Small Population, Big Brains

One of the reasons that Israel is so strong as a country is its brain power. Israelis are known for their breakthrough medical, technological and environmental advancements, as well as many others. For example, this past November, it was reported that Israelis produced a cancer vaccine. If effective, it will halt 90% of cancers from returning.

Per capita, Israel has has the most number of Nobel laureates; awards have been distributed to these individuals based on their contributions to science, literature, economics, and even peace. When compared to other countries in the Middle East, there is no contest. If more countries focused on creating rather than destroying, the world would be a much better place.

The Jewish people as a group have always been innovators and have contributed immensely to the advancement of mankind. Surprisingly, however, they only make up approximately 0.2% of the world population. Over the past hundred years approximately 850 laureates have been awarded Nobel prizes, of which at least 170 are Jews.

Influential Jews have existed throughout history and surely the future will prove to be no different. Below are just a few worth mentioning.

Abraham, prophet and first Jew

Moses, prophet who brought the Jews to freedom and presented them with the Ten Commandments

Moses Maimonides, prominent medieval philosopher, Torah scholar and physician

Sigmund Freud, founder of psychoanalysis

Albert Einstein, revolutionary physicist

  Theodor Herzl, father of modern Zionism

David Ben-Gurion, founder and first Prime Minister of Israel

Golda Meir, first female Prime Minister of Israel

Benjamin Netanyahu, current Prime Minister of Israel

Natalie Portman, Israeli-born actress and advocate for Israel

Mark Zuckerberg, co-creator and CEO of Facebook

Shahar Peer, highest-ever ranked Israeli tennis player in the world