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IsraelIsrael<!-- begin quick bar --> <div style="float: right; margin: 0 0 1em 1em"> <table cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" style="border: 1px solid #9866FF; background-color: #f3f3ff" width="200"> <tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align: center; border-bottom: 1px solid #C9AFFF; background-color: #ddddff">Flag</td></tr> <tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align: center; padding: 2px">Image:is-flag.png</td></tr> <tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align: center; border-bottom: 1px solid #C9AFFF; border-top: 1px solid #C9AFFF; background-color: #ddddff">Quick Facts</td></tr> <tr><td valign="top" style="padding-left: 2px">'''Capital'''</td><td>Jerusalem (disputed)</td></tr> <tr><td valign="top" style="padding-left: 2px">'''Government'''</td><td>Parliamentary Democracy<br/></td></tr> <tr><td valign="top" style="padding-left: 2px">'''Currency'''</td><td>New Israeli Sheqel (shortend:NIS)(code:ILS)</td></tr> <tr><td valign="top" style="padding-left: 2px">'''Area'''</td><td>20,770 sq km</td></tr> <tr><td valign="top" style="padding-left: 2px">'''Population'''</td><td>6,029,529</td></tr> <tr><td valign="top" style="padding-left: 2px">'''Language'''</td><td>Hebrew (official), Arabic (official) used by Arab minority.<br/> English most commonly used foreign language</td></tr> <tr><td valign="top" style="padding-left: 2px">'''Religion'''</td><td>Jewish 80.1%, Muslim 14.6% (mostly Sunni Muslim), Christian 2.1%, other 3.2% (1996 est.)</td></tr> <tr><td valign="top" style="padding-left: 2px">'''Country calling code'''</td><td>972</td></tr> <tr><td valign="top" style="padding-left: 2px">'''Internet TLD'''</td><td>.il</td></tr> <tr><td valign="top" style="padding-left: 2px">'''Time Zone'''</td><td>UTC +2/DST +3</td></tr> </table> </div> <!-- end quick bar --> '''Israel''' is a small yet diverse Middle East|Middle Eastern country with a long coastline on the eastern Mediterranean Sea and a small window on the Red Sea on the Gulf of Eilat (Aqaba). Israel is bordered by Egypt to the southwest, by Jordan to the east (with which it shares a border along the Jordan River and the Dead Sea), and by Syria and Lebanon to the north. Israel also partially surrounds, controls and occupies the Palestinian Territories of the West Bank in the east and the Gaza Strip in the southwest. The primary constituent of the so-called '''Holy Land(s)''' (together with Jordan and the Palestinian Territories), Israel has a history and landmarks sacred to three major world religions - Judaism, Christianity and Islam - as well as a vibrant modern history and culture, based in no small part on the diverse, mostly immigrant origins of its inhabitants from the Arab world and the Jewish Diaspora. These aspects make Israel a fascinating (if sometimes challenging) drawcard for many travellers and pilgrims. Israel is a highly urbanised society and is therefore best divided for the traveller into its main cities and towns, followed by the regions and other sites. ==Cities== Image:is-map.png|frame|Map of Israel *Jerusalem - the political, spritual and national capital of Israel, as well as city sacred for millennia, firstly and foremostly to Jews (the site of the Temple), then to Christians (the scene of Christ's Passion), finally to Muslims (site of the al-Aqsa Mosque) *Tel Aviv - First Hebrew city in 2000 years and the largest, most vibrant city in the country, a mere century old but incorporating the ancient port city of '''Jaffa''' and a sprawling metropolis along the coastal plain - includes the '''White City''' cultural World Heritage site of Bauhaus architecture <br> *Haifa - Israel's main port and industrial city located in the north of the country *Nazareth - the hometown of Jesus, now the largest Arab city in Israel proper *Akko (Acre) - a fascinating historical city on the far north coast of Israel, close to Haifa *Modiin - Modern, technological city and site of the Maccabean Revolt against the Greeks in ancient times. *Rehovot - home to the Weizmann Institute of Science *Herzliya - located on the coast north of Tel Aviv *Tiberias - located on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, a modern resort town with an ancient background *Beer Sheva (or: Beersheba) - the capital of the Negev *Beth Shean - gateway to the north Jordan Valley and site of amazing ancient ruins *Eilat - The Goa of the Middle East, Israel's window on the Red Sea ==Regions== Israel possesses a number of diverse regions, with landscapes varying between coast, mountain, valley and desert, with everything in between. Beyond the towns and