movement which teaches pride in Arab culture and integration and involvement in Israeli society, were celebrating Ramadan and fasted while making the journey.

Holocaust Remembrance Day is the start of a week with three Israeli holidays that progress from commemoration to celebration: Yom Hashoah, Yom HaZikaron, a Memorial Day for soldiers killed in Israel’s wars and Yom Ha’atzma'ut, Israel’s Independence Day.

Yom Ha’atzma'ut is typically celebrated with parades, picnics and partying, rounding out a highly emotional week on a high note.

‍

Q) How do Israelis observe days like Yom Hashoah, Yom Ha’atzma'ut and Yom HaZikaron?

A) What a great question!

At 10 a.m. on Thursday, April 28, as sirens sounded for two minutes, Jewish Israelis across the country observed a standstill to commemorate Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Martyrs and Heroes Remembrance Day, in honor of the six million Jews killed by the Nazis during World War Two.

After a two-year suspension because of COVID, the International March of the Living resumed in 2022. Since its inception in 1988, more than 260,000 participants from 52 countries have marched down the three-kilometer path leading from Auschwitz to Birkenau on Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, in tribute to all victims of the Holocaust.

This year, for the first time, just over one hundred Arab-Israeli teens from across Israel marched alongside Holocaust survivors and their progeny. Half of the young people, from the Atidna youth movement which teaches pride in Arab culture and integration and involvement in Israeli society, were celebrating Ramadan and fasted while making the journey.

Holocaust Remembrance Day is the start of a week with three Israeli holidays that progress from commemoration to celebration: Yom Hashoah, Yom HaZikaron, a Memorial Day for soldiers killed in Israel’s wars and Yom Ha’atzma'ut, Israel’s Independence Day.

Yom Ha’atzma'ut is typically celebrated with parades, picnics and partying, rounding out a highly emotional week on a high note.

‍

Q) What foods are special or unique to Israel?

A) What a great question!

Israel has always put a huge emphasis on agriculture. In the Tanach there are Seven Species (in Hebrew Shiv'at HaMinim), which are seven agricultural products considered special products of the Land of Israel: wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives (oil), and dates (honey).

Israel has been known as “the land of milk and honey.” What’s particularly interesting is that the "honey" is actually silan, which is made from dates instead of the traditional honey from pollinating bees. Kibbutz Ketura, a kibbutz in the south of Israel which was started by members of Hadassah and Young Judaea, is home to a date palm affectionately known as Methuselah as it was planted from a 2,000-year-old date seed. Agriculturalists hope the tree will produce dates which in turn could make 2,000-year-old “honey.”

Israel has also been known globally as “the land of Bamba.” Bamba is a snack made of peanut-butter-flavored puffed maize manufactured by the Osem corporation, and one of the leading snack foods produced and sold in Israel. As Bamba is made with peanuts, people allergic to peanuts may be severely affected by it; however, doctors have long speculated that Bamba consumption in Israel, and the early introduction of peanuts in diets, might be responsible for reduced rates of peanut allergy among children.

Another Israeli invention from Osem is ptitim. Ptitim was created in 1953 during the austerity period in Israel. Israel's first prime minister David Ben-Gurion asked one of the Osem founders to devise a wheat-based substitute for rice, and the company developed ptitim, made of hard wheat flour and toasted in an oven. Ptitim was initially produced with a rice-grain shape, but after its success Osem also began producing a ball-shaped variety inspired by couscous. Consequently, ptitim is sometimes called "Ben-Gurion rice."

As we celebrate Passover, we turn to the comfort of food. One dish that has divided Israel is charoset -- specifically, whether the Sephardic or Ashkenazi recipe is better! Ashkenazic charoset usually combines chopped apples with wine and walnuts, while Sephardic charoset typically includes dates, walnuts, wine and vinegar.

Other differences between Ashkenazic and Sephardic seders include Sephardic Jews' use of celery in place of parsley for the karpas and romaine lettuce instead of horseradish for the maror. Most Sephardim dip the karpas in vinegar rather than salt water and eat lamb, whereas Ashkenazic Jews merely have a shank bone on the seder plate.

