Guide on Israel has become one of Japan’s most popular travel books.
Are Japanese tourists making Israel their destination of choice? If Japan sales of a “tourist bible” on Israel are anything to go by, then the answer is yes.
In recent years, Israel has seen a marked increase in tourism from East Asia, including Japan, China and Korea. In 2008, some 135,000 visitors from East Asia arrived in Israel, an increase of 20 percent from the year before.
Recognizing this trend, the publishers of Japan’s largest travel guide added Israel to the popular Globetrotter series. The new guide book quickly climbed to second place on the company’s best-seller list of guide books by country.
Most Japanese tourists traveling independently view the Globetrotter series as the “tourist Bible” - using it for hotel and restaurant recommendations, and even for shopping in recommended stores.
As a result of the book’s success, a translation will be published in Korean by the end of the year.
Gil Travel announce special deals for families planning to vacation in Israel this summer with ELAL special family rates.
“An Israel family vacation presents an exciting opportunity for children and teens to learn about their culture and history,” reports Iris Hami, Vice-President of Gil Travel. “Our goal is to present the information in a way that is interactive and fun for children. In fact, we make a strong effort to match each guide with the type of people on a particular tour, in order to find the guide that is most suitable to each group’s age range and interests.”
Recommended education adventures for the whole family to enjoy during an Israel Tour include:
·A donkey ride at Kfar Kedem, where travelers can actually hitch a plow to one of the donkeys and work the land or put their shoulder to the wheel of an ancient grindstone to prepare the whole-grain flour.
·A jeep ride up the Golan Heights, one of Israel’s most beautiful and controversial regions.
·A chance to pet the kangaroos at Gan Guru.
·A swim in the Gan Hashlosha water springs.
·A trip to the new Jerusalem Zoo and Wohl Archeological Center
·A (surprisingly affordable) plane ride over the Dead Sea.
·Bike riding in the Hula Valley
For additional details on the ELAL family rates or for help planning your summer Israel vacation, please call Gil Travel at 800-223-3855.
One of the greatest joys of being in the Middle East is the fantastic food. While there are supermarkets spread across Israel that could handle all of your shopping needs, it’s so much more fun to go to the shuk!
The most famous shuk in Israel is Mahane Yehuda in Jerusalem. This open-air farmer’s market is full of noise, color, and flavors floating in the air. It is the ultimate sensory experience. Yalla, let’s go take a quick visual trip of this vibrant shopping locale…
The first place your nose will draw you to is the Marzipan bakery on the Agripas Street side of the market. You will not only fall in love with the smell of the freshly baked chocolate rugelach, you will not be able to stop popping them into your mouth! Take a look at the wonderful treats the bakery has to offer:
You can also pick up some great middle eastern breads at a few more stands throughout the shuk. The one I always go to (pictured below) is near the middle of the main street of Mahane Yehuda itself:
Another essential stop in the shuk is at Uzi Eli’s stand with freshly made spreads, sauces, and drinks made from the best of herbs and other ingredients available. You must try their samples of the green Yemenite schug and the hilbeh. To drink, try the Rambam mix for a little sweet almond taste of health.
The Jerusalem etrog medicine man (above, center) and his natural, delicious salads with medicinal properties (below).
Pick up some fish to grill, broil, or pan fry. You can make a delicious Moroccan or Yemenite style fish, or just throw it on the barbecue if you want to create a traditional Israeli summer meal.
There are plenty of shops that offer one of the more famous local ingredients, olives. Choose from Moroccan Black olives, large Stuffed Green olives, and more. They will also sell various pickled vegetables on the side, such as pickled eggplant and cucumbers.
Check out the colorful spices that are the staples of any great local dish.
Of course, the star items at the shuk are none other than the gorgeous, local farm grown fruits and vegetables.
Well, what are you waiting for? Go out and get some great deals at the Mahane Yehuda shuk. Try the following recipe for a yummy shuk-inspired refreshing lunch.
The Shuk Salad
Ingredients:
1 package of baby field greens
1 bunch of mint, finely chopped
1/2 kilo (approx. 1 lb) of strawberries, stemmed and halved
2 cucumbers, chopped
juice from 3 lemons (save the peel for zest)
1/4 kilo (approx. 1/2 lb) of candied pecans, crushed
1/4 kilo (approx. 1/2 lb) of feta or bulgarian cheese, crumbled
pure olive oil
za’atar seasoning
Method:
Rinse all vegetables and fruit before preparation. Pat dry. Toss the first five ingredients together in a large bowl. Place the candied pecans inside of a paper bag and crush. Add the pecans and crumbled cheese into the salad mix. Add the olive oil and za’atar, to taste, and toss again. Serve and enjoy. Beteavon!
