Israel: General

I spent two weeks in Israel over Christmas and New Year 2004/05. I lost count of the times people thanked me for going there at a time when so many are afraid. There really isn't any need to be afraid. The last suicide bomb attack in Israeli territory was in September, and nearly all cases of violence break out in isolated areas which are easy to avoid as a traveller. A trip to Israel can take in Egypt and Jordan as day trips, although with an Israeli stamp in your passport you will be barred entry from most other Arabic countries. Apparently you can ask immigration officials to not stamp your ... more

This city is called with different names according to the language used. In the Bible it was called "Joppa", in Hebrew is "Yafo", in Arab is "Jaffa" (and in my review I will use the name "Jaffa"). Jaffa is the oldest city located along the Mediterranean shore, and its port was on duty since the Egyptian and Phoenician ages. Archaeological excavations discovered findings 4.000 years old and according to such recovers it quite sure that Jaffa has been established during the Canaanites era. Jaffa means "beautiful" and it is true because from any side to watch this city you find it always ... more

I love this country. not only because i was born there but mainly because it is what the bible says it is : Paradise. for me being in london right now indoors (raining again) is like putting a lion in a box just a bit bigger then the lion and expect it to be happy. i am that lion and i miss lots of things in israel but i'll only share one trip i have done (a track) with some family members about two years ago (just before coming to london). well, i have been in the israeli army for 3 years and learned a lot from it and one of the things i took with me from being there is the love for survival ... more

Israel is a country at war with its self at the moment, as you all know lots of internal politics involved. Behind this there is such a wonderful country with really nice passionate people. Israelis are genuinely friendly people what ever religion they are, they will help you if they can. On a recent visit an Israeli soldier was most helpful in recommending somewhere to eat and gave concise instructions in near perfect English. Jerusalem is at the centre of Israel and is a wonderful city, surrounded by an ancient wall. There are 4 ways in to old Jerusalem through four gates, which are all ... more

After last week’s questionable assassination of admitted murderer Sheik Yassin, it’s nice to remember some of the positive contributions Israel is making to the world – some of them quite remarkable for a country that was established only 55 years ago. Israel has a total population of around six million with Israeli Arabs making up over 25% of that amount. The total area of Israel excluding the occupied territories is just under 21,000 square kilometers. By comparison, Syria is over 180,000 square kilometers and Egypt is over a million square kilometers. Israel has the highest number of ... more