Some of these differences in cuisine are geographical in origin. Ashkenazic Jews eat spicy horseradish as the maror to remember the bitterness of slavery because horseradish root was not available; and the bitter romaine lettuce that is part of the Sephardic seder was not available in Europe at that time of year.

During Passover, most Sephardim are permitted to eat kitniyot, which includes grains and seeds, rice, corn and peas.

‍

Q) What foods are special or unique to Israel?

A) What a great question!

Israel has always put a huge emphasis on agriculture. In the Tanach there are Seven Species (in Hebrew Shiv'at HaMinim), which are seven agricultural products considered special products of the Land of Israel: wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives (oil), and dates (honey).

Israel has been known as “the land of milk and honey.” What’s particularly interesting is that the "honey" is actually silan, which is made from dates instead of the traditional honey from pollinating bees. Kibbutz Ketura, a kibbutz in the south of Israel which was started by members of Hadassah and Young Judaea, is home to a date palm affectionately known as Methuselah as it was planted from a 2,000-year-old date seed. Agriculturalists hope the tree will produce dates which in turn could make 2,000-year-old “honey.”

Israel has also been known globally as “the land of Bamba.” Bamba is a snack made of peanut-butter-flavored puffed maize manufactured by the Osem corporation, and one of the leading snack foods produced and sold in Israel. As Bamba is made with peanuts, people allergic to peanuts may be severely affected by it; however, doctors have long speculated that Bamba consumption in Israel, and the early introduction of peanuts in diets, might be responsible for reduced rates of peanut allergy among children.

Another Israeli invention from Osem is ptitim. Ptitim was created in 1953 during the austerity period in Israel. Israel's first prime minister David Ben-Gurion asked one of the Osem founders to devise a wheat-based substitute for rice, and the company developed ptitim, made of hard wheat flour and toasted in an oven. Ptitim was initially produced with a rice-grain shape, but after its success Osem also began producing a ball-shaped variety inspired by couscous. Consequently, ptitim is sometimes called "Ben-Gurion rice."

As we celebrate Passover, we turn to the comfort of food. One dish that has divided Israel is charoset -- specifically, whether the Sephardic or Ashkenazi recipe is better! Ashkenazic charoset usually combines chopped apples with wine and walnuts, while Sephardic charoset typically includes dates, walnuts, wine and vinegar.

Other differences between Ashkenazic and Sephardic seders include Sephardic Jews' use of celery in place of parsley for the karpas and romaine lettuce instead of horseradish for the maror. Most Sephardim dip the karpas in vinegar rather than salt water and eat lamb, whereas Ashkenazic Jews merely have a shank bone on the seder plate.

Some of these differences in cuisine are geographical in origin. Ashkenazic Jews eat spicy horseradish as the maror to remember the bitterness of slavery because horseradish root was not available; and the bitter romaine lettuce that is part of the Sephardic seder was not available in Europe at that time of year.

During Passover, most Sephardim are permitted to eat kitniyot, which includes grains and seeds, rice, corn and peas.

‍

‍

‍Q) "I understand that there is a relatively large population of Russian Jews, Jews from Arab countries and Ethiopian Jews living in Israel. Are there any other communities of Jews in Israel that contribute to its "melting pot" reputation?"

A) What a great question!

What a great question! There are communities of Jews who immigrated to Israel that might be small in number, but which have had a major influence on the culture, food, music and political atmosphere.

Just over 200,000 French Jews live in Israel, many of them in seaside cities such as Ashdod and Netanya. With so many French citizens, restaurants often have French menus; macaron shops are popping up in major cities like Tel Aviv and Herzliya; and French educators have opened dual-language schools and immersion centers.

Jews from Latin America have had a similar influence. About 20,000 Jews from Uruguay live in Israel, roughly half the world population of Uruguayan Jews. There are currently 25,000 Brazilian Jewish living in Israel and about 125,000 Jews living in Brazil. About 60,000 Argentinian Jews live in Israel and Argentina is home to a Jewish community of 230,000, the largest in Latin America and the sixth largest outside Israel.