cities, each region of Israel holds its own unique attractions. The metropolitan areas of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv very much form their own regions; from north to south, however, Israel's regions are as follows: *Upper Galilee - from Dan at the base of Mount Hermon down to the Beit haKerem Valley in south, and from the Israel (North Coast)|North Coast across to the Sea of Galilee *Lower Galilee - the hills immediately north of the Jezreel Valley *the Sea of Galilee (Kinneret) - diverse landscapes and settlements around the lake, many with connections to the life of Christ *the North Coast (Israel)|North Coast - sometimes called "Western Galilee", extends along the Mediterranean shore from Haifa to Rosh Haniqra and the Lebanese border *the Jezreel Valley - an extensive inland valley, largely rural, extending inland from west of Haifa to the Jordan Valley *the Beth Shean Valley - the core of the north Jordan River valley *the Carmel Range - a small yet diverse region of hills, south of Haifa *the Sharon - broadly speaking, the coastal plain north of Tel Aviv, south of the Carmel Range *the Shephelah - the fertile, hilly hinterland between the coastal plain and the Judean highlands *the Coastal Plain - location of the cities of Ashdod and Ashkelon *the Judean Desert *the Dead Sea *the Negev, including Machtesh Ramon ===Disputed Territories=== The following areas are presently largely under Israeli adminsteration and partial settlement, but are also claimed by the Palestinian authorities. Pending Final Status negotiations and agreements, Israel maintains a vital, ongoing interest in the Territories, the focus of Jewish settlement and with strong historical connections to Jewish identity, Jewish religion and Jewish History. *Gaza - part of the Palestinian Territories *the West Bank - the location of Bethlehem and more, part of the Palestinian Territories *the Golan Heights - Annexed in 1982 by Israel, but claimed by Syria ==Other destinations== A large number of major attractions in Israel are located some distance from large towns and cities: ===Archaeological / Historical Centers and Sites=== *Belvoir Castle - a magnificently-located Crusader castle located high above the Sea of Galilee *Beth Shean - explore the remains of Canaanite, Egyptian and Romano-Byzantine cities *Dan *Caesarea - the evocative remnants of Herod the Great's Roman city by the sea *Hazor - the largest ancient site in Israel *Masada - high on a plateau above the Dead Sea, the scene of the Zealots' last stand against the might of Rome, a powerful symbol for modern Israel *Megiddo - an ancient Canaanite and Israelite city and the location of several key battles, both ancient and modern (the location of Armageddon) *Nimrod Castle - a magnificently-located Crusader castle located above the Sea of Galilee *Timna *Safed ===Geographical / Natural Sites=== *the Dead Sea *Trail of Israel - Trekking (or cycling) Israel from North to South (or the other way around) *Ein Avdat canyon situated in a National Park *Mitzpe Ramon crater (similar to a cliff in the middle of the desert) ==Understand== ===People=== Israelis are a very tough, friendly people. In Israel, it's normal for people to be direct in a way that might seem abrupt, even rude, in other parts of the world. Israelis are used to fighting for their right to exist and have to hold their own against the pressures of the family, religion, the army and other Israelis. But Israelis are also very kind and hospitable. When you make a friend here they will do the best to take care of you while you're in their country. You might not find such pleasant behaviour if you work here though. Israelis are happy that people ignore the media hype and still visit their country, although they do not like those who discredit them of their basic rights, e.g. Eretz Yisrael a term referring to the historic or ancient ''Land of Israel'' including the ancient kingdoms of ''Israel'' and ''Judah'' which are now parts of the Palestinian Territories. Basically expressing any opinion on the Israel/Palestinian problem is likely to get you some nasty looks unless you are very sure of the opinions of the people you are with. ==Get in== Citizens from most European, North American and Australasian countries do not need a visa prior to arrival. Note that German citizens born before January 1, 1928, do have to apply for a visa in advance. This visa will be given if you were not heavily involved in events during the Nazi era and will be valid for the whole time your passport is valid. Further note that in some Arab states it constitutes a crime for their citizens to enter Israel at all. Even if you're an Arab-born