Israel Information

Israel is a small yet diverse Middle Eastern country with a long coastline on the eastern Mediterranean Sea and a small window on the Red Sea at the Gulf of Eilat (Aqaba). Israel is bordered by Egypt and the Gaza Strip to the southwest, by Jordan and the West Bank to the east, and by Syria and Lebanon to the north. It shares borders to the Jordan River and the Dead Sea with the West Bank and Jordan. The West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip have been under Israeli de-facto rule since 1967. In addition to the majority Palestinian Arab populations living in these regions, the Israeli Government has built many Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem as well as in the annexed Golan Heights.

Although Israel was established specifically for the Jewish people, following the Second World War, Israel is considered part of the Holy Land (together with areas of Jordan, Egypt and the Palestinian Territories). The three monotheistic religions -Judaism, Christianity, and Islam- all have historical ties to the region. Israel thus contains a vibrant modern history and culture, based in part on the diverse, immigrant origins of its inhabitants returning from the Jewish Diaspora. These aspects make Israel a fascinating destination for many travellers and pilgrims. As a result of this vast mix of culture, in addition to the official languages of Hebrew and Arabic, Russian and Yiddish are also spoken by a significant minority of Israelis. Within Israel's recognized pre-1967 borders, about 90% of Israelis identify themselves as Jewish, the remainder classify themselves as either as Arab and or Palestinian, Bedouin or Druze.

Israel is a highly urbanized and economically developed society and is therefore best divided for the traveller into its main cities and towns, followed by the regions and other sites.

Jerusalem

Jerusalem is the three times holy city (to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam), whilst being the modern capital of the State of Israel and the country`s largest city. The City of Gold, as it has come to be known in both languages, is a fascinatingly unique place where the first century rubs shoulders with the twenty-first century, each jostling for legitimacy and space, and where picturesque "old" neighborhoods nestle against glistening office towers and high-rise apartments. It is one of those places which has to be seen to be believed.

The Old City and its Walls form a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Old City of Jerusalem is that part of Jerusalem surrounded by the impressive 16th century Ottoman city walls and representing the heart of the city both historically and spiritually. In a city already divided, the Old City is further divided culturally and historically into four Quarters: (clockwise from the south-east) the Jewish Quarter, the Armenian Quarter, the Christian Quarter and the Muslim Quarter. You do not need to be Jewish, Christian, or Muslim, or even be overly concerned with religion, to be overwhelmed. Anyone with a sense of history, spirituality or the human species should be absorbed by the tremendous weight of human civilization that cloaks nearly every part of the city. It is an inhabited, living city - not a deserted museum or monument. Humanity's passion play has been constant revival at this location for most of the length of recorded history.

The Christian Quarter, the result of rapid expansion under Byzantine rule, is located in the northwest corner of the city and is home to a bewildering array of churches, patriarchates and hospices of the city's many Christian denominations. The quarter is served by the Jaffa Gate and the New Gate. Sites include the Dome Of The Rock, the Church Of The Holy Sepulcher and the Wailing Wall (or Western Wall). Other notable sites in the Christian Quarter include the Lutheran Church Of The Redeemer, the Christian Quarter Road shopping precinct and the Church Of John The Baptist.

The Muslim Quarter is the largest and most densely populated quarter of the Old City. The quarter has changed hands many times from the 12th through 15th centuries, resulting in decay since the 16th century. It is one of the most fascinating and least explored parts of Jerusalem. The Muslim Quarter features St. Anne's Church, Monastery of the Flagellation (the traditional site of Christ's flogging), Chapel of the Condemnation (the traditional site of Jesus' trial under Pontius Pilate) and the Ecce Homo Arch, which was built by the Romans during their siege of Jerusalem in AD70.