Jews from Latin America are also taking the Israel music scene by storm. Many Israeli rap and hip-hop groups integrate Spanish words and phrases into their songs -- and some Israeli groups are popular in Brazil and Argentina because they blend Latin melodies in their Hebrew songs.

The Jews who immigrated from France and Latin America may seem small in number -- but they make a large contribution to the flavor of Israel!

‍

‍

‍Q) "I understand that there is a relatively large population of Russian Jews, Jews from Arab countries and Ethiopian Jews living in Israel. Are there any other communities of Jews in Israel that contribute to its "melting pot" reputation?"

A) What a great question!

What a great question! There are communities of Jews who immigrated to Israel that might be small in number, but which have had a major influence on the culture, food, music and political atmosphere.

Just over 200,000 French Jews live in Israel, many of them in seaside cities such as Ashdod and Netanya. With so many French citizens, restaurants often have French menus; macaron shops are popping up in major cities like Tel Aviv and Herzliya; and French educators have opened dual-language schools and immersion centers.

Jews from Latin America have had a similar influence. About 20,000 Jews from Uruguay live in Israel, roughly half the world population of Uruguayan Jews. There are currently 25,000 Brazilian Jewish living in Israel and about 125,000 Jews living in Brazil. About 60,000 Argentinian Jews live in Israel and Argentina is home to a Jewish community of 230,000, the largest in Latin America and the sixth largest outside Israel.

Jews from Latin America are also taking the Israel music scene by storm. Many Israeli rap and hip-hop groups integrate Spanish words and phrases into their songs -- and some Israeli groups are popular in Brazil and Argentina because they blend Latin melodies in their Hebrew songs.

The Jews who immigrated from France and Latin America may seem small in number -- but they make a large contribution to the flavor of Israel!

‍

‍

Q)  “How did Israel become such a melting pot of people and cultures?”  

A) What a great question!

The United States has always been known as the “Melting Pot” of the world.  Thanks to large waves of immigration, many people from all over the globe were able to come into the U.S and call it home.  But the U.S is not the only country that has earned that title.  Though the country of Israel is still relatively young, from day one – and even before it was a country – Israel has always accepted citizens from all over the world and has earned the title of “melting pot”.

Israel earned its nickname through different waves of Aliyah, or immigration of Jews from the diaspora.  One of the largest communities in Israel is the Russian-Jewish community.  People have been moving to Israel from Eastern Europe for over 100 years, but the largest wave of immigration came in the 1990’s.  Almost 1,000,000 Russian Jews immigrated to Israel.  Today, there are 1.5 million Russian speaking Israelis, and one out of every four staff members in Israeli universities speak Russian.

There were also waves of immigration of Jews from Arab countries.  Israel called this these migrations wave a series of operations and was instrumental in helping Jews emigrate from their respective countries.  ‘Operation Magic Carpet’ Between June 1949 and September 1950, ‘Operation Magic Carpet’ helped close to 50,000 Yemenite Jews move to Israel.

Between 1951 and 1952 Operation Ezra and Nehemiah, named after the two men who led the Jewish people from exile in Babylonia to Israel in the 5th century BC, helped close to 130,000 Iraqi Jews move to Israel.

Operation Moses helped 8,000 Ethiopian Jews, also called Beta Israel, escape from Sudan into Israel in 1984, and between May 24 and May 25 1991, a covert Israeli operation airlifted close to 15,000 Ethiopian Jews in just over 36 hours.

Each culture brings its own food, music, art, and traditions to Israel and has made Israel a truly global society.

‍

‍

Q)  “How did Israel become such a melting pot of people and cultures?”  

A) What a great question!

The United States has always been known as the “Melting Pot” of the world.  Thanks to large waves of immigration, many people from all over the globe were able to come into the U.S and call it home.  But the U.S is not the only country that has earned that title.  Though the country of Israel is still relatively young, from day one – and even before it was a country – Israel has always accepted citizens from all over the world and has earned the title of “melting pot”.

