Trip to Israel During War. Part 2

The war initiated by Hamas on October 7, 2023, continues to this day. Today is March 9, 2024. We sincerely hope that all this will end soon, but for now, this is the reality. On October 8, 2023, Hezbollah joined Hamas on the northern border of Israel. So currently, the war is ongoing both in the South and in the North. There are also terrorist acts in East Jerusalem and its surroundings. You might ask, is it madness to invite tourists to a country in such a state of war? And we can answer with a clear conscience, no, it’s not madness. Hamas rockets no longer reach the center of the country as they did on October 7, and Hezbollah rockets have not flown beyond a certain line in the North. Of course, no one will take you on tours where there is a risk of shelling. But even in the center of the country, there is plenty to see and, most importantly, enjoy the beautiful weather and the Mediterranean Sea

On the border with the Gaza Strip and on the northern border, residents of many towns and villages have been evacuated and are currently living in the center of the country. The government is providing them with assistance and has no plans to return citizens to dangerous areas until the threat subsides. Tourists are also not taken to places where it’s unsafe.

Let’s talk about what is safe.

As sung in a well-known song, “to Israel you can only fly.” You arrive at the safest airport in the world, Ben Gurion. The safest – it’s not an exaggeration. The levels of inspection for planes and everyone who finds themselves on the airport premises are unparalleled worldwide. If you are planning to fly to Israel for vacation, be prepared to arrive at the airport three hours before departure to have enough time to pass all the checks: from interviews with security services to thorough baggage inspection. And don’t take offense at the security service’s nitpicking. Peace is worth it! And upon arrival at Ben Gurion, be prepared for security services to have new questions for you, and you may be invited for additional interviews and checks. You may have to wait in line again, have your luggage checked again, and so on. Be prepared for any developments and arm yourself with patience. Of course, when others are thoroughly checked, it’s good, but when it’s you personally, you might think, “I shouldn’t raise any doubts.” Everyone thinks that. It’s a normal reaction of a person who knows they’re not guilty of anything, that they’re definitely beyond suspicion! But everyone is suspected by security services! You need to understand this, accept it, endure it, and be glad that such a level of checks protects you from any, let’s say, surprises and unpleasantness! And you should understand that when you fly back, you’ll face all these procedures again! And naturally, there is a security system at Ben Gurion Airport that we don’t see. Just a few kilometers before entering the airport, there is an armed post through which all cars and buses pass. We don’t see everything else. But it definitely exists!

And finally, you’re on the country’s territory. We’ll try to tell you about all possible options for recreation in our challenging times.

Our company is ready to offer you, first of all, individual and family tours. We are ready to accompany you from the airport throughout the country during your entire stay and escort you back. We have a large fleet of vehicles of various classes, drivers who speak at least three languages: Hebrew, English, and Russian. We can simply meet you and take you to the hotel, or we can organize all your individual or family trips, starting from a car with a driver to the full organization of all the excursions and trips you’ve ordered. What exactly can we offer you.

Tel-Aviv  

You can only visit South Tel Aviv with a private tour. This is a place for curious thrill-seekers who want to see the slums and the “bottom” of life. Once, immigrants from Somalia settled there (kind Israel allowed people fleeing their country during another coup and war). But these people didn’t want to live by the rules of the country that sheltered them; they live as they did back home. Drugs, prostitution, crime – that’s their credo. Principles of democracy prevent forcibly deporting them, and there isn’t enough money to quickly rebuild everything there, so the issue remains unresolved. Of course, you can choose not to go there and head straight to North Tel Aviv – it’s beautiful, clean, and cozy. You can visit Yarkon Park, especially if you’re traveling with children. The park is very large, stretching from the sea almost to the city center. There’s a quiet stream in the park, places where there are almost no people, just nature. And in the central part, there are attractions, boating on the lake, snacks, and a hot air balloon ride for 80 shekels, plus 55 shekels for a child aged 3-8. The impressions are unforgettable.

