Month: April 2020

Nineteenth century Israel (or Palestine as it was called at the time) was part of the Ottoman Empire with a predominantly Moslem population. At that time became home to a Christian protestant sect from Germany that believed in the coming of change and whose aim was to realize the prophecies of the bible. They wanted to fulfill the concept of the Christian Community as described in the New testament, which regarded each person as temple in which dwells the spirit of God, hence their being called Templers. 

All in all the Templers established seven colonies in Israel, and the majority of their houses and buildings still remain intact and for the most part inhabited to this day.

 

 

The Templers brought with them knowledge of architecture and introduced European style houses with red tiled roofs to the region. Their colonies were built with wide main streets lined with trees. They established agriculture – growing citrus fruits and vineyards, paved roads, introduced new industries – such as tool making, hotels, a newspaper and even a bank, and in general are considered the founders of many of the basic activities that were necessary for the development of Israel. At their peak, the Templer population numbered 2000.

The first settlement established by the Templers was in Haifa, and it is known to this day as the German Colony. At the foot of the amazing Bahai gardens (which were created to spill out into the wonderful avenue created by the Templers), the beautifully designed buildings serve as charming boutique hotels, restaurants or shops, because of their quality and European essence. 

The houses of Templer settlement Sarona, the second colony they established, and which can be considered the origins of Tel Aviv, served for many years as army headquarters in the city because of their location and quality. In recent years the buildings have been restored and moved in their entirety to recreate the original settlement, which has now become the very trendy and popular Sarona recreational and entertainment center. A visit to this historical modern complex provides a glimpse into their lives. 

 

 

The sect also established a colony in the Refaim valley of Jerusalem, with the same characteristic European style houses and buildings, serving today as one of Jerusalem’s trendy neighborhoods, retaining its original charm and a setting for many cafes, boutiques and hotels.

Other Templer settlements have become picturesque villages and agricultural settlements, such as Bethlehem of the Galilee, which is also renowned for its spices farm, and where some of the original houses and buildings are opened to the public for visits by their modern day inhabitants. 

 

 

Unfortunately the Templers themselves are no longer in Israel. Around the time of WWII, due to their German origins and later due to some of their members being affiliated with the Nazi party, they were considered “hostile citizens” and deported, with many settling in Australia.

To our delight, around two years ago, our company had the pleasure of hosting a couple from Australia, who are ancestors of the Templers, on a tour, which of course included visiting their many settlements, as well as other sites. We were interested to learn from them that the Templers hold an annual get together in Israel, thereby retaining their ties to the country.

 

We will make sure you see at first hand this wonderful legacy on your next trip to Israel. 

 

The Negev desert is a fascinating place for adventure and history that is mostly and unjustly overlooked. 

Comprising almost half of the territory of Israel, the Negev desert is its least populated area, and home to unique geological formations, ancient history and modern day miracles. 

Geology

The most famous geological formations of the Negev Desert are the Makhteshim or craters.  Unlike craters created through impact or collision, the Negev and Sinai craters are formed by erosion, and are unique and typical to these two regions only in the world. These craters are characteristically bowl shaped and drained by a single creek. The outer walls comprised of harder rocks, such as limestone and dolomite, while the softer sandstone and gypsum have eroded exposing the cliffs. The Negev desert has 5 such craters, the largest being the Ramon Crater, which unlike the others is actually drained by 2 creeks.  There is nothing more fun and exciting than taking a ranger or ATV ride through the crater, visiting the ammonite wall of fossils, or the carpentry with its log shaped rocks, or its many hidden nooks and crannies, as was experienced by three adventurous ladies, who spent several hours exploring the sites.

 

 

History

The Negev desert has a rich history that goes back to ancient Egypt. The pharaohs mined copper in the once rich mines of Timna, currently a national park which is home to some magnificent sandstone rock formations, the most renowned being Solomon’s Pillars and the Mushroom Rock. Later it was home to the Nabateans Incense route, along which camel caravans transported priceless goods from one country to another. Traces of the Nabatean civilization are present throughout the desert, with several settlements, such as Mamshit and Ovdat that have been excavated, revealing their advanced knowledge of desert water systems and architecture, as well as evidence of their travels and hospitality. Today you can take a camel ride near the Nabatean city of Mamshit, and if you are visiting during the festival of Passover (Easter) you will be able to enjoy visiting a recreated Nabatean market selling wares of old. 

 

 

Modern day

Today the Negev desert is a place of modern day miracles – ranging from solar farms producing green energy, farmsteads that grow vineyards and make boutique wines, a farm that breeds alpacas, and farms that specialize in providing tranquil retreats, where you can meditate or just enjoy the rejuvenating energies of the desert, with its clear air and starlit skies. In addition to the agriculture and special farming methods developed, the region’s capital – the city of Beer Sheba – is a modern bustling metropolis, with a university that has international academic acclaim, a hi-tech park and cultural institutions. 