Israel earned its nickname through different waves of Aliyah, or immigration of Jews from the diaspora.  One of the largest communities in Israel is the Russian-Jewish community.  People have been moving to Israel from Eastern Europe for over 100 years, but the largest wave of immigration came in the 1990’s.  Almost 1,000,000 Russian Jews immigrated to Israel.  Today, there are 1.5 million Russian speaking Israelis, and one out of every four staff members in Israeli universities speak Russian.

There were also waves of immigration of Jews from Arab countries.  Israel called this these migrations wave a series of operations and was instrumental in helping Jews emigrate from their respective countries.  ‘Operation Magic Carpet’ Between June 1949 and September 1950, ‘Operation Magic Carpet’ helped close to 50,000 Yemenite Jews move to Israel.

Between 1951 and 1952 Operation Ezra and Nehemiah, named after the two men who led the Jewish people from exile in Babylonia to Israel in the 5th century BC, helped close to 130,000 Iraqi Jews move to Israel.

Operation Moses helped 8,000 Ethiopian Jews, also called Beta Israel, escape from Sudan into Israel in 1984, and between May 24 and May 25 1991, a covert Israeli operation airlifted close to 15,000 Ethiopian Jews in just over 36 hours.

Each culture brings its own food, music, art, and traditions to Israel and has made Israel a truly global society.

‍

‍Q) “I want to visit Israel but I am hearing conflicting reports in the news about international travel”

A) That’s a great question!

International travel was greatly affected over the last two years because of COVID-19.  Before the start of the pandemic, U.S citizens could travel to Israel on either any number of organized trips or as tourists.  However, in order to slow down the rate of infection, over the past two years the government of Israel has at times reduced or completely eliminated travel to Israel for anyone who did not have an Israeli passport.

Many organizations, including Hadassah, had to cancel or postpone group trips to Israel, and many Diaspora Jews were dismayed at the thought of not being able to travel to Israel and see family, friends, attend wedding and Bnot Mitzvah, births, or funerals.

What was once a given – travel to Israel – is now marred with bureaucratic red tape and delays.  National Zionist organizations, including AZM, of which Hadassah is a member, wrote to the Knesset on behalf of the Jewish community, imploring the country to open up and allow tourists to enter.  They noted that since Zionism is the connection between diaspora Jews and Israel, and it is imperative that they be allowed to freely enter and exit.

One former member of Knesset, Dov Lipman, decided he wanted to help fellow Americans understand the sometimes confusing regulations needed in order to be allowed to travel to Israel.  Lipman was born in Washington, D.C and immigrated to Israel in 2004.  In 2020 he started an organization called Yom L’Olim which is dedicated to helping American Jews travel to Israel for important family lifecycle events.

Israel has coded every country according to Israel’s concern for rate of infection.  In late December 2021 Israel put the United States on a no-fly list, meaning the U.S was marked “red” for the first time ever, sending a wave of panic to those planning on traveling to Israel for lifecycle events.  The plea from Zionist organizations helped, and in early January, Israel reversed their decision and has started allowing American Jews the ability to travel to Israel starting on January 8th.

‍

‍Q) “I want to visit Israel but I am hearing conflicting reports in the news about international travel”

A) That’s a great question!

International travel was greatly affected over the last two years because of COVID-19.  Before the start of the pandemic, U.S citizens could travel to Israel on either any number of organized trips or as tourists.  However, in order to slow down the rate of infection, over the past two years the government of Israel has at times reduced or completely eliminated travel to Israel for anyone who did not have an Israeli passport.

Many organizations, including Hadassah, had to cancel or postpone group trips to Israel, and many Diaspora Jews were dismayed at the thought of not being able to travel to Israel and see family, friends, attend wedding and Bnot Mitzvah, births, or funerals.

What was once a given – travel to Israel – is now marred with bureaucratic red tape and delays.  National Zionist organizations, including AZM, of which Hadassah is a member, wrote to the Knesset on behalf of the Jewish community, imploring the country to open up and allow tourists to enter.  They noted that since Zionism is the connection between diaspora Jews and Israel, and it is imperative that they be allowed to freely enter and exit.

