Israel Information

Over 1.5 million tourists come to Israel annually and discover a county that is ancient and ultra-modern, biblical and high tech, holy and secular; Israel is a land of spiritual adventures that can be combined with a world-class Mediterranean vacation.

Israel's diversity as a tourism destination makes it a unique and unforgettable experience. 

General Information

Official Name :                         The State of Israel
Form of Rule :                          Parliamentary Democracy
Capital :                                   Jerusalem
Area :                                       21,643 square kilometers
Population :                             7 million persons
Distribution by Religion :         76.5% Jews, 16% Moslems, 2% Christians,
1.5% Druze, 4% without religious classification
Official Languages :                Hebrew, Arabic
Currency :                                New Shekel
Quality of Life Classification :  22nd place in world
International Dialing Code :     972
Internet Suffix :                        IL

Location:  Israel is located in Southwest Asia, between the Mediterranean and the deserts of Syria and Arabia.  The country's borders are the Mediterranean Sea to the West, the Jordan Valley Rift to the East, the mountains of Lebanon to the North with Eilat Bay making the country's southern tip.

Climate:   Israel is a subtropical region with a hot and dry summer period and a cold and semi-wet to wet winter period. 
Israel's climate is varied, offering the visitor winter choices between skiing on Mt. Hermon and sunbathing and swimming in Eilat.  

Israel is a land of bright sunshine, and the amounts of light and radiation are among the highest in the world.        

Population: The State of Israel has approximately 7 million inhabitants.

Besides the main division of the country's inhabitants into Jews (80%) and Arabs (20%), there are many more subdivisions. The Jews, for example, are divided into religious and secular and the Arabs are divided into Moslems, Christians and Druze.

Languages: Israel's official languages are Hebrew and Arabic.  English is the main language for purpose of business and tourism.  Most Israelis speak English and the majority of signposts are also in English. Since Israel is a land of immigration, additional languages are spoken among the various immigrant communities especially Russian.

Time Zone:   Israel is in the European Standard Time zone; 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and seven hours ahead of US Eastern Standard time.

Daylight saving time is observed from late March/early April through the beginning of September.

Archaeology:  Israel's passion for uncovering and preserving its heritage is reflected in dozens of ongoing excavations and discoveries.  Sites from all periods of recorded history can be found around the Israeli landscape.  Some of the important sites can be found in Jerusalem, Caesarea, Masada and Ashkelon as well as many of Israel's National Parks.

Ecotourism:   Israel has become part of the world's most popular Ecotourism destinations.
The country is environmentally conscious and the development of nature reserves is of vast importance and is supervised by the Nature Reserves Authority.  Most reserves have hiking paths where visitors are asked to adhere to the market trails and not to uproot plants or disturb the wildlife.

Adventure Tourism:  Whether it is exploring the desert by jeep, horseback or camel, or rafting or kayaking down the Jordan River or diving in the Red Sea Coral Reef or rappelling and hiking down wadis and mountains, there is something for everyone.

Bird Watching:  Three miles north of Eilat is the International Bird Watching Center.  The Center is situated at the point where an estimated four million migrating birds fly over each year.  The center organizes bird-watching hikes from February through May.

Family Travel:  Israel is especially suited for families with young children.  Museums frequently have displays and activities for children.  Child-friendly trips can be taken throughout Israel.

Health Tourism:  Israel's health resorts range from the high climate of Galilee to the low mineral-rich Dead Sea.  The main centers are the Dead Sea, which is famous for its high concentration of salts and minerals and in Tiberias where there are hot springs.

Sports:  Caesarea boasts Israel's only 18 hole Golf Course and a 9 hole Golf Course can be found at Kibbutz Gash near Herzliya.   Israel is a diver's paradise and its mild climate assures year-round diving opportunities.  The Red Sea awaits dive enthusiasts with miles of coral reefs.    Scuba diving centers can be found in Caesarea, Eilat, Nahariya, Tel Aviv as well as centers for paragliding and tandem flights  The snow season for skiing on Mount Hermon begins in December or January and last until mid-March.

Israeli Food and Dining:  Dining in Israel is as varied as its population.  Israeli cuisine is a concept that has involved from the many cooking traditions.  Elegant restaurants can be found alongside small cafes or pizza and falafel stands.  Israel is influenced in world events, and tries to keep astride of all world changes, including culinary trends.  It's important to note that while kosher food is predominant in Israeli hotels, many restaurants are not kosher.  You can find almost every cuisine whether Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Arab and American food.  In recent years, a thriving quality wine industry has developed along with olive oil manufactures and a few boutique dairies.

