ISRAEL

Israel is 260 miles in length and only 12½ miles wide. One is able to drive from Eilat in the south to Rosh Hanikra in the north in 5 hours. Though small in size, Israel has significant historical sites and traveling in Israel is an exciting adventure.

AREAS OF INTEREST

Tel Aviv and Jaffa  The commercial and entertainment capital of Israel Tel Aviv is the first Hebrew city, established in 1909. Tel Aviv is known for its culture, theatre and arts. This city of energy is the home of the Philharmonic Orchestra, significant museums, an incredible number of art galleries and Tel Aviv University. Jaffa today is a part of Tel Aviv; tradition has it that Jaffa was named after Japeth, son of Noah, who built the town. Jaffa served as an ancient Israelite port during the reign of King Solomon, and later as a Hellenistic and Roman port. The ancient city of Jaffa, has been partially restored and today is an artist’s colony with tiny alleys full of galleries, and at night one of the entertainment centers of Tel Aviv. In summer, Tel Aviv and Jaffa are alive with outdoor activities, the bustling beach boardwalk, is lively with out-door cafes, restaurants and out-doors concerts.

Jerusalem The capital of the state of Israel lies in the Judean hills. It contains the Old City, surrounded by high-fortified walls and ramparts, and the New City, modern Jerusalem. The Old City has four quarters: the Jewish, Moslem, Christian and n quarters. Contained in the Old City are the temple Mount, site of the Temple, and the two great mosques, the Dome of the Rock and the Aksa Mosque. On the Western side of the Mount is the Western or Wailing Wall, one of the most sacred Jewish sites. The Christian Quarter contains several important churches and monasteries including the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and those along the Via Dolorosa. The Moslem Quarter, with its colorful marketplace, is the commercial center of the Old City. Mount Zion is the site of David’s grave and the Last Supper. Outside the walls one can find the excavations of David’s City, Mount of Olives and countless beautiful churches and monasteries. The New City is the site of the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, several excellent museums, Yad Vashem, the museum dedicated to the Holocaust, the Hebrew University and the most impressive Supreme Court. We highly recommend a visit to The Supreme Court, for it is an architectural masterpiece.

Haifa A major port in northern Israel Haifa is situated on Haifa Bay. Part of the town encompasses the coastal plain below the Carmel Range, while the rest of the town occupies the northern and the western slopes. The town contains several historic sites, including an ancient Crusader fort, the remains of an ancient town "Shilmona", containing mosaic floors and an ancient church. The city is also a religious center, the site of Elijah’s Cave, the Bahai Temple and the Carmelite Monastery.

Massada One of the most famous and important archaeological and historical sites in Israel, Messada is located in the Judean Desert at the summit of a massive cliff 450m above the level of the Dead Sea. Joseph Flavius reports that it was built by Jonathan the Hamonean as a refuge in time of danger. Herod added to the buildings and fortifications, making Massada into one of the strongest fortresses in Judea. Seized by the rebels during the revolt against Rome, it became the last Zealot stronghold against the Roman Army. When the defenders saw that all hope was lost, they set fire to the fortress and then committed suicide.

Dead Sea A salty closed sea in the South of the Jordan Valley; the Dead Sea is the lowest spot on earth, 398m below sea level. Along its western shores are many sulfur springs and spas.

Beit Shean Today's Beit Shean was established as a development town on the site of the ancient city, after the War of Independence. The city has many historical relics, a museum, a stadium, a theatre and a war memorial. The ancient city of Beit Shean was of great commercial and military importance throughout much of its history.

Capernaum The site of an ancient settlement on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, according to Jewish tradition, is named after the Prophet Nahum. Christian tradition associates this site with the birthplace of Petrus as well as with the home of Jesus for a time, during which he preached and performed miracles. Capernaum contains the remains of a synagogue from the 3^rd century, apparently built atop the ruins of an earlier synagogue where Jesus preached, according to Christian tradition.

Tiberias Named after the Roman Emperor Tiberias, this 2000-year-old town is situated on the Sea of Galilee. Tiberias is one of the four cities holy to the Jews: Jerusalem, Hebron, Tiberias and Safed and was the seat of the famous Talmudic scholars. Major attractions include the burial sites of many of Judaism’s most famous rabbis and scholars, including Rambam and Rabbi Akiva. Today Tiberias is a major spa and resort area.

Safed This picturesque town, once the seat of the Kabbalists, is now the home of an artist's colony. Attractions include the burial sites of famous rabbis, ancient burial caves and the artist’s colony.

Eilat and The Red Sea  The southernmost city of Israel, Eilat is a unique oasis extended on the coast of the Red Sea. Eilat worships the sun, the sea and nature itself. The calm transparent water of the Red Sea offers breathtakingly beautiful Coral Reefs and an enchanted under water world, featuring thousands of varieties of fish and other marine life forms. The inspiring tranquility of the desert around Eilat compliments Eilat lifestyle! Eilat is Israel's leading tourist location and undoubtedly the most convenient and best-organized holiday spot in the region with a vast range of entertainment and recreation activities.