EXPLORE ISRAEL
Culture/ Plan/ Discover/ Food
Top 1 israel's city to visit
Cheap places to live & eat
Contents 2020 ISSUE
Discover Israel 04 05 Map of Israel 06 Reansons To love Israel 09 10 Top Events In Israel
Explore Israel 12 13
Plan tour of Jerusalem
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Cheap Hotel in Jerusalem
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Top 10 THINGS YOU MUST EAT IN JERUSALEM
22 6 Popular Israeli Drinks You Should Try
Discover
05 Map of Israel 06 Reansons To love Israel 09 10 Top Events In Israel
Reasons to love Israel Israel is the only country you can see in day and that caters to both devout Evangelicals and gay party seekers. Amazing nature, countless historic and religious sites, and the coolest city in the region…here are the reasons you should come to Israel at least once. By Ben Jakob
1 the Amazing Beaches Israel’s most solid and constant border is its most beautiful: the Mediterranean Sea. From the shores of Tel Aviv to the cliffs of Acre in the north, almost all of Israel’s coastline is stunning and easily accessible. With fresh fish to eat and countless places from which to enjoy the sunset, Israel’s beaches are one of its most inviting features.
2 The Region’s Rich History From the Bible to the Crusaders to the Ottoman Empire, the land on which modern-day Israel was founded has seen it all. The Old Cities of Jerusalem, Jaffa and Lod are among the oldest in the world, and visiting Israel allows you to visit sites as old as history itself. With everything from Roman ruins to Amishlike German “Templar” villages, visiting Israel allows you to experience history from the comforts of the modern world.
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3 Tel Aviv is One of the Coolest Cities in the World With a booming foodie scene, vibrant night life, and enough style to make you reassess your fashion choices, Tel Aviv is arguably one of the coolest cities in the Middle East, if not the world, today. From great restaurants to amazing architecture, Israel’s cultural capital is everything you’d hope from a Western capital — but with Middle Eastern flair.
The Food
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From amazing street food like falafel or sabich to great local eats like hummus or shakshuka to the finest fine dining you can imagine — Israel has it all. Both Jerusalem and Tel Aviv offer countless amazing places to eat, from local Arab to fine Asian. Head to any Arab town to try some basbousa or another super-sweet Arabic dessert, or just go to Acre’s Old City and try some fresh fish straight out of the sea.
5 Its Diverse Landscape Like the food and the people, Israel is also extremely geographically diverse. In the south you have the Negev Desert and the barren Arava, home to the Dead Sea, which end in the Red Sea resort town of Eilat.
Dead Sea, the Lowest 6 the Point on Earth One site stands out above all others in Israel: the Dead Sea. The lowest point on the earth, literally, the Dead Sea is probably the most spiritual place a secular person can visit. The vast emptiness of its salt beds and the arid mountains surrounding it all make you feel like the first human on earth. The mud baths are also supposed to do wonders for you skin and are said to having healing powers.
The Amazing Local Culture
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From an artisan market in Tel Aviv to live shows on Jerusalem’s streets or a one-ofa-kind international design museum, Israel has a vibrant cultural scene catering to everyone. Tel Aviv has recently begun to host its own fashion week, which joins numerous film festivals and cultural events throughout the city. Whether it’s dance or street art you’re after, Israel has it all. 8
10 TOP EVENTS IN ISRAEL With a calendar filled with religious, cultural and sporty events year-round, Israel has a fantastic range of options to keep visitors’ diary jam-packed. By Henry Jakubowicz
Where: Jerusalem When: During the festival of Passover ,usually late March or mid April.
Set in the green and relaxing Galilee region, this annual celebration of Israeli gastronomy will appeal to foodies. The weeklong event features workshops, special events hosted by restaurants in the area, as well as a focus on specific local produce.
Where: Tel Aviv.
Where: Different locations in the Galilee and the Jordan Valley.
When: Exact dates to be published.
When: Exact dates to be published.
A wonderful way to celebrate Christmas is to spend the evening of the birth of Jesus in the very city where he was born. Before watching the midnight mass or inside the church or on a giant screen on Manger’s Square, you’ll have the chance to visit Bethlehem’s key site related to Jesus’ birth, the Church of the Nativity. Where: Bethlehem. When: 24 December 2020
Red Sea Jazz Festival Eilat
5 Christmas in Bethlehem
A favourite with runners, this 10km race takes place at nighttime to offer its 25,000 participants a different view of Tel Aviv. Open to anyone over 14 who can present a doctor’s note attesting their fitness levels, the race departs from Rabin Square, the city’s hub for all major events, and closes with a celebratory finish line festival at Ganei Yehoshua.
