Overview
Holy to three of the world's major religions, the area's tumultuous religious and political history still threaten the safety of its people. But people will continue to come to this holy land. They come for Israel's fabulous Mediterranean beaches and the Dead Sea, a lake nine times saltier than an ocean. More importantly, they come for the chance to connect with their religious past. Countries and Cultures books explore each nation in detail, including its climate, landforms, wildlife, history, government, economy, people, and traditions. Additional features include maps, sidebars explaining the country's money and national symbols (including the flag and seal), a historical timeline, and even a traditional recipe. Come discover the world!Presents information on the geography, wildlife, history, government, economy, people, and social life and customs of Israel, a holy place to three of the world's major religions.
Synopsis
Holy to three of the world's major religions, the area's tumultuous religious and political history still threaten the safety of its people. But people will continue to come to this holy land. They come for Israel's fabulous Mediterranean beaches and the Dead Sea, a lake nine times saltier than an ocean. More importantly, they come for the chance to connect with their religious past. Countries and Cultures books explore each nation in detail, including its climate, landforms, wildlife, history, government, economy, people, and traditions. Additional features include maps, sidebars explaining the country's money and national symbols (including the flag and seal), a historical timeline, and even a traditional recipe. Come discover the world!
School Library Journal
Gr 4-8-A current and representative overview of the country's culture, history, geography, government, and economy. Readers are provided with a comprehensive look at why the state evolved the way it has, and what life in modern Israel is like. Brief mention is made of ongoing violence between Israelis and Palestinians and the thwarted efforts to forge a lasting peace. The text flows easily and the information is presented in a clear and unbiased format. There is a "touristy" flavor to the book as well, and such things as currency exchange, basic Hebrew and Arabic vocabulary, and vivid descriptions of regions to visit are included. Addresses for the Embassy in Washington, DC, and for the Israel Tourism Information Center in New York are appended along with relevant Web sites. The full-color photographs are compelling. One picture shows a young Palestinian boy, dressed in Western garb, riding a scooter past an Israeli tank. This book stands equally well among other titles, such as those in the "Cultures of the World" (Marshall Cavendish) or "Modern World Nations" series (Chelsea), and it provides a sound introduction to the study of Israel and to understanding the current conflict in the Middle East.-Robyn Walker, Elgin Court Public School, St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.