themes to explore during your visit
in the Land of Israel
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Jerusalem
Jerusalem is one of the oldest cities in the world. It is considered holy for the three Abrahamic religions —Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. To this day, some of the most important sanctuaries for the three religions are found in Jerusalem.
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Throughout its history, Jerusalem has been destroyed at least twice, besieged 23 times, captured and recaptured 44 times, and attacked 52 times. it has been partly destroyed and rebuilt countless times.
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Today's city walls around the Old City were rebuilt under the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent in 1538. Inside, the Old city is divided into four quarters: Armenian, Christian, Jewish and Muslim quarters.
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Since 1860 Jerusalem has grown far beyond the Old City's boundaries.
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After the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948, Jerusalem was declared its capital city.
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View of the church of the Dormition
Mount Zion
A representation of the Israelite ark of the Covenant
in Capernaum - Sea of Galilee
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Archeology
The land of Israel has been the home of peoples of different cultures and beliefs for some 1 1/2 million years, spanning from prehistoric times - to the beginning of the Ottoman period.
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Situated at the junction of major natural roads between continents, it has always been a land of passage. Regular travelers have left remarkable footprints...
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The land of Israel is also the birthplace of the Bible and the cradle of the three monotheistic religions.
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The region was conquered and administered by the greatest empires and kingdoms, including Egypt, Babylon, Persia, Greece, the Roman Empire, the Umayyad, the Crusaders, the mamelukes... They all left outstanding archeological remains which can be admired in all parts of the country.
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the life of Jesus
The New Testament recounts that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, near Jerusalem and that he grew up in Nazareth, a village near Sepphoris, a city in Galilee at the time.
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Some major events of the Ministry of Jesus took place in the area of Nazareth while most of the acts and miracles described in the Gospel happened along the northern shores of the Sea of Galilee, around the village of Caparnaum.
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The Ministry of Jesus started off with the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist, on the Jordan river.
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The last week of the life Jesus takes place in Jerusalem, between the mount of olives and the Old City of today.
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The Domus Galilaeae in Korazim - Sea of Galilee
The Haari sefaradic synagogue
Safed - upper Galilee
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Jewish sites
More than hundred ancient synagogues have been excavated on the Land of Israel. Over fifty of these are situated in the Galilee and on the Golan Heights. Most are dated from the Roman and Byzantine periods, from the 3rd to 7th centuries. Yet a few have been dated from before the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE!
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Safed is one of the four holy cities in Judaism, it is known as the capital of Jewish mysticism, past and present. It is the highest city in Israel, both geographically and spiritually. Legendary Rabbi Yitzhak Luria (known as Haari) moved to Safed in the 16th century in order to teach the secrets of the Book of Splendor (The Zohar), the ultimate source of Jewish mystical thought known as Kabbalah.
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cities
Tel Aviv, by the Mediterranean, has vibrant nightlife and local markets.
The White City of Tel Aviv has some of the most significant trends of the Modern Movement in architecture, as it developed in Europe in the 1920's. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
As the entertainment center of Israel, Tel Aviv offers events throughout the year, such as the Gay Pride Parade, Purim Street Party and Tel Aviv Fashion Week.
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After Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, Haifa is the third-largest city in Israel, with neighborhoods displaying a blend of cultures that makes it a lively place for visitors.
The Bahai gardens and mausoleum on Mount Carmel hillside is the most holy site of the Bahai faith. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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The Crusaders and the Ottomans have left distinctive marks in the city of Acre and the region. With fascinating architecture, ruins and sights around every corner, this city on the North-West coast is well worth a visit.
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View of haifa with the bahai gardens and mausoleum
Wadi Kheimar in the Sodom region - Judean desert
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Hikes
The most striking feature of Israel’s landscape is its variety. This tiny area has a dramatic desert in the south and the green Galilee mountains in the north. Two areas that are so different, but you can drive from one to the other in less than 3 hours.
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The desert is the largest geographic area in Israel and occupies about 60% of the country. Its vast spaces are a paradise for nature lovers. Deep canyons, colorful rock formations, 360° vistas from mountain tops, and unique geological formations. a fantastic experience!
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The Galilee mountains and the Golan heights both have a distinctive Mediterranean feel about them. In winter and spring the landscape is green and fresh, dotted with wildflowers. Many springs and streams that were dry during the summer are filled with water. The richness and variety of flora, especially wildflowers, are spectacular.
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more hikes...