At sundown Wednesday, the celebrations begin.
Fireworks. Parties. Picnics. Music. Dancing.
After all, modern Israel is turning 74.
What a journey the country has been on since its prophetic rebirth — tremendous sadness, and yet tremendous growth and progress.
Here are 10 facts you should know about how far the Jewish State has come since 1948.
1. Total population of Israel in May 2022: 9.5 million (including 7.02 million Jews). Total population of Israel in May 1948: 1.97 million (including 716,700 Jews).
2. Total number of fallen Israeli soldiers since the War of Independence in 1948: 24,068.
3. Total victims of terrorism: 4,216.
4. Total number of Israelis who have died from COVID: 10,699.
5. Israel’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2022: $501 billion (grew 8.1% in 2021). Israel’s GDP in 1948: $164.2 million.
6. Israel’s GDP (per capita) in 2022: $44,177. Israel’s GDP (per capita) in 1948: $5,000.
7. Total number of Israeli fighter jets in 2022: 241, out of a total of 597 military aircraft (including 33 F-35 stealth fighters). Total number of Israeli jets in May 1948: none when the War of Independence started (several were acquired during the war).
8. Total number of Israeli submarines in 2022: 5 (soon there will be 6). Total number of Israeli submarines in 1948: none.
9. Total Christian population of Israel in 2022: 182,000 (mostly Arab Christians). Total Christian population of Israel in 1948: 34,000.
10. Number of Israeli Jewish followers of Jesus in 2017: 30,000. Number of Israeli Jewish followers of Jesus in 1948: 23. (eoa}
For the original article, visit our content partners at allisrael.com.
Joel C. Rosenberg is the editor-in-chief of All Israel News and All Arab News, and the president and CEO of Near East Media. A New York Times bestselling author, Middle East analyst and Evangelical leader, he lives in Jerusalem with his wife and sons.
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