Member Nation : Israel
Israel is a country in the Middle East, on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea. It has land borders with Lebanon to the north, Syria to the northeast, Jordan on the east, the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and Gaza Strip to the east and west, respectively, and Egypt to the southwest. The country contains geographically diverse features within its relatively small area. Israel's economic and technological center is Tel Aviv, while its seat of government and proclaimed capital is Jerusalem, although the state's sovereignty over Jerusalem has only partial recognition. Israel's official national language is Hebrew
Culture
Ethnic Cuisine
Israeli cuisine includes local dishes as well as Jewish cuisine brought to the country by immigrants from the diaspora. Since the establishment of the state in 1948, and particularly since the late 1970s, an Israeli fusion cuisine has developed. Israeli cuisine has adopted, and continues to adapt, elements of the Mizrahi, Sephardi, and Ashkenazi styles of cooking. It incorporates many foods traditionally eaten in the Levantine, Arab, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, such as falafel, hummus, shakshouka, couscous, and za'atar. Schnitzel, pizza, hamburgers, French fries, rice and salad are also common in Israel.
Ethnic Clothing
Traditional Israeli clothing is a mix of religious observance and the local styles Jewish
communities adapted in the diaspora.
* Kippah: a small skullcap that serves as a reminder that G-d is above us.
* Tallit: a prayer shawl worn during the morning prayers. It's usually white with dark
stripes and has special knotted fringes called tzitzit on the corners to represent the
earth's four corners
Tourist Attractions
Jerusalem - Jerusalem is the spiritual heart for Jews, Christians and Muslims. Some of
the must-see spots in Jerusalem include the Western Wall (Kotel), Mahaneh Yehudah
Shuk, and the City of David (Ir David)
Tel Aviv - Tel Aviv serves as the country's modern, cultural, and economic center. The
beaches in Tel Aviv are magnificent and a must-see if visiting along with Shuk
Hacarmel, Sarona Market, and the Azrieli Mall (the biggest mall in Israel).
Reference Links
Temple Israel of Albany -
www.templeisraelalbany.org
Website for Jewish Federation of NENY - www.jewishfedny.org
