Arab Israelis Facts for Kids

Arab Israelis are people of Arab heritage who live in the country of Israel. They often call themselves Palestinian Israelis. About 21% of all people living in Israel are Arab Israelis.

As of 2015, there were around 2.1 million Arab Israelis. This included about 300,000 people living in East Jerusalem and a smaller number in the Golan Heights. Most Arab Israelis are Muslims (about 84%). A smaller number are Christian or Druze (each about 8%).

Dispersion of Arab Israelis (2000)

Who Are Arab Israelis?
- Their Identity
- Where They Live
Different Communities
- Muslims
- Christians
- Druze
- Bedouins
Life and Culture
- Education and Work
- Arts and Sports
Images for kids
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Who Are Arab Israelis?

Arab Israelis are citizens of Israel who speak Arabic. They are part of the larger Arab community in the Middle East. They have their own unique culture and traditions.

Their Identity

Many Arab Israelis feel a strong connection to their Palestinian heritage. They see themselves as part of the Palestinian people. At the same time, they are also citizens of Israel. This means they have rights and responsibilities within the country.

Where They Live

Arab Israelis live in many parts of Israel. Some cities have a large Arab population. For example, Nazareth is the largest Arab city in Israel. Other cities like Umm al-Fahm and Baqa al-Gharbiyye also have many Arab residents. Some cities, like Haifa and Jaffa, have mixed populations of Arabs and Jews.

Different Communities

Arab Israelis are not all the same. They belong to different religious groups. The main groups are Muslims, Christians, and Druze. There are also Bedouin communities.

Muslims

Most Arab Israelis are Muslims. They follow the religion of Islam. They pray in mosques, like the El-Jazzar Mosque in Acre. Many Muslim Arab Israelis live in cities and towns across Israel.

Christians

A smaller group of Arab Israelis are Christians. They belong to different Christian churches. Christian Arab communities are known for their high levels of education. Many attend schools like the Catholic school in Haifa. The Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth is an important Christian site.

Druze

The Druze are a unique religious and ethnic group. They have their own special beliefs and customs. Druze men serve in the Israeli army. They celebrate festivals like Ziyarat al-Nabi Shu'ayb. Many Druze live in villages in northern Israel.

Bedouins

Bedouins are Arab nomadic people. Many Bedouins in Israel have settled in towns. Rahat is the largest Bedouin city in the Negev desert. Some Bedouins also serve in the Israeli army.

Life and Culture

Arab Israelis have a rich culture. This includes their food, music, and art. They also contribute to Israel's economy and society.

Education and Work

Education is very important to Arab Israelis. Many attend universities, like the University of Haifa. There are also joint Arab-Jewish schools, like the Galil Jewish–Arab School. Some Arab cities, like Nazareth, are becoming centers for technology and innovation. This has led to new job opportunities.

Arts and Sports

Arab Israelis are active in arts and sports. There are theaters, like the Al-Midan Theater in Haifa. Music bands, such as DAM, are also popular. Traditional events like weddings are important cultural celebrations. In sports, Arab Israelis have achieved success. For example, Moanes Dabour is a well-known professional footballer.