Source: en.idi.org.il The Knesset, Israel's parliament, is composed of 120 members. Any Israeli citizen over 21 can be elected to the Knesset , except for certain individuals such as military, or those convicted outlaws with sentences over three months. Here is a breakdown of the Knesset formation process: Elections : Every four years, Israeli citizens ages 18 and older can participate in the Knesset elections. The Knesset is formed based on the election results. Party lists : Political parties participate in the election and create party lists, which are ordered lists of candidates. Voters vote for a party rather than individual candidates. Israel does not have electoral districts, so the whole country is considered one electoral district. Allocation of seats : The total number of votes each party receives determines the number of seats it receives in the Knesset. The allocation of seats is based on a complex formula that considers the total number of votes cast and the number of seats available. Threshold : To be represented in the Knesset, a party must receive at least 3.25% of the total votes cast in the election. Formation of a government: Once the election results are announced, the party with the most seats is given the opportunity to form a government. The leader of the winning party must then negotiate with other parties to form a coalition government that has the support of at least 61 members of the Knesset. Swearing-in : Once a government has been formed, the newly elected members of the Knesset are sworn in and the newly formed government begins its term in office. Following an election, the Israeli President selects a Knesset member who they believe has the most promising chance of creating a viable government. This person then has 42 days to negotiate with other parties to form a government that secures at least 61 seats in the Knesset . If the government is successfully formed, it must be approved by at least 61 members of the Knesset. The individual who established the government becomes Prime Minister. If the government fails to vote, or the individual cannot form a government, new elections are scheduled within 90 days. In certain cases, the President may also give a second person the opportunity to form a government if the first person is unsuccessful. The second person has only 28 days to form a government. If they are unable to do so, the mandate is sent back to the President. He will then ask the Knesset to find an alternative candidate for Prime Minister. If no alternative candidate can be found, new elections are automatically called. Overall, the Israeli Knesset is formed through a combination of democratic elections and political negotiations, and the process can be complex and often involves coalitions between parties. Sources: https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/politics/1657654937-explainer-how-israel-s-parliament-the-knesset-works Wikipedia

1859 - 1922. Source: Wikipedia. David Frischman was an influential figure in the literary world, as a writer, poet, and translator who wrote in Hebrew and Yiddish. In addition to editing several significant Hebrew periodicals, he wrote extensively across various genres, including fiction, poetry, essays, feuilletons, literary criticisms, and translations. Born and raised in Poland, Frischmann received a private education combining Jewish and general studies and showed literary talent at a young age. He learned French and German and studied philosophy and art history at the University of Breslau in Poland. When he was 16, he published his first article in the journal Ha-Tsfira. He published articles and poems in Ha-Tsfira, Ha-Shachar, Ha-Melitz , and Ha-Yom and later edited Ha-Dor and Ha-Tkufa. In 1883 he published Tohu va-Vohu ('Chaos and Emptiness'), a scathing criticism of Hebrew journalistic methods, particularly directed at Ha-Melitz. He moved to Warsaw in the mid-1880s, where he wrote Otiyot Porhot ('Flying Letters'), a series of long stories. In 1886, he became editor of Ha-Yom in St. Petersburg. At the same time, he worked as a Yiddish journalist for the Warsaw Jewish newspapers Hoys-Fraynd, Der Yud, and Fraynd. David Frishman opposed the movements that promoted the return to the Land of Israel: he associated the Hovevei Zion movement with the Messianic awakening during the Shabbatai Zevi era (17th century) and completely dismissed Herzl 's political Zionism. He visited the Land of Israel in 1911 and 1912 on behalf of Ha-Tzefira and Haynt newspapers. Reports from his visits to Israel were collected in the book 'In the Land of Israel' (1913) in which he described the landscapes, sacred places, and the revival of the Hebrew language . Although he remained faithful to classical Hebrew throughout his life, the impressions he gained there led him to believe in the future of Hebrew as a spoken language. After being imprisoned in Berlin at the outbreak of World War 1, he was deported to Odessa by the Russian authorities when German troops approached in 1915. In Odessa, he translated many European writers' works (such as Pushkin, Nietzsche, Oscar Wilde, and Shakespeare). He died and was buried in Berlin, in August 1922. Sources: https://he.wikipedia.org/wiki/דוד_פרישמן https://www.ithl.org.il/page_13631 https://streetsofisrael.wordpress.com/2013/02/27/10-things-you-need-to-know-about-davidfrischmann/

