Holy Land Hobo
Israel is an amazing place. It is even more amazing than I expected it to be. I attribute this to two main factors: (1) Because of the distinct contrasts with the countries around it, and (2) because of the beauty of the people.
Distinct Contrasts
Israel is a gem in a surrounding area that, by all accounts, looks like it is a "lost world" from the middle ages. Syria, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt have allowed the barren Sinai to dominate the majority of the land. In contrast. Israel takes that barren desert and creates a living thriving garden.
Beautiful People
The people are welcoming and distinct in their hospitality - presenting a stark contrast to their neighbors. You may think I am talking about Jew versus Arab - I'm not. I am talking about Israeli versus non-Israeli.
The Jews, Arabs, Persians and Druze living in Israel are the only truly free people in the region. To watch them interact with one another is to underscore the reality that Israel only wants to live in peace - in the land promised them through G-d's covenant with Abraham (made ~4000 years ago.
Holy Land Facts
Israel lies in the Middle East, on the narrow region connecting Africa and Asia. The State of Israel occupies most of the region known as the Land of Israel.
Key Facts:
Official Name: The State of Israel
Form of Rule: Parliamentary Democracy
Capital: Jerusalem
Area: 21,643 square kilometres
Population: 7 million persons
Distribution by Religion:
- 76.5% Jews
- 16% Moslem
- 2% Christians
- 1.5% Druze
- 4% without religious classification
Official Languages: Hebrew, Arabic
Currency: New Israeli Shekel (NIS)
GDP per Person: 22,944 (calculated according to purchasing power)
Quality of Life Classification: 22nd place in world
