Manajah Presents : Israel Israel (Hebrew: יִשְׂרָאֵל; Arabic: إِسْرَائِيلُ) officially the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia Capital: Jerusalem Official languages: Hebrew & Arabic Area: 20.991 Km² Population: Ca. 7.500.000 Ethnic groups: 75 % Jews 21 % Arabs 4 % Other Currency: Israeli new sheqel (₪) Religion: 75 % Jews 16 % Sunni Muslims 2 % Christians 2 % Druzes 5 % Other Sport: The most popular spectator sports in Israel today are football (soccer) and basketball Etymology: The name "Israel" meaning "Struggled with God" History: In November 1947, the United Nations voted in favor of the partition of Palestine, proposing the creation of a Jewish state, an Arab state, and a UN-administered Jerusalem. Partition was accepted by Zionist leaders but rejected by Arab leaders, leading to civil war. Israel declared independence on 14 May 1948 and neighboring Arab states attacked the next day. Since then, Israel has fought a series of wars with neighboring Arab states Israel is the world’s only predominantly Jewish state Jerusalem: The city of Jerusalem (See Picture at 1:28 - 3:55 ) is of special importance to Jews, Muslims and Christians as it is the home of sites that are pivotal to their religious beliefs Nazareth: The city of Nazareth ( See Picture at 6:23 ) is described as the childhood home of Jesus