National and Jewish Holidays:
The Sabbath begins on Friday evening and ends of Saturday night.  The Jewish Festivals similarly begin the night before and end in the evening.

Practical and Useful Information

Traveling to Israel:  Most international airlines operate flights to Israel.  

EL AL Israel Airlines operates direct flights from the USA, Europe, the Far East and Africa.  Other Israeli charter companies, e.g. Arkia and Israir, operate flights from locations in Europe and Israir also operates flights from the USA. There are no direct flights from distant locations e.g. Australia or from countries that do not have diplomatic relations with Israel.  International flights land at Ben Gurion Airport, which is located approximately 30 minutes drive from Tel Aviv.

Arrival by Air:   Visitors arriving by air will receive forms to fill in during the course of their flight, which will prevent delays at the passport control. It is important to ensue that the details are completed accurately and to keep the copy of the form which should be presented on departure from Israel. At Passport Control, travelers will be requested to present their passport, (that is valid for at least six months) a boarding pass and the entry form. After their passport has been stamped, incoming travelers continue to the passenger luggage area, where carts are at their disposal. From there, they continue to customs control and to the airport exit.

Arrival by Land:   Visitors arriving at the borderline passes on the Israel-Egypt or Israel-Jordan border will receive forms in which their personal details must be filled in. After undergoing a security check, they must present the completed forms together with their passport. (Borders are at the Taba border between Egypt and Israel near Eilat, and the Rafiah crossing near the Mediterranean; via the Arava bridge between Jordan and Israel near Akaba and Eilat; via the Allenby bridge near Jericho and the Jordan River; and via the Sheikh Hussein Bridge in the Galilee region).

All border crossings, ports, airports are open daily except for certain religious holidays.

Important:  Tourists continuing from Israel on to Arab countries (except Egypt and Jordan),  can request that their passport not be stamped with an Israeli stamp. You must notify the clerk of your request on arriving to Passport Control.   Granting of such requests is at the discretion of the Authorities.

Visas:  All visitors to Israel must hold a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date they enter the country.   Tourists can remain in Israel up to three months from their date of arrival.   Visitors intending to work in Israel must submit a request to the Ministry of Interior for a working visa.

Citizens of the following countries will be issued a Tourist Visa, free of charge, at every port or entrance terminal to Israel:

Europe - Austria, Italy, Iceland, Ireland, Belgium, Britain, Gibraltar, Germany (people born after 1.1.1928), Denmark, Holland, Hungary, Greece, Luxembourg, Lichtenstein, Monaco, Malta, Norway, Slovenia, San Marino, Spain, Portugal, Finland, France, Cyprus, Sweden, Switzerland.

Asia and Oceania - Australia, the Fiji Islands, South Korea, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, New Zealand.

Africa - Lesotho, Mauritius, Malawi, South Africa, Swaziland, the Central African Republic.

America - Uruguay, the Bahamas, El Salvador, Ecuador, Argentina, the United States of America, Bolivia, Barbados, Brazil, Guatemala, Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, Mexico, Surinam, Nevis and Saint Kitts, Panama, Paraguay, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Canada.

Public Transportation:  Israel is a small country and therefore it is easy to get from one place to another in a relatively short time.  Public transportation is convenient, and you can get to almost any destination for a reasonable price. 

Buses are the most popular form of public transport in Israel for both local transport and intercity trips. The fares are reasonable and the buses are comfortable, usually air-conditioned and there is a regular frequent service for most intercity destinations.

It is also possible to travel by taxi, which is more expensive.  There are also shared service taxis (sherut) for both local and intercity trips. 

Israel Railways operates a convenient and inexpensive train service from Tel Aviv to the North.  

Several companies provide internal flights between Eilat and Ben Gurion Airport, Sde Dov Airport in north Tel Aviv and Haifa, There is also an internal flight service between Sde Dov Airport and Rosh Pina (Mahanaim) in the North.

What to Bring:   If you are visiting Israel during the summer you will need lightweight clothing: short-sleeved and sleeveless shirts, shorts, sandals, beach shoes and a bathing suit.  It's also a good idea to pack a sweater or jacket, since nights in the mountains and the desert can be cool. 

If you are visiting Israel in the winter, you will need warm clothing, a coat, closed shoes, an umbrella, gloves, a scarf and other warm clothing.  Weather in Israel is not cold as it is in Europe, but days can be rainy and cold. 

Sunscreen, a sun hat, and sunglasses are essential items throughout the year.