1860 - 1904. Benjamin Zeev Theodor Herzl was the founder of Political Zionism and founder of the Zionist Organization. He was born to a secular Jewish family in Budapest and was the eldest of three children. He studied law at the University of Vienna. He was a journalist by profession and worked as a correspondent for several newspapers in Europe. Herzl's early career was marked by his indifference to Zionism and lack of focus on Jewish life. As a young man, he firmly believed that cultural appropriation of German culture and society was the key to Jewish emancipation. In 1889, he married Julie and had three children. In 1894, while working in Paris as a correspondent for the Neue Freie Presse (a Viennese newspaper), Theodor witnessed the Dreyfus Affaire*. He witnessed the hate people had for Jewish people, screaming “Death to the Jews” on the streets of France. This affair profoundly impacted his beliefs and Political Zionism's genesis. In 1896, Herzl published "The Jewish State" ("Der Judenstaat") a book that outlined his vision for the establishment of a Jewish homeland. He argued that the Jewish people should leave Europe for Palestine, their historic homeland. The book encountered both praise and criticism but galvanized the Jewish community and sparked a renewed interest in the idea of a Jewish homeland. Supporters of existing Zionist movements such as Hovevei Zion immediately allied themselves with him. He saw the Jewish question as an international political question to be dealt with in the arena of international politics. "The Jews have dreamt this kingly dream all through the long nights of their history. "Next year in Jerusalem" is our old phrase. It is now a question of showing that the dream can be converted into a living reality." The Jewish State, Introduction. Despite the lack of support of some wealthy Jews and the vain negotiations with the Ottoman Empire (which controlled Palestine at that time), Herzl organized the First Zionist Congress in Basel (Switzerland) in 1897. This brought together Jewish leaders from around the world to discuss the future of the Jewish people. At the congress, Herzl outlined his plan for establishing a Jewish State and proposed the creation of a Jewish National Fund to purchase land in Palestine for Jewish settlement. The congress was a success, and it marked the birth of the Zionist movement, which sought to establish a Jewish state in the land of Israel. During this first congress, the World Zionist Organization was created. Between 1897 and 1904, he led the 6 first Zionist Congresses. During this period, Zionist tools were built to defend the Jewish cause, such as the Jewish National Fund (today called KKL - Keren Kayemet LeIsrael), and the movement’s newspaper Die Welt ("The World") . In the years 1896-98 Herzl tried to obtain the support of wealthy Jews for the establishment of a Jewish state. He also tried to receive a concession from the Ottoman Empire and the Grand Vizier for Jewish settlement in the Land of Israel. Herzl proposed that the Jews would pay the Turkish foreign debt and help Turkey regain its financial footing in return for Palestine as a Jewish homeland. In 1901, the proposition was rejected by Sultan Abdul Hamid II. In 1898, during his first trip to Palestine, Herzl met the German Kaiser in Mikve Israel, and Jerusalem. The meetings significantly advanced Herzl's and Zionism's legitimacy in Jewish and world opinion. The Kaiser however didn't show further interest in the Zionist project and in Herzl and made no promises. Herzl witnessed the Kishinev pogrom and Russian Jews' plight during a trip to Russia in 1903, which impacted him deeply. He asked the Russian government to help the Zionist Movement relocate Jews from Russia to Palestine. Herzl then turned to Great Britain in 1903 but only received a proposal for a Jewish autonomous region in Uganda. At the 6th Zionist Congress (1903), Herzl proposed the Uganda Scheme as a temporary refuge for Jewish refugees from Eastern Europe. The proposition caused controversy and was rejected at the 7th Congress. However, Herzl managed to prevent a split in the movement, and at the closing sitting of the Congress declared in Hebrew: " Im eshkacheh Yerushalayim, tishckah yemini " - If I forget you, Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its skill. Despite the many obstacles Herzl encountered he continued to work tirelessly to promote the Zionist cause. His role was necessary for securing the support of influential figures and governments. In 1904, Herzl died at 44 from a heart attack and did not live to see the Uganda plan rejection. He coined the following motto leading to the establishment of the State of Israel 50 years later. "If you will, it is no fairytale" - "אם תרצו אין זו הגדה" Despite his untimely death, his ideas and efforts played a key role in the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. Herzl is remembered as the father of modern political Zionism and one of the most influential figures in Jewish history. His works " The Jewish State " and " Altneuland " ("The Old New Land") have been widely published and translated. Each of his three children had a tragic end: Paulina died of a drug overdose, Hans shot himself, and Trude perished in a concentration camp. Herzl's grandson Stephen committed suicide in 1946 and was buried on Mount Herzl in 2007. You can listen to the song on Herzl's journey to build the Jewish State on the following link , written by Yair Rozenblum for the IDF. Many other influential Zionists are mentioned in the songs. * In 1894, the Jewish artillery officer Alfred Dreyfus was falsely convicted of spying for Germany. He was sentenced to life imprisonment, and due to the mobilization of the intellectual circle of France, he instead spent 9 years in prison. Sources: https://he.wikipedia.org/wiki/בנימין_זאב_הרצל https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/theodor-binyamin-ze-rsquo-ev-herzl https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/quot-the-jewish-state-quot-theodor-herzl https://knesset.gov.il/vip/herzl/eng/Herz_Bio_eng.html http://www.zionistarchives.org.il/en/datelist/Pages/ZionistDelegation.aspx