The Jewish Quarter feels distinctly different from the rest of the Old City. Razed by the Jordanians after the partition of the former British Mandate of Palestine in 1948, most buildings in it have been rebuilt from scratch since Israel assumed control of the Old City in 1967. Despite strict laws mandating the use of Jerusalem sandstone in all facades in order to maintain uniformity, the buildings look and feel new. In a somewhat tit-for-tat move, the current wide plaza in front of the Western Wall was created by bulldozing a neighborhood called the Moroccan Quarter.  In the Jewish Quarter, sites include Saint Mary's Hospice, Hurva Square, The Broad Wall (built by King Hezekiah in the 8th Century BC, the Wohl Archaeological Museum, the Ophel Archeaological Park and the Temple Institute.

The Armenian Quarter is the smallest and quietest of the four. The quarter runs itself as a city within a city (within a city...), shutting all gates when night falls. Sites in the Armenian Quarter include the Citadel, an imposing fortress dating back to King Herod, and St. James Cathedral, which dates back to the 11th century.

Outside of the city walls lie the Mount of Olives and the Garden of Gethsemane. Historic sites abound. These include the Church of the Dormition, King David's Tomb, Chamber of the Holocaust, City of David (featuring ruins dating back to the 13th century BC), Hezekiah's Tunnel (which kept Jerusalem watered during sieges), St. Peter in Gallicantu, Schindler's Tomb, Rockefeller Archaeological Museum and the Garden Tomb.

West Jerusalem is the secular Israeli part of Jerusalem, also known as New Jerusalem, it is the modern commercial heart of the city, having become the focus for development in the capital from the time of Israeli independence in 1948 to the reunification of the city with the Six Day War in 1967. That said, many of the districts of West Jerusalem date back to the late 19th century when the Old City became no longer able to contain the city's increasing population. Must-see sites include the Israel Museum and the Shrine of the Book, and Yad Vashem, the Museum of the Holocaust.

East Jerusalem is the Eastern side of Jerusalem, home to most of Jerusalem's Arab population.

Chareidi Jerusalem is the area of Jerusalem inhabited largely by ultra-Orthodox Jewish people. During the Jewish Sabbath, known as 'Shabbos' or 'Shabbat' (from sunset Friday until it is completely dark on Saturday night, i.e., 25 hours long), refrain from violating the Shabbat in these areas. That means: no mobile phones, no cigarettes, no (photo or video) cameras, and perhaps somewhat more respectable dress.

Many Chassidic movements are now based in Jerusalem. On many Friday nights, as well as on many other nights, there is a special Chassidic celebration known as a tish. Hundreds or even thousands of chassidim come to celebrate Shabbos, the Jewish Sabbath, with their Rebbe. Non-Chassidic guests are always welcome. If you do not speak Hebrew, it might be useful to go together with someone who does speak Hebrew, since few chassidim speak English; most speak only Hebrew and Yiddish.

Malchei Yisrael Street is a vibrant shopping street which forms the bouncing heart of Chareidi Jerusalem. Especially around sunset (the early evening) on Thursday nights, on summer nights and on the eves of major festivals such as Sukkos (Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles), it is one of the busiest areas of the city. The street, with its narrow sidewalks and chaotic traffic, is lined with stores of all types, ranging from kosher music to modest ladies clothing, from household appliances to pizza stores.

Emek Refa'im is a neighborhood south-east of the city center. It's a wonderful place to drink coffee and to eat in restaurants. You may hear more "Anglos" speaking English than Hebrew on these streets.

Ein Kerem is a secluded suburb on the outskirts of West Jerusalem that maintains village atmosphere. It is surrounded by picturesque hills dotted with olive and cypress trees, home to artists and sculptors who have opened numerous galleries in the village. Several churches are built on the site believed to be the birthplace of John the Baptist.

Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv is a rapidly growing city in the midst of an exciting transition from medium-sized urban center to bustling international metropolis. It's the city that many Israelis think of as their New York. While the comparison was once a stretch - and indeed Tel Aviv is still a fraction of New York's size - Tel Aviv's booming population, energy, edginess and 24-hour life give the city a cosmopolitan flair comparable to few other cities in this part of the world.

