1. Israel

2. This is the city Jerusalem. It is the largest in Israel for both size
and population. Its history goes back to the fourth millennium
BCE. Israelis and Jews around the world consider Jerusalem to
be Israel’s capital as well as the holiest city. For many centuries
it has been the religious capital for Judaism, Christianity, and
Islam. This has caused great conflicts between the faiths, as
they all claim holy sites within the city.

3. This is a picture of the
city Tel Aviv. It is the
second largest city in
Israel, and the richest.
Tel Aviv was founded in
1909 on the outskirts of a
port city. It soon grew
larger than its neighbor,
and in 1950, two years
after the establishment
of the state of Israel, the
two were joined
together to create the
modern Tel Aviv.

4. This is the city of Haifa, the largest in northern Israel and the third
largest in the country. It has a population of over 264,900 people,
mainly Jews and Arabs. Its history dates back to biblical times,
but ever since Israel’s establishment in 1948 it has been a part of
this small nation.

5. The Israeli army is comprised of a ground force, an air
force, and a navy. Israel is surrounded by Arab nations,
most of which are regarded as “enemies.” This makes it
imperative that Israel has a large, strong army. Therefore,
every person in Israel must enroll in the army for at least two
years once they turn eighteen.

6. This is an image of some of Israel’s fighter planes. Israel’s
defense force has a branch called the Israeli Air Force. It was
founded in 1948 at the same time as the State of Israel.

7. This is a birds-eye view of
Israel’s nuclear home in
Dimona. Israel was the
sixth country to develop
nuclear weapons. They
did this secretly with the
help of the French until it
was released to the press.
It is estimated that they
currently have about one
hundred nuclear
warheads.

8. This platter is filled with a typical Israeli dinner. The style of
Israeli food is influenced by the Mediterranean and Middle
Eastern foods eaten by Israel’s neighbors.

9. These two images show the Dead Sea, a body of water located to
the east of Israel. The Dead Sea, also known as the Salt Sea, is at the
lowest elevation on earth above sea level. It is also one of the saltiest
bodies of water, with 33.7% salinity. It is so dense that people who go
swimming in it can float without any effort. However, nothing can live
in its water, which is how it got its name.

10. This image is of the fort Masada. In about 70 CE, after the
Romans destroyed Jerusalem and the Second Temple, the
remaining Jews hid at Masada. Instead of surrendering, the 960
Jews conducted mass suicide. Today, it is where soldiers who
have finished their Tironut (IDF basic training) are sworn into the
army. The ceremony ends with the declaration “Masada shall
not fall again!”

11. This photograph is of a Jewish
celebration in Israel. Judaism
is the main religion of Israel.
The scroll that the two men
are holding is called the
Torah, the collection of
Jewish teachings and stories.
The men are wearing the
religious clothes of the Jews:
a kippah (head covering), a
tallit (prayer shawl), and
tefillin (boxes containing
biblical verses attached to
arms and foreheads with
leather straps).

12. These two images are of the Western Wall, also called the
Wailing Wall. This is the only remaining wall left of the Second
Temple after its destruction in 70 CE. The Romans left it up as a
reminder of what came of the Jewish revolt. Now, it is one of the
most religious places in Jerusalem. Jews can come and pray,
and also put prayers into the cracks in the wall.

13. This is a model of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. The construction
of the temple began around 535 BCE, about fifty years after the first
temple (Solomon’s Temple) was destroyed. The Second Temple
was regarded as the one house of God. However, the temple was
destroyed in 70 CE by the Roman Empire.

14. This picture is of the Temple
Mount, located in the Old City in
Jerusalem. Both Judaism and
Islam lay claim to the religious
importance of this site, making it
one of the most contested in the
world. The Jews believe that this
was where God first created light
and the earth in its present state.
Therefore, this was where both
the First and Second Temples
were built. However, Muslims
believe that this was where their
prophet Muhammad made his
ascent to heaven. They also
connect this spot with many
biblical prophets. Due to these
beliefs, both Israel and the
Palestinian Authority claim
sovereignty over the site. It is
currently controlled by Israel.

15. The Israeli flag is comprised of two blue lines and the Star of
David. Inspired by the tallit worn by Jews while praying, this
design was first introduced in 1885. It was officially adopted by
Israel to be used on the flag on October 28, 1948 by the
Speaker of the Provisional Council of State.

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