Education: Israeli schools divided into four tracks- state (Mamlachti), state-religious (Mamlachti dati), Independent (Haredi) schools (Chinuch Atzmai) and Arab. Education system consists of three tiers- primary education (grades 1-6, approx. ages 6–12), middle school (grades 7-9, approx. ages 12–15) and high school (grades 10-12, approx. ages 15–18). Compulsory education is from kindergarten through 12th grade. Over the years, government budget cuts and underpaid teachers have taken their toll. Israel was amongst the top-ranked nations in international rankings for science and mathematics performance in the 1960s, but dropped to 33 out of 41 nations in the 2002 survey. In 1984 the first integrated schools which had both Jewish and Arab students to coexist in a classroom were built by the residents of Neve Shalom – Wāħat as-Salām , a cooperative village founded by Arab and Jewish citizens of Israel.
Food: Israeli cuisine (המטבח הישראלי) comprises local dishes and dishes brought to Israel by Jewish immigrants from around the world. Since before the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, and particularly since the late 1970s, an Israeli fusion cuisine has developed. Israeli cuisine has adopted, and continues to adapt, elements of various styles of Jewish cuisine, particularly the Mizrahi, Sephardic, and Ashkenazi styles of cooking. It incorporates many foods traditionally eaten in the Arab, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, and foods such as falafel, hummus, shakshouka, couscous, and za'atar are now thought to be synonymous with Israeli cuisine. Other influences on cuisine are the availability of foods common to the Mediterranean region, especially certain kinds of fruits and vegetables, dairy products and fish; the distinctive traditional dishes prepared at holiday times; the tradition of keeping kosher, which affects the preparation and availability of specific foods; and food customs specific to Shabbat and different Jewish holidays, such as challah, gefilte fish, cholent (hamin) and sufganiyot.
Arts & Literature: The first works of Hebrew literature in Israel were written by immigrant authors rooted in the world and traditions of European Jewry. Yosef Haim Brenner (1881–1921) and Shmuel Yosef Agnon (1888–1970), are considered by many to be the fathers of modern Hebrew literature.
From the beginning of the 20th century, visual arts in Israel have shown a creative orientation influenced by the encounter between East and West, as well as by the land itself and its development, the character of the cities, and stylistic trends emanating from art centers abroad. In painting, sculpture, photography, and other art forms, the country's varied landscape is the protagonist: the hill terraces and ridges produce special dynamics of line and shape; the foothills of the Negev, the prevailing grayish-green vegetation and the clear luminous light result in distinctive color effects; and the sea and sand affect surfaces. On the whole, local landscapes, concerns, and politics lie at the center of Israeli art and ensure its uniqueness.
Sports: Sports in Israel are pursued both competitively and for leisure. Israelis engage in a wide range of athletic activities, with association football and basketball being the most popular sports. Israel has won seven medals in the Olympic Games, in judo, canoeing and windsurfing, and an Israeli grandmaster is the holder of the 2009 Chess World Cup. Israel also has a tradition of tennis. Another major achievement by an Israeli athlete was in pole vaulting.
Entertainment Industry: Cinema of Israel (Hebrew: קולנוע ישראלי Kolnoa Yisraeli) refers to movie production in Israel since its founding in 1948. Most Israeli films are produced in Hebrew. Israel has been nominated for more Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film than any other country in the Middle East.
Clothing: Top 10 Israeli fashion designers- (May 2010)
10) Naama Bezalal: known for her 40s, 50s and 60s inspired style of clothing
9) Agas and Tamar: focuses on biblically inspired jewelry; heavily attracts the big stars
8) Hagar Satat: jewelry and accessories, works with leather, silver and gold
7) Dorin Frankfurt: the grande dame of Israeli fashion design
6) Frau Blau: whimsical, spirited and somewhat amusing fashions
5) Gal Feldman: handbag designer
4) Yigal Azrouel: considered the Israeli fashion hottie in the US, famous for red carpet designs, has huge US celebrity clients
3) Kedem Sasson: focuses on fashion for the fuller figure, has been around since the 1990s
2) Mirit Weinstock: developing her own ready-to-wear collection and wedding dress collection that is now sold in Israel, Europe and the US, as well as online, been dubbed "every woman's darling"
1) Rohen Chen: may be Israel's best-known fashion name, designs to flatter, also has been around since the 1990s, overall look is classy - not trendy
10) Naama Bezalal: known for her 40s, 50s and 60s inspired style of clothing
9) Agas and Tamar: focuses on biblically inspired jewelry; heavily attracts the big stars
8) Hagar Satat: jewelry and accessories, works with leather, silver and gold
7) Dorin Frankfurt: the grande dame of Israeli fashion design
6) Frau Blau: whimsical, spirited and somewhat amusing fashions
5) Gal Feldman: handbag designer
4) Yigal Azrouel: considered the Israeli fashion hottie in the US, famous for red carpet designs, has huge US celebrity clients
3) Kedem Sasson: focuses on fashion for the fuller figure, has been around since the 1990s
2) Mirit Weinstock: developing her own ready-to-wear collection and wedding dress collection that is now sold in Israel, Europe and the US, as well as online, been dubbed "every woman's darling"
1) Rohen Chen: may be Israel's best-known fashion name, designs to flatter, also has been around since the 1990s, overall look is classy - not trendy