citizen of a European or North American country having entered Israel may have consequences when returning to your country of birth. Pay attention to the fact that some Arab countries (such as Syria, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia etc.) deny entry to any person that has been to Israel. Not only an Israeli stamp puts your entry into these countries at risk but also a stamp from another country (such as Egypt or Jordan) that you can only receive in a border crossing point towards Israel. If arriving by air or by sea and wishing to go to Arab states with the same passport, ask the Israeli immigration officer to put his stamp onto a separate piece of paper. Then you're safe not to be denied entry by the Arab states named above. Citizens of some countries (such as Germany) have the possibility of applying for a second passport. This allows them to have an Israeli stamp in one passport and travel to the Arab states with another one. Note that while most European and American visitors generally get three months stay when they arrive by plane, should you cross by land you're likely to only be given two weeks. Israeli immigration takes a dim view of travelers arriving from Arab countries. You may also face rather obnxious interrogations as to what you were doing in those countries in the first place. ===By plane=== Israel's main international airport - '''Ben-Gurion International Airport''' [http://www.iaa.gov.il/Rashat/en-US/Airports/BenGurion/] (code '''TLV''') - is located approximately halfway between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, and serves both cities. Israel's second international airport (used mostly by charter carriers) is located at Ovda [http://www.iaa.gov.il/Rashat/en-US/Airports/Ovda/], near Eilat (code: '''VDA''') Israel has its own national carrier, '''El Al''' (אל על) [http://www.elal.co.il/], which possesses direct international connections with many European and North American cities. A large number of international carriers also fly regularly into Israel - these include British Airways, Air France, Lufthansa, Iberia, American Airlines, Thai Airlines and Air Sinai (a subsidiary of Egyptair). Note that security measures above and beyond what you might encounter in most countries are taken for flights both to and from Israel - these, of course, are undertaken for your, and other passengers', safety and securoty. Arriving at the terminal ''at least'' three hours before your flight is well advised, as Israeli security procedures can be time-consuming. Bag inspection is routine and should be expected, in addition to repeated interviews about your time in Israel. Keep your cool in what can be a frustrating time - it really is done with the best intentions, if not always the most elegant execution. Having the telephone number of friends or colleagues you may have spent time with in Israel, and who can vouch for you, always helps the process. There are buses to Ben-Gurion airport from Tel-Aviv and Jerusalem, but the easiest way is by [http://www.israrail.org.il/english/travel/natbag.html train]. Train service to Tel-Aviv was finally launched in October 2004, proceeding up to Nahariya via Haifa, every 20 minutes. Unfortunately, train service to Jerusalem from Ben-Gurion Airport is expected to be launched no earlier than 2007. Taxi service is available, though not particularly cheap. A better option is a shared taxi, or ''sherut'' - these are available outside the airport terminal. ===By boat=== The sea ports of Haifa and Ashdod are easily accessible by public transportation as they are located in major cities. Boat arrival in the following Marinas: Herzliya (north of Tel-Aviv), Ashkelon (South of Ashdod) ===By car=== There are land routes to both Egypt and Jordan from Israel. There are no land routes to either Syria or Lebanon owing to the continuing state of hostilities with these countries, who refuse to recognise Israel's existence. These border crossings have security measures similar to the airports. Israeli rental cars are not generally permitted across the borders for insurance purposes. ===By bus=== ==Get around== In getting around Israel, beware primarily of the '''Sabbath''': from Friday sundown to Saturday sundown, there is effectively '''no''' public transportation available in Israel (except for limited ''sherut'' services - shared taxis, see below). If you're daytripping on a Friday, you should start thinking about how to get back by noon at the latest, and you should plan on staying near your lodgings on Saturday. ===By bus=== Buses are the most common form of public transportation for Israelis and travellers alike. The extensive national bus