General Information

The State of Israel has some 9.7 million inhabitants. The most prominent characteristic of Israel’s population is its high diversity. Besides the main division of the country’s inhabitants into Jews (80%) and Arabs (20%), there are many more subdivisions. The Jews, for example, are divided into religious and secular, while the latter include various immigrant communities who preserve their culture. Likewise, the Arabs are divided into Muslims, Christians and Druze. Alongside these groups, Israel has additional small ethnic religious groups such as the Circassians and the Samaritans, and small Christian communities from Europe such as the German Beit El community in Zikhron Ya’akov.

Another major characteristic of the Israeli population is its rapid growth rate, which is atypical of developed countries. Since the establishment of the State, the population of Israel has increased almost tenfold, mainly due to the immigration of Jews from around the world. Today, Israel is a densely populated country, even though large regions are thinly populated. The population of Israel is young (the median age is 30.5 years), its infant mortality rate is low (3.55 deaths for each 1,000 births), and the life expectancy is high (83.5 years).

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Size of Israel

Residents

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Israeli Coastline

The Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth, at 1,315 feet below sea level at its lowest point. That’s more than 4 football fields, end-to-end.

Technology

Israel’s greatest commodity is its ingenuity. Israel is only 2nd to Silicone Valley for the amount of tech start-ups. On average, there are about 3000 at any given time.

Israeli Religions

Jewish

Muslim

Christian

Druze

History

The State of Israel was created in the Land of Israel which was promised to the Hebrew slaves who Moses led out of Egypt, as told in the book of Exodus. It had been promised to them since the days of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Exodus 6:8).

According to the book of Joshua, Israel was established after Canaan was defeated by the Israelites, starting with the city of Jericho, in which the army circled the city for seven days and then blew their horns as God instructed.

For some time, Israel was made up of 12 tribes during the period of Judges, eventually asking God for a king, which led to the anointing and rule of Saul. His reign was short-lived, being conquered by King David (father of and predecessor to King Solomon, builder of the first Temple), whom Jesus was a descendent of.

Jesus Christ’s entire life and ministry took place in Israel, having been born in Bethlehem, raised in Nazareth and being crucified and raised from the dead in Jerusalem.

Israel went through many wars and turnovers of power throughout its history, falling to various other nations including the Philistines, Assyrians and Romans, ultimately leading to the diaspora, when Jews were scattered around the earth.

Eventually, Jewish people began to return to the land that was Israel in the 1800’s and continued to do so, eventually leading to the establishment of the Jewish state, Modern-day Israel, in 1949, led by David Ben-Gurion.

For a more detailed history, expand the different time periods below.

Settlement and Conquest – The Land of Israel in Biblical Times

The Canaanite tribes were the first settlers in Israel and its principal inhabitants till the second millennium BCE. In this early time the country was already a meeting place of different cultures: Egypt to the south, Assyria Mesopotamia and Asia Minor to the north. During the second millennium BCE several tribes started an invasion of the country, including the Philistines who came from the Aegean and settled in the southern coastal plain, and the Hebrews who came from Mesopotamia and settled in the hills.

The Hebrews, known as the Sons of Israel lived in the framework of 12 tribes who were united towards the end of the second millennium BCE by the first King of Israel, Saul. His successor, David, expanded the borders of the country and made Jerusalem, till then a Jebusite city, into his capital. It was here that his son King Solomon built the Temple with the Holy Ark. After Solomon’s death the kingdom was divided into two, with the ten northern Tribes setting up the Kingdom of Israel while the remaining two tribes set up the Kingdom of Judah in the Jerusalem Hills. In the year 721 BCE, the Kingdom of Israel was conquered by the Assyrians; the 10 tribes were sent into exile and are considered “lost” till this day. The kingdom of Judah was conquered by the Babylonians in the year 586 BCE, the Temple was destroyed and the Sons of Israel went into the first Babylonian exile.

Between Empires – From the Babylonians to the Byzantines

In the year 539 BCE, Babylon was conquered by the Persians and the tribe of Judah was allowed to return to Jerusalem, which was part of the Persian Empire. Jerusalem was erected from the rubble and the Second Temple was built. In the year 333 BCE, the Persian Empire, with the Land of Israel, was conquered by Alexander the Great, and in the year 66 BCE it was conquered by the Roman general Pompey. For the next 200 years the country was ruled by Jewish kings as a Roman vassal state. These were troubled times. In the year 70 CE the Temple was destroyed after a Jewish rebellion and in the year 135 BCE the Jews were sent into exile after another rebellion. Jerusalem was destroyed to its foundations and a Roman city was set up in its place.