4 Taste of Galilee Food Festival
An awe-inspiring celebration, Birkat Kohanim sees ten of thousands of people gathering at the Kotel (Western Wall) to witness the priestly blessing. Jewish men belonging to the Kohanim tribe cover their head with their prayer shawl (tallit) and bless the crowd with a millenia old prayer during the morning prayer.
3 Tel Aviv Night Run
2 Birkat Kohanim Jerusalem
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Not one just for jazz aficionados, this well established festival taking place in the south of Israel also welcomes world music (from the Balkans to Cuba), Middle Eastern sounds, and pop music. Around 35 events are held with the magnificent backdrop of the Red Sea in Eilat. A great feature of this festival, happening in winter and summer, is the free jam sessions. Where: Eilat, different venues. When: Exact dates to be published. 9
6 Jerusalem Marathon
[International Jerusalem Winner Marathon]One of Israel’s largest marathons, attracting some 30,000 runners opting for a marathon, half-marathon, 10km, 5km, 1.7km or 800m race, the event is open to elite runners as well as enthusiastic amateurs. The route takes in some of the most impressive landmarks in the Israeli capital including Machane Yehuda Jerusalem market, the Tower of David Old City walls, and also Mount Scopus. Where: Jerusalem / When: Exact dates to be published.
Dubbed “the city that never sleeps” Tel Aviv lives up to its vibrant reputation during “Laila Lavan”, an event where music is played all night long around the city. The main concerts are held at Bialik Square, Shuk HaCarmel, Rothschild Boulevard, and Kikar Rabin while parties and gigs can be found at many bars and clubs in Tel Aviv and Jaffa.
7 White Night Tel Aviv
Where: Tel Aviv / When: Exact dates to be published.
8 Midburn Festival, Negev
Inspired by the legendary Nevada desert event in the US, the Midburn event is the opportunity for its participants to let their creativity loose through interactive art, performances, and self-expression. Don’t expect the traditional festival set-up with stages and music but rather a giant camping site in the Negev and a colourful, joyful and free-spirited vibe. Where: Sde Boker/ When: May 2020 / Exact dates to be published.
Stunning displays of artwork, statues, and installations using light as a medium and the impressive background of the Old City’s walls delight visitors to Jerusalem when night falls. Attracting a crowd of around 250,000 over 10 days, the event’s creations are by artists from Israel and from abroad.
9 Jerusalem Festival of Lights
Where: Jerusalem. / When: July 2020 / Exact dates to be published
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Set in the atmospheric old city of Safed, this three days open air festival celebrates the melancholic, soulful, and also joyful music from Eastern Europe.
Klezmer Festival, Safed
Klezmer resonates in the alleyways hosting artists’ galleries while workshops are organised for children around the themes of storytelling and, of course, music. Where: Safed. /When: August 2020 / Exact dates to be published/ Words: Sonia Esther Soltani
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Explore
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Plan tour of Jerusalem
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Cheap Hotel in Jerusalem
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Top 10 THINGS YOU MUST EAT IN JERUSALEM
22 6 Popular Israeli Drinks You Should Try
5 Days 4 Nights A Grand Tour of Jerusalem
By Ella
With 3.5 million tourists visiting the country every year Jerusalem is the most visited city in the country. Jerusalem is among the world’s oldest cities, Israel’s capital and also the largest city provided that East Jerusalem’s population and area are included. Jerusalem is a holy city to the three main Abrahamic religions which are Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. The city is home to numerous religious historical and archeological attractions.
Day 1 9:00 – After heading into Jerusalem the night before, wake up ready to explore the old city. Learn about the vast & significant history that Jerusalem is known for and see why the old city is important to 3 of the major religions – Judaism, Islam and Christianity. You can join a guided tour group starting from Jaffa Gate or wander between the quarters on your own, but must-see religious sites are the Western Wall, Qubbat al-Sakrah (Dome of the Rock) and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Observe the ongoings in each of the quarters and marvel at the many lives this city has lived. 13:00 – After a great morning soaking in the impressive history of the old city, it’s now time to rest your feet and fill your bellies. Head back to Jaffa Gate and find yourself a spot to eat some delicious Israeli cuisine. I recommend eating at Tala (which you can reach by turning left from Jaffa Gate) because the hummus was delightful and of good value. I also recommend you to browse the souvenir shops that are only a few feet away. They have a wide range of Jerusalem mementos that are worth a look and who says you can’t shop for souvenirs on the first day. 15:00 – Once you’ve reloaded on energy, head to the Peace Forest to start your segway tour of the City of David*. The City of David is an archaeological site which has revealed a lot of knowledge on Ancient Israel and the beginning of Jerusalem. The tour will allow you to learn about Ancient Israel over the course of two
hours, all while enjoying the beautiful views from your segway.