The Tel Aviv waterfront stretches for 10 kilometers along the Mediterranean Sea. Besides HaTzuk Beach, all beaches in Tel Aviv are free. And there’s even a special beach for dogs!!! In the evenings, dogs of all breeds from nearby neighborhoods gather, bringing their owners along. A very strong impression is made during a walk along the promenade by the running people. In the morning and evening, hundreds of Israelis run for a healthy lifestyle. In about 20 minutes, about a hundred people can run past you. Each at their own pace, with their own music, etc. At the same time, others sit on the lawns, eat burgers, smoke, and drink not only non-alcoholic drinks – in general, everyone enjoys life in their own way. There’s a huge number of playgrounds, exercise equipment, and so on along the Tel Aviv waterfront. Life on the Tel Aviv waterfront continues at all times of the day.   

The most famous landmark in the city is the Azrieli Towers. These are three adjacent towers: a circular one (186m), a triangular one (169m), and a square one (154m). Together, they make up the Tel Aviv business center. Of course, there’s an observation deck, located on the 49th floor of the circular tower (182m). On the same floor, there’s a restaurant with panoramic views. You’ll need to buy a ticket for the observation deck, while the restaurant entrance is free. However, dining there will be more expensive than the 22 shekels for an observation deck ticket. The choice is yours!

The European Sarona Market – the premises are completely enclosed, so you can sit there even in extreme heat, a huge variety of different cuisines – what they sell is immediately prepared, everything is delicious. And around it is a very pleasant shaded park, where small, almost toy houses of the old German colony are against the backdrop of the Azrieli towers and other skyscrapers! Just remember that during lunchtime, Sarona can be very crowded – people from all nearby offices come there to eat.

The second oldest neighborhood after Jaffa in Tel Aviv is Neve Tzedek. Construction began there around 1887 by settlers from Europe. Walking there, it seems like you’re either in Prague or Krakow. Doll-like houses, balconies with trees growing on them, old bridges and rails from a long-gone train or tram – in general, the impression is the most pleasant and unexpected. Especially the house with small clay figures crawling on its walls. It’s a must-see!!!

Ancient Jaffa. Stone stairway streets – real mazes where you can easily get lost without an experienced guide. Doors resembling the work of the best cabinetmaker! And a tree hanging in the air and bearing fruit?! And workshops of artists, art galleries, and, of course, as always in Israel, lots of delicious food in cafes and restaurants. But remember – eating in Jaffa is not cheap.

Descending from ancient Jaffa to the city streets, which are also not very modern, you enter an antique shop, the so-called “flea market.” Of course, it’s not just one shop, but several streets with colorful stalls, shops, where elderly Arabs sit, sewing old carpets and selling them right away. A huge amount of copperware, silver jewelry, vases and shawls, chairs and ottomans, paintings and candelabras – it’s impossible to list everything! And right there are modern trinkets with Israeli symbolism, plastic rosaries posing as antiques, wind chimes, and more, and more, and more.

The main thing is to be attentive and don’t forget to bargain! The East is a delicate matter!

Carmel Market is a real Eastern bazaar – noisy, untidy, colorful. It’s huge, always crowded. They trade in everything possible. Colorful fruits, eye-catching Eastern sweets, some vegetables you’ve never seen, shawarma of all kinds, pita with various fillings, seafood, fish, meat, kosher and non-kosher, pickles, cheeses, wines, spices and herbs, dishes, souvenirs, flowers, sweets, tobacco, household textiles, clothing and shoes, jewelry, and even everything for pets. There’s a Russian shop with favorite delicacies. There are stores of Asian and Ethiopian cuisine. Small cafes, pubs, bars, and restaurants are everywhere. They say that during election campaigns, you can meet politicians of any rank here – democracy is the power of the people, and the people are at the market. Where else to communicate with voters?!
A tour of this market is an unforgettable experience. Just don’t forget to bargain and check your change – they may pretend to forget or loudly insist that they’ve given everything.

The old Mitham-ha-Tahana railway station is located between the promenade and the Neve Tzedek district. The station was operational from 1892 to 1948. In 2000, the Tel Aviv municipality decided to reconstruct the station, and they did an excellent job! Both the square, the complex of buildings, and the wagons on the rails – everything delights both children and adults. Entrance to the station is free.

Rothschild Boulevard. The boulevard is located in the southwest part of Tel Aviv. It starts practically from the Neve Tzedek district and reaches the Habima Theater. On both sides are the roadway and houses made of white stone – this area is recognized as a UNESCO cultural heritage site! The houses are not particularly original, but, as one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, they represent historical value. Skyscrapers rise on the second line from the boulevard – the business center of Tel Aviv.