One former member of Knesset, Dov Lipman, decided he wanted to help fellow Americans understand the sometimes confusing regulations needed in order to be allowed to travel to Israel.  Lipman was born in Washington, D.C and immigrated to Israel in 2004.  In 2020 he started an organization called Yom L’Olim which is dedicated to helping American Jews travel to Israel for important family lifecycle events.

Israel has coded every country according to Israel’s concern for rate of infection.  In late December 2021 Israel put the United States on a no-fly list, meaning the U.S was marked “red” for the first time ever, sending a wave of panic to those planning on traveling to Israel for lifecycle events.  The plea from Zionist organizations helped, and in early January, Israel reversed their decision and has started allowing American Jews the ability to travel to Israel starting on January 8th.

‍

‍Q) Golda Meir was the first and only female prime minister of Israel. What other glass ceilings have been broken by Israeli women, in politics and beyond?

A) That’s a great question!

Israeli women have come a long way since Golda was elected  prime minister in 1969. From all backgrounds and religious levels, Israeli women aren’t just breaking the glass ceiling – they are shattering it.

Amira Ahronoviz worked for The Jewish Agency for more than 26 years, and in 2019 was appointed as the first-ever female CEO and Director General. She has overseen major changes in the Jewish Agency and put it on a bright path for the future.

Karin Flug made Aliyah at the age of three and became the first female governor of the Central Bank of Israel in 2013.

Not just Israeli Jewish women are making these career strides – in May 2021 Hana Manour Khatib was the first women appointed as a qadi – a judge – in Israel’s Muslim Sharia religious court system. This court system is very similar to Israel’s rabbinic court and is responsible for issues related to marriage and divorce. Khatib received her master’s degree from Bar-Ilan University and was appointed by Ayelet Shaked, currently Minister of the Interior in the Knesset. Of particular interest is that Khatib has no Jewish counterpart as Jewish women are prohibited by Israeli law from sitting on rabbinic courts.

Even in traditionally male-dominated fields, women are assuming positions of significant power. Orna Barbivai was the first women to be promoted to major general in the IDF, its second-highest rank. She was responsible for changes in policy that allowed soldiers to participate in social protests and Pride parades.

Israelis saw the first Arab Muslim Israeli woman anchor prime-time television news when Lucy Aharish was appointed. Fluent in Hebrew, Arabic and English, Lucy was selected to light a torch at the Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration in 2015, one of the highest civilian honors in Israel.

At HMO there are many women in positions of authority -- among them, Dr. Sigal Sviri, who was born while her parents were working as youth counselors in Meir Shfeyah, one of Hadassah’s premier Youth Aliyah Villages. She attended medical school at Hebrew University’s Hadassah School of Medicine, and became the first woman to direct Israel’s first Medical Intensive Care Unit, located on our Ein Kerem campus.

Dr. Tamar Elram also studied at Hebrew University’s Hadassah School of Medicine and is the director of Hadassah’s Mount Scopus campus. In 2019 she was named one of the 50 most influential women in key positions in Israel, and in 2021 she received Emunah’s Woman of The Year Award for her hard work and dedication in keeping her hospital safe during the COVID crisis.

Dalia Itzik, a career politician, became the first female speaker of the Knesset in 2006 and was interim President of Israel in 2007. She was also the deputy mayor of Jerusalem in 2013 and is currently the Chair of the HMO Board of Directors.

Many women in Israel’s history are remembered for forging ahead and breaking new ground. Today, many Israeli women are shaping Israel's future from positions of authority – and they, too, will be remembered for breaking glass ceilings.

‍

‍Q) Golda Meir was the first and only female prime minister of Israel. What other glass ceilings have been broken by Israeli women, in politics and beyond?

A) That’s a great question!

Israeli women have come a long way since Golda was elected  prime minister in 1969. From all backgrounds and religious levels, Israeli women aren’t just breaking the glass ceiling – they are shattering it.

Amira Ahronoviz worked for The Jewish Agency for more than 26 years, and in 2019 was appointed as the first-ever female CEO and Director General. She has overseen major changes in the Jewish Agency and put it on a bright path for the future.

Karin Flug made Aliyah at the age of three and became the first female governor of the Central Bank of Israel in 2013.

