(Travel information last updated: November 22, 2014)
I am no travel expert but what I have presented here are some things we learned on our travels and some things researched from the Internet. My wife and I have been to Israel a number of times. Our first two trips were with Christian ministry tours, in 2008 with New Day Ministries and in 2011 with Bridges for Peace. Both were excellent trips. If you want to see pictures from these trips, I have PowerPoints from the 2008 trip and video's from the 2011 trip. Go to our Travel page and follow the links there. We recently went on our own this time for two weeks of vacation entirely in Jerusalem in September 2014. In addition My wife visited Israel in 2012 and again to Jerusalem for a month in 2013. So together we have accumulated a bit of knowledge on Israel travel.
So, would you like to visit Israel?
OK, that's the easy question. If you're interested in this web site the answer is probably "yes".
The next question is a little more complicated. Are you ready to seriously consider making the trip? That means that you have given the matter more thought and you have the time (usually the easier part) and are financially able (often the more difficult
part). If the answer is still "yes", then I hope you will find what follows here to be of some value to you in researching and planning your trip. For some it may be a chance in a lifetime trip. For others you may be fortunate enough to be able to return again. In either case, you will find it a trip you will always remember. (Even if the answer now is "no", I hope you will still find some of this page of interest.)
The next question is a little more complicated. Are you ready to seriously consider making the trip? That means that you have given the matter more thought and you have the time (usually the easier part) and are financially able (often the more difficult
part). If the answer is still "yes", then I hope you will find what follows here to be of some value to you in researching and planning your trip. For some it may be a chance in a lifetime trip. For others you may be fortunate enough to be able to return again. In either case, you will find it a trip you will always remember. (Even if the answer now is "no", I hope you will still find some of this page of interest.)
So assuming the answers are still a "yes", question number three then is to decide how you prefer to travel. Would you prefer to travel with a group on a tour where the itinerary is all prearranged for you? Or are you a seasoned traveler and are comfortable traveling on your own to a foreign country? We started out definitely in the "tour" category but now we are a little more confident on our own - at least traveling to Israel!
What follows is sort of a random mix of information which I hope will be a little helpful however I strongly recommend that you use the power of Google to do your own research. There is a vast wealth of information, pictures, etc. on the Internet.
* Some of this information based on the assumption that you are traveling from Canada.
What follows is sort of a random mix of information which I hope will be a little helpful however I strongly recommend that you use the power of Google to do your own research. There is a vast wealth of information, pictures, etc. on the Internet.
* Some of this information based on the assumption that you are traveling from Canada.
If you are thinking about visiting Israel, one question I'm sure you will ask is "Is it save to visit Israel?" We say a resounding "YES" to that question. There are incidents of Palestinian violence reported in the media but what you do not hear in the media is that these incidents are not happening in the areas where the tourists normally go. If you are with a tour group, you will not be taken to any unsafe areas. If you go on your own, the normal tourist areas are safe - we recommend you do not go into East Jerusalem or Judea and Samaria (the "West Bank".) I recommend if you have any concerns, please read this article published in December.
Visit Israel With a Tour - Click this link for more information on this topic.
Visit Israel On Your Own - Click this link for more information on this topic.
Basic Israel Travel Information
Passports, Visas, Health, Medications, Safety and Security, Weather, Water, Time and Opening Hours and Public Holidays, Communications
Keshet - The Center for Educational Tourism in Israel - This is an organization in Israel that offers local tourism however this page on their site has some useful information on many of the topics mentioned above all conveniently located on one page.
www.goisrael.com - This is the official web site of the Israel Ministry of Tourism. Select "USA/Canada" in the language box, then the "Before You Go" tab and there is much useful information on the left menu for potential travellers. Check out the other tabs also.
Keshet - The Center for Educational Tourism in Israel - This is an organization in Israel that offers local tourism however this page on their site has some useful information on many of the topics mentioned above all conveniently located on one page.
www.goisrael.com - This is the official web site of the Israel Ministry of Tourism. Select "USA/Canada" in the language box, then the "Before You Go" tab and there is much useful information on the left menu for potential travellers. Check out the other tabs also.