On the boulevard itself, there are original benches, playgrounds, dog areas, hammocks, a small pond – in general, everything you need for relaxation,.. except for silence. But it’s definitely worth seeing. People walk, sit on the grass, ride scooters and bicycles – in general, Tel Avivians will always find where and how to relax!

Habima Theater. Israel’s oldest repertory theater. Founded in 1917. If you don’t want to watch performances, then you should see the building and the theater square. It’s at the end or beginning (depending on where you’re coming from) of Rothschild Boulevard! The building is of modern architecture, large, occupying the entire area in diameter (Habima Square), and yet it looks very compact and cozy. Architect Kaufman. In front of the theater, in the recess of the square, there’s a garden, under the entire square, there’s a parking lot with glazed entrances. At the same time, people walk, mothers with bunches of children, acrobats on canvases show their acts, musicians play and sing – in general, a good mood is guaranteed!

Museum of Modern Art. It’s not just one house, but a whole complex of buildings located on Shaul HaMelech Street, 27; Tarsat, 6; on Dubnov Street, plus a sculpture garden adjacent to the main building, which itself can safely be called a landmark or simply an architectural masterpiece! The museum has the largest collection of modern art by Israeli and world artists and sculptors. The painting collection includes more than 40,000 exhibits. And besides our contemporaries, you can see works by Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Jackson Pollock, Paul Cezanne, Henri Matisse, Amedeo Modigliani. The ticket for entrance to the main building and the sculpture garden is one. Don’t miss out! All the paintings are hung very well, everything is clearly visible. Ticket prices are affordable: adults 50 shekels, pensioners – 25, and children under 18 are free, which is pleasing.

Of course, these are not all the attractions you can see in this unusual city. But if you hire a car with a Russian-speaking guide, you can try it!!! Our drivers, of course, observe all safety rules, especially during military actions on the country’s borders.

Jerusalem

The sanctuaries of this ancient city have been described so many times in all sources that it seems like you’ve already been here.

The Monastery of the Cross. Scientists have proven that this temple appeared west of ancient Jerusalem no later than the 5th century, even before the Arab conquest of Palestine in 638. For many centuries, the monastery was considered Georgian and was built in honor of the return of the Lifegiving Cross taken from the Persians.

Gethsemane Garden. From the garden, which in the time of Jesus Christ occupied almost the entire valley, now only a small piece of land 50 by 40 meters remains. But it was in this garden that Jesus prayed before his arrest. And it is here that 8 olive trees grow, whose age, determined by radiocarbon dating, is considered to be from 1092 AD. The trunks of these olive trees are several spans in circumference. Tourists come to see these trees as one of the wonders of the world.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre was built on the site of the crucifixion, burial, and Resurrection of Christ by Queen Helena in the fourth century. Then, with Arab conquests or during the Crusades, the temple was destroyed several times. But despite all the vicissitudes, the Temple remains to this day the main place of pilgrimage for Christians around the world.

The Western Wall (the Wailing Wall) is part of the ancient wall remaining from the Second Jewish Temple, rebuilt by Herod and destroyed by the Roman Emperor Titus. The First Temple was built by King Solomon, the son of King David, and destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar. Jews believe that when the Third Temple is built, the Messiah will come, and the Temple will become a place of peace and enlightenment for all people. In Hebrew, the wall is called the “Western Wall,” while the Arabs named it the “Wailing Wall,” seeing that Jews come here to pray and mourn the destruction of the Temple. Later, this name passed into Russian and some European languages. The stone masonry in the remains of the Western Wall (Wailing Wall) is over two thousand years old.

   Currently, on the Temple Mount, there are the mosques of Al-Aqsa and the Dome of the Rock. The Al-Aqsa Mosque was built in 705 AD and is the third holiest place of worship for Muslims, after Mecca and Medina. This building is an architectural masterpiece. In the mosque itself and in the adjacent territory, up to 400,000 believers can pray simultaneously.

We highly recommend visiting Jerusalem only with professional guides and drivers. First of all, because of security reasons – it is very easy to get lost in this city, and, secondly, so as not to really miss any historical details.