    *  North - The wealthiest district of Tel Aviv and one of the wealthiest in entire Israel stretches from the north side on the Yarkon River. These neighborhoods have very few things in common with the rest of Tel Aviv and is partially treated as a suburb of Tel Aviv rather than a part of it. The entire district is very green compared to the rest of Tel Aviv and contains some big and important sites like: Hayarkon Park, Israel's Museum, Tel Aviv University and more.
    * Center - The heart of Tel Aviv, contains mainly "The Heart of Tel Aviv" and "The old north". The main metropolitan area of the city contains Many Tourists attractions and Shopping areas. This is Tel Aviv as most people know it nowadays. The central are is confined by Alenby st. from the south and the Yarkon river from the north.
    * South - The original District of Tel Aviv contains the first neighborhoods that constructed Tel Aviv. Is the poorer district of Tel Aviv but has been developing noticebly lately while conserving it's style and history and some neighborhoods have become very young and trendy.
    * Yafo — (Jaffa in English, Yaffa in Arabic) is one of the world's oldest ports. It was here that the prophet Jonah started the journey that left him in the belly of a whale and Andromeda was tied to a rock as a sacrifice to a sea monster, before later being saved by Perseus. It was also here where Peter the Apostle received a vision marking a significant ideological split between Judaism and Christianity (Acts 10).

Tel Aviv has several markets, including the Carmel Market, the Nahalat Binyamin Pedestrian Mall, the Creative Artists Fair, Jaffa flea market, Dizengoff Street market and Levinsky Market. These markets are a feast for the senses. Almost anything can be bought here.

A visit to Tel Aviv isn't complete without a dip into its fantastic beach scene which is at its best in summer, especially during Friday afternoons as Shabbat comes in, when crowds of buff beachgoers converge to take in the Brazilian drums, the smell of barbecues, the thwock, thwock of "matkot" as the sun sets, but in early summer be careful as there are jellyfish sometimes, but if you ask the lifeguard he will probably tell you if there are any that day.

Haifa

The city of Haifa features the Bahai Gardens and World Centre, the holiest site of pilgrimage for members of the Bahai Faith. Other attractions in Haifa include the Cave of Elijah, Stella Maris on Mount Carmel and the German Colony.

Bahá'í Gardens and World Center. The gardens and world centre on Mount Carmel's northern slope area a must-see for any visitor to Haifa. Comprising the golden-domed Shrine of the Báb, terraced gardens and administrative buildings, the World Centre is the holiest site of pilgrimage for the members of the Bahá'í Faith, as well as the faith's central administrative center. The gardens are stunning and well worth visiting if you are in Haifa.Tours are Free but MUST be booked in advance.

Cave of Elijah. Elijah is considered a prophet by both Judaism and Islam. The Carmelites have a tradition that they were founded by Elijah at this time. According to tradition Elijah lived in a cave on Mt. Carmel during the reign of King Ahab.

Stella Maris. A French Carmelite church, monastery and hospice. This is the founding place of the Carmelite Order, a religious order of the Roman Catholic Church. Located atop Mount Carmel, there is a hiking trail connecting it to the Cave of Elijah below.

German Colony, Centered around Ben Gurion Boulevard. All Hours. In 1868 members of German Templar Society (not to be confused with the Knights of the Templars) purchased land that was far from the city and set out to build the first planned agricultural community in the Holy Land. Many of the original templar houses have preserved and undergone restoration in the last decade of XX century. Now the main street of the former colony (Ben Gurion Boulevard) is a promenade, with many restaurants and coffee shops.

Eilat

Eilat, Israel's southernmost town, is a popular beach resort. Located at the southern-most tip of the country, within its small "window on the Red Sea", Eilat is first and foremost a resort town these days, devoted to sun, fun, diving, partying and desert-based activities. 320 km (200 miles) away from the tension often felt in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, Eilat is a convenient escape for Israelis on vacation, but during the mild winter months also attracts thousands of European sun-seekers. Attractions include Coral Beach, the Underwater Observatory, Dolphin Reef and Kings City, a Biblical theme park.