Day 2 11:00 – You had a very full first day yesterday so let yourself snooze for a little longer, before you head back to the Shuk Machane Yehuda. The Machane Yehuda Market is a huge market with over 250 vendors, and a personal favourite of mine. Wander around the market, indulging in the sights and smells, or if you want to have a truly fun and memorable experience – participate in a Shuk Dash. Shuk Dash is a competitive tour game where teams race to complete as many Machane Yehuda Market related missions as they can before the time is complete. With the help of a mission booklet, complete missions such as ‘Find the most unique flavored Halva’ and ‘Find a vendor who is originally from Yemen, Morocco or Greece’ and lose yourself in the excitement of this bustling market. 13:00 – Once you’re done with your exciting escapade at Machane Yehuda, stick around and eat some lunch at the Shuk. As you have already seen from this morning and yesterday night, Shuk Machane Yehuda not only has stalls and vendors selling their freshest produce, but also plenty of high quality cafes and restaurants. You are spoiled for choice with where to eat in the shuk so follow your nose and take your pick. 13
15:00 – After enjoying a delicious lunch at Machane Yehuda, take the light rail to explore the art scene at Mamilla. Mamilla was one of the first neighbourhoods of the new city of Jerusalem, branching right off the Old City and is home to some of the most exciting pursuits of art in the city. Float between the different workshops in The Artists Coloney, where you can receive private showings of work made by painters, jewellers, blacksmiths etc. in their own workshop, and pay a visit to HaMiffal (The Factory), where you can see local artists work on projects in the communal space. Discover the thrilling creations of this unknown art scene.
Day 3 8:00 – Wake up early and prepare some sandwiches, because today you’re going on a day trip to the Dead Sea and Masada. While a tiny country, Israel has some impressive natural attractions with many of them located near Jerusalem. Masada is a national park located in the heart of the desert and home to many important historic events. Take a bus from the city to enjoy the awe-inspiring views of the desert. Then head off to the Dead Sea, which is famous worldwide for being the lowest point on Earth and for having incredible healing properties. Give yourself a full-body mud mask, float in the sea and allow for the wonder of the Dead Sea to do it’s magic. If you want to have the logistics taken care of for you, consider joining a guided tour*. Go back to your accommodation and plop on your bed feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.
Day 4 11:00 – After a long and fun day of seeing a couple of Israel’s natural wonders, wake up after a deep and restful sleep because you’ll need to be emotionally prepared for your visit to the Yad Vashem Museum today. Yad Vashem is the museum that tells the stories of the 6,000,000 Jews who were killed by the Nazis in World War 2. What their lives were like in the various concentration camps, different methods of murder and torture and a painful depiction of the brutal cruelty that the people had to endure. This is not going to be an easy tour but it will be one that will enrich your 14
knowledge and allow you to understand the history better. 20:30 – After having taken some time to process the morning and having rested at your accommodation, gussy up so you can go out and experience some of Jerusalem’s nightlife. But don’t worry if you’re not a fan of the party scene or in the mood for dancing. Instead, make your way to the Shuk Machane Yehuda and experience the nightlife there by participating in a self-guided food tour! Using the BiteMojo app, walk around the shuk trying out all sorts of different sample meals and drinks and while learning about the stories of the people and places responsible for the meals you’re sampling. Enjoy an alternative way to enjoy some nightlife while indulging your inner foodie.
Day 5 9:00 – This is your last day so take your time getting ready and savor the moments of your last morning in Jerusalem. Swim in the hotel pool, chat with your AirBnB host or even document your thoughts and feelings from your trip in your journal. Take this time to reflect on your experience and be in the present moment. 14:00 – After eating lunch wherever took your fancy, head over to the Tower of David Museum to explore the history of Jerusalem even further. The Tower of David Museum tells the story of Jerusalem from the beginning until the State of Israel was founded. Explore the different exhibitions depicting its story and the events that occurred throughout many different timer periods. 19:00 – Stick around until the evening so that you can watch the Tower of David Night Spectacular. The Night Spectacular is a visual arts show that depicts the story of Jerusalem using detailed graphics, moving music and state of the art technology. Take a stroll through the cleverly lit Citadel before you take your seat and enjoy the impressive and mesmerising show as you wrap up your experience in Jerusalem.
Cheap Hotel in Jerusalem 1 A Little House in Bakah A Little House in Bakah - where being small is a big advantage. It has 34 comfortable rooms, is fully air-conditioned and serves a full breakfast. It is a unique, Ottoman style renovated mansion, with arches and columns and beautifully arched windows. The house is surrounded by a large garden that has many inviting corners under beautiful old pine trees. We have free wireless internet access. Little House in Bakah gives you a great opportunity to experience Jerusalem at its best. Free parking can be found on the streets surronding the Hotel.
