Israel TodayChapter 16, Section 4

Pgs. 470 - 473

From Zionism to a Modern

State• Zionism - Jewish movement to return home

• Jews wanted own land

• Even the desert was purchased

• Kibbutz - farming village where everyone shares wealth

• 270 Kibbutz still exist today

• Israel produces all of its own food!

The People of Israel• Israel - established in 1948

• Hebrew: Official Language

• Arabic: Second Language

• 6 Million Jews

• 80% of people are Jewish

• Most Arab Israelis do not have a high standard of living

• Golda Meir - Female Prime Minister

The Law of Return

• 1950 - Law of Return

• Any Jew in the world can take on Israeli citizenship

• Jews from Europe, Africa, and North America now live in Israel

•Makes for a diverse culture

Religion in Israel Today

•Only 1 in 4 Jews follow strict Jewish law

• They are Orthodox Jews

• Yom Kippur - holiest holiday

• Rosh Hashanah - Jewish New Year

• Secular - religion doesn’t play a major role

Orthodox vs. Secular