Firearms, including M-16 rifles, are a common sight in Israel, carried by off-duty soldiers, security guards, and civilians in various public settings. Over time, the presence of guns becomes a normalized aspect of everyday life for those living in or visiting the country.

Israel's fashion industry is diverse and aims to give the country a new image. Franziska Knupper, who has been living in the small Middle Eastern state for two years, has taken a closer look at the fashion scene in Tel Aviv-Jaffa.

For weeks, thousands of Israelis have been protesting for political change, uniting diverse groups such as ultra-Orthodox, students, and Ethiopian immigrants in a movement that is unique to Israel. The protests, featuring music, drums, and yoga, are calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is facing multiple corruption charges. The movement includes various forms of expression, from artistic performances to silent meditation, and has gained momentum amid the pandemic and economic struggles. Despite the protests, Netanyahu has been ignoring the demonstrators, focusing instead on portraying himself as a global peacemaker. The article captures the sentiments of different participants, including a musician, a yoga instructor, and a photographer, all of whom are seeking to change the values in their country through their respective forms of protest.

The article discusses the burgeoning cannabis industry in Israel and its connections to the North American market. Dr. Ascher Shmulewitz, a key figure in the industry, and his son Omri, are involved in companies like Therapix Biosciences and Entou, which are innovating in the field of medical marijuana. The article highlights Israel's pioneering role in cannabis research, dating back to the 1960s with Prof. Raphael Mechoulam's isolation of THC. It also covers the business aspects, including the recent $12 million raised by Therapix on Nasdaq, and the potential for economic growth as predicted by Saul Kaye, CEO of iCan Israel-Cannabis. The government's support for the industry is evident through subsidies and increased medical licenses. The article also touches on the cultural and religious acceptance of cannabis in Israel, which may contribute to the industry's success.

The Palestinian women's national football team trains under difficult conditions, including heat, fasting during Ramadan, and societal challenges, especially for girls. Despite these challenges, the sport offers hope. Dima Youssef, a Christian player, and Gina Khnouf, who trains girls under 19, discuss the lack of support and the conservative views that hinder the development of women's football in the region. The team, founded in 2006, has participated in the West Asian Football Federation Championship but faces limitations due to political and economic constraints. Yousef Zaghloul, a trainer and director for women's football, has worked to overcome societal barriers, promoting the sport among girls and creating one of the first girls' football clubs in Palestine. The article highlights the deep-rooted passion for football in Palestinian society and the ongoing struggle for women to gain recognition and opportunities in the sport.

The article discusses the growing trend of vertical cemeteries as a solution to the burial space crisis, particularly in densely populated urban areas. Israeli architect Tuvia Sagiv has designed such a space with the Yarkon Cemetery in Tel Aviv, which can accommodate around 250,000 new graves. The article explores various global practices in burial, including reusing graves in Western Europe, living with the dead in Cairo, and high-rise cemeteries in Brazil. It also touches on religious considerations in burial practices, particularly in Judaism and Islam. Alternatives to traditional burial methods are presented, such as the eco-friendly burial pods by Capsula Mundi and the futuristic burial technologies in Japan. The article also mentions a proposed solution in China by Bread Studio, which involves a cruise ship that circles the city with urns. The piece highlights the need for cultural adaptation to new burial practices due to practical necessities.

Be'er Sheva, a city of 200,000 in Israel, is becoming a hub for cybersecurity and espionage, attracting soldiers, scientists, and international companies to work closely together. The Gav Yam Advanced Technology Park, led by Roy Zwebner, is central to this transformation, with significant investments from companies like Deutsche Telekom, PayPal, and IBM. The Israeli government, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, supports this initiative, aiming to create a synergistic ecosystem. Concerns are raised by Idan Landau, an author and activist, about the militarization of Israeli society and the potential misuse of cyber technology. The article also touches on the infamous Unit 8200 and the use of cyber weapons like the Pegasus software, which has been implicated in the surveillance of journalists and activists in Mexico.

Modest Fashion is a billion-dollar industry catering to women who prefer to show less skin for religious reasons, with increasing trends among Muslim women who spent over 40 billion euros in 2015. Specialized labels like Amirah Couture and Inayah Fashion, as well as international brands such as Mango and Tommy Hilfiger, have developed collections targeting this market. Events like the International Modest Fashion Week showcase these designs. Entrepreneurs like Nava Brief Fried from ModLi and designers like Diana Kotb and Dian Pelangi are redefining modest fashion with bold designs and colorful textiles. The industry's growth reflects a demand for modest yet fashionable clothing that transcends specific religious origins.

In Tel Aviv, hummus is not only a culinary staple but also a subject of political debate, with Israelis and Lebanese disputing its origins. Mickey Pisarevski, a native Ukrainian, has been running Nachmani Hummus for 15 years, known for its creamy texture and sweet aftertaste. The dish's political nature is highlighted by Lebanon's failed attempt to have hummus recognized as a national dish by the EU. Tel Aviv locals have their preferred hummus spots, with Abu Hassan in Jaffa being a popular choice. Khalil Kalaboni continues his family's tradition with a restaurant on the Karmel Market, offering seven types of hummus. The article also touches on the impact of conflict on local businesses, as Kalaboni recalls a drop in customers during a series of knife attacks.

Dschisr az-Zarqa, the last Arab village on Israel's Mediterranean coast, faces severe economic and social challenges, with high poverty and crime rates. Despite these issues, Neta Hanien, a lawyer and diving instructor, fell in love with the village and partnered with local Ahmad Juha to open the first guesthouse, Juha’s Guesthouse, aiming to transform the village's fate. They initiated a social business and a Young-Leaders-Program to involve children in tourism, improving their English and social skills. The guesthouse has started to bring business and money into the village, and Neta hopes more local projects will follow to retain the success within Dschisr.

The article discusses an illegal techno festival held in the Jordanian desert, attended by around three hundred people from Jordan, Palestine, Iraq, and expatriates. The festival is described as a political statement for the Arab youth, who are tired of justifying their identity and want to express themselves freely. The event was organized with minimal advertising to avoid government attention, and attendees included a mix of locals and foreigners. The festival featured a blend of electronic and traditional music, and was seen as a rare opportunity for the Arab underground electro scene in the Middle East. The article also touches on the challenges faced by Arab musicians due to strict travel and performance regulations in the region.

The article discusses the ongoing miniaturization of electronics, focusing on the development of smart contact lenses with integrated cameras. It mentions Samsung's work on virtual reality and Google's collaboration with Swiss pharmaceutical company Norvatis on bionic lenses that can test glucose levels through tear fluid and zoom in on objects. Google co-founder Sergey Brin is quoted on the potential medical benefits of electronic miniaturization. The article raises questions about the implications of such technology on privacy and the nature of human experience.

The media landscape in Israel and Palestine is small and contested, with traditional newspapers like Yedioth Ahronot and Ha'aretz losing ground to social media and citizen journalism. Haggai Matar, a blogger and editor at the independent online magazine +972, believes that citizen journalism is the future of independent reporting in the Middle East. Israel and Palestine rank poorly in press freedom, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's role as Communications Minister is seen as a threat to media independence. Citizen journalism is gaining importance, with initiatives like B'tselem distributing cameras to Palestinians to document their lives. However, there are concerns about the accuracy and impact of amateur reporting. Sarah Perle's