Currently, we do not recommend visiting Jerusalem for safety reasons. March 10 marks the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan. Even in peaceful times, such holidays are not always safe, and now, with the country under martial law, we definitely do not advise appearing in Jerusalem, as clashes between believers may occur, armed attacks are possible. We recommend visiting Jerusalem after the end of Ramadan and Passover, when passions calm down, everyone celebrates religious holidays, and everything settles down. This is approximately in May.

To the south, we can travel to Юг To the South, we can drive to Eilat, visiting the Dead Sea and the fortress of Masada. Several times during the war, Yemeni Houthi rockets were launched at Eilat, but these were isolated incidents. The choice is yours whether to go to Eilat.

The fortress of Masada is located on a mountain (450 meters above sea level) in the middle of the desert near the Dead Sea. Herod, who built the fortress, wanted to live in safety! The remains of the fortress walls and buildings occupy a huge space. Up there is a small town. There are even “ruins” of a synagogue and a guest palace. When Herod the Great was visiting Roman Emperor Tiberius, he stayed in this palace. The fortress had its own water supply system, Roman baths, food, and weapon stores, and the royal gold was also kept there. Herod the Great, suffering from paranoia, settled his family in Masada and then, suspecting everyone of treason, killed them there himself. Seeing this place is like taking a ride in a time machine over 2,000 years ago!

Nowadays, people ascend there by cable car, but how the defenders of the fortress ascended 2000 years ago is not very clear. We’re not even talking about attacking enemies. In the late 60s and early 70s of our era, when the uprising against the Romans turned into the long Jewish War, after the Romans captured Jerusalem, Masada remained the last stronghold of the rebels and held out for another three years. When there was no longer any possibility to hold out, the leader of the rebels, Elazar ben Yair, delivered a speech, reminding everyone that it is better to die free than to be slaves. After that, the men killed their wives and children, and then, by lot, each other. Testimonies of two women who hid in a cave and survived this nightmare are recorded by Josephus Flavius. During excavations, tablets of that very lottery were found. The fortress is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The Dead Sea is one of the most amazing places on Earth. It is located 400 meters below sea level, and its depth is over 300 meters. Opposite the Israeli coast, Jordan is visible. In fact, it is a large landlocked lake, and only the Jordan River flows into it. The heat at the Dead Sea is terrible, with a desert all around, and it’s not a “sandbox,” but scorching mountains. But in this depression, there’s its microclimate, and even at a temperature of 40 degrees, no one gets sunburned! Tourists from all over the world come to see this phenomenon, and people with skin diseases, respiratory problems, and other illnesses undergo treatment and get amazing results.

It’s impossible to swim in this sea; you can only stand or sit… on the water. When you enter this water, it feels like you’re sinking into oil, not the sea. This amazing effect is achieved by an unprecedented amount of salt and minerals in the water. The main thing is to avoid getting water in your eyes, nose, or mouth. Very unpleasant sensations. You should immediately rinse with fresh water. Fortunately, on the shore, right by the sea exit, there are showers with fresh water. But the healing effect of the Dead Sea water is simply unprecedented!!!

So what’s special about this dead water?

The Dead Sea (and consequently, the mud extracted there) sharply differs from other seas and oceans in terms of salt composition.

There are approximately 50 billion tons of natural minerals of 21 types dissolved in the Dead Sea water – all of them are necessary for human life, and their concentration is very high: from 280 to 420 grams of salt per 1 liter of water. 12 of these minerals are not found in any other body of water in the world. Some of them contribute to relaxation, skin health, activate the circulatory system, relieve rheumatic conditions, and metabolic disorders. The Dead Sea is surrounded by various rocky formations, which also determine the composition of the water.

What diseases are treated at the Dead Sea?

Neurotic disorders, chronic fatigue syndrome, vegetative-vascular dystonia, hypertension, and hypotension benefit from the ion-rich, pure air of the Dead Sea region and the high atmospheric pressure, which filters harmful ultraviolet rays. The sun on the Dead Sea coast is beneficial, not harmful, especially crucial for residents of northern countries. It is impossible to get sunburned on the Dead Sea coast; the tan is even, and the sun does not damage the skin.