The following article is the fourth in a series about the Old City of Jerusalem, Israel.
The Armenian Quarter, situated in the southwestern area of the Old City, is owned mostly by the Armenian Patriarch. The Patriarch has its own compound, which is closed off to the general public. It does, however, host a seminary, monastery, the Cathedral of Saint James, Saint Toros Church, and the Church of Archangels. There are limited hours to visit the Cathedral of St. James, between 15:00-15:30 for the vespers prayer service.
The Armenian Museum is typically available to visit Monday through Saturday from 10:00-17:00, but is currently undergoing renovation and is consequently closed for the time being. You will, however, find maps of the Armenian Genocide plastered all over the walls of the quarter.
Within the cartographic boundaries of the Armenian Quarter resides the David Citadel Tower. Inside this complex, located on the southern side of Jaffa Gate, is the History of Jerusalem Museum. Walk through history itself as you tour the Citadel’s cellars, rooms, and lush outdoor terraces. Inside many rooms you’ll find exhibits depicting an era through maps, text, and ancient artifacts. There is even a theater where you can view an short animated movie depicting the story of Jerusalem. For more information, visit the Tower of David website at http://www.towerofdavid.org.il/eng/.
If you feel the need to fill your stomach, there are a few restaurants for you to choose from. Check out the Armenian Tavern (menu pictured above) located on the Armenian Patriarch Road for some classic Armenian fare. Try the kubbeh (meat stuffed balls of wheat) or the Armenian pizza for starters. Be aware that they only accept cash here, so come prepared.
There are a couple of hostels that are recommended in this quarter. The Jaffa Gate Hostel, located just inside Jaffa Gate (accessible through a walkway situated across from the David Citadel Tower entrance), is currently undergoing a revamping and is improving its look and comfort factors. Their staff is very friendly and helpful, and the private room rate comes out to around 150 shekels per night, some including a private bathroom and television. Another reasonable deal can be found at the Citadel Hostel, located on St. Marks Road (from Jaffa Gate, enter the shuk and take the first set of stairs to the right, then make a left). Phone numbers: Jaffa Gate Hostel 02-6276402 (from Israel), 011-972-2-6276402 (from USA); Citadel Hostel 02-6285253 (from Israel), 011-972-2-6285253 (from USA).
The following article is the third in a series about the Old City of Jerusalem, Israel.
The second to the largest area of the Old City, the Christian Quarter, is filled with great sites. It covers the northwest section of the Old City, including the New Gate to Jaffa Gate. As the name suggests, this quarter features mostly Christian holy places, but is still beautiful to visit for anyone traveling through the area.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre (also Church of the Resurrection) is located in the center of the quarter and is open daily to all visitors, typically during daylight hours. According to Christian theologians, this is the site where Jesus was both crucified, buried, and resurrected. Inside the church is a virtual treasure trove of beautiful ancient Christian artifacts, a hall for prayer, and the tomb of Jesus. While technically the Jerusalem headquarters for the Greek Orthodox, the Russian Orthodox and Roman Catholic sects also share a portion in control of the church.
Via Dolorosa, or Walk of Pain/Suffering, is one of the most spiritually moving walks of the Old City. There are frequently groups of pilgrims who will organize the walk with a leader/priest from their church. Along the way are nine Stations of the Cross, each of which is a holy site in its own right. The walk begins in the Muslim Quarter at the Lion’s Gate, and continues until the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Controlled by the Lutherans, the Church of the Redeemer (a two minute walk from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre) stands tall amongst surrounding buildings. For those that are willing to pay a few shekels (approximately 20 shekels), you can hike up the staircase to the top of the bell tower. The walk up is tiring, and even a bit scary, but is worth the beautiful 360 degree views you will catch at the top. If you’re not up for the hike, the exterior of the church offers very interesting architecture, especially on the medieval-styled northern gate.
As part of the grand tradition of the Middle East, the Christian Quarter also features a shuk to meddle in. The main part of the shuk is on the Christian Quarter Road, but does trickle slightly to side roads. You will find many Christian-focused gifts, such as crosses, rosaries, nativity scenes, et cetera. The same rules go for this shuk as the one in the Muslim Quarter, you will need to be savvy and bargain hard to get yourself a good price; don’t settle.
If you get hungry, the best place to go is near the New Gate for falafel or shawerma in pita (the restaurant is on the corner as soon as you enter). There are also a few scattered pizza places and hookah cafes throughout the quarter (be aware that hookah cafes may be men-only).
