ISRAEL
Israel, the Holy Land, lies on the Mediterranean Sea and is bordered by Egypt, the Red Sea, Gaza Strip, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon. The 9,300,000 inhabitants speak Hebrew, Arabic, Yiddish, English and Russian. The majority are Jewish (72.2%), while 17.8% are Muslim and 2% are Christian. The territory has been occupied by many rulers. After a Jewish revolt against the Romans in AD 70, the Israelites were expelled and the Diaspora (the spread of Jews across Europe, North Africa and later the whole world) came into being.In the 19th century, Zionism arose in response to anti-Semitism (hatred of Jews). According to Zionism, the Jews must return to their country of origin. Arab Muslims who have lived there for centuries, however, take a different view. From 1920 to 1948, Palestine was occupied by the British and Jews began to settle there. In 1947, the United Nations divided Palestine into a Jewish and an Arab state. The West Bank is considered by Israel as part of its territory, but by the UN as Palestinian territory. The Gaza Strip (40 km x 10 km) is disputed territory. There have been many conflicts between Israel and Palestine in recent decades.
Israel has four seasons and there are large differences between day and night time temperatures. It includes a coastal strip, mountain ranges and desert with various oases. The country has few natural resources. Since 1990, the economy has grown and tourism has increased. Along the coast there are beaches and major ports.
Because the population follows Jewish traditions, the Sabbath from Friday 6pm to Saturday 6pm is the weekly day of rest. At holy places for Jews and Muslims formal clothing is required (head covering, long sleeves, long trousers or skirt below the knee). During the Sabbath, people may not smoke, take pictures or use a mobile phone. In Christian churches, you must not disturb worshippers or take pictures. Tourists are advised against talking about issues of faith and politics.
Christians often visit places in Israel that they know from biblical history. From north to south they refer to Akko (Acre) a walled port city and UNESCO World Heritage Site on the bay of Haifa. Haifa is also a World Heritage Site and centre of the Baha’i Community. The port city is 3000 years old and built on the Carmel Ridge. Since the 19th century, and particularly after 1948, Jewish immigrants have moved to settle in the new state of Israel. Haifa is an important industrial city with an oil refinery but also 5 km of sandy beaches. A well-known proverb says: “Haifa works, Jerusalem prays, Tel Aviv plays“.
Nazareth is the largest Arabic city in Israel and, according to the Bible, was where Joseph and Mary lived.
Caesarea was a Roman city on the Mediterranean Sea, halfway between Haifa and Tel Aviv, founded by King Herod, around 25 BC. The modern city is maintained by the Rothschild Foundation, with the participation of the State of Israel. It is home to many Israeli and foreign VIPS.
Jaffa is an ancient Arabic port city and the centre can be visited on foot. There is a large open air market and bazaar in the morning. Tel Aviv was founded in 1908 to the north of Jaffa.
Jeruzalem is the capital, but most embassies are located in Tel Aviv. Jerusalem is a holy city for Christians and Muslims and one of the oldest cities in the world. The population is very diverse. East Jerusalem(Me’a Shearim) is an ultra-orthodox Jewish neighbourhood, which has a 19th century feel, while West Jerusalem is the modern commercial heart of the city. The district Ein Kerem looks like a village between hills with olive trees. There are many galleries and artists. The Dead Sea Scrolls are housed in the Israel Museum and there is also a model of old Jerusalem.
The Temple Mount is a holy place for both Jews and Muslims. The wailing wall was part of the temple built 2000 years ago. The city walls are on the World Heritage List. The Al Aqsa Mosque is closed to non-Muslims. Bethlehem, according to the Bible the birthplace of Jesus Christ, is nearby
The Dead Sea is the deepest point on earth (394.6 meters below sea level); the lake is extremely salty because more water evaporates than flows in from the Jordan River. To the northwest lies the Qumran National Park, a desert with caves where monks once kept the Dead Sea Scrolls. Salt caves and salt mounds can be found in the area. Tradition has it that the sinful cities of Sodom and Gomorrah are buried beneath it.
Fort Masada is a World Heritage Site, accessible by cable car or footpath. On a flat hilltop, there is a fortress and a palace built by King Herod. This history is showcased in a spectacular light show.
Eilat, Israel’s southernmost city on the Red Sea, was a Bedouin camp until 1948 and then a military post near the border with Egypt and Jordan. Nowadays it is a tourist attraction with protected coral reefs and beautiful beaches. The Negev desert can also be visited by tourists.
In Israel people eat kosher food, according to Jewish dietary laws. McDonalds and KFC serve customised dishes. Pork and shellfish are taboo and meat and milk are not used in the same dish. On the Sabbath there is no cooking and people eat cold meals. Street food includes shawarma, falafel and hummus.
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| Capital | Jeruzalem |
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| Population | 8.566.216 |
| Language | Hebrew, Arabic |
| Currency | New Israelean Sjekel (NIS) |
| Visa required< | www.visum.nl |
| Vaccination(s) | Multiple vaccinations are required |
| Voltage | 230 V |
| Traffic | Right-hand traffic |
| Country | Israel |
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