The Most Multicultural Cities in Israel

April 3rd 2019

Despite the unjust criticisms often leveled at Israel, the Jewish State is one of the most multicultural nations in the world. In numerous cities across the Holy Land you can find people from many different cultures, religions, and ethnicities, mingling and working together, generally in peace and fellowship. From the north to the south, you’ll see people of many colors, in many different costumes, speaking a diverse range of languages.

This is what gives Israel its strength and vibrancy. And this is what visitors see when they take the time to step foot on Israeli soil and explore this beautiful little country.

The following are some examples of the most multicultural cities in Israel, which are all well worth a visit.

Jerusalem

The capital of Israel and the most significant city in the world. Home to three different Abrahamic religions, the oldest of which being Judaism. When touring the Holy City, you’ll see Jews, Muslims, Christians, and other minority peoples, everywhere you look, walking, chatting, praying, and buying produce from one another.

Approximately 60% of Jerusalem’s 800,000 population is Jewish. 30% of whom are Haredi (Jewish Orthodox).

Jaffa

The ancient port city of Jaffa is home to approximately 46,000 residents, two-thirds of whom are Jewish. As you tour this amazing city, you’ll see costumes and cultural symbols from the three major religions, as well as synagogues, mosques, and churches. There’s also a lot of art and cultural attractions, all echoing the history of the different cultures that have made Jaffa their home.

A visit to the Jaffa Flea Market is a great place to see this area’s diversity.

Nazareth

Nazareth is the largest Arab city in Israel. It’s home to over 76,000 people, most of whom are Arab. Of these, two-thirds are Muslim and the rest Christian. There’s also a large Jewish population in the wider metropolitan area, especially in Nazareth Illit.

Many Christian tourists visit Nazareth due to its significance as the childhood home of Jesus, and is as such, a center of Christian pilgrimage. The Church of the Annunciation, the largest church in the Middle East, can be found here. There are also churches and monasteries from many different Christian denominations, including Greek Orthodox and Anglican.

Haifa

Haifa is Israel’s third largest city and has often been portrayed as a model of coexistence between Jews and Arabs. Most of the Arabs living here are Christian and during the winter months you’ll see many Christmas trees and decorations. Although Jews and Arabs largely live in separate neighborhoods, they often come together in cultural events and in the markets.

There are also minority groups including Druze and Baha’i. The holiest site to the Baha’i religion – Bab’s Shrine – can be found in the city, within the grounds of the resplendent Bahai Gardens.

Netanya

While 99% Jewish, the city of Netanya is extremely diverse when it comes to the cultural origins of its inhabitants. Jews from around the world have made Netanya their home and the city has one of the highest percentages of foreign-born people in the country. There’s also a 50/50 split between secular and religious, as well as many Jewish families from Asia and Ethiopia. The city is also renowned as the Israeli center of the Persian Jewish community.