Who knew?

More fun facts about Israel and Tel-Aviv:

• Modern day Israel was established in 1948 (a year after Stacy’s mom was born 😲)
• Israel’s location made it of strategic importance - served as a bridge between Africa and Asia
• Fertile Crescent: Merchants and travelers would keep to the Mediterranean coastline north until they reached the Euphrates River to avoid the more direct route across the swamps and desert between Egypt and Babylon. 
• Today there are hundreds of Eucalyptus trees in the former swamp area - brought in from Australia to dry up the swampland. 
• Tel-Aviv was founded by Jewish refugees
• A little more than 400,000 people live in Tel-Aviv; but over 1 million people commute here for work
• Buildings are made primarily of concrete because there are few trees/forests
• Very expensive area: $8 for a gallon of gas.  $1MM for a 900 sq ft condo
• Children start learning English in 3rd grade; in 7th grade they can add another language to their studies.
• Economy: High tech industry and agriculture.  Famous high tech inventions: auto accident prevention technology and Waze - a GPS navigation system.  Top agricultural products: Olives, pomegranates, figs, dates, grapes, wheat, barley

Another view from our room: Tel-Aviv, July 2019

Fertile Crescent: Why so many wars have fought over Israel