Not just Israeli Jewish women are making these career strides – in May 2021 Hana Manour Khatib was the first women appointed as a qadi – a judge – in Israel’s Muslim Sharia religious court system. This court system is very similar to Israel’s rabbinic court and is responsible for issues related to marriage and divorce. Khatib received her master’s degree from Bar-Ilan University and was appointed by Ayelet Shaked, currently Minister of the Interior in the Knesset. Of particular interest is that Khatib has no Jewish counterpart as Jewish women are prohibited by Israeli law from sitting on rabbinic courts.

Even in traditionally male-dominated fields, women are assuming positions of significant power. Orna Barbivai was the first women to be promoted to major general in the IDF, its second-highest rank. She was responsible for changes in policy that allowed soldiers to participate in social protests and Pride parades.

Israelis saw the first Arab Muslim Israeli woman anchor prime-time television news when Lucy Aharish was appointed. Fluent in Hebrew, Arabic and English, Lucy was selected to light a torch at the Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration in 2015, one of the highest civilian honors in Israel.

At HMO there are many women in positions of authority -- among them, Dr. Sigal Sviri, who was born while her parents were working as youth counselors in Meir Shfeyah, one of Hadassah’s premier Youth Aliyah Villages. She attended medical school at Hebrew University’s Hadassah School of Medicine, and became the first woman to direct Israel’s first Medical Intensive Care Unit, located on our Ein Kerem campus.

Dr. Tamar Elram also studied at Hebrew University’s Hadassah School of Medicine and is the director of Hadassah’s Mount Scopus campus. In 2019 she was named one of the 50 most influential women in key positions in Israel, and in 2021 she received Emunah’s Woman of The Year Award for her hard work and dedication in keeping her hospital safe during the COVID crisis.

Dalia Itzik, a career politician, became the first female speaker of the Knesset in 2006 and was interim President of Israel in 2007. She was also the deputy mayor of Jerusalem in 2013 and is currently the Chair of the HMO Board of Directors.

Many women in Israel’s history are remembered for forging ahead and breaking new ground. Today, many Israeli women are shaping Israel's future from positions of authority – and they, too, will be remembered for breaking glass ceilings.

‍

Q) Why is it important for us to know about Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs as an example of Israel being the Zionist homeland of all Jews?

A) That’s a great question!

In recent years there have been several programs initiated to strengthen the ties between Jews living in Israel and Jews living in the Diaspora, including sending emissaries (shlichim) from Israel to the USA and funding Jewish education abroad. These programs help us strengthen our connection to Israel through education and advocacy.

The Ministry of Diaspora Affairs was formed 23 years ago with a leader appointed by the Prime Minister from one of the political parties in the Knesset. Since 1999 we have had 10 Ministers and one Deputy Minister, and they have come from six different political parties. The current appointed Minister, Nachman Shai, is from the Labor Party. Prior to being selected as Minister, Shai was the senior vice president and director general of the Jewish Federations of North America, as well as a spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces.

Since being appointed Minister in June 2021, Nachman Shai has already met with the leaders of three major denominations within the Jewish community. Much of his work in the Knesset is about improving and strengthening Israel’s ties with Jewish communities in the United States. Previously, he formed the Knesset’s Caucus for Strengthening the Jewish People. He believes that Israel will lose American bi-partisan support for Israel if Israel does not invest much more in strengthening ties within the American Jewish community. Shai has been vocal about wanting to change the negative image too many American Jews have about Israel. Shai has made it clear that he values American Jewry and wants to continue working with us to strengthen the relations between the two countries. When speaking of American Jews and Israeli Jews, Shai said; "We should share the same values, we should believe in the same things, we should get together and help each other for a common future.[1]"

In an opinion piece to The Jerusalem Post, author Oded Revivi also noted his discontent about the growing disconnect between American Jews and Israeli Jews. Reviv is the Mayor of Efrat and the international liaison of the Council of Jewish Communities in Judea, Samaria, and the Gaza Strip. In his article Revivi noted: “For decades, Israel has relied on Diaspora Jewry. It now appears that Diaspora Jewry must also rely on and seek help from Israel. We must adopt Menachem Begin’s declaration of “Jews are brothers.[2]"

Shai has roots in Atlanta, as he was a visiting professor of Israel studies at Emory University from 2019-2020. Shai has made it clear that he values American Jewry and wants to continue working with us to strengthen the relations between the two countries.

