Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Crime in Israel consists most commonly of burglary and car theft but also includes drug-
selling, money-laundering, demands for protection money from small businesses, murder
(most often a result of family confl icts), and human traffi cking — largely from former So-
viet areas — for prostitution. Crime rates remain lower than those in most Western countries.
Hashish, and to a lesser extent marijuana and heroin, are smuggled mainly from Lebanon and
Egypt. There has also been considerable concern over excessive drinking among young people
and increased low-level violence in schools, two developments that contrast with past Israeli
social patterns. Organized crime is small-scale and organized around a half-dozen families,
notably the Alperons and the Abergils. The former family's leader, Ya'akov Alperon, was assas-
sinated in a gang confl ict in 2008 that led to retaliation against rival groups.
The Border Police (known as the Magav, for the Hebrew acronym) is the military branch
of the police force. It operates in the West Bank, rural areas, and along the borders to deal with
such diffi cult problems as counterterrorism and riot control. It has about 6,000 members,
many of whom are Druze. People can opt to serve in the Border Police instead of the IDF for
their mandatory service.
Israel's intelligence agencies include the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet, or Shabak) and the
Mossad. The Shabak is roughly comparable to the FBI in that it is responsible for Israel's internal
security. It reports directly to the prime minister, and its duties include intelligence gathering,
interrogation, and other counterterrorist activities; guarding against foreign spies; and protect-
ing state offi cials, buildings, and embassies. It also works in the territories captured in 1967.
The Mossad, which also reports to the prime minister, is, like the CIA, responsible for
foreign intelligence gathering. Its many successes have given it something of a legendary repu-
tation. It has become internationally famous for daring operations that have played a major
role in the country's strategic successes, although at times failed or controversial projects have
created problems for Israel.
THE EDUCATION SYSTEM
The education system is another important institution that has shaped Israeli society. Like the
army, it has traditionally been a place where values are passed on to the next generation. Edu-
cation is mandatory from kindergarten through tenth grade and free through high school. The
compulsory education law is strictly and widely enforced. An estimated 50 percent of three-
year-olds and 75 percent of four-year-olds also attend preschools, which are often funded by
local municipal councils.
Overall, expenditures on education account for about 8.5 percent of Israel's gross domestic
product (GDP). Israel has fi ve separate educational systems, all of which are funded through
the Ministry of Education. One is the Arabic-language school system, although Arabic-
speaking students can attend Hebrew-language schools if they wish. The four other systems
are primarily for Jews:
• State: Though referred to as secular, state schools provide instruction on religious his-
tory and the Bible, taught with an emphasis on its historical aspects.
