Israel (disambiguation) - Definition and Overview

Israel (Hebrew ישׂראל Yisra'el or Yiśrā’ēl, meaning "one who has struggled with God") was the name given to the biblical patriarch Jacob.

Some bible commentators have claimed that Israel is another name for Isaac rather than Jacob, or that it may mean either. This appears to be based on Amos 7:9, 16. But against this theory Genesis 32:22-28 clearly gives this name to Jacob, not to Isaac.

From this name is derived:

• The Israelites, the descendants of Jacob's 12 children
• The Children of Israel, a Biblical term for the Israelites
• The Kingdom of Israel, the kingdom established by Israelites (1020 BC - 722 BC)
• The Land of Israel, the land of the Israelite Kingdom
• The State of Israel, the state established by Jews in the Land of Israel (1948 - present)
• Benai Israel, the native Jews of India.

Israel is also a common given name. Famous people named Israel include:

• Israel "Izzy" Asper, Canadian media magnate
• Israel ben Eliezer, Polish rabbi
• Israel Kirzner, American economist
• Israel Putnam, American general
• Israel Regardie, British occultist
• Israel Shahak, Israeli author
• Israel Shamir, Israeli journalist
• Israel Isidore Baline, American composer