Israel: The Vegan Nation?

Move over, Start-up nation.  Is Israel becoming the first vegan nation?  Israel has the largest percentage of vegans per capita in the world – nearly four percent of the population, or about 300,000  with another 560,000 identifying as vegetarians.

Even the rather pedestrian pizza chain, Domino's has added a vegan pizza to their Israeli menu. 

From the Washington Times:

“Israel is leading the vegan revolution around the world, and this is another indication,” said Vegan Friendly Director Omri Paz.

The new product by Domino's will use a soy-based topping with vegetables instead of typical dairy cheese.

Yossi Elbaz, the CEO of the Israeli franchise, said it took six months to develop the new pizza, Haaretz reported.

On  October 13, 15,000 vegans will descend on  Park Leumi in Ramat Gan as Israel host's the world's largest vegan festival. The festival promises "Food, music and fun" and features 100 food stalls, top musicians, celebrity guests and a variety of speakers.

Omri Paz  organized Israel’s first Festival for Animals and meat-free Independence Day barbecue last year, with over 10,000 attending.

Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook , the first Chief Rabbi of pre-state Israel described vegetarianism as the ideal kosher practice. A compilation of R av Kook's essays, published by his student Rabbi David Cohen can be found here:  "A Vision of Vegetarianism and Peace", translated with additional notes by Jonathan Rubenstein.