Food
Known as hyssop in English, is a staple spice blend when dried; its harvest in the wild was banned by Israel, sparking a "foraging war" over culinary heritage.
What is Za'atar?
This head covering is worn by many Muslim women as a symbol of modesty.
What is Hijab?
This popular Arab pop song, often heard at weddings and parties across Arab towns in Israel, is known for its emotional chorus repeating “ma tinsani,” meaning “don’t forget me.”
What is “Ma Tnsani”?
This holy book is the central religious text for Muslims in the Arab sector.
What is the Quran?
For decades, these were largely excluded from being part of any governing coalition in Israel.
What are Arab parties?
This traditional dish, popular in Arab towns in the Galilee region, consists of cooked, peeled whole chickpeas in warm tahini, lemon juice, and seasonings, unlike regular hummus, which is mashed.
What is Msabbaha?
This long black cloak, commonly worn in Gulf countries, is often paired with the hijab.
What is the abaya?
This is a very common drum used in Arab music, known for its goblet shape and sharp, vibrant sound, often heard at weddings and celebrations.
What is the Doumbek?
This holy month is observed by fasting from sunrise to sunset, ending with a joyful celebration called Eid al-Fitr.
What is Ramadan?
This term describes the systemic issues like unfair budget allocations and a housing crisis faced by Arab citizens.
What is structural barriers?
This legal action by the Israeli government regarding the wild plants akkoub and za'atar has been interpreted by many in the Arab community as a deliberate attempt to sever their cultural and historical tie to the land.
What is the Foraging Ban?
This traditional men’s robe, also known as a dishdasha, is commonly worn across the Middle East.
What is the thobe?
This is the most popular dance performed at Arab weddings and parties, known for its expressive movements and instantly recognizable music.
What is belly dancing?
Representing roughly one-fifth of Arabs in Israel, this religious minority is concentrated in cities like Nazareth and Haifa and is noted for its strong presence in Arab civic, cultural, and educational life.
What is Christian Arabs?
In 2021, Mansour Abbas led this Arab party to become the first to join a governing coalition.
What is the United Arab List (Ra'am)?
The symbolic conflict between Israeli and Lebanese chefs over which country had the right to claim ownership of hummus is cited by scholars as a prime example of this type of "war" fought over shared Levantine cultural heritage.
What is Cultural Appropriation?
This patterned headscarf, often in red or black, is traditionally worn by men in Arab countries.
What is the keffiyeh?
This Arab-Israeli pop hit by Ziyad El-Nashef went viral for its catchy hook and dance-pop style.
What is “Mali Mali”?
This major Muslim holiday, known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” includes prayers and sharing meat with family and people in need.
What is Eid al-Adha?
This political alliance of four major Arab parties split in 2021 over the decision to join a coalition government.
What is the Joint List?
Founded in Haifa by Arab-Israeli chef Dr. Nof Atamna-Ismaeel, this popular annual festival pairs Arab and Jewish chefs to revive and celebrate the "forgotten" and historical dishes of the Levant.
What is the A'Sham Arab Food Festival?
his colorful, embroidered dress is a staple of traditional Palestinian and Levantine women’s clothing.
What is a jalabiya (or thobe al-falahi)
She is one of the best-known Arab singers in Israel, famous for blending Arabic pop with mainstream Israeli music.
Who is Nasrin Kadri?
This night marks when Muslims believe the Prophet Muhammad traveled from Mecca to Jerusalem and then to heaven, giving special importance to Al-Aqsa Mosque.
What is Laylat al-Isra’ wal-Mi’raj?
After October 7, 2023, Mansour Abbas made history by becoming the first Arab party leader to publicly call for this from Palestinian armed factions.
What is to demilitarize?