 

 

So on your next visit – make sure to ask for this amazing region to be included in your tour itinerary and take part in the adventures it provides. 

 

 

Fascinated by knights, knighthood and chivalry? Relive it by following the Crusaders in the Holyland.

The Crusaders were knights on a mission to establish Christendom, rallied by popes and fueled with religious fervor, they set out from Europe to liberate Jerusalem.

Although the Crusaders governed most of the Holyland for a period of less than 200 years, which in historical terms is rather short, their mark can be seen almost everywhere.

The Crusaders in Jerusalem

Although the walls of the city are from a much later period, there is no mistaking the Crusader presence when walking around the Old City. From King David’s Tomb and the cenacle, to the remnants of the German hospice on Mt. Zion; and from the magnificent Church of St. Anne, which is an intact and original Crusader building that was not destroyed but rather converted into a school (madrasa ) under Moslem rule and which still retains the Arabic sign, to the remnants of an underground Crusader hospital run by the Hospitaller Knights in the Muristan area of the Christian Quarter, uncovered by archeological excavations held in 2013, and of course the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, with its Crusader façade.

As you walk around you can imagine the streets teeming with pilgrims, residents and various orders of knights, the more renowned being the Templars (who were an elite warrior force and guards of the temple – hence their name) and Hospitallers.

 

 

The Crusaders in Acre

Following the conquest of Jerusalem in 1187 by Saladin, the Crusaders established themselves in Acre, constructing a fortress, the remnants of which have been restored. Located on the sea and near the port, the Templars, who by this time had become a formidable force and very rich, constructed a tunnel that could be used as an escape route and a hidden means of entering the castle. The tunnel as well as much of the castle are accessible and can be visited today. In the spirit of reviving the Crusader kingdom, the restored castle and tunnel provide the perfect backdrop for an authentic knights’ experience, in the form of medieval style feasts, stalls, and jousting matches that are provided for visiting guests.

 

 

The Crusaders in Atlit

Construction of the Chateau Pelerin or Atlit Castle was commenced by the Templars in 1218 to fortify their hold in the Holyland. It could hold over 5000 troops and its position on a promontory flanked by the sea on two sides, made it difficult to siege or conquer. After the fall of Acre, it remained the last stronghold of the Crusaders, who remained there until defeated by the Mamelukes in 1291. The castle was destroyed by an earthquake in 1837, and has never been restored. Today it can only be seen from afar, as it is the site of a military base in Israel. The ancient cemetery beside it is open to the public.

So now, all those whose imaginations were captured by “Assassin Creed” and “The Da Vinci Code” can visit Israel and bring their stories to life by taking the Crusader route. Let us know, and we will make it happen.

 

 

Only 2 short weeks before the Corona Crisis hit us – putting on hold the lives, plans and ability to socialize, of everyone around the world – we had the pleasure of hosting a group of pilgrims in Israel.

During our many years of work we have met many individuals and groups of visitors to Israel, each leaving a unique impression, wonderful pictures and memories. Some, however leave a special mark, such as the group lead by Mary Abiola, a mark we would like to share. 

 

 

This group of pilgrims, organized by Mary Abiola, comprised of several pastors and members of various church communities, mainly from the UK, but also from the USA. The 27 group members came together for a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in mid-February. They visited Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Jericho and the Dead Sea, as well as Nazareth, the Sea of Galilee and the Jordan River. 

 

 

Wherever they went they spread joy, love, gratitude and appreciation for God, Jesus and all the good in their lives. 

For many of the group this was a once in a lifetime opportunity and a time to thank and praise the lord for all the blessings bestowed on them during the past year. Many of the group members are very involved in their communities at home, providing voluntary and charity funded outreach programs for the needy. Their joy and appreciation at being able to provide these services to their communities is expressed in their testimonials of thanks and praise, in which each recounts the moments of good fortune bestowed upon them. 

 

Almost all of the members are of Nigerian origin, and were immigrants in their respective countries before receiving citizenship. They speak among each other in their native language, always reverting back to English. 

 

 

Every moment and occasion is a reason to sing and dance. They are experts at turning lemons into lemonade. For instance, on their way down to the Dead Sea and Jericho, they were stuck in a traffic jam for over an hour, due to the road having been blocked off by the police for security reasons. Instead of sitting in the bus waiting for the road to clear, they seized the opportunity, got out and began to sing and dance in the road. Many others stuck in the same traffic jam, were inspired to go out and see them, and they set a joyous mood for everyone. 
 

 
We are thankful at having had the good fortune to host this group, which was guided by our amazing tour guide – Meir More. His in-depth knowledge, attentiveness and patience, which was greatly appreciated by the group, helped to make their visit to the holy land truly unforgettable.