system is run by a public corporation called [http://www.egged.co.il/ Egged] (pronounced "Egg-ed"), the second-largest bus network in the world. Additionally, a bus company called [http://www.dan.co.il/english/ Dan] operates solely in the Tel Aviv metropolitan area. The bus transport system is slowly being changed, however, as Egged phases out of many of its former routes to be replaced by cheaper and faster companies. ''NB'': Without being unduly alarmist, buses and bus-stops have unfortunately been the targets of suicide bombers in recent years. If you see anyone acting suspiciously, or discover an untended parcel, notify the driver, a soldier or police officer immediately. If you can, avoid standing in large crownds of people in order to further minimise any risk. ===By sherut=== Faster than the bus companies are the minivans, known as ''monit sherut'' or "service taxi", that follow the bus routes but can be hailed from anywhere. The drivers take the money whilst driving and so it's not uncommon for lengthy arguments to develop about who gave how much. Sherut fares usually cost the same or slightly less than the bus, but during Sabbath, when normal buses don't operate, sherut fares will increase. ===By train=== One of the best advances in transport in Israel in recent years has been the modernisation of the train system, now set for major expansion. The system currently runs along Israel's Mediterranean coast, being particularly useful for connections between Haifa, Tel Aviv and the airport, as well as the new link to Jerusalem. *[http://www.israrail.org.il/english/ Israel Railway website] ===By taxi=== Taxis are very common in Israel. Try your best to get them to use the meter. ==Sleep== Israel is host to a huge variety of accommodation options, from camping and hostels through to 5-star luxury hotels. Israel has a thriving network of youth hostels run by the [http://www.youth-hostels.org.il/ Israel Youth Hostel Association]. A large number of ''kibbutzim'' now include Bed and Breakfast accommodation amongst their activities. [http://www.kibbutz.co.il/] Private owned Bed and Breakfast accommodation can be found throughout the country as well. [http://www.weekend.co.il/] Israel's time is + 2 hrs from GMT so when it's 6 pm (GMT), 1 pm (EST), it's 8 pm in Israel. ==Talk== '''Hebrew''' and '''Arabic''' and english represents the official languages of Israel. That most widely spoken is Hebrew, however, a sizable part of the population are Arab Israeli and Arabic is used by them together with a significant part of non-Arab Israelis who also speak it. Massive immigration from the former Soviet Union in the 1990s brought a large number of immigrants who speak Russian. Other influential languages in Israel - reflecting the diverse origins of Israelis - are French, German and Polish. It is generally very easy to communicate with '''English''' in Israel, owing to the fact that English is a language compulsorily taught in Israeli schools and represents the primary key to Western culture. It is difficult to find someone who cannot speak at least basic English, especially amongst the under-40s. All street and road signs (and many others besides) have the English name, as well as the Hebrew and Arabic names. See also: Hebrew phrasebook, Arabic phrasebook ==Buy== The Israeli unit of currency is the shekel (proper name = the New Israeli shekel). Each shekel is divided into 100 (new) agorot. The common symbols for the shekel are NIS or ₪. There are 5,10,50 agorot, 1, 5, 10 shekels coins, and 20,50,100 & 200 shekels notes. $1 US equals about 4.5 NIS; 1€ equals about 5.6NIS (September 2004). ATMs are widely available in cities and towns and are connected to European and American banking systems - this is easily the best way to access funds without paying commission on travelers' cheques! Note that post office branches change travellers cheques (and cash) commission-free. Cash can also be sent to post office branches using Western Union services. You can get V.A.T. refunds when leaving the country but if you don't like the queue at the airport note that there is no V.A.T in Eilat. Attempts have been made to eliminate this. ==Eat== The "officials" Israeli national foods are '''falafel''' and '''humus'''. Falafel are small fried balls of mashed chickpea. They are served inside a pita bread together with tehina and other salads. You can have also have half a serving (??? ??? ''kha-TSEE mah-NAH''). While falafel has been losing popularity in recent years (or decades…), it is probably still the cheapest meal you would find, and it’s a great vegetarian option as well. Humus is a cream of peas (legume), tahini, onion, lemon and olive