Israel is one of the most fascinating and important places on Earth, and one that everyone should take the time to learn about. Here are five facts about Israel that everybody should know.
Israel Has Four Holy Cities
Israel is known for being the holy land, and it actually has four cities within it that are worthy of the title “Ir HaKodesh,” which translates to “the holy city.” Jerusalem is well known for its holy status, but the cities of Hebron, Safed, and Tiberias are also spiritually significant.
Modern Israel’s Borders Are Different From the Biblical Borders
The borders of Israel, which were dictated in the Torah and expanded by King Solomon, have some interesting differences from the borders of today. Parts of Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria today were part of the northern and eastern areas of the historical Land of Israel. However, that land does not cover some of Israel’s modern southern areas today.
Israel Has an Incredibly Diverse Topography
Israel may not be large, but it has a vast range of topography within it. Driving through the country for just a couple of hours, you can go through deserts as well as mountains full of trees and gorgeous valleys that are great for agricultural activities.
Israel Is at the Crossroads of Asia and Africa
The fastest way to travel by land between Africa and Eurasia is through Israel. This tiny piece of land is right between these giant landmasses, and for millennia its location has made it the site of many clashes.
At the Airport, Many Jews Kiss the Ground
A sight that puzzles some outsiders is when they arrive at Israel’s Ben Gurion airport and see people kissing the ground as they arrive. This is an old practice in Judaism that has survived to this day.
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