Coral Beach - is the best place for scuba diving and located here are some of the best dive clubs in Israel. The whole coastal area is protected by the nature reserve authority and divers are expected to follow regulations. The south beach is a great place for snorkeling, windsurfing and kite-surfing plus it has fantastic views over the bay.

Underwater Observatory. One of Eilat's most popular attractions is a good way to view the Red Sea marine life without getting wet. It's white tower (Eilat's most famous landmark) offers great views above water and goes below the surface where the marine life is seen. In the marine parks aquariums are sharks, sting rays and turtles, plus lots of multi colored Red Sea fish.

The Negev desert surrounds Eilat and its scenic Eilat Mountains Nature Reserve has some of the most spectacular desert routes in Israel. Trails include ancient trading routes and the Great Rift Valley. Desert Hiking, 4x4 jeep tours and camel treks are major attractions in this area of the Negev desert.

Akko (Acre)

Akko, also known historically as Acre, lies on the northern edge of the Bay of Acre in northern Israel. On its present site, Akko possesses a long history of various cultures: Israelites, Greeks, Romans, Crusaders and Arabs. Akko is a holy city in the Bahá'í Faith and has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a site of extraordinary significance to the world’s cultural heritage.

Beer Sheva

Beer Sheva can be of interest for any traveller who wishes to experience Israel off-the-beaten-track and there might be no better place to do this, since not even most Israelis are aware that Beer Sheva can be much more than only a stopover on the way to Eilat. The old Turkish town, as run down as it might be, has a very distinct feel and a is hugely underrated: it is the only planned Ottoman city in the entire region, erected in 1900 for strategic reasons in order to secure the Negev region and to control the revolting Beduin population. Today, the architectural and historical jewels, culinary highlights, highly welcoming people and the provincial atmosphere of Beer Sheva allow for the visitor to explore the "normal" and "unpretentious" Israel beyond Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa. In addition to that, Beer Sheva offers the most vibrant student community in Israel - based around the University - which has developed a great nightlife one would never expect at first sight.

Abraham's Well. Located at the edge of the Old Town and on the Wadi Beer Sheva, this small site contains the well where according to tradition Abraham made the oath with Abimelech.

Nazareth

Nazareth is best known as the home of Joseph and Mary and hence also Jesus, although he was born in Bethlehem. As the place where may have Jesus grown up, studied and lived most of his life, Nazareth has for two thousand years been closely identified with Christianity and has attracted hundreds of millions of pilgrims from around the world. Nazareth is also Israel’s largest Arab city and as such serves as a major cultural center. Over the past decade the historical Old City has been extensively renovated, preserving and restoring the architectural beauty and unique character of its narrow lanes and alleys. The combination of these three elements – history, culture and architecture – assures the Old City of Nazareth a place among the most beautiful historical destinations in the world.

A number of Christian holy places in Nazareth are associated with the Annunciation, the childhood and the early ministry of Jesus. In addition to the imposing Basilica of the Annunciation, these sites include the Greek Orthodox Church of the Archangel Gabriel (built over the freshwater spring known as "Mary’s Well"), the Greek Catholic "Synagogue Church" (assumed site of the synagogue where the young Jesus was taught, and where he later read from Isaiah), and the Franciscan Church of St. Joseph (built over a cave identified since the 17th century as the "workshop" of Joseph).

Caesarea

Caesarea is an upscale town and historic site, dating back to Herod the Great. Ancient Caesarea Maritima is one of the archaeological treasures of Israel and the Mediterranean. This giant city and port was created 2000 years ago by Herod the Great in honour of Roman emperor, Augustus Caesar. Much of the Roman city remains, including an aqueduct, theatre, as well as acres of excavated houses, mosaics and palaces. In the 12th century CE, Caesarea was recreated as a massive Crusader fortress, whose moat, balustrades and towers still stand. The ancient and medieval city are preserved within the Caesarea National Park, the Roman aqueduct can be seen for free on the beach few kilometers far from the National Park.