Jesus, the Christian messiah and the founder of Christianity, was born when the country was under Roman rule, but it took 300 years until Christianity was legitimized in the Roman Empire which in turn became Byzantium in the east.

As Christianity was legitimized and became the official religion the view of the Land of Israel as the Holy Land developed. It became a destination for pilgrims and a huge building enterprise got under way with churches and monasteries built all over the country. It was at this time that parts of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem and the Church of Nativity in Bethlehem were built. Remnants of the building from this era can be seen at Ovdat, Capernaum (Kfar Nakhum,) Khamat Gader and Latroun.

Between East and West – From the Moslem Conquest to the Crusaders

In the year 640, the country was conquered by the Moslem Caliph Omar, beginning the period of Moslem rule in the country. In this very important period for the entire region routes of communication were opened between the eats and the west: goods, religious art and cultural and scientific knowledge started to flow from the East to Europe, mutually enriching each other.

According to Moslem tradition, the Prophet Mohammed ascended to heaven from Jerusalem and as such it is perceived as the third holiest city. In the first years of Arab rule Christians were allowed to enter Jerusalem, but this was stopped in the 11th century, prompting Pope Urban II to call for the crusade to liberate Jerusalem from Moslem rule.

The first crusade ended with the conquest of Jerusalem in 1099. During the crusader era the country became one of the most important commercial centers in the world with routes of commerce connecting China, India, Madagascar and Africa to European markets. The crusader cities became meeting points for Moslem and Armenian Christian merchants and their European counterparts. The remnants of these crusader cities can be seen in Acre (Ako), Caesarea, Jerusalem, Latroun and Kil’at Namroud.

The crusader era did not last long. In the year 1187, the crusader armies were defeated by Saladin in the battle of Karnei Khitin (Hattin). The crusaders then lost successive battles ending with their defeat to the Mamluks in the battle of Acre, their last stronghold, in 1291. From the beginning of the Mamluk conquest the country diminished in its economic and political importance. The Ottoman conquest of 1517 did not add to its stature. The Land of Israel was a backwater in the Ottoman Empire and except for a few pilgrims of the three monotheistic religions, traffic between east and west declined.

From the Old to the New – The British Mandate and the creation of the State of Israel

The turning point in the country’s importance came with Napoleon’s arrival in the country in 1799. Napoleon’s eastern campaign showed the west the country’s strategic and economic importance – a process that led to increased European involvement in the country. New routes of communication and travel were set up and Christian missionary institutions were set up in the country. More pilgrims started to come and Jews started to immigrate to the country.

These and other events led to increased interest in the country – an interest that peaked with the British conquest in 1918 at the end of the First World War.

In the year 1948, the British Mandate came to an end and the state of Israel was created. It founders said in the Declaration of Independence: “The State of Israel will be open to the immigration of Jews and for the Ingathering of the Exiles from all countries of their dispersion; will promote the development of the country for the benefit of all its inhabitants; will be based on the precepts of liberty, justice and peace… will guarantee full freedom of conscience, worship, education and culture; will safeguard the sanctity and inviolability of the shrines and Holy Places of all religions…”

The State of Israel, set up at the meeting places of continents, history and cultures embodies this rich web of cultures. Its population includes different peoples and religions, religious and secular, Arab Moslems and Arab Christians, Druze, Bedouins, Circassians, Samaritans and Jews from 70 Diasporas, from East and Western Europe, North Africa, Asia, North and South America. The people are settled all over the country in the Negev, Arava, Galilee and coastal plain, in moshavim, kibbutzim, vivacious cities and quiet villages busily engaged in industry and commerce, farming and scientific research. All of these cultures, peoples and religions created a rich tapestry of tradition, beliefs and customs that encapsulate the holy and the secular, the past and the present, the east and the west

Official Languages

Hebrew and Arabic

Israel’s official languages are Hebrew and Arabic. English is the main language for purposes of external relations. Most Israelis speak English, and most of the signposts are also in English.

The most common language in Israel is Hebrew, which is spoken by six million people. This is followed by Arabic, which is spoken by over a million people. Since Israel is a land of immigration, additional languages are spoken among the various immigrant communities, the major languages being Russian (some 900,000 speakers), Jewish-Arabic (300,000 speakers) and Yiddish (200,000 speakers).

People Visit Israel Every Year

Residents

The Immanuel Tours Difference

We exclusively provide tours for Christian and Messianic believers around the world, offering them the utmost service and care so they experience the Bible and its locations first hand, helping to deepen their faith and resolve in its truth.

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What Do Our Clients Say About Us?

