Cities of Israel: Letter A Trivia Quiz

Answer: Ai

It's pronounced like the word 'eye'. The ruins of this city have been located in Samaria with all certainty but the archaeological evidence differs than the biblical account. Apparently the great city of Ai was long destroyed before Joshua ever arrived and possibly it was being renovated at the time of the attack.

Answer: Ashkelon

Ashkelon is situated in the geographical region of the Western Negev. The Negev is best known for the desert bearing the same name but obviously there is some water although it's not advisable to drink it as it is salt water. The city has a long history of being sacked by the Canaanites, the Philistines, the Babylonians, the Phoenicians, the Romans, the Muslims and the Crusaders.

It was finally destroyed by the Mameluke's in the late 13th century. Today it's a sizable city of 120,000 people and it's the largest Israeli city near Gaza.

Answer: Abu Ghosh

In modern Israeli history Abu Ghosh has a unique feature that most Arab towns do not. During the war of Independence- 1948, this village sided with the Jews by not taking up arms and safe housing several Jews during the events that led up to the war. On a different note the village is also known by Israelis as having some delicious hummus restaurants.

Answer: Arbel

Mount Arbel has a spectacular view of the Sea of Galilee on the western shore and it is one of several places where the intensity of the Jordan Valley Rift can be seen. The Jordan Valley Rift extends from Turkey in the north clear down to Mozambique in Africa covering some 1,800 miles.

Answer: Ashdod

This city combined with four others Ekron, Gaza, Ashkelon and Gath was the central existence of the Philistine People. The Bible records that this area was known for giants called "anakim".

Answer: Oak

There are three particular varieties of oak in the State of Israel and all are indigenous. Two of these varieties would be called scrub brush in North America while the third is a shade tree bearing acorns like all oaks but its height is limited to thirty feet and it is not abundant for lumber production.

Answer: American Colony

It's a pretty interesting story of how the American Colony got under way. Started by a group of Americans who later were joined by Swedish Christians they set out to do good works in the name of Jesus creating soup kitchens, orphanages and hospitals. Having endured great persecution they continued in their work and brought relief to many thousands of people who would have more than likely died without them.

Answer: Arad

Arad is the home of one of Israel's most prolific authors- Amos Oz. His books are gripping and give an interesting insight to Israeli life through fictitious stories.

Answer: Avital

The name Avital can be found in the bible in the book of Second Samuel 3:4. Translated literally it means "father of dew" or conveying 'freshness', I'm not sure how that applies to David's wife but that was her name.

Answer: Akhzivland

Stuff like this is too bizarre to make up. Basically take one eccentric Israeli who turns squatter and when the government tries to evict him he declares the area as his own sovereign nation. This all happened in 1970. Now thirty-eight years later he is still prospering and stamping passports with his own seal. My hat goes off to Eli Avivi the founder of Akhzivland.