This is the third time that Israel has served on the UNICEF Executive Board.

From President Peres receiving the Medal of Honor to the Oscar nominated film Footnote, here are seven major stories about Israel from 2012.

3.5 million visitors to Israel will have arrived by the end of 2012, 4% more than in 2011.

Israelis and tourist surfers enjoy the waves on Israeli beaches during the winter.

As Christians around the world and in Israel prepare to celebrate Christmas, I want to wish you all the merriest of holidays.