sabra
Noun: A Jew born in Israel (or before 1948, in Palestine). The term often carries connotations of toughness, resilience, and directness, stereotypically associated with native-born Israelis, in contrast to Jewish immigrants. The word originates from the Hebrew name for the prickly pear cactus, symbolizing a tough exterior but a sweet interior.
The term is used specifically to refer to and describe a person who is a native-born Israeli. * He is a true sabra, born and raised in Tel Aviv. * The sabras formed the core of the new state's defense forces. * Her direct manner is often attributed to her being a sabra.
- The term can be used attributively (like an adjective) to describe characteristics.
- She has a sabra personality—blunt but kind-hearted.
- It is often used in sociological or historical discussions about Israeli identity and society.
- The book explores the tension between the immigrant generation and the sabra generation.
- Sabra Generation: Refers collectively to the first generation of native-born Israelis in the modern state, seen as embodying a new, secular, and militant Zionist identity.
- native Israeli
- Israeli-born Jew
The term is culturally specific and carries significant historical and social weight. While it simply denotes a place of birth, its common usage evokes a specific archetype or stereotype of Israeli character. It is generally a neutral or positive term when used by Israelis, but outsiders should be aware of its nuanced connotations.
- a native-born Israeli