Israel is a young state, home to an old people; small in size but culturally active. Israeli culture represents four thousand years of Jewish culture, over one hundred years of Zionism, and decades of modern statehood have come together to form a culture with a strong identity.
Israel is an extremely multicultural society, showing its diversity in its many cultural and social influences. A blend of tradition and innovation allows Israeli artists to balance Israeli particularism with universalism as they express Israel’s cultural identity through a broad range of art forms.
Israel has strong ties around the world, built on cooperation in fields such as language, literature, the arts, media, and sports. Cultural agreements are in place with more than 70 countries, and links with many more include student and academic exchange programs, reciprocal tours from dance troupes and theatre companies, travelling art exhibits, musicians, and orchestras, as well as participation in book fairs, film festivals, and sports.