The Israel App (2:22) - "Download Israel App for a fantastic resource on your iPad or iPhone before, during, and after your trip! You can plan your trip before you go—Israel App is the ultimate reference and trip planner. While you're in Israel, the app always knows what's around you, enriching your experience like nothing else on the market. When you come back it's the perfect multimedia memento for reliving your visit."
This app is completely free. I have downloaded this to my iPad and it's great even if you're not going to Israel. It includes many, many sites (a lot that I'm sure you've never heard of) and each has a few pictures, a text description, and an audio narration of the text ... sort of your own tour guide. It's great. However it seems to be difficult to find the app. While I did not use it extensively on our recent trip in September 2014 I did learn about some additional useful features in it. For instance, if your mobile device has GPS enabled, the Israel App's map will show you your exact location and it will also then indicate which sites are nearby.
If you have an Android phone or tablet, you can get that version from Google Play here.
When I searched for it on my iPad using the "App Store" I could not find it. The only way I found it was to go to this iTunes web pageon my PC and click the "View In iTunes" button. It opened in iTunes where you can then download to your computer and then sync it to your iPad or iPhone.
City Walk - Here is another useful app for your mobile device. This app has maps, information on things to see, shopping, restaurants, etc. There are versions available for over 470 cities so would be useful on all your travels. I have the app for Jerusalem on my iPad (Tel Aviv and Haifa also available for Israel.) The "Lite" versions are all free however the map that is included in the free version is somewhat limited in detail. I decided that I wanted a better map for Jerusalem so I spent the extra $5 to download the full version which includes a much better map. Look for City Walk where you download your apps. The GPS also works well in the map on this app. For more information check out the web site at www.gpsmycity.com.
This app is completely free. I have downloaded this to my iPad and it's great even if you're not going to Israel. It includes many, many sites (a lot that I'm sure you've never heard of) and each has a few pictures, a text description, and an audio narration of the text ... sort of your own tour guide. It's great. However it seems to be difficult to find the app. While I did not use it extensively on our recent trip in September 2014 I did learn about some additional useful features in it. For instance, if your mobile device has GPS enabled, the Israel App's map will show you your exact location and it will also then indicate which sites are nearby.
If you have an Android phone or tablet, you can get that version from Google Play here.
When I searched for it on my iPad using the "App Store" I could not find it. The only way I found it was to go to this iTunes web pageon my PC and click the "View In iTunes" button. It opened in iTunes where you can then download to your computer and then sync it to your iPad or iPhone.
City Walk - Here is another useful app for your mobile device. This app has maps, information on things to see, shopping, restaurants, etc. There are versions available for over 470 cities so would be useful on all your travels. I have the app for Jerusalem on my iPad (Tel Aviv and Haifa also available for Israel.) The "Lite" versions are all free however the map that is included in the free version is somewhat limited in detail. I decided that I wanted a better map for Jerusalem so I spent the extra $5 to download the full version which includes a much better map. Look for City Walk where you download your apps. The GPS also works well in the map on this app. For more information check out the web site at www.gpsmycity.com.
Come Find Israel in You (0:32) - Very short tourism video produced by the Israel Ministry of Tourism for the North American tourism market.
Vacationing in Israel (1:59) - Just in case I haven't yet convinced you, listen to Yishai Fleisher explain why you should vacation in Israel.
Landing at Ben Gurion Airport (7:58) - If you haven't flown to Israel, picture yourself on this plane during the approach to Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv.
No I did not shoot this video. I found it on YouTube and the poster does not identify himself however this was also a flight from Canada (in 2010) so it's fairly safe to assume he's a fellow Canadian. Unfortunately he was sitting just over the wing on the left side but he still managed to get some good shots from the windows during the approach and landing.
No I did not shoot this video. I found it on YouTube and the poster does not identify himself however this was also a flight from Canada (in 2010) so it's fairly safe to assume he's a fellow Canadian. Unfortunately he was sitting just over the wing on the left side but he still managed to get some good shots from the windows during the approach and landing.
