CulturalFest Preview: Visit Israel at the International Expo
Visiting the CulturalFest International Expo on February 26 is a way to travel the world in just one day - and to do it for free! The Expo features booths led by University of Washington international students from all over the world who are eager to teach others about their home communities and cultures.
In the weeks leading up to the event, we'll be featuring blog posts about countries, countries, and regions represented at the Expo to give a sneak peek into what visitors can see and learn. The following post is by Israel booth member Jessica Schwartz. Read on to learn more about what the Israel booth has planned for CulturalFest!
Guest post by Jessica Schwartz, Israel booth volunteer
The beautiful coast of Tel Aviv (Alexandra Portnova)
Israel is a small nation situated between Europe, Asia, and Africa that boasts an impressive history and cultural diversity. The unique blend of cultures in Israel is greatly influenced by the Jews who returned from the diaspora, bringing back a blend of traditions from all over the world. From Iran, Morocco, Tunisia to Poland, Russia, and Romania people have immigrated to Israel to reconnect with their ancient homeland and in turn brought each of their own varied takes on Jewish traditions, cuisine, music and ways of life back into this narrow stretch of land the size of New Jersey. The significance of the land historically, religiously, and geographically has of course made it also a contentious battle ground which only makes Israel’s short track record all the more impressive.
Hiking up in northern Israel (Photo by Nir Levin)
Israel is a high-tech nation with the world’s highest number of startups per capita that is second only to the US. Every major high-tech company has an office in Israel, including IBM, Microsoft, Intel, and Motorola’s largest Research and Development offices outside of the US. Some believe that this is due to Israel’s very open and direct culture. Instead of being taught obedience and conformity, Israelis are taught to question. Innovation is thus born of curiosity and the freedom to challenge the status quo and push the perceived limits.
The tiny county contains a vast diversity in terms of culture. Some of the ancient religious cities still boast the spirituality and mysticism from their founding in the early days of the Common Era. Many modern cities such as Tel Aviv are almost indistinguishable from America’s urban centers. Jerusalem holds a unique blend of both with large shopping malls, busy markets, and thriving nightlife contrasting with the peaceful, spiritual nature of the Old City.
Overlooking the Old City of Jerusalem (Photo by Alexandra Portnova)
Doing the famous sea to sea trip right before hitting the Sea of Galilee (Photo by Nir Levin)
The overall characteristic of the Israeli people is best described through what is affectionately referred to as “Sabra culture.” Sabra, aside from being a delicious brand of Hummus, is a fruit which is tough and prickly on the outside, but sweet on the inside. Israel is the only country where someone will push in front of you to get onto a bus, give up their seat for you once you board, and then invite you over for dinner with their family on Friday night. Many are taken aback when they are first exposed to this culture, until they are waiting in line at the grocery store with only a loaf of bread and the woman in front of them with a full cart of groceries insists that they should go in front.
Israel is a country of pioneers. At the end of the 19th century, much of the land which is now Israel was a region of swamps and desert unsuitable for farming and raising stock. Stop by our CultureFest booth to learn more about Israel’s impressive history, developments, and culture and to pick up some fun Israeli treats!
Guest posts on the FIUTS blog represent the experiences and views of individual writers. They do not necessarily reflect the views of FIUTS or any organizations or institutions affiliated with our programs.
The 2015 CulturalFest International Expo is a free event featuring booths representing over 35 countries, regions, and cultures. All are welcome to attend!
Thursday, February 26, 10:30 AM - 3:00 PM
University of Washington Husky Union Building
More info: www.fiuts.org/culturalfest-expo