Trivia Quiz for Israel’s Independence Day

1. Jacob’s Pillow, a 336-pound stone brought from Bet El, Israel, is said to be fitted beneath the seat of which famous 700-year-old legendary chair?

Hint: It was last used in London, UK on May 6, 2023.

2. Why was the signing of the declaration of Israel’s statehood rushed through quickly (in only 32 minutes)?

Hint: It took place on May 14, 1948, a Friday.

3. Which ancient city’s name is derived from the Canaanite/Hebrew word for either “fragrant odors” or the “moon”?

Hint: It lies near the Jordan River, and it’s walls came tumbling down.

4. To combat a rat problem in 1930, the British introduced these to Jerusalem and today it has the greatest concentration of them in the world. What are they?

Hint: A relative of the symbol of Jerusalem, both belonging to the Felidae family.

5. Which fruit, one of the Seven Species of the Land of Israel is the subject of a famous Aesop’s Fable that teaches the lesson of “false disdain”? Also, what expression came from the tale?

Hint: A hungry fox remains hungry.

6. What do experts believe was the purpose of this 2,700-year-old carved limestone seat found in the City of David?

Hint: It was discovered in Jerusalem, but perhaps Flushing, NY would have been more fitting.

7. What was the claim to fame of Morris Myerson?

Hint: He died in Tel Aviv while his famous wife was abroad.

8. In May 1991, an Israeli airplane set the record for the most passengers on a single flight by taking off with 1,086 passengers and landing with 1,088. How and why did this happen?

Hint: The operation was named after a king/judge from a pre-DNA maternity battle.

9. In 1882, Baron Rothschild planted the first grapevines in Rishon Le Zion, now home to a thriving wine industry. The painting titled “The Red Vineyard” was the only work ever sold during the lifetime of which famous artist?

Hint: While in Arles, France, he wouldn’t have been fully capable of answering Mark Antony’s request in Julius Caesar.

10. What’s the first tree to flower in Israel whose Hebrew name literally means “to hasten”?

Hint: California produces 80 percent of the world’s yield from these trees.