ByNathan Jeffay, Nathan Jeffay
Stereotypically, Jews are big complainers. But in a global poll, Israel comes out as one of the least peevish nations.
The Pew Research Centre's Global Attitudes Project positioned Israel as the eighth most satisfied nation in the world. Asked about national conditions, 49 per cent of Israelis were satisfied "with the way things are going" - nine per cent higher than in Britain.
Among the 10 "advanced economies" surveyed, Israelis were the most relaxed about national debt, with only a third saying it worried them.
They were also among the most positive people in the 44 countries polled regarding economic improvement, with a 16 per cent increase in people describing the economy as good compared to 2013. This time, 59 per cent of Israelis said the economy was good, making them the 11th most optimistic nation on economic matters.
Pew surveyed Israelis after the peace talks with the Palestinians collapsed, but before the summer conflict with Hamas. But Haifa University sociologist Yuval Feinstein said that the survey would not be very different if it had been conducted now as the atmosphere at present is "more or less normal".