The following article is the second in a series about the Old City of Jerusalem, Israel.
A street in the Jewish Quarter
The Jewish Quarter is the second from smallest quarter, located in the southern part of the Old City, Jerusalem.
It’s cartographic boundaries include the Western Wall (HaKotel in Hebrew), Zion Gate, located on Mount Zion, and the Dung Gate, just outside of the Western Wall Plaza. The Jewish Quarter is the cleanest and safest area with the stone walls built by the Ottomans.
The Western Wall Plaza and Temple Mount
Start your day off early and head to the Temple Mount (Haram al-Sharif or Al Quds in Arabic, Har HaBayit in Hebrew). While it is under control of the Muslim Waqf, the only entrance through which non-Muslims are allowed to enter is just inside the Dung Gate (on the right side of the entrance to HaKotel plaza). The hours vary, but you generally can enter in the morning on every day of the week, aside from Friday (only Muslims are allowed on Fridays). Hours are also subject to change based upon the security situation. The Temple Mount is flourishing with beautiful trees and has great examples of Islamic architecture. If you are Jewish, you may want to take into consideration that Jewish law prohibits Jews from walking on the majority of the Har HaBayit, so consult your rabbi before visiting. The east side of the main plaza area has, unfortunately, a large mound of litter, near the Golden Gate… but offers great views of the Mount of Olives.
If you’re hungry and could use a bite to eat, grab breakfast at Bonker’s Bagels and watch the assortment of folks as you enjoy your bagel. Afterward, just take (literally) a couple steps over to visit the Burnt House. It is the residence of a Jewish family from the time of the Second Temple Period (approximately 70 c.e.) that was discovered during excavations. If you’re intrigued by archaeology and find this taster doesn’t satiate your desire to learn and see more, go check out the Jerusalem Archaeological Park, located outside of the Southern wall of the Temple Mount. There are plenty of excavations that you can climb through, including mikvaot (ritual baths) that were used to purify the worshippers before ascending to the Temple. For more information, visit their website at http://www.archpark.org.il/.
A view of the top of the Jewish Quarter and the rebuilt Hurva Synagogue
Trek back up the stairs to hit the Moriah Bookstore and Giftshop for beautiful Judaica and good-quality souvenirs. For lunch, you can head over to the main plaza’s mini-market, where they also sell delicious Israeli shwarma in a pita (try it with ’schug’ if you like it spicy). Eat in the square on one of the benches facing the Hurva Synagogue, which is currently being rebuilt.
Shwarma
If you’re about ready to shell out the big bucks, then you’ll want to head over to the Cardo. There you’ll find some of the most beautiful jewellry, artwork, silvercraft, and other handicrafts. These shops only sell high-quality items, so expect to pay a few shekels more than you might for a cheap replica in the shuk.
The Women’s Section of the Western Wall
The place I prefer to visit last, usually at night, is the Western Wall. It is the only remaining, accessible, part of the original Temple Mount, surviving many wars, fires, and regimes. You’ll enter through one of four security points, each have their own x-ray scanner and metal detector, and at least two security guards. People of any faith may enter the Western Wall Plaza, including the area for prayer. No matter what you believe, it is a tranquil place to sit, think, and linger in the feeling of great spirituality. Write a note and slip it between the crevices of the Wall, don’t worry, only you and God will know what it says. Before entering, it is important to remember that you should be dressed modestly (for women, this means covered knees, shoulders, and cleavage), photography/smoking/cellphone usage is forbidden on the Jewish Sabbath and Holy Days, and generally have respect for the worshipers. If you are Jewish, you may want to consider hanging around for Shabbath. Meet Jeff Seidel (http://www.jeffseidel.com/) outside of the men’s prayer area at the Kotel after sunset on Friday to be setup for dinner with a local family.
Please note before planning a day in the Jewish Quarter that every business and the ATM within it are closed from Friday at sunset until Saturday at sundown. English is as commonly spoken in the Jewish Quarter as Hebrew, plus many people speak Arabic, Spanish, and French. Enjoy your time!
The following article is the first in a series about the Old City of Jerusalem, Israel. It is presented from the point of view of the author, a tour guide and former resident of the Old City. Get a taste for the culture, the history, the spirituality, and the beauty as we commence the journey into this fascinating, and highly disputed, piece of real estate.
Jews, Muslims, and Christians alike all stake a claim in this beautiful, walled city as one of their religion’s holiest sites. Is the OldCity the center of the world? Perhaps. Is it one of the most amazing places to be on the planet? For sure!