oil; it have to be eat with pita bread and of course falafel. Usually with falafel, humus and ita bread they give you also tomatoes, cucumbers and olives; a good price for such a meal is 10 to 15 NIS. Israelis appreciate good coffee and '''café culture''' thrives in the country. Starbucks has failed here – probably because their coffee just wasn’t good enough – but there are several highly popular local chains, most sharing the self-service concept. Many just stay a long time sipping their cappuccino and chatting with friends, but you can also have light meal with sandwiches and salads. '''Aroma''' is the most widely-spread chain. You can have their sandwiches in 3 sizes and 3 types of bread. '''Arcafé''' is slightly more expensive, but their coffee (some say) is even better. An attraction for religious Jewish (and other!) tourists are the kosher McDonald’s restaurants. Note that not all the branches are kosher (actually, most of them aren’t), so ask before ordering. All ''Burger-King'' restaurants '''are''' kosher, though. ==Learn== One of the most respected schools for international travellers in Israel is the [http://overseas.huji.ac.il/ Rothberg International School] at the [http://www.huji.ac.il/huji/eng/index_e.htm Hebrew University Jerusalem]. The [http://www.yad-vashem.org.il/education/index_education.html International School for Holocaust Studies] at [http://www.yad-vashem.org.il/ Yad Vashem] in west Jerusalem also offers a variety of educational options relating to the Holocaust. ==Work== One of the iconic activities in Israel is working ("volunteering") on a collective farm: a ''kibbutz'' or a ''moshav''. http://www.kibbutz.org.il/eng/welcome.htm Another popular option is to volunteer for work on an archaeological excavation, mostly conducted in summer at a variety of locations. Most Israeli excavations offer college / degree credit for international students. http://www.ancientneareast.net/volunteers.html Although it's not legal to work on a tourist visa in practice Israel depends upon immigant workers. Stay at any hotel in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem and the staff will offer to put you in contact with opportunities to wash dishes or construction. Pay is only around $5 an hour but that's standard for non-skilled work in Israel ==Stay Safe== Without being alarmist, buses and bus-stops have unfortunately been the targets of suicide bombers in recent years. If you see anyone acting suspiciously, or find an untended parcel, notify the driver, a soldier or police officer immediately. Israeli national policy, however, is business as usual. The day after the November 2004 bomb in the Karmel market in Tel Aviv the market was full again. Life goes on. Israel is a very safe country. You can walk around the cities and towns at night without fear as mugging and drunken violence is all but unknown. Single women should still take care late at night but the risks here are far lower than practically anywhere in Europe. ===Emergency phone numbers:=== * Police - 100 * First Aid ("Magen David Adom") - 101 * Fire department - 102 ==Stay Healthy== There are no special medical issues in Israel, no immunizations are necessary. Pharmacies and hospitals are common in all major cities with emergency and health care to a very high Western standard. Travel health insurance is highly recommended, however, as the Israeli health system frequently operates under the American-style "user-pays" approach to treatment. ==Respect== Visitors to some synagogues, most churches and all mosques should be aware that entry will normally not be permitted to those with exposed legs (i.e. wearing shorts or short skirts) or exposed upper arms. Carry a wrap or bring a change of clothes. Mosques will also require you to take off your shoes before entry. Gentlemen should cover their heads in a synagogue. ==Contact== ===Phone=== The country code for Israel and the Disputed Territories is +972. Area Codes: (drop the leading 0 (zero) when calling from abroad) *Jerusalem area 02 *Tel Aviv-Yafo 03 *North 04 *South 08 *Sharon 09 Cellular carriers - 05x ===Internet=== Internet cafés are widely available in most cities and towns (check individual articles). ==External links== *[http://www.mfa.gov.il/mfa Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs] *[http://www.goisrael.com/ Israel Ministry of Tourism] *[http://www.parks.org.il/ParksENG/index_search_tree.php3?NewNameMade=0&InitialEntry=1&from=116 Israel Nature-Reserves & National-Parks Protection Authority] de:Israel fr:Israël WikiPedia:Israel Dmoz:Middle East/Israel {{msg:stub}} First page | Prev | Next | Last page |
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