Author: tofra

Israel is a country with many minorities and ethnic groups. One very interesting and prominent group are the Druze.
A branch off Islam, the Druze today are recognized as a separate and independent religious ethnic Arab group. They are settled in several villages, mainly in the north of the country, and are renowned for their hospitality and excellent cuisine.
 

 
A monotheistic religion, their major prophet is biblical Jethro, a Midianite priest and father-in-law to Moses, and his tomb in Israel near Tiberias is their holiest site.
The Druze have adopted the State of Israel as their country, establishing a Druze battalion as part of the IDF, which has, however been disbanded, as the Druze soldiers are now integrated into all of the various IDF corps, serving in elite combat units, and even as fighter pilots.
A peace-loving religion, in which men and women are equals, they are a dignified and cultured people, and are happy to share their heritage and history with others. They pledge loyalty to their host country, and are therefore dedicated to the State of Israel,
The Druze villages are situated mainly in the north of the country, stretching from the Haifa and Mt. Carmel region to the far Upper Galilee. Many of the villages have restaurants that sell traditional Druze cuisine, and markets that sell colorful wares and spices.
They traditionally produce olive oil and labane (a sour white cheese) which are served on special flat breads known as pita, and throughout the Galilee, as well as in all open air markets, one can find booths selling these wares to visitors and picnickers.
 

 
The Druze villages of Daliat–el –Carmel and Ussfia, are situated on Mt. Carmel, very near to Horn of Carmel, where according to the bible, Elijah the prophet vanquished the false prophets of Baal, and where today there is a Carmelite monastery. A visit to the open air market and main street shops is well worthwhile.
In the Upper Galilee the Druze villages include Yarka, which dates back to the pre-Christian era, as does Hurfesh, which during the Crusader period, belonged to the Teutonic Knights. Other villages include Rameh, Jat, Julis and more – all in the Upper Eat and West Galilee regions.
There are also several Druze villages on the Golan Heights, which were under Syrian rule before the Six Day War. True to their loyal nature and beliefs, the residents of these village still align with Syria, retaining status of permanent resident rather than citizenship, to Israel and so, unlike the Israeli Druze, they do not serve in the army.
 

 
We recommend that on your coming visit, you take part in a home experience with a Druze family, where you will enjoy a traditional meal and learn of the Druze religion and heritage.
Enriching and unforgettable.

Let’s go on a tour that combines ancient and modern history with fun for the family. Strategically positioned on a hill in the Ayalon valley, overlooking the road to Jerusalem, is Latrun, which due to its prominence in the landscape, has been the scene of many battles, ancient and modern.
 

 
Deriving its name from the Crusader fortress, “La Toron des Chevaliers”, remnants of which can be found to this day, or perhaps from its Christian namesake “Domus boni latronis” in reference to the thief hung by the Romans next to Jesus, it also known as site of the ancient Battle of Emmaus, fought by Judah the Maccabee in which he vanquished the invading Greek army, as well as the site of bloody battles fought and lost more recently, during the War of Independence in 1948.
Emmaus became a Christian holy site, reputed to be where Jesus appeared to some of his disciples after his resurrection, and excavations carried out in the area have uncovered, among others, the remains of a 6th century basilica and a Crusader church.
 

 
In the late nineteenth century, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem requested a monastery be established at Latrun. Some Trappist monks of French, German and Belgian origin, purchased land with a building, and founded Our Lady of the Sorrows, which they still inhabit. Assisted by Baron de Rothschild and the Carmel Mizrahi Winery, the monks established a vineyard and winery, which has become renowned for its wines that are sold at the monastery shop.
From 1948 to 1967 Latrun was a salient occupied by the Jordanian Legionnaires, with vantage points overlooking the valley, such as the Tegart Fort established by the British during the Palestinian mandate, from which snipers would target the road to Jerusalem, forcing the construction of a bypass route through Beit Shemesh.
 

 
After being liberated in 1967, the Tegart Fort became a museum and memorial for the IDF armored corps. The tanks on display are a favorite with children and adults alike, and climbing aboard is permitted and from there you can make your way to the nearby Mini-Israel Park which houses miniature replicas of all the important landmarks and buildings in Israel.
Latrun today is part of the Canada Park nature reserve, which is a wonderful place for picnics and having fun, as well as being home to archeological findings, dating back to biblical times.
 

 
All in all – an outing with a difference we will be happy to include on your next visit.

For those who prefer hiking off the beaten track here are some of the amazing options available in Israel.

