Random Israel Facts

DID YOU KNOW...
...that there was a Zionist organization in the 1880's that predated Theodore Herzl's Zionist movement? Hibbat Zion began in the 1880s and advocated revival of Jewish life in the Land. Its adherents worked toward the physical development of the Land, and founded agricultural settlements in Palestine. By the time the First Zionist Congress met in 1897, they had already begun to transform the face of the land in Israel.

WERE YOU AWARE...
...of the city of Hadera's history? It was established in 1891 and derives it's name from the Arabic al-Khadra' ("the Green") - a reference to the color of the swamp vegetation in the area. The lands on which Hadera was established were purchased by Yehoshua Hankin, who was known as the Redeemer of the Valley. Initially, this was a lonely outpost of just 10 families and 4 guards. But with time - others followed. In 2000, the city had a population of 80,000 people.

HAVE YOU HEARD...
...that Israel maintains three distinct intelligence agencies? The Mossad is Israel's foreign intelligence agency and is the most famous of Israel's intelligence agencies. The Mossad is responsible for espionage, covert operations, foreign relations with nations without official relations with Israel, and other areas. The Shin Bet is Israel's domestic counterespionage and counterterrorism agency. The Shin Bet is also responsible for protection of Israeli political leader, secure sites and infrastructure, and security for El Al. The A'man is Israel's military intelligence agency which gathers information on risks-of-war, military intelligence and estimates, and reconnaissance on Israel's neighbours.