1832 - 1911. Rolla Floyd was a pioneer in the tourism industry in the Land of Israel during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Rolla Floyd, before 1911. Source: Wikipedia, public domain. Early Life and Arrival in Israel:  Born in 1832 in Blue Hill, Maine, Floyd arrived in Jaffa in 1866, alongside a group of 156 American Christians, with prefabricated wooden houses,  with the intention of establishing a permanent and utopian colony. Motivated by a religious belief in fulfilling biblical prophecy regarding the return of the Jews, they envisioned themselves aiding Jewish immigration and agricultural development. Trailblazer in Tourism:  Rolla Floyd became one of the first documented tour guides in the Land of Israel. He is credited with using horse-drawn carriages for tours, potentially being the first to use them on the newly paved road from Jaffa to Jerusalem in 1869.  This innovation likely enhanced the travel experience for visitors exploring the historical and religious sites of the region, becoming the founding father of biblical tourism. Life in Jerusalem and the American Colony:  Records indicate that Floyd resided in the American colony established in Jaffa (nowadays part of Tel Aviv-Yafo). Today his house is owned by a famous Israeli stone sculptor Sophie Jungreis. This American community played a significant role in the early development of Jaffa. Possible Freemasonry Connection:  An interesting detail suggests Floyd might have been a Freemason. A scholarly work mentions his presence at the Mediterranean Hotel in Jerusalem alongside the famous author Mark Twain. The possibility exists that both may have participated in early Freemason meetings held at the hotel. The Challenges in the Colony:  Within two years, most colonists abandoned the project and returned to Maine. The unfamiliar climate and living conditions took a toll on the colonists. Disagreements with their leader, Reverend Adamas accused of financial mismanagement, further eroded morale due to his alcoholism. New German settlers from the Templar Movement bought much of the land and buildings constructed by the Americans. In 1904, the Germans added the Immanuel Church, which still stands today. Today the place is known as the American-German colony.  Legacy:  Rolla Floyd stands as a figure who helped shape the early tourism landscape in the Land of Israel. His tours likely guided many visitors through the region, fostering their exploration and understanding of the historical and cultural treasures of the land. Article Written by Aaron Garcia Tour Guide in Israel Contact details: Website & Instagram