2 Little House In Rechavia It has 27 unique country-style furnished rooms and family units in a beautiful old stone house completely renovated from the ground, in the heart of Rechavia, one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Jerusalem and only 15 minutes walk from downtown, 20 minutes to the Old City (5 minutes to the Great Synagogue). We serve full Israeli Kosher breakfast is provided. All rooms have air conditioning, LCD TV, telephone and FREE Wi-Fi Internet.FREE coffee / tea 24 hoursFREE Internet in rooms and lobby, FREE computer for guest use.Reception service 24/7
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3 Hilton Dead Sea Resort& Spa Stay at the Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa for an upscale experience in a unique location. Located at the lowest point on earth, over 1,312 feet below sea level, we are set in the heart of the Jordan Valley, with direct access to the beach. Spend the day lounging on the sundeck of our floating pontoon on the beautiful waters of the Dead Sea for a blissful escape.
4 Ramada Resort by Wyndham Dead Sea Ideally located on the northern shore of the Dead Sea, Ramada Resort Dead Sea is situated at the lowest point on earth within the largest natural spa - The Dead Sea. Our 4 star internationally managed resort, a member of Wyndham Hotel Group, is just 55 km from Queen Alia International Airport and 35 km from Amman, Jordan’s capital.
5 Jerusalem International YMCA, Three Arches Hotel The YMCA Three Arches Hotel, with its 152 ft high central bell tower, is a Jerusalem landmark recognized the world over. Designed by the world famous architect of the Empire State Building, the hotel offers a blend of old world charm, friendly hospitality, art works and architectural wonders, together with modern, comfortable accommodations to ensure a pleasant and memorable stay in this remarkable city. 17
WHERE CAN STAY?
Top 10things you must eat in Jerusalem Jerusalem is so much more than a travel destination, it’s a pilgrimage for the mind, soul, senses, and stomach!
1 Baklava Baklava is a rich, sweet dessert pastry made of layers of filo filled with chopped nuts and sweetened and held together with syrup or frosting or honey.
2 Hummus Hummus is a dip, spread, or savory dish made from cooked, mashed chickpeas blended with tahini, lemon juice, and garlic.
3 Jerusalem Bagels Jerusalem bagels are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside and they coated with sesame seeds.
4 Halva Halva is a dense sweet confection made primarily from tahini (ground sesame butter), sugar, and honey.
5 Shawarma Shawarma is thinly sliced cuts of meat, like chicken, beef, goat, lamb, and sometimes turkey rolled into a large piece of flatbread or pita that has been steamed or heated. 19
6 Dessert at Machneyuda Machneyuda is arguably one of the best restaurants in all of Israel.
7 Kanafeh is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert made with thin noodle-like pastry, or alternatively fine semolina dough, soaked in sweet, sugar-based syrup, and typically layered with cheese, or with other ingredients such as clotted cream or nuts, depending on the region.
8 Israeli Bourekas Bourekas are the Israeli equivalent of Jewish-American bagel and cream cheese
9 Breakfast Buffet at Inbal Hotel It’s filled with different foods that immigrants brought to Israel from their native countries like salty cheese, spinach, mushroom, and mashed potato.
10 Israeli salad Israeli salad is made of chopped raw tomato, onion and cucumber, and can also include pepper, carrot, scallion, leafy greens and parsley.
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6 Popular Israeli Drinks You Should Try From comforting Middle-Eastern style hot chocolate, to mysterious local liquors and classic summer drinks, here are six beverages you must try if you’re visiting Israel.
2 Arak
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Arak or araq is a Levantine unsweetened distilled spirit in the anise drinks family. It is a translucent white anise-flavored drink.
3 Shoko b'sakit
Tubi 60 Tubi 60 is a category creating natural herbal spirit. Made with high quality all-natural ingredients tubi 60 is liquid euphoria. 22
Shoko b’sakit translates as “chocolate milk in a bag”, which is exactly what this popular Israeli drink is!
Ice Café an “ice café” in Israel, you will receive a deliciously sweet and refreshing coffee-flavoured slushy. Israel’s main coffee chain, Aroma, is famous for its ice café, which is the ultimate antidote to the intense Middle Eastern heat.
Sachlav Sachlav is something in-between food and beverage: a thick, milk-based drink served hot and topped with pistachios, grated coconut and raisins.
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Limonana Israel’s classic summer beverage, limonana (a combination of the Hebrew words for lemon and mint) is a refreshing mix of icy lemonade and crushed mint leaves.
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