ABSTRACT
The modem State of Israel is a product of centuries of Jewish heritage and history that affect all aspects of its national life. Israel's special role as the world's only Jewish state, and its consequent linkage to Jews everywhere, has had a manifold and multifaceted effect on its activities and has generated interests and policies, and created situations, unparalleled elsewhere. It sees itself as a spiritual center for world Jewry and as a haven for its persecuted numbers: Israel has been the focal point for worldwide Jewish concern and cultural, philanthropic, and political activity. Although Israel is a modern country the historical forces that formed it, led to its independence, and shaped its society and culture, its political culture and ideology, and its politics and policy are a product of thousands of years of Jewish history. Israel's ability to capture world attention has focused on some actions as wars and military achievements, but other events are equally noteworthy.