Megiddo

Megiddo is an archaeological site and National Park in northern Israel and a popular destination for travellers interested in the history and archaeology of the region. It represents a large city mound on the southern edge of the Jezreel Valley and has been the site of several major battles. In 2005 Megiddo was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list as part of the joint Bibical tels listing, alongside Hazor and Beer Sheva.

Safed

Safed is one of the oldest centers for Jewish learning and spirituality, home to the Kabbalah movement which is popular with celebrities. It is one of the four holiest cities in Judaism, along with Hebron, Shchem/Nablus, and of course Jerusalem. It is a cute, quaint city in the north of Israel, and has in recent years regained popularity, not only as a center for study, but also as an artists' colony.

Belvoir Castle

Belvoir Castle is a Crusader castle built in the 12th century. It is a magnificently-located Crusader castle, situated in an isolated hill top position high above the Sea of Galilee in northern Israel. Today, the castle is protected as an Israeli National Park and receives thousands of visitors annually.

Tiberias

Tiberias is a town on the western shoreline of the Sea of Galilee. It is a centre for Jewish learning, and also contains the Jordan river baptismal site.

The Negev

The Negev is a large desert that covers the entire southern half of Israel. The least populated area in Israel, it is a home to (among others) the nomadic desert people known as the Bedouin. The Negev offers some truly breathtaking scenery and is home to some fascinating sites and places. Contrary to the usual view of a "desert," the Negev is not covered with sand. Rather, it is a melange of brown, rocky, dusty mountains interrupted by wadis  (dry riverbeds that bloom briefly after rain), and deep craters. The area was once the floor of a primordial sea, and a sprinkling of marine snail shells still covers the earth here. Aside from the natural wonders, the Negev plays host to a great number of ancient sites, displaying the rich history of this crossroads of trade between Asia, Africa, and Europe.

The Dead Sea

The Dead Sea shares borders with Israel, the West Bank and Jordan. It is the lowest point in the world at 394.6 m (1269 ft) below sea level. Currently, 25 km of Dead Sea coastline lie within Palestinian Authority territory, including Qumran and Ein Feshka. The water in the Dead Sea is extremely salty, and has been estimated to be the saltiest major body of water in the world. Its name is derived from the fact that the water is far too salinated for marine inhabitation. Due to the hypersalination of the water, one can float with ease in the Dead Sea; in fact, it's nearly impossible to sink! A popular fad by visitors is to have their picture taken while reading a newspaper and floating on the surface of the water. The mud along the shore of the Dead Sea contains many minerals and is believe to have medicinal and therapeutic benefits. It is not uncommon for visitors to cover their bodies with the dark mud.

Masada

Masada is an ancient fortress, built by King Herod the Great. It is famous as the last stand of the Zealots against the Romans. Rather than surrender, they all committed mass suicide. Today, visitors can view the remains of Herod's palace, as well as the synagogues and homes of the Zealots.

Qumran

Qumran - The Dead Sea Scrolls, Qumran National Park. The ancient caves and settlement at Qumran on the northern shores of the Dead Sea where the oldest biblical documents ever found trace the history and daily lives of the mystical Essenes, a Jewish sect that fled Jerusalem 2000 years ago.

Driving in Israel

Road system

Israel has a modern highway network, connecting all destinations throughout the country. Most roads are well maintained. In recent years, increased investment into infrastructure has further improved the condition of roads. Most roads are numbered according to orientation and significance. In general, east-west roads are given odd numbers, and north-south roads are given even numbers. The most significant national highways are numbered using one or two digits, while the least significant local roads are numbered using four digits. Exceptions to these rules do exist.

