Israel is 75 years old!

On Wednesday morning students enrolled in the HIP program celebrated the 75th Independence Day of Israel (Yom Ha'Atzmaut). Seventy-five years ago, on May 14, 1948, the State of Israel was officially established, marking a historic moment in the Jewish people's long history. It was a time of great joy and hope as we achieved our dream of having a homeland of our own. Since then, Israel has grown and developed in many ways, becoming a leading nation in science, technology, and innovation.

5 Fun Facts about Israel

1. Israel is home to the lowest place on earth: the Dead Sea. It's a saltwater lake that's so salty that people can easily float on it, and it's located 430 meters below sea level!

2. Israel is famous for its delicious food, including hummus, falafel, shakshuka. 

3. Israel is also home to the world's only underwater restaurant, located in the city of Eilat. Children can dine while observing marine life through the restaurant's huge windows.

4. Israel is a land of innovation and technology. Many important inventions, such as the USB flash drive, the cherry tomato, and the Waze navigation app, were developed in Israel. 

5. Jerusalem, the capital city of Israel, is considered holy by Jews, Christians, and Muslims. It's home to important religious sites, such as the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Dome of the Rock.Israel is a pretty small country,  it’s about 353 times smaller than Australia which is less than a ⅓ of Tasmania.