Donna Grossman

Thanks so much for my wonderful experience learning about the history and truly seeing the Bible come alive through the wisdom and gift of teaching through Lior. Such a fine brilliant teacher who truly knows the Bible. Everyone on our tour Steps of Faith drew closer to God and was challenged to think beyond ourselves and fall in love with Israel.

Thanks to the genius of David our bus driver who swiftly brought us safely through the Holy Land and provided wonderful places to eat during the holiday of Shavuot.
Nikki Adams
Our family (my husband and I, our 3 children, and my parents) just returned from a tour with Immanuel. The experience defies description. Our daughters (ages 19, 16, and 12) were in tears the last day simply because we were leaving. The hospitality, sites visited, connection to the Holy Land, the passion expressed for the land of Israel, the food and lodging--everything went so far above our hopes and expectations. David--our driver--and Lior--our tour guide--had chemistry and a gift for making us feel connected to the land. Gabby paved the way for easy planning. Our experience was best summed up by my husband: Going to Israel felt like a journey home. Forever we'll carry gratitude and love for the land of our forefathers and our Christ.
Bob Lutz – San Clemente, CA
I want to thank you for accommodating our group since we were only 14. And for giving us Yoni as a guide. You are fortunate to have him. He was so knowledgeable and entertaining. We LOVED him. And Dabash as our driver was excellent as well. Thank you for all your efforts. It was a memorable trip.
William Attaway
I've taken groups to Israel with Immanuel Tours since 2009, and have been overwhelmed with their impressive operation. They take such great care of the groups that work with them, and I've never thought of talking with anyone else. They are, quite simply, the best! I highly recommend them to you!
Stephen Gentry
We unfortunately did not get to take our tour with Immanuel tours due to the closing of Israel's border due to Coronavirus. However, you need to know that I have NEVER been treated as well by ANY company as we worked through the problem. Outstanding communication, always looking to take care of us and our needs. They legimately could have charged a cancellation fee, because they did all the work, but they waived all fees. Phillip ,Susan, and Carine are a delight to.work.with and we WILL use them we we are able to reschedule. Thank you Immanuel. Tours, you truly out the hospitable in hospitality.
RICHMONDA ADEAGBO
Thank you so much for the life changing experience. Our guide Yoni Simmons made all the difference. I believe Yoni is made for this. He made his narration so interesting! He was so knowledgable, patient, humble and caring. We could tell he loves what he is doing. He is a real minister of the word of God. If I have the opportunity I will recommend Immanuel Tours to other people and Yoni as a guide in particular.
Ronna
This was the trip of a lifetime! From start to finish everything ran smoothly and was so well organized. Israel is a beautiful country and I can’t imagine seeing it for the first time with anyone other than Immanuel Tours. Thank you so much for making our pilgrimage to the Holy Land such an incredible experience.
Marlene Peachy
I can’t begin to thank you……..I mean that from the bottom of my heart. I know I already have a larger group of people for next year, but these ones that came are forever changed. They laughed, they cried (for joy) they were deeply moved and Matti and Abbott were spectacular. They won’t stop thanking me!!! They know you are the best!!!! I was just a ride along and encourager. Of course, they weren’t just holiday travelers, they knew their Bible and were sincerely making a pilgrimage. They just had no idea how wonderful it would be. Thanks so very much!!! I don’t know how to write Matti and Abbott to thank them, but please convey that for me.
Sandra Luttrell, Zola Tours Manager
Zola Tours has been hosting pilgrims in the Holy Land for over 35 years, teaching and revealing the Bible from a Messianic Jewish perspective, and Immanuel Tours has been our land agent for almost 20 of those years. Immanuel Tours staff and services are over-the-top excellent and professional; yet at the same time they treat their clients like family, with a personal touch! They oversee and ensure each part of our tours is handled with perfection and that we and they provide an everlasting, monumental, never-to-be-forgotten Holy Land experience for each of our pilgrims! We cannot sing their praises enough, and we give them the highest and most honored accolades and recommendation possible! If you are in need of the BEST land agent in Israel, PLEASE give them a chance to prove everything we say and believe about them!