Sea of Galilee Worship Boats - One of the highlights of a tour to Israel is sailing on the Sea of Galilee. There are various tour boats but there is only one Christian owned and operated tour boat company. Daniel Carmel, owns and operates two boats appropriately named "Faith" and "Hope" which sail out of Tiberias. We sailed with him on "Faith" both in 2008 and 2011. He is a fantastic singer / songwriter. The trip lasts about an hour and in the middle, he stops the boat and we just drift for a time while he sings some of his songs accompanied on the keyboard by Rami Zarhin. (For more information on Daniel's music, see the entry on the Music of Israel page.)
In 2008, we began our morning with a sail from Tiberias and ended at Ginosar where we continued out tour. In 2011, we ended the day with a sail about 5:00 PM leaving and returning to Tiberias. Being the last sail of the day, we appear to have gotten some extra time as it lasted about 1-1/2 hours. Here is a short video sampler from the trip. This was in February so it got dark not long after we left the dock, which made video a bit difficult.
In 2008, we began our morning with a sail from Tiberias and ended at Ginosar where we continued out tour. In 2011, we ended the day with a sail about 5:00 PM leaving and returning to Tiberias. Being the last sail of the day, we appear to have gotten some extra time as it lasted about 1-1/2 hours. Here is a short video sampler from the trip. This was in February so it got dark not long after we left the dock, which made video a bit difficult.
Virtual Israel Experience - This site, part of the Jewish Virtual Library web site, contains a wealth of interesting information about visiting Israel. Click on "Enter the Holy Land" and follow the links from there.
66 Fun Facts About Israel - In 2014, Israel is 66 years old so this article lists 66 interesting facts.
Age of the Universe - Have you ever wondered how the Bible says the world is less than 6,000 years old but science claims it is maybe 16 billion years? This article presents a biblical interpretation of how both can be true at the same time. WARNING - the more you read the deeper this subject gets so pay close attention.
Aish.com - The world's largest Jewish content web site. The organization is based at the Western Wall Plaza in Jerusalem. There is much variety of content so look around a bit. Have a look at these pages:
Amazing Model of Herod's Temple - This retired British farmer who passed away at age 80 in 2010 built this amazing
model. You can imagine all the work that he put into it over the years. [If for some reason that link doesn't work, use this one.]
model. You can imagine all the work that he put into it over the years. [If for some reason that link doesn't work, use this one.]
Bible Walks - This has got to be one of the best web sites to view points of interest in Israel.
Chabad.org Jewish Music page - I haven't looked at much of this yet but it looked like possibly an interesting link to various Israeli music videos.
Congregation Ner Tamid - A Messianic Jewish congregation in Halifax. We know Rabbi Avner and Pastor Leah Solomon and have visited their Shabbat service a few times. If you're not local, you can also "attend" their service via Internet - see the Internet link on the web site.
David's Star - Here is a new magazine with interesting articles about Israel. The first issue was just published in June. You can read all issues on this site.
The Digital Dead Sea Scrolls - A web site where you can view some of the Dead Sea Scrolls.
Feast of Tabernacles - A 7-day festival known as Sukkot in Israel celebrated in September or October following Yom Kippur. See Wikipedia for more information. However for Christians during this time, the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ) holds a major celebration attended by many Christians from various countries. This is a BIG event - approximately 71,500 people in 2013 and contributed about $15 million to the Israeli economy. Here are two excellent videos showing portions of the celebrations from 2008 (9:59) and 2010 (13:15).
Footsteps of Paul - Follow a group of travellers as they travel to the places that Paul visited on his journeys. (1998)
The Goldhar School - Their slogan is the "Fastest Jewish Education on Earth". This site has a number of short "crash course" videos on various subjects - Torah, Jewish History, Holidays, Tradition. The site is a work in progress - some videos are still to come.
Israel Up Close - This web site bills itself as "news beyond the headlines" and this Stories page contains a long list of videos on many subjects. You might find some of them of interest.
Jerusalem 360 - A very interesting 360 degree panorama view of Jerusalem with drill downs for more information at various locations.