It is a good idea to bring a small bag for day trips.  If you are traveling to Eilat or the Dead Sea, take a bathing suit, since it is warm enough to swim there even in the winter.

If you are planning on hiking, you will need good walking shoes.  You will need a sleeping bag, tent, and camping equipment only if you are planning on sleeping outdoors.  Most youth hostels supply sheets and blankets.

When visiting observant areas or religious sites it's important to dress modestly.  For women, this usually means a head covering, longs sleeves and a mid-calf length skirt.  For men, a head covering, trousers and a short-sleeved shirt are customary.

You can purchase almost anything you need during your stay in Israel, including clothing, cosmetics and hygiene products.

Health:  No inoculations are required for visiting Israel. Visitors are urged to bring sufficient quantities of any medications which they take regularly.
However, anyone requiring unexpected medical attention can be assured that the level of medicine practiced and the facilities available in Israel, rate with the very best in Europe or the United States.

Electrical Appliances:   The Israeli power supply is 220/240 volts.  Most power sockets have three pin holes, but many of them work with double-pin European plugs.  Most hotels provide 1l0-V outlets for shavers only.

Israeli Currency:  The official currency is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS). There are 100 agarot in each shekel.  Bank notes are in denominations of

NIS 20, 50, 100 and 200.   Coins are in denominations of NIS 10, 5, 1 and 50, 10 and 5 agarot.

Changing Foreign Currency:  Foreign currency may be exchanged at the airport, banks, post offices, licensed foreign exchange agencies and most hotels.  The rates vary from place to place and banks may charge a commission.  Major credit cards are accepted in Israel.

VAT Refunds:   Tourists who pay for goods and services in foreign currency are exempt, in certain cases, from VAT (Value Added Tax)   Merchants are required to inform their customers of this arrangement, and to provide them with an invoice and a VAT Refund Form which they must present at their point of departure from Israel together with their purchase in a sealed package.  The VAT, less a commission, will be returned on the spot. 

The minimum amount of purchase eligible for VAT refund is $100 including VAT.  In Eilat, where VAT is not collected, the minimum purchase for VAT refund is $200 including VAT. The sale of jewelry whose shekel value equals $200, including VAT, will not be VAT exempt.

Cellular Phones are in widespread use in Israel.   Should you wish to rent a cellular phone from a local network, these can be rented from one of the three cellular phone networks at Ben Gurion Airport.  It's important to note that it is against the law in Israel to talk on a cellular phone while driving without using a speaker phone.

Internet and Email:   Most hotels provide internet access for guests and the deluxe hotels have internet connections in the guests room.   There are Internet cafes in the major cities which charge by the hour.

Tipping:   No tip is expected for taxi rides.  At restaurants, a 10%-15% tip is considered correct.  It is usual to tip your tour guide and coach driver at the end of your visit.   Hotel rates include a service charge, although tips are normally given to porters, housekeeping and the front desk staff.

Leaving Israel:  Passengers should arrive at the airport three hours before departure. Passengers and their luggage will undergo a security check by airport personnel and modern security equipment.   After the security check, and check in with the airline they are flying, passengers continue to Passport Control where they must present their passport, airline ticket and the entry form they completed upon arrival to Israel.

Jerusalem the Golden is the Capital
of Israel and is like no other city on earth. Sacred to the worlds three major monotheistic religions,
and was fought over for three millennia by a variety of peoples and nations.

Old City of Jerusalem
The landmarks within the ancient walls of Old Jerusalem are very much alive today. 
You can hardly move without strolling into another picturesque building or fascinating site or excavation.

Visit the Western Wall, all that remains of the Temple of Solomon which was destroyed by the Babylonians in 587 BC.   Experience the Jewish rituals of praying here every day, leaving their messages scribbled on pieces of paper and hiding them within the stones of the Wall.  You may even get the chance to see one of the many Bar Mitzvah Celebrations celebrated at the Western Wall.
The Holy Sepulchre is the holiest Christian site in Jerusalem, the site of Jesus' crucifixion, burial and resurrection.  The Church contains the Chapel of Golgotha and the Three Stations of the Cross where Jesus was crucified and the Sepulchre itself marks the place of his burial and resurrection.

Walk along the Via Dolorosa, which is also known as the Way of the Cross, a network of streets through which Jesus dragged the Cross before his crucifixion. There are 14 Stations along the way commemorating different events.  You will hear Muslim calls for prayer intermingled with Christian chanting and the shouts of market traders selling their merchandise.

