Why NoCamels?

At NoCamels, we really have nothing against camels. In fact, we think they’re awesome. We even took our editors on a camel ride and are considering adopting our very own humped friend, Albert.

The name NoCamels was conceived as a nod to the misconception that Israel was little more than a barren desert populated by camels. This view of Israel has certainly changed over the past few decades as the country became a high-tech superpower with top marks for innovation and R&D, a nation with the most startups per capita, and a top producer of unicorns (companies valued at $1 billion or more).

But the name stuck, and we’re keeping it. 🐪

And just to make sure our camel friends don’t feel slighted, here’s a little fact sheet on just how amazing camels are:

• The word “Camel” is derived from the Hebrew word “Gamal.”
• “Man vs. Wild” Bear Grills once survived a sand storm by hiding inside a recently deceased camel.
• Camel’s red blood cells have an oval shape, unlike those of other mammals, which are circular. This facilitates their flow in a dehydrated state.
• Camels are able to withstand changes in body temperature and water consumption that would kill most other animals.
• Camels eating green herbage can ingest sufficient moisture to maintain their bodies’ hydrated state without the need for drinking.
• Camels’ mouths are very sturdy, which allows them to chew thorny desert plants. Long eyelashes and ear hairs, together with sealable nostrils, form a barrier against sand.
• The kidneys and intestines of a camel are very efficient at retaining water. Urine comes out as a thick syrup, and their feces are so dry that they can fuel fires.