With warmest and sincerest blessings,

Sandra Luttrell
Zola Tours Manager
Pastor Doug Byrum
My wife, Glenna and I have traveled to Israel 13 times, 11 of those with Immanuel Tours. They are simply the best. Reasons, they are family, they care about every aspect of your tour. If someone is hurt they will sit at the hospital. I consider everything they do to be first class. It truly is if you ask and it is possible they will make it happen. It is the only group my tours will travel with, I have used others, none this good. Give them a try, you won't be sorry, I promise...
Matt Stone
Just got back from a Zola Levitt Israel tour and my wife and I couldn't be happier with the experience. Dror was our guide and Charlie was the driver. They both performed above expectations. We couldn't get enough of Dror's observations and knowledge. Charlie made the transportation logistics seem effortless, he was applauded multiple times navigating us around. A++
Lina Oliver

Thank you so much for a very well organized tour/pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Our guide, Asher, and our driver, David, were very nice & they were so great. Very knowledgeable too! It was a wonderful experience. We hope to visit the Holy Land again with Immanuel Tours.
Maria Sison
I was fortunate to join the Holy Land Pilgrimage provided by the Immanuel Tours and sponsored by Father Joel Lopez of Illinois, USA on November 6-14, 2013. I have to say that it is a once in a life time experience that has strengthened my faith and helped me grow spiritually and the memories of which I will treasure for the rest of my life. Father Joel was as good as it gets—so much fun to be with. I think that he will attract many pilgrims in the furure just by his personality.

But of course the wonderful experience would not have been possible were it not for the presence of our driver David and out guide Asher Vaza. Asher has such love and passion for the history of Israel and the Jewish Faith and it showed whenever he spoke which was so captivating and always transformed us all to that amazing time. He has a vast knowledge of history which was very impressive. I’m old and have worked hard all my life and have gone to so many places and participated in many tours and have not encountered a guide as good and as moving as Asher. He is an asset to your company. Many in the group said that they will only recommend Immanuel tours of the Holy Land if Asher and David are on it. and We loved David and Asher. I do not think Father Joel will like another driver and guide aside from those 2. They work so well with each other and have such respect for each other that the whole group commented on it. Of course, that fact just added to make the experience even more enjoyable. Father Joel, David and Asher is a combination that is hard to replicate.

On our last evening in Jerusalem I met The CEO of Immanuel Tours and his daughter Susan. It was very nice that they both came to meet us. We all appreciated that very much. The whole company and especially those 2 seem like the people I will want to have travel dealings with even in other places. You have a very respectable/trustworthy company and I will pray for your continued success. I know that you will bring more pilgrims to the Holy Land and beyond.
Greg and Katie Holloway
Our first experience with Immanuel Tours was over 10 years ago in 2006. We have been using them ever since and can say the service level has never wavered. They offer impeccable customer service, with such personal attention given to every detail. We consider them not just our tour company but they have become our Israeli family. We have been so blessed through them and highly recommend them.
Linda Arnold
My first pilgrimage to The Promised Land was with Immanuel Tours and the entire trip exceeded my expectations. I liked it so much that my husband and I signed up for another tour the following year and took 5 family members with us! Okay, so if that wasn’t enough we signed up again this year and took 4 more friends! Yes, that is three years in a row!

When I go back to Israel, I will only travel with Immanuel Tours. Outstanding guides, exceptional drivers, and first rate service. Immanuel Tours is truly excited to be a part of your incredible, experience in the Holy Land and care about every little detail.
Teresa
We had the trip of a lifetime!!

Thank you and our wonderful guide, Ilan! He is a fantastic guide. So knowledgeable and hard working. We learned so much from him. We are so very grateful to him!

We thoroughly enjoyed our trip!! Many thanks to you and Ilan!

We will continue to lobby for Israel here in the U.S. And will recommend Immanuel Tours to anyone going to Israel!

Todah!

Teresa
David Chavers
Immanuel Tours provided very personalized service to us. Two of our group flew in from Egypt ahead of the others by about 8 hours. The two were settled into the hotel, picked up by car by Susan herself and driven to the airport to meet the rest of the incoming group and ride the bus back to the hotel as a group. No extra charge, ''just part of it'' they told us. There were six employees on hand to meet us at the airport to make sure everything went smoothly.

I could continue, but this email cannot do justice to the service and accommodations Immanuel Tours provided us. I guess the strongest statement I can make is that we are returning with another group this coming year. The thought of using someone else has not even crossed our minds. These people took care of business, and became our friends in the process.
Gina

I must tell you I give both Immanuel Tours and Mordi my highest recommendation – Donna and I had an amazing trip. The personal service, hotels, attention to detail and most of all the flexibility of Mordi (he learned I like frozen coffees – so there was always a stop somewhere) to change up the itinerary when timing/location deemed necessary.

Now a special word about Mordi – his knowledge and passion for Israel is so evident in his spirit it is a joy to spend time with him. He has a great sense of humor (which I’m sure he needed with us) and loved sharing his Jewish faith and Israeli heritage during our unending questions.

Yoav – a note of thanks for all your help with our pilgrimage – I know you did all the legwork for the sites, hotels and details. It was flawless and we appreciate all your hard work. You’re the best!

Again, thank you Immanuel Tours – it was a life changing experience and you made it happen.

Next year, in Jerusalem!