Israel: Overview
The legendary State of Israel, is an Asian country located in the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea that belongs to the Near East region. Its frontiers are shared by Jordan and Syria to the east, by Egypt to the southwest and by Lebanon to the north. Besides those land borders its southern coast in the Gulf of Aqaba is bathed by the waters of the Red Sea, while the Mediterranean waves wash the western beaches. Israel is par excellence one of the main historical and religious destinations, where past and present meet in the bustling streets.
Climate
Israeli climate is typically mediterranean, characterized by long, dry and hot summers followed by short, but humid and temperate winters. Between November and February storms are frequent and during the rawwest winter time snowfalls can be expected in the highlands and inland. This climate makes it posible for everyone to enjoy their visit to Israel anytime of the year. However, when planning your trip you should keep in mind that during Jewish holidays prices rise a lot, tourist and holiday resorts are too crowded and lodging is not easy to find.
Important information
For some countries the only entry requirement is an effective passport, others must apply for a visa. Travellers who Hill not be asked a visa are nationals from Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, the EU, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay and Uruguay. In most cases the allowed time for a stay is 3 months, although people comming by land from Egypt and Jordan can only stay for one month. Besides a passport and a visa, all travellers must have an onward return ticket and prove they have enough funds to cover the expenses of the trip. On arrival you will recieve a copy (which you must keep) of your entrance permit. You are recomended to ask migration officers to stamp your permit instead of your passport, since most Arabian countries will not allow those who have been in Israel to visit their territories.
The official currency is the Israeli new shequel. Foreign currencies can be converted to shequel in banks, hotels and small offices located in the main streets. ATMs opperating in connection with North American systems are plentiful in the country. The main credit cards are broadly received; traveller's checks are also extended, although their commissions are higher.
Tipping according to the service recieved is costumary. Some hotels and restaurants charge an extra for service to the total ammount of the bill.
Concerning health there are no serious risks for visitors to Israel, although between August-November it is necessary to be protected against insects, especially mosquitoes (that transmit the West Nile virus). Some cases of bird flu have been reported in Gaza and other cities. Chances of visitors becoming infected are very rare, however you they should eat hot and well cooked any dishes containing poultry or eggs and avoid contact with birds. Medical facilities are very good, but treatments and attention can be very expensive. Hiring full medical insurance for the trip is essential.
Safety can be an issue, so travellers should remain alert and aware of the social and political situation. Terrorist attacks risk is high and people who visit the country, especially Jerusalem should be extra careful and avoid places which can be targeted by terrorists, such as night clubs, public transportations and bars. Many converged public areas have been attacked by suicidal bombardiers, causing hundred of dead and wounded people over the years. You should check with the local embassies about the country situation and the latest safety recommendations. If possible you should avoid travelling to Cisjordania and the Gaza Strip, since attacks and foreigners' kidnappings are alarmingley frequent. Tension between Israel and Palestine has ended in attacks and many armed conflicts, therefore it is not a good idea to travel in a circuit of 5 km or less from the border.
There are many religious customs which are very important to this country’s people and must be respected by tourists. Indecent behaviors will not be tolerated and anyone who missbehave will be arrested or severely fined. It is forbidden to photograph military and police facilities or personal; visitors must also be discreet when taking pictures of Orthodox temples and other places. It is advisable to carry perdonal ID everytime.
Where to go
In the streets of sacred Jerusalem people walk side by side with the ghosts of hundred of historical and religious characters. The city is divided in three: the old walled city, the new city (West Jerusalem) and the oriental area, mostly Arab. As a starting point you can follow the line of the city walls that date from the 16th century. In the slope of the hill is the western wall of the Second Temple build by king Herodes and very popular among Jewish people. You cannot miss the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, built in the suposed place of where Jesus’ crucifixion, death and resurrection took place. You can get there by walking the Way of the Cross. Another point of interest is the Esplanade of the Mosques (Haram The Shariff for the Muslims and Mount of the Temple for the Jews) built dominating the city in the spot where God asked Abraham to kill his son and from where Mohammed ascended to the skies. In the highest point of the mountain are the Islamic Museum and the mosques Al Aqsa and Dome of the Rock. Other good options are to enjoy a coffee or visit the business centers of West Jerusalem, the Palestinian neighborhood of East Jerusalem, the Mount of Olives and the holocaust memorial, Yad Vashem. Anyone who wants to enjoy a delicious, traditional and economic meal should go to the falafel stands in East Jerusalem, on the other side of the walls; to the Mahane Yehuda market, located west of the old area, or to the commercial neighborhoods of the new city.
Galilee, biblical land of Jesus' miracles, is an exuberant place, of beautiful forests and fertile valleys. Some of the places you cannot miss here are Nazareth, where Jesus spent his first years and where you can visit the Basilica of the Annunciation and other churches. In the west shore of lake Kinnereth is Tiberias, from where you can go to other destinations, be cured of physical ailments in the thermal waters, visit the tombs of legendary wisemen and Bet She'an, the biggest archaeological site of the country.
Nativity, cradle of the Christian Messiah, is a must for every visitor. The city was built around Manger square from where you can visit Church of the Nativity, built where the Messiah was born and one of the world’s oldest churches. You can also visit Raquel’s tomb, venerable sanctuary for Jews, Muslims and Christians; and the Grotto of Milk chapel.
Floating in the Dead Sea is also a must for anyone visiting Israel. Besides its stragely dense waters, its has a bigger oxygen percentage that other seas and it is also plentiful in invigorating minerals. Once you are done floating you can visit the Ein Gedi oasis, one of the most attractive in the country, full of cascades, ponds and springs that make possible a varied flora and fauna. Another option is to go to the imposing fortress of Mesada, located on top of a plain and considered the last bastion of the "zealots", Jewish rebels who raise against the Roman Empire, committing massivesuicide to avoid being captured.
Hundred years-Tel Aviv-Jaffa is the financial center and one of the main entertainment places in Israel. Although the city is populated by few natives, is not a bad place to have a taste of traditional food and architecture, especially in Yemeni neighborhood, in the salmon-color-populations of the coastline or in the vodka bars located in Allenby St.. Some interesting places are the markets, the beaches, some of the best in the Middle East, and Tel-Aviv Museum of Art and the Diaspora Museum.
Festivals
The origins of Israeli celebrations are deeply religious and during them the whole country stops and travelling between cities is almost impossible. Every week, from Friday sunset to Saturday dusk the sabbath, when any kind of work is not allowed, takes place.
Between February and March is the time for Purim, when the day of the Jewish people liberation by Mardoqueo and Esther is commemorated with banquets, drunkenness in the synagogues and gifts exchange.
Passover, in April, celebrates the Jewish exodus from Egypt to the Promissed Land leaded by Moses. For an entire week people only eat "matza", a flatbread.
October is the time for the Yom Kippur fast, the most important celebration in the Jewish calendar. This celebration consists of 25 hours of abstinence and almost total fast, praying, confession and contemplation to purify the soul and body.
Besides the Jewish festivities the Israeli religious calendar also respects the month of Muslim fast, Ramadam, when it is forbidden to drink, eat or smoke during sunlight. The fasting ends with Eid al-Fitr feast.