Driving regulations

Traffic in Israel drives on the right. Traffic signs and regulations are generally standard and resemble those of Western Europe. Israel has a somewhat unique "protected" traffic light system. Whenever a green light applies to a certain direction of travel, it guarantees fully protected travel to that direction, with the exception of right turns on green, which might require the driver to yield to pedestrians in some cases. Usually, each traffic light has an arrow on top, and the traffic light then controls travel to the indicated direction, with a green light guaranteeing that all conflicting traffic faces a red light. However, the most unusual thing happens in the rare occasion when a traffic light has no arrows. Unlike in most other countries, a green light allows protected travel into all directions, and one may even turn left without yielding to oncoming traffic, which faces a red light. Turning right at a red light is strictly forbidden; however, many large intersections provide separate right-turn pockets that bypass traffic lights, usually only requiring drivers to yield to pedestrians and traffic. Such right-turn pockets are usually preceded by a single flashing yellow light with a picture of a pedestrian in it - this merely reminds the driver to watch out for pedestrians who may be crossing the pocket in the path of the turning vehicle. Like in several other countries, the green phase is preceded by a red+yellow combination phase. A flashing green light indicates that the yellow light is about to appear, but can usually be found only on roads with speed limits of at least 60 km/h.

White road markings are used to separate both traffic traveling in the same direction and in opposite directions. Yellow lines are used to mark the outer edges of the road (do not cross these, except if stopping at a shoulder), and orange or red lines are used in construction zones. Traffic circles (roundabouts) are very common; generally, one gives way to cars already in the circle. There are no all-way stop signs. Highway signage is usually in Hebrew, Arabic, and English, although sometimes just in Hebrew and English.

Headlights must be turned on (even during the day) on intercity highways from November to March. Motorcyclists have to have their headlights on in all months of the year. Seat belts must be worn at all times. Talking on a cell phone without a hands-free system is forbidden. If one must exit the vehicle on the shoulder of a highway, there is a law requiring that one put on a neon yellow reflective vest in order to promote visibility.

Parking regulations are indicated by curb markings. Red and white markings mean parking is prohibited (though depending on the locale and its parking regulations, one may park at a red and white overnight). Do not stop near curbs marked red and yellow, because these are usually reserved for certain vehicles, such as buses at bus stops. Blue and white markings permit parking only with a parking permit purchased at a machine. And of course, do not park in handicapped zones.

Israel uses the metric system of measurements. Default speed limits are 50 km/h in residential zones, 80 km/h on intercity roads without a physical separation median between opposing lanes, and 90 km/h on intercity roads with a physical separation median. By default, all major freeways (identified by the standard blue European motorway sign) have a speed limit of 110 km/h; however, in practice, speed limit signs bearing a lower limit (usually 90 km/h or 100 km/h) limit the speed on these roads. Currently, only one freeway, toll highway #6 (Cross-Israel Highway) actually allows 110 km/h in most sections.

Police presence on the roads is generally very significant, and speed and red light cameras are common.

Licensing information

All drivers in Israel must carry a driver's license. International driver permits, as well as licenses from certain countries are accepted. Drivers of motor vehicles must be at least 17 years old, whilst insurance is mandatory. Driving a motorcycle or a moped is permitted starting at the age of 16. All cars in Israel must undergo an annual safety inspection, and a sticker bearing the year of the last inspection should appear on the front windshield. Recently, there has been a law passed that calls for every car to carry a yellow reflective vest at all times. Theoretically, the police could stop you at any time and ask to see it. If you stop on the edge of the road, and have to get out, you are expected to wear the vest. All rental cars should have one so it is a good idea to check before you leave.

Safety issues

Compared to Western Europe and North America, the rate of traffic accidents in Israel is high. Many factors contribute to this, but Israeli drivers are known to be aggressive and impatient. Take this into consideration if you decide to drive in Israel, and use caution. Be especially cautious on two-lane intercity roads, especially when passing other vehicles. While most major highways have a physical separation median, many lower-traffic intercity roads do not. Also be particularly cautious when driving in the Negev desert, since most roads in that region have only two lanes carrying fast-moving traffic, and trips tend to last hours in the heat. Take care while traveling on Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath, as roads tend to be emptier and invite faster, and occasionally more reckless, drivers. Also take care in the winter, when it rains and roads are unusually slick.