The beautiful golden Dome of the Rock on the Temple Mount dominates any view of Jerusalem and is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture.  The Rock is believed by all three of the world's main religions to be the place where Abraham prepared to sacrifice his son to God.  For Muslims the same Rock is the place from which Mohammed, in a dream, ascended to Heaven.

The Citadel or Tower of David was constructed in the 1st century BC as a fortress for King Herod.   The tallest tower of the Citadel is the place to appreciate a magnificent view as well as an orientation of the Old City.  The Citadel contains the Museum of the History of Jerusalem, featuring interesting displays of the city's past and serves as a constant reminder of how many times Jerusalem has been conquered and re-conquered over the centuries.

New City of Jerusalem
The New City of Jerusalem also has many important sites.  The Yad Vashem Memorial to the Holocaust provides a multifaceted tribute to the millions of Jews who died during World War II.  The focus of the Museum is to commemorate and document the events of the Holocaust and provide ongoing research and education.

The Israel Museum has achieved world-class status with its remarkable collections that span prehistoric archaeology to contemporary art.  Perhaps the most famous exhibit are the Dead Sea Scrolls that date from the 3rd Century BC to the1st Century AD and were discovered in 1947.   Other places of interest are the new Supreme Court Building and Mt. Herzl to visit the grave of the assassinated Israeli Prime Minister, Yitzhak Rabin.

 Places of Interest for Children in Jerusalem
If you are traveling with children there is plenty to see.   A visit to the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo which is situated n southwest Jerusalem.  The zoo collection includes species mentioned in the Bible and many other rare animals.   The landscape of the Zoo is very unusual as it is surrounded by the Jerusalem Hills.   The Bloomfield Science Museum specializes in interactive exhibitions in science and technology.
Just outside of Jerusalem is the Mini Israel Park which is located at Latrun.  The Park displays hundreds of models that are exact copies of sites, building and landscapes from around Israel.

 Shopping in Jerusalem
Excellent shopping can be found in Jerusalem, whether in the markets situated in the Old City of Jerusalem or at shops situated close to the hotel area where you will find Judaica, arts, crafts and souvenirs.  You can also visit the Mahneh Yehuda Market a bustling outdoor food and goods market.

 Nightlife in Jerusalem
There is plenty of nightlife in Jerusalem.   One of the best places to go for a light meal or dinner is the Nachalat Shiva area with its sidewalk restaurants and small boutiques and shops.  Just walk through the streets and admire the beautiful old stone houses. One of the many restaurants or cafes will surely be to your taste.
Ben Yehuda Street is a very lively area at night and there are many bars and restaurants in and around it.

 Culture in Jerusalem
The Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra offers a great standard of performance for classical music lovers.  The Israeli Festival of music and performing arts is an annual event in Jerusalem featuring both Israeli and International Performers and 2006 saw the first Jerusalem Jazz Festival.

Over the years, the City of Jerusalem has undergone many changes which have made it one of the most interesting cities in the world as well as an important focal point for tourism in Israel.

Tel Aviv and Jaffa

Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv was founded in 1909 and was built on the sand dunes north to the ancient port city of Jaffa. Its style was tailored to the needs of its residents and the climatic conditions of the region.
In 2003 UNESCO, the United National Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, pronounced "The White City" an area located between Allenby Street in the south and Ibn Givrol in the east, the Yarkon River in the north and the Mediterranean Sea in the west, as a World Cultural Heritage Site. By this announcement, the world recognized the special architectural qualities of the building and streets of Tel Aviv which were designed by Jewish architects, who had studied in Europe before immigrating to Palestine, which later became the State of Israel.

Things to See and Do:

Tourist Sites
Architecture lovers should walk around the streets of Tel Aviv to discover just why the
White City is a world heritage site featuring over 1,000 Bauhaus buildings.
Visit the Nachalat Binyamin Art and Craft Market which is next to the colorful Carmel
Fruit Market, with street theatre, musicians, and palm readers (open Tuesday and Friday).
The Neve Tzedek neighborhood was the first Jewish neighborhood to be built outside of
Jaffa at the beginning of 1887, 22 years before the establishment of Tel Aviv. A tour of the
narrow lanes and winding streets is a memorable experience with its unique shops, restaurants and cafes, museums, and the Suzanne Dellal Center for Dance and Theater. Visit the memorial to the memory of the assassinated Israeli Prime Minister,
Yitzhak Rabin, at the Tel Aviv Municipality Building. Some of the graffiti, written on the night of the assassination, are displayed at the site. The Yehoshua Gardens at situated on the banks of the Yarkon River offering plenty of recreational facilities for the whole family including Tropical Gardens, Bird Park and a Water Park (open during the summer months). Opposite the Park is one of Israel's largest funfairs.  For the best view of Tel Aviv, go to the Azrieli Observatory rising 49 floors over the city.