There are four “quarters” of the OldCity. Each are free to explore and get lost (and found, spiritually) in. The largest of the four is the Muslim Quarter. It takes up about one-third of the area, in the northeast, and includes the Lion’s Gate to the east, Herod’s Gate to the northeast, and Damascus Gate in the north.It is abound with energy, vibrancy, and color during the day. The ‘shuk’ (or ’souq’; an open-air market) is full of everything from sandals to Christian trinkets to Islamic prayer rugs, incense, and so much more.
Everyone is very friendly and hospitable. Don’t be shocked if a shop owner invites you in for a look at his merchandise and a cup of the famous Turkish coffee, on the house. They speak your language, and will try to get the highest price no matter what language you speak (besides, perhaps, Arabic), so don’t be shy to speak your native tongue, and also be aware that they may understand any side comments you make. Drive a hard bargain, even start to walk away if the price isn’t reasonable enough. Their ‘cost’ of merchandise is usually half of what they tell you, so don’t feel bad at all if they give it to you at that price. The first price they tell you is always (no matter what they say) double as much as they are hoping to get. Near the entrance to the Western Wall is a shop owner named Ramadan, he or his son will usually give you some of the best prices. Oh, and ladies, please be sure you are modest in both dress and action – Middle Eastern men are *very* flirtatious.
If you get hungry, there are plenty of places to stop in for a bite. Try Jafar Sweets for traditional Arabic desserts (especially Kadifah, made from sweet cheese and crispy orange noodles on top), Abu Shukri for some of the best hummus out there (be aware, they essentially only offer this, along with various toppings), or a great, unnamed falafel stand at the bottom of the stairs inside Damascus Gate for the most amazing, always fresh, and very cheap, falafel in pita you will ever taste. There are plenty of scattered hookah bars, but most are male-only.
While walking along the way, you will see soldiers and police stationed, usually in pairs. They are there for your protection, and many incidents have proven the need for them. The Border Guard soldiers (wearing the green uniforms) typically do not speak much English, but they can be useful for very basic directions and the time. Once again, I must strongly remind the ladies that Middle Eastern men love to flirt. This particular unit of soldiers is infamous for being womanizers, so do be aware of this. For everyone – please avoid walking unnecessarily through the Muslim Quarter at night. It is dangerous, as theft, assault, rape, and stabbings are unfortunately not uncommon.
The Muslim Quarter is best to visit on Saturday. Friday is a day of prayer in Islam, so it is extremely crowded (imagine trying to walk through people packed together like sardines), and about half the shops are closed. Saturday is the Jewish day of rest, so the majority of Jerusalem (including public transportation) is shut down. Enjoy your time, have fun, and practice your Arabic, too!
Basic Arabic Phrases/Words
Aywah – Yes (pronounced in most common situations as “ah”) La – No Ahdesh Hadah? – How much is this? Bidi Hadah -I want this Kif Halak? – How are you? Ilhamdullilah – Good, Thank God Insha-allah – Hopefully/God Willing
Numbers - Wahad (1), Tinin (2), Talatah (3), Arba’a (4), Hamsah (5), Sitteh (6), Saba (7), Tamaniye (8), Tisa (9), Asharah (10), Ashreen (20), Talateen (30), Arba’een (40), Hamseen (50), Sitteen (60), Saba’een (70), Tamaneen (80), Tiseen (90), Miya (100)
All images provided by the Author and can be viewed on her Flickr account.
Israel is home to a variety of cultures and a surprisingly diverse collection of religious beliefs. The history of the country has many facets and due to its historical record, the political and religious landscape of the region is ever-shifting. Israel offers a wide variety of sites and scenes for potential travelers and here we’ll focus on a few:
Jerusalem
Jerusalem, as we know, is the capital of Israel and one of the world’s oldest cities. Jerusalem is Israel’s largest city, both in population and area, and is in many ways the cradle of Judaism. The historical and religious value of the city are awe-inspiring. The land has been fought over, time and time again, exchanging political and cultural hands repeatedly. According to sources, Jerusalem has been destroyed twice, besieged 23 times, attacked 52 times, and captured and recaptured 44 times. To walk within its walls is to walk amongst history.
Located about 10 kilometers south of Jerusalem, Bethlehem is believed to be the birthplace of Jesus and David. David is also said to have been crowned King of Israel here. Bethlehem, much like other parts of Israel, has had several rulers. The city’s primary source of income is tourism, with the height of the season arriving along with Christmas. Pilgrimages to the Church of the Nativity and to Rachel’s Tomb, an important Jewish holy site located near the city’s entrance, are a couple of Bethlehem’s primary attractions.
