Early and Mandatory Education

Education in Israel begins at a very young age in order to provide children with an augmented 'head start,' particularly in terms of socialization and language development. A large percentage of two-year-olds and almost all three- and four-year-olds attend some kind of preschool framework. Most programs are sponsored by local authorities, some within day-care centers operated by women's organizations; others are privately owned.

School attendance is mandatory from age 6 to 16 and free to age 18. Formal education starts in primary school (grades 1-6) and continues with intermediate school (grades 7-9) and secondary school (grades 10-12).

Types of Schools

The diverse nature of Israel’s society is accommodated within the framework of the education system. Different sectors of the population attend different schools. Although, parents are comforted by the fact that their children’s school may more or less reflect their basic worldview, this separation results in very little contact among the various segments of Israeli society. Schools are divided into five groups:

• State (mamlachti) schools, attended by the majority of the pupils,
• State religious (mamlachti dati) schools, which emphasize Jewish studies, tradition and observance;
• Independent religious schools (chinuch atzmai) which focus almost entirely on Talmud Torah and offer very little in terms of secular subjects;
• Private schools which reflect the philosophies of specific groups of parents (Democratic Schools), or are based on a curriculum of a foreign country (e.g. The American School);
• Arab schools, with instruction in Arabic and a focus on Arab history, religions and culture.

The State Hebrew educational system (mamlachti/ mamlachti dati) is based on the Jewish calendar and seeks to impart civic values, Jewish heritage, a high level of technological and analytical skills, and broad based knowledge. Despite adherence to a basic state curriculum, there are great differences among schools. The Ministry of Education is involved in an ongoing process of bringing educational standards in line with modern pedagogical practices such as mandating gender equality, broadening humanistic curricula and promoting scientific and technological studies. A key aspect of its policy is to provide equal opportunities in education for all children and to increase the number of pupils passing matriculation examinations. However, reducing large class sizes and drawing talented educators into the teaching pool are immediate needs that must be attended to in order to achieve the Ministry’s long- and short-term pedagogical goals.

Curriculum

The majority of school hours are devoted to the basic curriculum which includes mathematics, language skills, science, history, Jewish studies, art and physical education.  In the state school Jewish studies are given a national cultural interpretation without adherence to religious observance or belief. While in the state religious schools the supplementary studies emphasize accelerated Jewish and religious studies, an atmosphere of Torah observance, daily prayers  and religious norms.

With the aim of enhancing pupils' understanding of their society, each year a special topic of national importance is studied in depth. Themes have included democratic values, the Hebrew language, immigration, Jerusalem, peace and industry.

Secondary Education

The majority of secondary schools offer academic curricula in science and in the humanities leading to a matriculation certificate and higher education.

There are certain secondary schools which offer specialized curricula leading to a matriculation certificate and/or vocational diploma. They include: Technological schools which train technicians and practical engineers on three levels, with some preparing for higher education, some studying towards a vocational diploma and others acquiring practical skills. Agricultural schools, usually in a residential setting, supplement basic studies with subjects relating to agronomy. Military preparatory schools, in two different settings, train future career personnel and technicians in specific fields required by the Israel Defense Forces; Yeshiva high schools, which combine general or technical studies with Torah studies. Comprehensive schools offer studies in a variety of vocations, ranging from bookkeeping to mechanics, electronics, hotel trades, graphic design and more.
Apprenticeship programs for youth not attending schools and who are required to study a trade, are provided by the Ministry of Labor in schools affiliated with vocational networks. Lasting three to four years, these programs consist of classroom study as well as days of actual work at the chosen trade. Trades range from hairstyling and cooking to mechanics and word processing.

Culture and Art

As a largely immigrant society, Israeli cultural and social life encompass a large variety of social influences .  In addition the rich Jewish heritage and the newness of the Zionist experience combine in providing the many artists and art forms with a broad base from which to explore.  Throughout Israel, in art, literature, cinema, music, dance etc. tradition and innovation combine together with a preservation of cultures and a constant search for a cultural identity.  Though small in size, Israel is very culturally active and in addition to its own creative input maintains world wide cultural ties.  International activities range from student and academic exchange programs and reciprocal tours by dance troupes, theater companies, art exhibits, musicians and orchestras, to participation in book fairs, film festivals and sports competitions as well as the teaching of the language and cultural traditions of both countries. The broad range of art forms, are appreciated and enjoyed by a great many people as part of their daily life.

Media

Known for its rapid turn of events Israel provides a constant update through a variety of communications media.  Seven daily  newspapers in Hebrew as well as a selection in a variety of languages keeps Israelis informed of events in Israel, the Middle East and the world in general.  It is a common thing for Israelis to listen to hourly radio bulletins, view nightly  television news broadcasts and read at least one daily newspaper.

Radio and Television

The popular Kol Israel (Voice of Israel) and Galei Tzahal (station of the Israel Defense Forces) operate a variety of networks and programs from music to academic lectures, light entertainment and panel discussions as well as special interest programs for specific audiences. Kol Israel operates eight radio networks which offer programming in 17 languages.

There are two state-run television channels offering educational information and entertainment programming in Hebrew, Arabic and English. An additional local commercial channel, inaugurated in 1994, is divided among three private producers, with certain hours reserved daily for educational programs. Cable television, funded by monthly subscription fees, is now available in most of the country, making it possible to receive dozens of American, European and Asian networks.

Independent Israeli cable channels present sports, children's features, movies and documentaries on a wide range of topics.

Sports and Entertainment

The year-round sunshine, golden beaches and growing sports facilities all combine to encourage a high rate of sport participation in Israel.  Swimming is the single most popular participation sport, with an estimated 50% of Israelis going swimming regularly each year. Additionally hundreds of thousands of Israelis participate in sports ranging from swimming, soccer, basketball and tennis to gymnastics, judo, athletics, volleyball and handball. Other popular outdoor sports include horse riding, rappelling, cycling, hiking and running. The country has produced professionals of the highest international standards in almost every sport, and national teams, clubs and individuals take part in major international competitions as well as in all the principle European championships. Israel's best known individuals and teams regularly win medals and trophies in major world and European championships.

There are annual marathon races in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, around the Sea of Galilee and along the Dead Sea which attract leading competitors from around the world as well as hundreds of amateurs who enjoy running. The country has several ice skating rinks with many new immigrants from Russia offering their professional expertise in this field. Due to the small size of the country and the variety of climates it is technically possible in late winter and early spring to ski on Mount Hermon in the morning and swim in the Mediterranean in the afternoon.
The large variety of backgrounds and cultural diversity in Israel is expressed in sports as well as other cultural activities.  Immigrants from many countries have brought with them their favorite sports and both enjoy and work at developing them in Israel.  English-speaking immigrants have introduced a range of sports played on an amateur basis: Indian newcomers brought cricket with them and the country is an associate member of the International Cricket Association (ICA); South African immigrants brought rugby and lawn bowls to the Holy Land and the local men's bowls team is one of the world's best; American immigrants have set up a nationwide softball league and there is a golf course in Caesarea.