Jerusalem Map - This is a very interesting interactive map focusing on the Old City portion of Jerusalem. While there, have a look at the 3D Tours, HD Videos, HD Photos tabs, and Jerusalem Info under the More tab.
Jerusalem MP3 Tours - You can watch videos of the various walking tours in the small view screen. You can download to play in a larger screen but you have to register first (free.)
Jewish TV Network - This is a US web site but it streams daily newscasts from the Israel Broadcasting Authority (IBA), Israel's state TV network.
Jewish Virtual Library - This web site has a wealth of information. Have a look around.
Jewish Wedding Customs and Traditions - Ever wondered what everything means in a Jewish wedding ceremony?
Learn Hebrew - Are you interested in learing Hebrew? The following sites may be of interest.
MahNishmah - I include this because it looks like it might contain something interesting. Check out the Clips and Music tabs at the top. Also check out the Humour tab - there are 120 items and most are quite good.
MessianicChords.Com - A web site with chords and lyrics for many song - some are well known Christian songs, others are Hebrew songs.
Shofarot-Israel - This is the web site of the major shofar maker families in Israel, the Bar Sheshet and Ribak families. You can learn a lot about shofars on this site.
Sounds of Shalom - Internet radio from Utica, New York broadcasting Messianic Jewish and contemporary Jewish music 24/7. Just click the Play button on the Live 365 picture.
A Tapestry of Gefilte Fish - OK, this is an interesting web site. It appears to be written by a Messianic Jewish woman in the United Kingdom based on information on some of the pages. I have linked to a page containing a number of interesting questions. These questions are part of a longer "story" and if you are interested in the whole site, click the INTRO link to go back to the beginning.
The Temple Institute is dedicated to the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem.
The Temple Mount Video Tour - Scroll down the page to the "Temple Mount Tour" links and click on Download (Play in Popup just gives you a small window). The video is in three parts and each part is about 30 minutes.
The Times of Israel - A new Israeli on-line newspaper started in 2012.
Voice of Israel - Online radio as their motto says "Bringing Israel Closer". Listen to news, current affairs, and other topics from Israel.
Western Wall Web Camera - Live video. Double click the small video window to go to full screen (Press Esc. to return.)
It’s now been 66 amazing, triumphant, heart-breaking, awe-inspiring, jubilant, soul searching, transcendent, glorious years since the Jewish people returned to their ancestral homeland. To celebrate the “miracle on the Mediterranean”, here are 66 fascinating facts about the State of Israel:
66 Fun Facts About Israel
It’s now been 66 amazing, triumphant, heart-breaking, awe-inspiring, jubilant, soul searching, transcendent, glorious years since the Jewish people returned to their ancestral homeland. To celebrate the “miracle on the Mediterranean”, here are 66 fascinating facts about the State of Israel:
Basics
1 Israel is the one and only Jewish state in the world.
2) The State of Israel is the youngest on the planet (only 66 years old).
3) Israel is the only liberal democracy in the Middle East.
2) The State of Israel is the youngest on the planet (only 66 years old).
3) Israel is the only liberal democracy in the Middle East.
Size
4) Israel is only 1/6 of 1% of the landmass of the Middle East.
5) Israel is only about 290 miles (470 km.) in length and 85 miles (135 km.) in width at its widest point.
6) Israel’s population is half the size of Metro New York City.
7) While the Negev makes up 60% of Israel’s land, only 8% of the country’s population resides there.
8) Israel is roughly half the size of Lake Michigan.
5) Israel is only about 290 miles (470 km.) in length and 85 miles (135 km.) in width at its widest point.
6) Israel’s population is half the size of Metro New York City.
7) While the Negev makes up 60% of Israel’s land, only 8% of the country’s population resides there.
8) Israel is roughly half the size of Lake Michigan.
Security
9) Israel has fought seven wars since its establishment in 1948.
10) Israel spends more money for security than any other country in the world.
11) Israel has the fourth largest Air Force in the world (after the U.S., Russia and China).
12) Israel is the only nation in the world with an operational anti-ballistic missile defense system to intercept and destroy rockets headed for population centers within Israel.
