Israel was a member of the BIE for the first time between 1953 and 1988. In the year in which it joined, the country organised a Specialised Expo on the theme of “The Conquest of the Desert” in Jerusalem. Three years later, Israel organised a second Specialised Expo in Beit Dagon. Having rejoined the BIE in 1997, Israel continues to be a regular participant in World and Specialised Expos.