We’ll begin in the north at the Arbel Cliff overlooking the Sea of Galilee. Created by the Jordan Valley Rift, its soars to a height of 181 meters above sea level (over 380 meters above the Sea of Galilee, which sits at over 200 meters below sea level). A hike on this mountain offers amazing views as well as archaeological findings, such as an ancient synagogue and dwelling caves. Depending on how fit you are, there is a longer, more difficult climb, as well as an easier circular route accessible by car, making it a destination suitable for all the family.
 

 
Next we will take a hike through the Jerusalem Hills to the Ein Sataf spring. There are no less than 5 different trails you can choose from, so you are certain to find one that suits your mood. Winding through the terraced hills, filled with olive groves and almond trees, once you reach the spring you can drink from its fresh waters are dabble in the pool to cool off on a hot day. The views are breathtaking, and once you have concluded you hike, you can stop off at the nearby village of Ein Karem for a meal at one of its many restaurants.
 

 
Down south there are two amazing mountains to be climbed – Mt. Ardon in the Ramon Crater, and Mt. Karkom in the southwest Negev.
In the Ramon Crater climbing the Mt. Ardon is an amazing experience. A climb suitable only for the very fit, as you ascend you will see the amazing geological formations and colored sands of the Ramon Crater unfolding before you. The climb itself takes about 5 hours, so it is best to begin as early as possible to avoid the heat of midday, and therefore spending a night camping at the nearby Beerot campsite, which will add to the fun. A road less traveled, you will not be likely to meet many other hikers, which will add the awesome desert experience.
 

 
Mount Karkom, situated in the Negev desert, is accessible by safari vehicle or jeep only. Covered with many rock engravings and surrounded by the remnants of ancient altars and temples, dating back to over 2000 years BC, many scholars argue that it is the actual Mount Sinai mentioned in the bible. Whether it is or not, no doubt a trek up its slopes, and seeing these engravings, will provide an experience that is second to none. Due to weather conditions, it is recommended as a destination more suitable for the late autumn, winter and early spring times of the year, although if you are here during the summer, start early and take along sufficient water and protection, and you will not have to forgo this amazing and thought evoking destination.
 

 
So all you hikers and trail lovers, give us a call and we will make sure you have an experience you will never forget.

A wonderful way of seeing Israel is through its art and artists. Throughout the ages, the country has been the subject of countless artistic impressions and home to many artists and artisans.

Modern day Israel boasts several artist enclaves – the most renowned of which are the Safed artists’ quarter, the Jaffa artists’ colony, the Jerusalem Hutzot Hayotzer artists center and the Ein Hod artists village, each unique in structure, location and character.

Safed is one of the oldest towns in Israel, dating back even to biblical times. Its picturesque ancient alleyways, high altitude and breathtaking views, as well as its mystical ambiance as the Kabbalah city, make it an interesting and unique destination. The artists’ quarter is located in the old city, which also houses many ancient synagogues, and the many art and craft works on display and for sale, contribute to making it a one of a kind destination in the Upper Galilee.

 

 

The Jaffa artist’s colony is housed in the renovated ancient city, adjacent to the Jaffa port. Jaffa also dates back to biblical times, and was once the main port of entry to Israel. Meandering through its winding alleyways that overlook the Mediterranean Sea, you pass by countless galleries, works of art, restaurants and shops, giving a sense of old and new living together in harmony.

 

 

Hutzot Hayotzer artists’ center in Jerusalem is housed in renovated buildings that were left derelict in the no-mans-land region near the Old City of Jerusalem, from1948 to 1967. Designated as studios and workshops for artists and artisans, there is an annual arts and crafts festival held there for 2 weeks during the summer. The festival, which has gained renown and momentum over the years, hosts hundreds of artists, including some from abroad.

 

 

The Ein Hod artists’ village is unique in that all of the residents are artists from all fields of art – painting, sculpting, pottery, glass, dance, music and more.
 

 
Situated on the Carmel Mountain range, near to the town of Atlit, is has been a small settlement since Crusader times, and there is even evidence of prehistoric dwellings in the region. Today’s village occupies the site of the Arab settlement that was evacuated during the War of Independence, and it is home to the famous Janco Dada art museum. Almost all the artists have studios and galleries open to the public, offering tours and workshops for whoever is interested.

 

 

Whether you are an avid art lover or not, seeing Israel through the eyes of its artists is an amazing way to visit the country. We will be happy to take you on this fabulous journey.