The Law of Return was a law passed by the Knesset (Israel's parliament) on July 5th, 1950 , two years after the State of Israel was established, ending a 2,000-year Jewish exile. The date was chosen to coincide with the anniversary of Herzl's death. The law is written with a few simple words that define Israel’s central purpose: “Every Jew has the right to immigrate to this country...” "כל יהודי זכאי לעלות ארצה." The law was passed by the Knesset , following the initiative of Knesset member Zorach Warhaftig from the Hapoel Hamizrachi party. It was for many years the central legal expression of the State of Israel as the nation-state of the Jewish people. Essentially, all Jews have the right to be Israeli citizens. In 1955, a law excluded dangerous criminals from this right. Since then, Jews have been able to claim citizenship in Israel, as long as they don't pose a threat to public safety, national security, or the Jewish population. In 1970, the law was revised to include not only Jews but also their non-Jewish children, grandchildren, spouses, and their children's and grandchildren's non-Jewish spouses as well. By adding this provision, Israel not only safeguarded families from breakup but also ensured a safe haven in Israel for non-Jews who were persecuted because they were Jewish. In 2018, the idea of Jews returning to their Land received constitutional status in Article 5 of the Basic Law: Israel - the nation-state of the Jewish people. This constitutional status provoked anger among minorities in Israel , especially in the Druze community, who felt betrayed despite their strong involvement in State institutions and the army. Sources: https://archive.jewishagency.org/first-steps/program/5131/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_of_Return

1880 - 1920. Joseph Trumpeldor was a Russian Zionist activist who helped organize the Zion Mule Corps and bring Jewish immigrants to the Land of Israel. He became a Jewish national hero after dying while defending Tel Hai in 1920, reportedly uttering the words, "It is good to die for our country." Born in the Russian Empire, Trumpeldor was raised with a strong Russian influence despite his Jewish heritage. Initially training as a dentist, he volunteered for the Russian army in 1902. During the Russo-Japanese War, he lost his left arm but continued serving, becoming the most decorated Jewish soldier in Russia. After being held captive in Japan, where he fostered Zionist ideals, Trumpeldor immigrated to the Land of Israel in 1911 and worked at Kibbutz Degania, close to the Kinneret. In Egypt during World War I, Trumpeldor and Ze'ev Jabotinsky established the Zion Mule Corps, also known as the Jewish Legion, a Jewish volunteer transportation unit operating within the British army. This marked the first time in almost two millennia that an all-Jewish military unit had been formed. They fought with the British in the Battle of Gallipoli (1915/1916), and the corp was dismantled in 1915. In August 1917, two years later, it was decided to form an infantry battalion comprising Jewish soldiers to be incorporated into a current British Army unit. These Jewish brigades, which included some former soldiers of the Zion Mule Corps, played a key role in developing the idea of self-defense and Jewish protection in the Yishuv . On March 1, 1920, Tel Hai, a Jewish settlement in the Upper Galilee , came under attack by a Shiite Arab militia and local Bedouins. The clash, was the first armed conflict between Arabs and Zionists. Trumpeldor led reinforcements from a nearby kibbutz but was fatally wounded in the battle. Afterward, the Jews fled, and the settlement was destroyed. The eight Jewish casualties, including Trumpeldor, became martyrs. Legend has it that just before he died, he declared, "It is good to die for our country." The city of Kiryat Shmona in northern Israel honors their memory, with the abandoned site of Tel Hai being linked to Kfar Giladi. In 1923, Jabotinsky established the Betar Movement in Latvia to instill a sense of national pride and militancy in Jewish youth. Those who joined were obligated to serve in Betar legions for two years upon immigrating to Israel. "Betar" stands for Brit Yosef Trumpeldor, named after Joseph Trumpeldor. Sources: https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/the-zion-mule-corps https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Trumpeldor

