1. Israel’s bank notes have Braille markings on them so that the blind can identify them easily.
2. Israel spends more money for security than any other country in the world.
3. Despite Israel’s tiny geographical scale, the country’s air force is one of the largest in the world, exceeded in size only by those of the United States, Russia, and China.
4. All Israeli students – male or female – have to go through mandatory military service after graduating from high school. The service lasts for three years for boys and two years for girls.
5. The Israelis have developed and designed several important technological innovations of the modern world. These include the AOL Instant Messenger technology, Windows NT and XP, the voicemail system, Pentium-4 and Centrino processors, and the ever useful cell phone.
6. With 3,500 high-technology companies and startups in its territory, Israel has the highest concentration of high-technology companies in the world, next only to Silicon Valley.
7. Israel is the only country in the world who entered the 21st century with more trees in its territory than it had in the 20th century.
8. Ever wondered if the glue on Israel’s stamps are kosher? They are.
9. In many Israeli bus stops, you can find a box for tzedakah – charitable giving.
10. Although Israel’s agricultural output has increased sevenfold in the past 25 years, its water usage has remained practically the same.
Where to go in Israel
Jerusalem
The Wailing Wall and the Dome of the Rock
Jerusalem, Israel’s capital and its largest city, is a place ascribed as holy, not just because of its biblical significance but more because of it being home to the three great monotheistic religions in the world: Judaism, Islam, and Christianity.
There is a notably harmonious co-existence among these three, as evidenced by the close proximity of these religions’ structures to each other. In fact, within the walls of the Old City, you will find the Western Wall, also known as the “Wailing Wall” that Jews regard as the most sacred spot in the world; the Dome of the Rock, an important Islam mosque built on the Temple Mount; and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, heralded by Christians as an important church complex for being the crucifixion and burial site of Jesus Christ.
Since it is where Jesus lived and died, Jerusalem naturally is a top pilgrimage destination for Christians around the world. Here you can pass through the Via Dolorosa, or the “Way of Sorrows,” which Jesus walked on as he went toward his crucifixion site.
There are other Christian sites outside the Old City that you can visit, including the churches of The Ascension, Gethsemane, and Mary Magdalene. The Jewish sites Western Wall Tunnels and Davidson Center are also worth visiting. Of course, your tour around Jerusalem is not complete without stopping by the markets, the New City, and its neighborhoods.
Dead Sea
The Dead Sea’s coastline
The Dead Sea is known primarily for its high saline content, which makes marine life impossible. An interesting result of this high saltiness is that humans inevitably float here. You just can’t sink below the water.
But the Dead Sea is not just a fascinating piece of natural wonder; it is also a world-renowned natural spa, attracting droves of visitors every year. Dead Sea salt, for one, is legendary for its therapeutic properties. The black mud deposit on its seabed has nourishing effects on the skin, while air around the Dead Sea has a good concentration of bromide that benefits the body.
Another interesting fact is that the Dead Sea is the lowest land surface on the planet, with a depth of 417 meters below sea level. This has earned for its the distinction of being “the lowest health spa in the world.”
The Dead Sea region has several accommodations that offer an easy access to the water and the shore. It also leads to other sites, including monasteries and historical structures.
Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv and its famous beach
Tel Aviv is a vibrant, active, and upbeat destination. It is the second largest city in the country and is the hub of modernity and commercialism.
Tel Aviv is set along the Mediterranean Sea, which makes the beaches the primary tourist-magnet in the city. The beaches are wide, the water is cool, and the sight of the urban seaside city is magnificent. But more than that, Tel Aviv beaches boast of an all-year summer weather. Even during winter, in fact, you can find people walking along the shore and playing in the sand.
Nightlife in Tel Aviv is an altogether different story. While other tourists hike to the hills and traverse different roads to observe solemnity, tourists in Tel Aviv take part in the world-renowned clubbing experience in this seaside city. Observers from different parts of the world have said that clubs and bars in Tel Aviv are much more liberal and energetic than those found in New York and some parts of Europe, and these clubs’ burgeoning number is testament that Tel Aviv is emerging as one of the best clubbing scenes in the world.
The Sea of Galilee
The Sea of Galilee and the Church of the Seven Apostles
Galilee is one of the best pilgrimage destinations in Israel because it was the region for Jesus’ most important ministerial activities. It also offers a lot of important and beautiful sites; one of the most prominent is the Sea of Galilee.
Locally called “Kineret Lake,” the Sea of Galilee is where Jesus recruited his first disciples, miraculously caught a boatful of fish, multiplied fishes and bread loaves, calmed a storm, and walked on water. Apparently, visiting the Sea of Galilee brings visitors closer to the heart of Jesus’ ministry.
But aside from its biblical significance, the Sea of Galilee attracts visitors for its lovely view. Surrounding this freshwater reservoir – which, incidentally, is the largest in Israel – you will see lush mountains, hills, and rich vegetation.