10) Israel spends more money for security than any other country in the world.
11) Israel has the fourth largest Air Force in the world (after the U.S., Russia and China).
12) Israel is the only nation in the world with an operational anti-ballistic missile defense system to intercept and destroy rockets headed for population centers within Israel.
Nature
13) Over 150 nature reserves and 65 national parks are established throughout the country covering some 400 square miles.
14) Israel is the only country in the world that entered the 21st century with a net gain in its number of trees.
15) The Dead Sea in Israel is the lowest point on earth, at 1,315 feet below sea level at its lowest point.
16) The Sea of Galilee, at 695 ft. below sea level, is the lowest freshwater lake in the world.
17) Over 500 million migrating birds, more than 230 species, fly in Israeli air space on annual migrations between Europe, western Asia and Africa.
14) Israel is the only country in the world that entered the 21st century with a net gain in its number of trees.
15) The Dead Sea in Israel is the lowest point on earth, at 1,315 feet below sea level at its lowest point.
16) The Sea of Galilee, at 695 ft. below sea level, is the lowest freshwater lake in the world.
17) Over 500 million migrating birds, more than 230 species, fly in Israeli air space on annual migrations between Europe, western Asia and Africa.
Business
18) Israel’s $100 billion economy is larger than all of its immediate neighbors combined.
19) Apart from the US and Canada, Israel has the largest number of NASDAQ listed companies.
20) With more than 3,000 high-tech companies and start-ups, Israel has the highest concentration of hi-tech companies in the world (apart from the Silicon Valley).
21) Israel is ranked #2 in the world for venture capital funds right behind the US.
22) The cell phone was developed in Israel by Motorola, which has its largest development center in Israel.
23) Voice mail technology was developed in Israel.
24) Both the Pentium-4 and Centrino processors were entirely designed, developed and produced in Israel.
25) The first anti-virus software was developed in Israel in 1979.
26) Both Microsoft and Cisco built their only R&D facilities outside the US in Israel.
27) Israel is the world’s largest wholesale diamond center; most cut & polished diamonds in the world come from Israel.
28) Israel was the first nation in the world to adopt the Kimberly process, an international standard that certifies diamonds as “conflict free.”
29) Israeli bank notes have brail on them so the blind can identify them.
19) Apart from the US and Canada, Israel has the largest number of NASDAQ listed companies.
20) With more than 3,000 high-tech companies and start-ups, Israel has the highest concentration of hi-tech companies in the world (apart from the Silicon Valley).
21) Israel is ranked #2 in the world for venture capital funds right behind the US.
22) The cell phone was developed in Israel by Motorola, which has its largest development center in Israel.
23) Voice mail technology was developed in Israel.
24) Both the Pentium-4 and Centrino processors were entirely designed, developed and produced in Israel.
25) The first anti-virus software was developed in Israel in 1979.
26) Both Microsoft and Cisco built their only R&D facilities outside the US in Israel.
27) Israel is the world’s largest wholesale diamond center; most cut & polished diamonds in the world come from Israel.
28) Israel was the first nation in the world to adopt the Kimberly process, an international standard that certifies diamonds as “conflict free.”
29) Israeli bank notes have brail on them so the blind can identify them.
Society
30) Israel is the largest immigrant-absorbing nation on Earth.
31) Hebrew is the only case of a dead national language being revived in all of world history.
32) 34 political parties participated in Israel’s 2013 elections.
33) One-third of Israelis are volunteers.
34) Israel publishes more books per capita than any other nation in the world.
35) Israel has the highest percentage in the world of home computers per capita.
36) Israel has more in-vitro fertilization per capita than anywhere in the world, and it’s free.
37) Israel is ranked first place in the world in the survival of cancer patients.
38) The most independent and free Arabic press in the Middle East is in Israel.
39) Israel receives more media coverage per capita than any other country in the world.
40) Israel is the only country in the Middle East where women enjoy full political rights.
41) Talking on a cellular phone while driving is against the law in Israel.
42) All Israeli citizens, regardless of race, gender or religion, have the right to vote.
43) Israel has more museums per capita than any other country.
