Israel’s Official Languages

Last Updated on November 10, 2021

Israel Official Languages  – Hebrew & Arabic.

Hebrew: שפות רשמיות בישראל

There are two official languages in Israel; Hebrew and Arabic.

As well as being the  language of the Bible and Jewish prayer, Hebrew is also the spoken language of Israel.  Every school-going child is required to learn Hebrew. Hebrew is read from right to left.

If you have made Aliyah or are living in Israel being able to communicate in Hebrew is very important.

English is not an official language but it is widely used.  English is required as a second language in schools and at universities.  Israel – the Start-up-Nation – is one of the hi-tech centers of the world and many international companies have offices here.

Depending on where you are in Israel, you may be able to get by with English only.  In the tourist capitals; Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Eilat, English is widely spoken. Raanana, Kfar Saba, Modiin, Ramat Bet Shemesh, to name but a few, have  large English speaking communities.

There is a large, and rapidly growing, French speaking community in Israel and a large Ethiopian community who speak Amharic.  Russian is widely spoken.  There are approximately 1,000,000 Russian immigrants living in Israel.  With an immigrant population from some 100 countries, there is hardly a language that is not spoken in Israel.

If you are visiting Israel for the very first time, here are a few Hebrew key words you should learn:

• Now that you have mastered these useful Hebrew words, click here for more
• Israel etiquette, customs and behavior
• Must-know Hebrew slang