Israel, from the Enchantment of the World series, is a comprehensive look at the state of Israel today through 2012.  Color photos throughout enhance this typical country report book.  With about a 70% text to 30% picture rate over a two page spread, the author, Nel Yomtov, is still able to give a very balanced look at an unbalanced region.  Yomtov carefully gives equal time to each of the three religious groups, their historical connection to the land and their political influence today.  Because of it’s rich and turbulent past, when one begins to read about the economy and culture that make up the cities and rural life, it’s not surprising that tourism is its leading industry.  To go there is to see Israel at its core, with its industrial as well as farming side of life, Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Druze and other faiths comingled in this country the size of New Jersey.  It is a worthy addition to any school or public library.