Nachman Shai succeeded Omer Yankelevich for the role of Minister. Omer was the first Haradi woman cabinet member, and we at Hadassah were proud to have her as a guest speaker in an Access Israel panel in 2020.  Yankelevtich was a supporter of American Jewry, and during her time as Minister she sponsored a bill requiring consultation with the Diaspora on matters of world Jewry.

When people tell you Israel is far away and has nothing to do with American Jewry, remind them that Israel cares so much about us that they created a Minister of Diaspora Affairs to strengthen our relationship and ties with the people of Israel.

[1] https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-israel-s-diaspora-minister-warns-if-we-lose-u-s-jews-we-ll-lose-america-1.10101546?v=1636394831120
[2] https://www.jpost.com/opinion/examining-the-relationship-between-israel-and-diaspora-jewry-opinion-667992

Q) Why is it important for us to know about Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs as an example of Israel being the Zionist homeland of all Jews?

A) That’s a great question!

In recent years there have been several programs initiated to strengthen the ties between Jews living in Israel and Jews living in the Diaspora, including sending emissaries (shlichim) from Israel to the USA and funding Jewish education abroad. These programs help us strengthen our connection to Israel through education and advocacy.

The Ministry of Diaspora Affairs was formed 23 years ago with a leader appointed by the Prime Minister from one of the political parties in the Knesset. Since 1999 we have had 10 Ministers and one Deputy Minister, and they have come from six different political parties. The current appointed Minister, Nachman Shai, is from the Labor Party. Prior to being selected as Minister, Shai was the senior vice president and director general of the Jewish Federations of North America, as well as a spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces.

Since being appointed Minister in June 2021, Nachman Shai has already met with the leaders of three major denominations within the Jewish community. Much of his work in the Knesset is about improving and strengthening Israel’s ties with Jewish communities in the United States. Previously, he formed the Knesset’s Caucus for Strengthening the Jewish People. He believes that Israel will lose American bi-partisan support for Israel if Israel does not invest much more in strengthening ties within the American Jewish community. Shai has been vocal about wanting to change the negative image too many American Jews have about Israel. Shai has made it clear that he values American Jewry and wants to continue working with us to strengthen the relations between the two countries. When speaking of American Jews and Israeli Jews, Shai said; "We should share the same values, we should believe in the same things, we should get together and help each other for a common future.[1]"

In an opinion piece to The Jerusalem Post, author Oded Revivi also noted his discontent about the growing disconnect between American Jews and Israeli Jews. Reviv is the Mayor of Efrat and the international liaison of the Council of Jewish Communities in Judea, Samaria, and the Gaza Strip. In his article Revivi noted: “For decades, Israel has relied on Diaspora Jewry. It now appears that Diaspora Jewry must also rely on and seek help from Israel. We must adopt Menachem Begin’s declaration of “Jews are brothers.[2]"

Shai has roots in Atlanta, as he was a visiting professor of Israel studies at Emory University from 2019-2020. Shai has made it clear that he values American Jewry and wants to continue working with us to strengthen the relations between the two countries.

Nachman Shai succeeded Omer Yankelevich for the role of Minister. Omer was the first Haradi woman cabinet member, and we at Hadassah were proud to have her as a guest speaker in an Access Israel panel in 2020.  Yankelevtich was a supporter of American Jewry, and during her time as Minister she sponsored a bill requiring consultation with the Diaspora on matters of world Jewry.

When people tell you Israel is far away and has nothing to do with American Jewry, remind them that Israel cares so much about us that they created a Minister of Diaspora Affairs to strengthen our relationship and ties with the people of Israel.

