Random Israel Facts

DID YOU KNOW...
...that the Gush Etzion Bloc, originally four settlements located between Jerusalem and Hebron was one of the most heavily contested areas in the 1948 War of Independence and the year preceding it? The Etzion Bloc, which has now grown to 15 communities and 20,000 residents, was attacked repeatedly by Arab armies in 1947. The settlers were able to defend themselves the first time and Haganah reinforcements were sent. The reinforcements made their way to the Etzion Bloc, but before they arrived they were ambushed by Arab soldiers, killed and mutilated. In May 1948 the Arab armies attacked the Etzion Bloc again, massacring 240 residents, capturing 260 residents, and razing the settlements.

WERE YOU AWARE...
...that in 1998, Cuban leader Fidel Castro allowed the secret immigration of 400 Cuban Jews to Israel? The 400 Cuban Jews arrived in Israel in 1998 and spent some time in an immigrant absorption centre in Ashkelon. Castro approved the secret emigration in hopes of receiving good graces of the Clinton administration in the United States.

HAVE YOU HEARD...
...that Israeli grade 12 students scored the highest ranking in a study on mathematics skills? Israeli students earned the highest score, tying France in the top spot. The next highest countries were Sweden and Russia. The United States finished second last out of the eighteen countries that participated.