44) Israel has more orchestras per capita than any other nation in the world.
31) Hebrew is the only case of a dead national language being revived in all of world history.
32) 34 political parties participated in Israel’s 2013 elections.
33) One-third of Israelis are volunteers.
34) Israel publishes more books per capita than any other nation in the world.
35) Israel has the highest percentage in the world of home computers per capita.
36) Israel has more in-vitro fertilization per capita than anywhere in the world, and it’s free.
37) Israel is ranked first place in the world in the survival of cancer patients.
38) The most independent and free Arabic press in the Middle East is in Israel.
39) Israel receives more media coverage per capita than any other country in the world.
40) Israel is the only country in the Middle East where women enjoy full political rights.
41) Talking on a cellular phone while driving is against the law in Israel.
42) All Israeli citizens, regardless of race, gender or religion, have the right to vote.
43) Israel has more museums per capita than any other country.
44) Israel has more orchestras per capita than any other nation in the world.
Education
45) Israel has the highest ratio of university degrees to the population in the world.
46) Israel has the highest number of scientists and technicians per capita in the world.
47) Israel has the highest number of engineers per capita in the world.
48) Israel has the highest number of PhD’s per capita in the world.
49) Israel has the highest number of physicians per capita in the world.
50) Israel produces more scientific papers per capita than any other nation by a large margin -109 per 10,000 people.
51) The Weizmann Institute of Science has been voted the best university in the world for science research.
46) Israel has the highest number of scientists and technicians per capita in the world.
47) Israel has the highest number of engineers per capita in the world.
48) Israel has the highest number of PhD’s per capita in the world.
49) Israel has the highest number of physicians per capita in the world.
50) Israel produces more scientific papers per capita than any other nation by a large margin -109 per 10,000 people.
51) The Weizmann Institute of Science has been voted the best university in the world for science research.
Food
52) Israel produces 93% of its own food requirements.
53) There are more than 40 kosher McDonald’s in Israel. (The only one outside the Jewish state is in Buenos Aires).
54) Israelis, per capita, are the world’s biggest consumers of fruits and vegetables.
55) Israeli cows produce more milk per cow than almost any country in the world.
56) Cherry tomatoes were originally engineered in Israel in 1973.
57) Breeding and raising pigs in Israel is illegal for Jews.
58) The glue on Israeli stamps is kosher.
59) Bamba, a peanut butter flavored snack made exclusively in Israel, is considered by many to be Israel’s national food.
53) There are more than 40 kosher McDonald’s in Israel. (The only one outside the Jewish state is in Buenos Aires).
54) Israelis, per capita, are the world’s biggest consumers of fruits and vegetables.
55) Israeli cows produce more milk per cow than almost any country in the world.
56) Cherry tomatoes were originally engineered in Israel in 1973.
57) Breeding and raising pigs in Israel is illegal for Jews.
58) The glue on Israeli stamps is kosher.
59) Bamba, a peanut butter flavored snack made exclusively in Israel, is considered by many to be Israel’s national food.
Did You Know?
60) Albert Einstein was offered presidency of Israel in 1952; however, he declined the invitation.
61) The Mount of Olives in Jerusalem is the world’s oldest continuously used cemetery.
62) Jericho is the oldest continuously inhabited town in the world.
63) Jerusalem is home to over 2,000 archeological sites.
64) Golda Meir was only the 3rd woman in history to serve as a country’s prime minister.
65) In 1984 and 1991 Israel airlifted a total of 22,00 Ethiopian Jews to the State of Israel.
66) An estimated one million notes are left in the Western Wall each year.
61) The Mount of Olives in Jerusalem is the world’s oldest continuously used cemetery.
62) Jericho is the oldest continuously inhabited town in the world.
63) Jerusalem is home to over 2,000 archeological sites.
64) Golda Meir was only the 3rd woman in history to serve as a country’s prime minister.
65) In 1984 and 1991 Israel airlifted a total of 22,00 Ethiopian Jews to the State of Israel.
66) An estimated one million notes are left in the Western Wall each year.
Category : Jewish History
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