 Museums
You will find in Tel Aviv three of Israel's largest museums offering contemporary and classical art to archaeology, history and sciences.
The Tel Aviv Museum of Art showing permanent and changing collections and exhibitions. Some of the best of Israeli art and sculpture as well as European  impressionism and post impressionism art and European and American art of the 20th century can be found at the museum.  The Eretz Israel Museum (the Land of Israel Museum) is actually a large collection of museums in one area.  Visit the glass museum, the museum of ceramics, coins and copper museum.The Planetarium is also situated in the grounds of the Museum. 
The Jewish Diaspora Museum (Beit Hatefusoth) situated in the grounds of the Tel Aviv
University, is the first museum devoted to the history of the Jewish people. The permanent exhibition informs the visitor of the story of the Jewish nation in the Diaspora by means of drawings, video clips, movies, etc. Independence Hall Museum, on May 14th, 1948 David Ben Gurion read here Israel's Declaration of Independence. The hall where it happened looks exactly as it did in 1948. There are a number of other small museums around Tel Aviv including Ben Gurion House, the Rubin Museum, the Palmach Museum and many more.

 Shopping
Tel Aviv is famous for its fine shopping.   If you are looking for young urban fashion, visit Shenkin Street opposite the Carmel Market or Dizengoff Street.  More exclusive designer shops can be found at Kikar Hamedina. There are a number of shopping malls throughout Tel Aviv.

 Beaches
Tel Aviv offers miles of beautiful golden Mediterranean beaches with a bustling promenade and during the summer months the beach attracts thousands of visitors. The beaches offer a huge range of water sports and kite and wind surfing addicts will find excellent conditions.
Over the past years, the promenade was renovated and today dozen of restaurants, clubs and entertainment places have opened.  Another popular site along the beachfront is the marina, which is used as an anchorage by boats and yachts.

 Nightlife in Tel Aviv
Known as the city that never sleeps, Tel Aviv is a late-night metropolis. People waiting in
line for a table at a restaurant or a bar, are a common sight at the city's nightlife areas.
Tel Aviv nightlife focuses on bars, pubs, cafes and nightclubs.  The city is busy every night of the week but at weekends is even more active.  The main nightlife centers are the Old Port of Tel Aviv, Allenby Street and the Sea Area.  The city boasts some of Israel's cuisine or just a falafel or pizza - you will find something for every taste in Tel Aviv.
The home of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra which is based at the Mann Auditorium.

Jaffa

According to Christian Legend, Jaffa was named after Noah's son, Japhet, who built it after the flood. A Greek legend associates the city with Andromeda, a beauty that was chained to a rock at the port's entrance. From archaeological discoveries and documents, we have learnt that Jaffa existed as a Port city some 4000 years ago. Historians believe that Jaffa is the only port in the world which can boast uninterrupted inhabitation throughout its existence. Old Jaffa is one of Israel's popular tourist attractions. The town has been rebuilt and renovated. Visitors can enjoy dining in some unique and excellent restaurants or simply wandering around its romantic paths and gardens.

The Archaeological Museum in the center of the Old Town holds archaeological finds and a comprehensive history of Jaffa from the time of the Bible.

The Zodiac Alleys, walking through the narrow alleys, visitors will see studios and art galleries, shops catering for Judaica, jewelry and archaeology. Continue towards Jaffa's Old Sea Port and Fishing Harbor and view the ancient wall and a beautiful authentic wharf.

St. Peter Church, a Franciscan Church, built in the 19th century on the remains of a Crusaders' Fortress. It is said that Napoleon stayed at the Church when it served as a hostel Mahamoudia Mosque was built by Abu Nabut, the Governor of Jaffa in the 19th Century and includes a water fountain for Pilgrims.

The Libyan Synagogue known as Beit Zunana was purchased by a Jewish landlord in the 18th century. During the 19th century it became a hostel and later a soap factory. In 1995, the synagogue became a museum

The Clock Square and Old Clock Tower built in 1906 has become the centerpiece for Jaffa. Not far from the Square, you will find the Jaffa Flea Market, a bazaar style market offering antiques, jewelry, clothes and a lot of second hand merchandise. This is a unique place to visit and buy oriental or antique items.