Introduction The ancient city of Yodfat, located in Western Galilee , is renowned for its role in the First Jewish-Roman War (66–73 CE) when it became a symbol of Jewish resistance against Roman forces. The establishment of modern-day Yodfat in 1960, near the ancient site, reflects a commitment to preserving this legacy. This article explores the historical significance of ancient Yodfat and the development of the modern-day moshav. Historical Significance of Ancient Yodfat Yodfat was established during the Hellenistic period (4th–3rd centuries BCE) and became a Jewish settlement during the Hasmonean period (2nd century BCE). Its strategic hilltop location made it an essential military stronghold, especially during the First Jewish-Roman War. In 66 CE, Jewish commander Yosef ben Matityahu (later known as Josephus) fortified Yodfat against the Roman forces. A year later, Roman generals Vespasian and his son Titus besieged the city, employing advanced siege equipment such as battering rams and catapults. Despite being vastly outnumbered, Yodfat’s defenders held off the Roman army for 47 days. When the Romans finally breached the city’s defenses, they massacred or enslaved all inhabitants who didn’t manage to escape.  Yosef ben Matityahu hid in a cave with a group of men who all committed suicide, rather than surrendering to the Romans.   He surrendered to the Romans, later predicting that Vespasian would become emperor—a prophecy fulfilled in 69 CE. Matityahu was spared, became a Roman citizen, and adopted the name Josephus Flavius. He retired in Rome, where he wrote The Jewish War , a detailed historical account of the conflict. Ancient Yodfat Archaeological Discoveries The ruins of Yodfat remained undisturbed for centuries until the 1990s when Israeli archaeologist Motti Aviam led excavations at the site. These digs uncovered fortifications, residential structures, and weapons such as arrowheads and catapult stones, corroborating Josephus’ descriptions of the siege. Fresco Unearthed at Yodfat Modern-Day Moshav Yodfat In 1960, a group of 25 former students from the Reali School in Haifa , established Kibbutz Yodfat, inspired by their teacher Yosef Schecter, who introduced them to organic agriculture and spiritual teachings. Today Yodfat has evolved into a moshav shitufi  (cooperative agricultural settlement) with approximately 1,100 residents (about 300 families). Agriculture remains central to Yodfat’s economy. The community grows field crops, avocados, and flowers, specializing in flower bulbs such as narcissus and anemones. A herd of 100 cows grazes on nearby Mount Atzmon, promoting sustainable land use and environmental conservation. The Oded Waldorf School, established by local parents, offers alternative education from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, serving students from across the Misgav region. Tourism is also vital to Yodfat’s economy. The Yodfat Monkey Forest, a wildlife refuge where animals roam freely, fosters an appreciation for nature. Nearby, the Boacha Yodfat Tourist Center features boutique stores selling local products, such as ceramics, cheeses, textiles, and baked goods. Boacha Yodfat The legacy of ancient Yodfat as a symbol of Jewish resilience during the First Jewish-Roman War endures through the modern-day moshav.  Timeline of Yodfat's History Hellenistic Period (4th–3rd centuries BCE): Establishment of a small village on the site. Hasmonean Period (2nd century BCE): Yodfat grows into a fortified Jewish town. 66 CE: Outbreak of the First Jewish-Roman War 67 CE: Siege and fall of Yodfat to Roman forces. 1960: Founding of modern-day Yodfat near the ancient site. 1990s: Archaeological excavations uncover evidence of the siege and destruction. Article Written by Ava Carmel Music, art, and writing creator Instagram: @avacarmel  Website: avacarmel.com

T-Slam is an influential Israeli rock band, founded in 1979 by Danny Bassan, Yizhar Ashdot, and Yair Nitsani, and disbanded in 1983. In 1981, the band released their first and most successful album "Radio Hazack" ('Loud Radio'), the name of one of the band's most successful hits. This album led the band and its songs to win the titles "Band of the Year" and "Song of the Year". Other hits of the band were successful such as "Meachnim Beyahad", "Tnu Li Rock'N'Roll", "Leerott Otah Hayom" and "Kesheat Boha at Lo Yafa". You can listen to these songs on our Spotify playlist. In 1990, the band reunited and toured successfully from the 2000s until today. However, it never announced its official and final split. T-Slam is considered one of the greatest rock bands of all time in Israel and competed with Benzin also popular in the first half of the 1980s. You can see in this video the group singing in a concert in 2021, along with Shalom Hanoch.

Teapaks is an Israeli band that combines Mediterranean influences, oriental and rock music, and a hint of humor. The band was formed in 1988, and performed until disbandment in 2009, before re-establishing in 2013. The band won the Band of the Year title three times in the Israeli Annual Hebrew Song Chart. Some of the group's hits are some of Israel's most famous popular songs. You can listen to some of their songs on our Spotify playlist. Two of their most popular songs are 'Perah Hashhunot' ('Flower from the Neighborhoods') and 'Betoh Niyar Iton' ('Inside a newspaper print'). Video clips on this YouTube link , and this one .