[1] https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-israel-s-diaspora-minister-warns-if-we-lose-u-s-jews-we-ll-lose-america-1.10101546?v=1636394831120
[2] https://www.jpost.com/opinion/examining-the-relationship-between-israel-and-diaspora-jewry-opinion-667992

Q) What is the composition of the current Israeli government? Are women and Arabs a part of the coalition?

A) Good question!

‍The thirty-sixth government of Israel, or the Bennett–Lapid government, was formed on June 13, 2021. The government is expected to have two prime ministers during its duration. Naftali Bennett of the Yamina political party will serve as prime minister until August 27, 2023, when he will hand the role over to Yair Lapid of Yesh Atid, who would then hold office until November 2025.

Unlike the US which has two political parties, Israel currently has 50 political parties. Thirteen of those parties have seats in the Knesset, which is the government of Israel.  

In Hebrew, Yamina means “right,” and true to its name, it is an alliance of right-wing parties. Yesh Atid, which means “there is a future” in Hebrew, is a centrist political party.  

There is a lot of diversity in the Knesset. There are members who were born in Ethiopia and Russia, as well as members who belong to the Druze, Muslim and Catholic religions. Though the dual prime ministers are both male, women make up about 25% of the seats in the Knesset. There are currently 36 women in the Knesset, and they belong to 11 different political parties.

This government is the first to include an independent Arab Israeli party called the United Arab List, or Ra’am in Hebrew, as an official member of the governing coalition. As the head of the United Arab List, Mansour Abbas has been called "the Kingmaker of Israel" for successfully joining Bennett and Lapid. Without the United Arab List, a coalition with a stable majority would not have formed. So yes, Arab voices are being heard in the government.

More information:

• The Israeli government: Thirteen political parties currently have seats in Knesset, which is the government of Israel.  
• Notable members of the Knesset:
• Pnina Tamano-Shata is an Israeli lawyer. She is the first Ethiopian-born woman to serve as a member of Israel’s Knesset.  
• Hamed Amer works in the Finance Ministry and is an Israeli Druze.  
• Issawi Frej is an Israeli Arab and was a member of the Knesset for Meretz in 2021. He is currently the Minister of Regional Cooperation.
• Mansour Abbas is an Israeli Arab and is the leader of the United Arab List.
  

Q) What is the composition of the current Israeli government? Are women and Arabs a part of the coalition?

A) Good question!

‍The thirty-sixth government of Israel, or the Bennett–Lapid government, was formed on June 13, 2021. The government is expected to have two prime ministers during its duration. Naftali Bennett of the Yamina political party will serve as prime minister until August 27, 2023, when he will hand the role over to Yair Lapid of Yesh Atid, who would then hold office until November 2025.

Unlike the US which has two political parties, Israel currently has 50 political parties. Thirteen of those parties have seats in the Knesset, which is the government of Israel.  

In Hebrew, Yamina means “right,” and true to its name, it is an alliance of right-wing parties. Yesh Atid, which means “there is a future” in Hebrew, is a centrist political party.  

There is a lot of diversity in the Knesset. There are members who were born in Ethiopia and Russia, as well as members who belong to the Druze, Muslim and Catholic religions. Though the dual prime ministers are both male, women make up about 25% of the seats in the Knesset. There are currently 36 women in the Knesset, and they belong to 11 different political parties.

This government is the first to include an independent Arab Israeli party called the United Arab List, or Ra’am in Hebrew, as an official member of the governing coalition. As the head of the United Arab List, Mansour Abbas has been called "the Kingmaker of Israel" for successfully joining Bennett and Lapid. Without the United Arab List, a coalition with a stable majority would not have formed. So yes, Arab voices are being heard in the government.

More information:

• The Israeli government: Thirteen political parties currently have seats in Knesset, which is the government of Israel.  
• Notable members of the Knesset:
• Pnina Tamano-Shata is an Israeli lawyer. She is the first Ethiopian-born woman to serve as a member of Israel’s Knesset.  
• Hamed Amer works in the Finance Ministry and is an Israeli Druze.  
• Issawi Frej is an Israeli Arab and was a member of the Knesset for Meretz in 2021. He is currently the Minister of Regional Cooperation.
• Mansour Abbas is an Israeli Arab and is the leader of the United Arab List.