| Total Area: |
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20,770 sq. km
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Population:
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6,276,883 (est. July 2005)
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Ethnicity:
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Jewish 80.1% (Europe/America-born 32.1%, Israel-born 20.8%, Africa-born 14.6%, Asia-born 12.6%), non-Jewish 19.9% (mostly Arab) (1996 est.)
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| Language: |
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Hebrew (official), Arabic used officially for Arab minority, English most commonly used foreign language
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| Religion: |
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Jewish 76.5%, Muslim 15.9%, Arab Christian 1.7%, other Christian 0.4%, Druze 1.6%, unspecified 3.9% (2003)
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| Government Type: |
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Parliamentary Democracy
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| Capital: |
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Jerusalem
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| Population Below Poverty Line: |
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18% (2001)
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For centuries, the Jewish people have suffered tremendous ethnic and religious persecution. In spite of this, radical elements within the Israeli population consistently work to pass legislation banning missionary activities, restrict evangelistic activities and conversions to Christianity.
Violent attacks, taunts and demonstrations against Messianic believers and/or their property happens sporadically. In the village of Asad, the Messianic Jewish congregation has faced weekly demonstrations since April 2004 because of the conversion of a Jewish girl. There have been reports of vandalism against church buildings by ultra-Orthodox Jewish groups. Jews who convert to Christianity face strong societal pressure. Attacks by militant Muslims have also increased in recent years.
Prayer Requests
- Pray that mutual acceptance and understanding will be found in Israel
- Pray for peace between Jews and Muslims, and that issues with the Palestinian territories will be resolved.
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