Eliezer Ben-Yehuda was a Russian linguist, grammarian, and journalist who played a vital role in the revival of the Hebrew language. He is widely recognized as the main driving force behind this linguistic revival ( Link to dedicated article). "Eliezer Ben Yehuda" is a Hebrew song about Eliezer Ben Yehuda. It was written by Yaron London (famous Israeli Journalist and songwriter), composed by Mati Caspi and originally performed by Chava Alberstein. The YouTube songs are below. Chava Albertstein's version Mati Caspi's version The song talks about Eliezer Ben-Yehuda's efforts to revive the Hebrew language . It mentions some words he created in his dictionaries, such as "initiative" (Yozma) and "bomb" (Ptsatsa), at 1:16 in Caspi's version, or "cauliflower" (Kruvit) and "ice cream" (Glida) at 1:22. In the last part of the song (2:12), it brings up his son Itamar, the first person to grow up in the Land of Israel speaking modern Hebrew, and his difficult "alliance" with the language. Although the song portrays Ben-Yehuda as a "joking Jew" ("Yehudi Mevadeah" in the chorus, coming from the Hebrew word "Bdiha", meaning "joke"), Ben-Yehuda was in reality described as a stern/serious man and not a joking man. You can hear more Israeli songs on our Spotify Playlist.

The Motto of the Universal Israelite Alliance Hebrew translation: All Jews are responsible for one another. The Alliance Israélite Universelle, founded in 1860 in Paris by Charles Netter and other prominent French Jews, is an international Jewish organization committed to protecting the human rights of Jews around the world. The Alliance promoted Jewish self-defense and self-sufficiency through education and professional development. Notably, it established French-language schools for Jewish children across the globe, from Iran to the Ottoman Empire , throughout the late 19th and 20th centuries. One of its founders, Charles Netter , also played a pivotal role in the Land of Israel. In 1870, he founded Mikve Israel, an agricultural school that became essential in supporting the Biluim and the pioneers of the First Aliyah as they sought to settle in the Holy Land. The motto of the Alliance, "Kol Israel Arevim Zeh Lazeh" ("All Jews are responsible for one another"), is rooted in a classic rabbinic teaching and continues to resonate today. In modern Israel, the phrase is frequently invoked during political protests, cultural events, and media discussions — often as a call for inclusivity and solidarity across the country’s diverse population. Despite profound differences in Israeli society — regarding education, military service, employment, and the role of religion — many recognize that, due to Israel’s unique circumstances (security threats, global antisemitism, etc.), coexistence is not just ideal but essential. The enduring spirit of this principle can also be found in Israeli popular culture. One example is the song Kol Israel Arevim Ze Lazeh from the 1977 musical film Hershele , which you can watch below. The film explores the tensions between Jews of different cultural backgrounds, particularly Ashkenazim and Mizrahim, highlighting the ongoing need for mutual responsibility and understanding

Amidst the first wave of the pandemic, some of Israel's top indie stars came together to create music that reflects the challenging times. The project, named "The Second Wave" ("Hagal Hasheni") features captivating protest songs alongside a nostalgic return to the Hebrew pop sounds of the 70s and 80s. The songs narrate a journey back to a nostalgic, sweeter, and calmer past, sharply contrasted with a protest against the present. Led by Roi Reek, "The Second Wave" brings together indie luminaries such as: Tom Yeshayahu, Rotem Bar Or, Orel, Doron Talmon, Yiogev Glosman, Aya Zahavi Feiglin, Ran Gil, Maya Johanna, Gilad Kahana (member of the Girafot - more details here ), Mike Saad, Keren Tannenbaum. Despite its name, the project was conceived during the peak of the first wave of the pandemic, and is made out of two albums: "Cleaning" and "Applause". This innovative approach resulted in a diverse collection of songs, some inviting relaxation and others urging listeners to dance. More importantly, the project subtly protests the country's current situation, using music to voice concerns and hopes for the future. "The Second Wave" is a testament to the resilience and creativity of Israel's indie music scene during unprecedented times. You can listen to some of the albums's songs via our Spotify playlist .