Israel

Where the name comes from

Israel is the Hebrew name given to Jacob in Genesis, traditionally read as “one who struggles with God” after he wrestled with an angel.

First people

Ancient Israelite kingdoms and Jewish traditions developed in the southern Levant.¹

Known for

Israel is known for Jerusalem, holy to Jews, Christians and Muslims, and for reviving Hebrew as an everyday language.^2,3

Outside contact

Ottoman rule from 1516 was followed by British rule from 1917.¹

The modern country

Israel was founded in 1948 amid war and displacement, and Hebrew became the shared language of Jewish communities arriving with many mother tongues.¹