On the other hand
Despite another year of war on multiple fronts, prolonged instability, and national trauma, Israel remains near the top of the World Happiness Report and is once again ranked 8th in the world in the 2026 edition released today.
It is a striking result not only in international terms, but also in the Israeli context: At a time when the public is living under emotional strain, uncertainty, and ongoing exhaustion, Israel still ranks among the ten countries with the highest levels of life satisfaction.
The most remarkable finding in this year’s report concerns young people. Israelis under 25 are the happiest age group in Israeli society and rank 3rd in the world. In other Western countries, by contrast, the picture is far weaker. In the United States, for example, young people have fallen to 60th place. Israel’s other age groups also rank highly, at around 11th place overall.
According to Anat Fanti, a happiness policy researcher at the Program in Science, Technology and Society at Bar-Ilan University, these figures suggest that even under the strain of prolonged war, the deeper sources of Israeli resilience — family ties, community, faith, a sense of belonging, and strong social bonds — are helping large parts of society remain well above the global average.
REALITY
What is it really like for families in Israel as alerts and sirens ring out at all times of the day and night?
You won’t learn anything from the mainstream media, so watch this video and find out.
ANOTHER GLIMPSE AT DAILY LIFE
Here is another look at daily life for citizens under fire.
A NEW GUINESS RECORD
Many of Israel’s hospitals have transferred their inpatient wards to fortified underground facilities.
This video explains exactly what is involved as it explores the largest fortified hospital in the world situated in Haifa.
BEHIND THE SCENES
Magen David Adom is Israel’s official national emergency first responder.
This video takes a look at exactly what happens when an alert is imminent.
FINDING LOVE IN THE BOMB SHELTER
Israel innovation has triumphed again with a new app for finding your “beshert” while sheltering from missiles and drones.
