Physical Activity, Life and Leisure in Israel Today

Background: Israel is a country with a diverse population that faces unique challenges with regards to physical activity and sport.

Aims: This presentation aims to provide an overview of sport and physical activity in Israel today, with an emphasis on unusual aspects of participation and service provision. Barriers to participation faced by various segments of the population will also be explored.

Methods: Approximately 60 Israeli authors collaborated to write a book on Israeli life and leisure in the 21^st century, which provides a comprehensive examination of trends in physical activity and other leisure activities in Israel today. The major findings from the 55 chapters of this book are the basis for this presentation.

Results: Surprising participation patterns in physical activity and other leisure activities were found among diverse segments of the population, such as Arabs, the Ultra-Orthodox, older adults, gays and lesbians, and immigrants.

Discussion and Conclusion: Israel has many unique physical activity and sports programs which yield great insight into the nation and its people and will help to dispel some of the myths and stereotypes about Israel and Israelis that are all too common in the world today.