Israeli identity connects modern life to ancient Jewish roots stretching back thousands of years, when Jews lived as a nation in the Land of Israel with their own kingdoms, language, and culture. After nearly 2,000 years of exile, Jews from around the world began returning in large waves to the Land of Israel.
When Israel was founded in 1948, its Jewish population dramatically grew as Jews fleeing persecution arrived from Europe, the Arab world, and beyond. Israel worked to unite these diverse communities by reviving Hebrew as a spoken language and forging a new Israeli identity rooted in ancient tradition.
Today, about a quarter of Israelis aren't Jewish, and Israel maintains commitments as a Jewish and democratic state: serving as the homeland for Jews everywhere while being a safe home for all its citizens. Despite their differences and diversity, Israelis are united by a shared home they feel deeply connected to, a shared spirit of resilience and strength, and a shared future they work together to build.
This resource was made possible (in part) by funds from Maimonides Fund, Natan Fund and The Covenant Foundation. The statements made and views expressed, however, are solely the responsibility of the authors.