To accommodate tourists, several hotels, hostels, and guesthouses have been built along the beaches, and different water activities, such as boating and canoeing, are available to action-obsessed tourists.
A visit to the Sea of Galilee is best punctuated with tours to the surrounding sites such as the Jordan Park, Khamat Gader, Beit Tsida Nature Reserve, Mount of Beatitudes, Galilee Boat, the Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes, and the Church of the Seven Apostles.
Nazareth
Nazareth cityscape
Located in Lower Galilee, Nazareth is best known as Jesus’ childhood city. Expectedly, this largest Arab city in Israel has become the cradle of the Christian faith and an important pilgrimage destination, where people can have a glimpse into the child Jesus’ everyday life.
Most of the pilgrimage sites are located in the Old City. Topping the list is the Church of the Annunciation, which is situated on the spot where Gabriel announced to Mary that she would conceive a child through the Holy Spirit. It was built from the remains of Crusader and Byzantine churches.
A short distance away is the Church of Saint Joseph, which is constructed on the place where St. Joseph’s carpentry shop used to stand.
The Church of St. Gabriel is also worth a visit. It is the Orthodox version of the Church of the Annunciation and is said to be, according to Orthodox beliefs, where the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary as she was fetching water.
Mary’s Spring runs through the altar of this Orthodox Church and is also used to supply water to Mary’s Well, a fountain that was constructed over the well where Mary drew water
Akko
Panoramic view of Akko
Akko, which also goes by the name Acre, is an inspiring ancient city. Its attractions mirror the different periods it went through – from the Roman and Greek periods to the British Mandate. For being just a well-preserved ancient city, Akko is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Housing different ancient structures, this Western Galilee city has earned the reputation of being a prime tourist destination. Within its walls are alleyways, places of worship, underground passages, ramparts, vaults, fortresses, baths, and fishing port, all of which display an impressive and delicate antiquity.
But although it is cloaked with an ancient atmosphere, Akko also holds a sense of modernity, with several restaurants and accommodations lining its old streets.
Eilat
Eilat hotels and marina
Eilat, located in the southern part of Israel, is a resort city that is always busy with vacationers from Israel and other parts of the world.
This is not surprising, since Eilat experiences relatively warm weather the entire year, even during winter.
From its humble beginnings as a port city, Eilat has developed into a prime tourist destination with plenty of hotels and beaches.
Here you can try different water activities with your family or explore the surrounding desert valleys and mountains. There are also stores, restaurants, and an amusement park, which will satisfy all your cravings for fun and relaxation.
Masada
Ruins of King Herod’s palace in Masada
Masada is a haunting desert plateau with a striking view of the Dead Sea and a poignant history: It was originally a palace complex built by King Herod, and in 73 AD, it served as the refuge of the last Jewish Revolt warriors.
A historian says that after the Jewish rebels lost to the Roman army in a violent siege, the surviving rebels opted to commit suicide than be subject to slavery. This act has since become a valuable nationalist symbol to the Jewish people.
Its history has made Masada a significant tourist destination, but aside from its poignant story, Masada attracts visitors for its captivating ruins of the Roman-style palace complex and the still-intact siege works. Masada is, in fact, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The palace complex has undergone some restoration, enhancing the already interesting ruins of this King Herod structure.
The palace complex has undergone some restoration, enhancing the already interesting ruins of this King Herod structure.
Mitzpe Ramon
Some Mitzpe Ramon fauna
Sitting right on the edge of the heart-shaped Ramon crater is Mitzpe Ramon, a quiet and rural little town that offers different tourist sites and activities.
In this town, you can go on a camel, jeep, or bicycle tour; have an action-packed rappelling adventure; or enjoy a campout.
Of course, you can also visit the Ramon crater and the fantastic formations surrounding it. Make sure to also drop by the Mitzpe Ramon Visitors Center, Albert Promenade, and Bio Ramon.
Caesarea
Amphitheater seats in Caesarea
Caesarea used to be a port city boasting of amphitheater, artificial harbor, temples, and bathhouses, among others.
Caesarea had actually been the capital of Palestine and has witnessed significant biblical and historical events, including a Roman centurion’s conversion to Christianity and the execution of the Bar Kochba revolution leaders.
Through the course of history, Caesarea faced major destruction and eventually disappeared; but after excavation efforts, Caesarea now stands proud as one of the most impressive archaeological developments in Israel.
A visit to Caesarea will be more memorable if you tour around Caesarea’s Harbor National Park. Here you can see the temple ruins, watch events in the amphitheater, and walk along the ancient walls, all the while taking a glimpse into the past, from the time of King Herod all the way to the time of the Rothschild family.
A film about the city’s history and how it has changed through the years is shown to enrich your knowledge.
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