Haifa is one of Israel’s largest and most progressive cities. It has exciting nightlife, gorgeous beaches and significant historical value. Home to a mix of Jews and Arabs, Haifa also boasts the Bahá’í World Centre, a Bahá’í pilgrimage site located on the slopes of Mount Carmel. This port city was settled as early as the 14th century and has been conquered by multiple groups. These include the Byzantines, Arabs, Crusaders, Ottomans, Egyptians, and the British. Following the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, the city has been governed by the Haifa Municipality.
According to the New Testament, Nazareth was the childhood home of Jesus. The city is located amongst a range of hills and nestled at their bases. Nazareth is another of Israel’s common Christian pilgrimage sites.
Masada, or “fortress,” is the name of an area located in southern Israel. It was once home to fortifications and palaces that overlooked the Dead Sea from the lofty vantage point of a huge plateau. A siege of the fortress by Roman soldiers during the First Jewish-Roman War led to Masada’s inhabitants committing mass-suicide in an effort to avoid capture and torture.
Unlimited sums of local and foreign money may be brought into Israel as cash, travelers’ checks, credit cards or State of Israel bonds*. Most American tourists who are in travel groups have prepaid their arrangements and have little need to exchange funds. Dollars are widely accepted in Israel; nevertheless, storeowners and service providers are not required to accept foreign currency and are permitted to give change in shekels even if payment was made in foreign currency.
1 Israeli shekel = $0.25 U.S. dollars
Money can be exchanged at any of the street exchange bureaux, ATMs or any of Israel’s major banks (i.e.- Hapoalim, Leumi, Discount bank, FIBI and Hamizrahi). You may change dollars into shekels legally by going to a bank, or by patronizing a money changer located throughout the main shopping areas of the large cities. Another convenient option: you can withdraw up to 1,000 shekel a day from the ATM’s (in Israel they are outside most major bank branches throughout the country) with a credit card or ATM card. It’s a good idea to have some cash on hand before you arrive — we suggest about $100 worth, depending on the cost of transportation and how soon you think you’ll be able to reach an ATM. You can either bring U.S. dollars to use at the airport’s exchange bureau, or change your money before you even leave home.
Change Place provides a variety of financial services all over Israel, including Ben Gurion Airport and in all other border crossings. Services provided by the company include conversion of any foreign currency, ordering of foreign currency online, VAT refunds for tourists, payment of fees for passage of border crossings, and more. (more…)
Don’t miss Jerusalem by train! – Far from the careening speedway is a great possibility - quiet, reflective, not crowded - the Tel Aviv-Jerusalem train, which takes almost two hours, double the highway time, to wind its way between the two cities. It covers 50 miles, meandering from the coastal plain to the hills around Jerusalem. But unlike the highway, the train takes the traveler inside the topography.
It is slow, not efficient, has very low frequency, and the central train station in Jerusalem is next to “Malcha Mall” in the far end of the city, but after saying that: this is the most interesting train line in Israel — re-opened in 2005. The management of Israel Railways is preparing the infrastructure and the plans that will meet the public’s high expectations, and sweep the railways into a new era.
Fodor’s says that people take this train trip sometimes just for the fun. The train leaves the Malcha Station (near the big Jerusalem Mall) almost every hour, with a first stop very close by at the Biblical Zoo. It terminates at Tel Aviv Hashalom Station, with connections to Haifa and the north. Service ends midafternoon on Friday (because of the Sabbath), and resumes after dark on Saturday. (A similar schedule applies to Jewish religious holidays.) The fare to or from Tel Aviv is NIS 19 one-way, and NIS 34.50 return, for any passenger over 10 years old.
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Money can be exchanged at any of the street exchange bureaux, ATMs or any of Israel’s major banks (i.e.- Hapoalim, Leumi, Discount bank, FIBI and Hamizrahi). You may change dollars into shekels legally by going to a bank, or by patronizing a money changer located throughout the main shopping areas of the large cities. Another convenient option: you can withdraw up to 1,000 shekel a day from the ATM’s (in Israel they are outside most major bank branches throughout the country) with a credit card or ATM card. It’s a good idea to have some cash on hand before you arrive — we suggest about $100 worth, depending on the cost of transportation and how soon you think you’ll be able to reach an ATM. You can either bring U.S. dollars to use at the airport’s exchange bureau, or change your money before you even leave home.