One of the significant advantages of Dead Sea treatment is the therapeutic mud. The fine-dispersed therapeutic mud of the Dead Sea helps with various musculoskeletal disorders, including arthritis, osteoarthritis, osteochondrosis, polyarthritis, rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, bursitis, tendinitis, ankylosing spondylitis, post-traumatic consequences, and more. Warm mud applications on painful areas, combined with therapeutic massage, yield excellent results.

You can come to Israel and visit only the Dead Sea for treatment or health improvement purposes. This place has been safe all the time during the war and remains so to this day. We will help you get from the airport to the hotel you need, and during the free time from treatment, we will take you on excursions from the Dead Sea coast that will interest you.

Eilat is the southernmost point of Israel. Bordering Jordan and Egypt. This city is mentioned several times in the scriptures, only under the name Elot. This is where the ancient Jews left Egyptian slavery. The city is located on the Red Sea, at the Gulf of Aqaba. The water temperature is 21-23 degrees Celsius at any time of the year. The air temperature ranges from 22 in winter to 50 in summer. In summer, cafes on the promenade use cold steam fans. In general, it’s exotic!

Back in 1975, the world’s first underwater observatory was opened here. You can descend to a depth of 7 meters and observe marine life and corals in real time. There’s no time limit, so you can watch all day if you like. At the very top of the observatory tower, there is an observation deck that offers a view of four countries: Israel, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Egypt.

To the North of the country, you can now safely travel to Haifa and its environs.

Haifa is a city located on Mount Carmel. There, you will find the magnificent Bahá’í Gardens. They cover 200,000 square meters and ascend the mountain with terraces for a kilometer in height. These gardens are not just a whim of botanists but a symbol of the Bahá’í faith. At the very top, on the nineteenth terrace, stands the Bahá’í Temple. The number 19 is symbolic in this religion. The gardens are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List Sites. To see the entire complex, it’s essential to book a guided tour or an individual visit in advance. Same-day visits are not possible.

Acre (Crusader Castle).  Everyone who visits Acre has the opportunity to see not decorations, but a real knight’s castle and fortress, which were built in the 12th century. After the Muslims conquered Acre, it was recaptured and returned to the Christians four years later by none other than Richard the Lionheart. Here’s your fairy tale!

Caesarea. Next to the modern city on the territory of ancient Caesarea is a national park where archaeological excavations are still ongoing, both on land and in the sea. In the park, the ruins of the “Palace on the Reef” have been preserved – the magnificent palace of Herod, the oldest amphitheater in Israel from the time of Roman rule, a hippodrome, fragments of aqueducts, the ruins of a synagogue and a street of Roman statues, ruins of a temple complex, in which buildings from the Byzantine, Roman, Arab periods, and the Crusades era. And crowning it all is a dedicatory plaque with an inscription from Pilate to Emperor Tiberius. 

If you are planning to visit Caesarea, it’s better to do it with a guide by car; it’s a bit difficult to get there and back on your own.

Netanya, as a city, has existed since 1928. It is located approximately 30 km north of Tel Aviv. The coastline is 14 kilometers long. More than 50 hotels have been built for tourists, 9 beaches are equipped (it’s worth noting that all beaches in Israel are public and free), and many sports facilities are available. You’ll have to pay extra for a sun lounger and umbrella. For example, a sun lounger costs 15 shekels. There are showers, toilets, drinking water fountains, and changing cabins everywhere. Lifeguards work on every beach. There are bars, cafes, and restaurants. The city is located on a cliff, with a cliff height ranging from 15 to 40 meters in different places. To access the beach, there is an elevator. Two glass cabins run, each accommodating up to 60 people, from 7 am to 10 pm. There are plenty of attractions in the city. A fountain on Independence Square, Utopia Park, a parrot farm. There is a museum of archaeology, nature, and art, municipal and city galleries, a Victory Monument over Fascism, an outdoor water park. And also, a golf club, karting, a bicycle park, bowling, jeep rides, a horse riding center, pools, surfing courses, healing springs, paragliding.

In any of these places, we can offer you a private car tour with a driver and guide. And we wish you a great time in our beautiful and warm country! All the tours offered to you are currently safe.