Lying between the Carmel mountain range to the west, the Jordan Valley to the east, and bordered by the Lower Galilee Mountains to the north and Samarian Mountains to the south, the Jezreel Valley is the largest fertile region in Israel.

In ancient times it was part of the Via Maris (Sea Route) which travelled from Egypt in the south to Syria in the north, with archaeological signs of settlements having been found tracing as far back as the Bronze Age and earlier.

 

 

During the reign of the Roman Empire it became less travelled when the Romans paved the Shore Route, which ran from Egypt in the south and along the coastal plain, via Ashkelon, Caesarea and Acre to Lebanon and Syria in the north, replacing the Via Maris. The lack of habitation turned the valley into marshland and swamps.

Reclamation of the valley commenced in the 19^th century, first by the Templers, who established the villages of Alonei Abba and Bethlehem of the Galilee, and then by the first Jewish pioneers returning to Palestine, who bought lands and founded villages.

A fitting beginning to a tour of this fabulous region is from the Carmelite monastery on Mt. Carmel, from which there are magnificent views of the Jezreel Valley reaching as far as the eye can see.

 

 

Continue with a visit to Megiddo overlooking the Plain of Armageddon (also in the Jezreel Valley), whose archeological excavations have unearthed 26 layers of settlements dating as far back as the Chalcolithic era.

Dotted with agricultural settlements as well as a main city, Afula, there are many places of interest to visit as you cross the valley from east to west, such as the magnificent mosaic from an ancient synagogue found at Kibbutz Beit Alpha, or a museum that tells the story of the first settlers and the War of Independence at Kibbutz Merhavia, as well as the Park of Springs and Mt. Gilboa (see our Facebook post), which also provides magnificent views of the valley from the south east.

 

 

On the way back you can make your way to Mt. Tabor, which is part of the Lower Galilee mountain range, bordering the valley from the northeast, and the biblical site of the battle between the Israelites and the Canaanite King of Hazor, and site of the Transfiguration of Jesus. In addition to its historical and religious significance, Mt. Tabor provides yet another magnificent view of the valley.

 

 

A visit to this region, rich in vegetation and history, where old and new live together side by side, is an unforgettable experience. Contact us and we will be happy to make it a reality.

In conjunction with the Annual ANZAC Memorial day, traditionally held on April 25th, to commemorate the brave men that fought in WWI, we would like to show the role of the Middle East, and particularly that of the land of Israel, in the outcome of that war.

Over a century ago the first victory by Australian and New Zealand (ANZAC) troops, part of the British Empire’s army, was attained over the Turkish forces in then Palestine, which marked a turn in the outcome of WWI. The memory of those times are evident everywhere along what is today known as the ANZAC trail, which enables visitors today to relive those times.

 

 

The fighting took place in the Beer Sheba and Negev region of the country. The armies at that time were comprised principally of cavalry, brandishing rifles and bayonets, and flanked by artillery, and camps had to provide barracks or tents for soldiers, and of course corrals for the horses.
During WWI horses played a major role, not only in cavalry charges, but for pulling supply carts and ambulances as well as for reconnaissance missions. The bonds formed between horses and soldiers were very strong, and the loss of horses in the war to artillery and machine gun fire, as well as disease and injury, was critical to the troops. Ultimately the inability of the German forces to replenish their horses was a major factor in their defeat. (A wonderful depiction of this can be seen in the 2011 film “War Horse” by Steven Spielberg)

 

 

Today one can retrace the ANZAC trail by beginning in the lowlands region of the country, at Kibbutz Beeri, where a monument has been erected to commemorate the troops and their victory. As the drive continues, a stop can be at the Eshkol Park, to visit the restored portion of the railway line that was built by the Ottomans and later extended by the British following their victory.

 

 

The trail continues further to Beer Sheba, to the park of the Australian Soldier, which is a memorial and recreational park, with a statue commemorating the Light Brigade, and picnic areas, where people can come a spend time.
Beer Sheba is also home to the British Cemetery where most of the ANZAC soldiers that lost their lives here are buried, as well as to the ANZAC museum, which recreates some of the battles and tells the story.

 

 

The southernmost point of the trail is in the Negev, passing Khalassa, Bir Asluj and Bir Mashash. At Bir Asluj there is a small museum, with photographs and written documents from soldiers that participated in the war, which is very moving to visit.

 

 

We will be happy to take you ion this moving and historically interesting journey to a beautiful region of the country on your next visit to Israel.