Israeli society, though appears much like any other society in the world, is deeply rooted in Judaism and is closely tied to the Jewish culture.

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As a result, tours are organized in Israel that showcase the Israeli culture that is blessed with thousands of years of rich heritage. Also held are the excursions which challenge the intellect of archaeologists. Local Israelis, as well as foreign tourists and researchers, take part in all such tours in large numbers. Numerous fast food joints, cafeterias, hotels and restaurants of various types that cater to the hunger of the people at these tours are, of course, are present at tour sites.

Many Israelis, especially the youth, dislike fixed routine lifestyles. Hence, apart from the usual means of entertainment, activities with some thrill in them like camping, hiking, etc. are held on a large scale. The Israeli youth and the middle class participate in them in good numbers.

An aspect that foreigners in Israel might find strange is the constant patrolling on the streets of Israel by the armed troops even when war is not on!

Right from its birth, the country of Israel has always faced conflicts. Thus, the Israel Defense Forces are always war-ready. Hence, though the streets appear peaceful, when one glances around, he is certain to spot at least a few armed Israelis soldiers moving around. Interestingly, the troop movement has become a routine affair for the Israelis, and it does not bother or surprise them. After clearing their Standard Twelve examination and before taking up higher studies, military conscription exists in Israel for all Jewish citizens. Subsequently, every Jew is mentally prepared and aware that in case of a war-like situation, he or she could be summoned to serve on the battlefield. Therefore, troop movements are not unusual for the Israelis.

During war-like situations, there are times when sirens blare warning of an enemy attack. In case of such an event, the Israelis calmly and in a disciplined manner, pause their work to settle down in bunkers or other such similar shelters created especially for conflict situations. They emerge from the shelters and resume with the works left paused with the warning only after receiving an ‘All well’ indicator.

Except for such incidents, by the evenings, the Israeli streets are generally buzzing with people. As the weekends are meant for observing Shabbat, the Israelis flock outside more during the weekday evenings than the weekends to enjoy their share of entertainment.

After they get free from office at around four in the evening, the Israelis enjoy according to their budgets and likes. Some freak out at parks, cafeterias or restaurants chit-chatting with friends, some go out to dine, some visit a musical or other shows with their family, a few entertain themselves at clubs, discotheques, some take delight in watching movies, dramas, some enjoy themselves at museums or at art gallery exhibitions of their liking while some relax at home watching television. With this, from the evening till late in the night, the roads in Israel, especially the cities, are abuzz with cosmopolitan crowds.

The cosmopolitan culture is gradually laying an imprint on the Israeli art fields. The Western genres of ‘Pop’ and ‘Jazz’ are played at programs held by various music groups along with the traditional Israeli music. There are a few groups who present ‘fusion’ of Eastern and Western music. The impact of Western culture is increasingly seen in the urban culture of Israel but is less in rural areas. Here, the music groups that have come up from the kibbutzim, more or less, present only the Jewish and traditional Israeli music.

Similar is the case for movies. Hebrew movies made locally revolve around the local issues, problems faced by the immigrant Jews, the Arab-Israel conflict. There are a few exceptions which do touch upon global issues as well. Along with these movies, the English movies that come from Western countries and Hollywood movies earn good revenue.

Even with respect to residential construction, the difference in the urban and rural areas is notable. While constructing settlements for the vast hordes of Jews, thought was given to accommodate a maximum number of people in the minimum available space. Consequently, in cities, the concept of standalone or individual houses is totally absent. Homes are designed in the form of multistoried, modern residential settlements or complexes.

That being so, most of the Israeli houses in the cities are small – 1 or 2 BHK. Like in any society across the world, in Israel as well, people are inclined to save money to move from a smaller to a larger house and to shift from a house outside the city limits to a one within it. As the houses are small, the rooms serve ‘multiple purposes’. Many times, the living room also serves various purposes. It is used as a dining room or the place where family members spend their time together, where visitors are welcomed, like a sleeping area for the guests, like a bedroom for the senior citizens of the house, etc.

Israeli ladies generally spend their evenings in preparing food or at the local markets. A refrigerator is still a luxury for many considering the cost, and hence very few large size fridges are seen. One may find, in certain cases, small size fridges at the households. Thus due to the lack of storage space, it is not possible to bulk buy the vegetables and ‘stock’ them. Hence, they are bought during an everyday trip to the markets.

The Israelis, even as they fight various difficulties, have managed to nurture their hobbies, likes and relaxation. For the Israelis, a conflict is always lurking around the corner, and they are always busy with nation-building. Yet, they find ample time for entertainment. This aspect and the ‘high energy levels’ in the Israelis astonish the foreigners who witness it. It happens because the Israelis are convinced that the process of nation-building is never-ending. It is not a thing that would stop at a particular point. Moreover, the Israelis are born and bred in war conditions. Thus, they are of the opinion that among all these circumstances, it would be futile to miss out on joys of life.

It is because of it that despite constantly being under the shadow of war and with the cause of nation building having the utmost priority, the Israelis continue to lead a normal life and nurture their hobbies, likes and relaxation…. it is because the Israeli love life! (To be continued…)