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Israel

Israel

Continent

Asia

Best States to Visit

  • Jerusalem District
  • Northern District
  • Haifa District
  • Central District
  • Tel Aviv District

Best Cities to Visit

  • Acre
  • Beersheva
  • Herzliya
  • Eilat
  • Tiberias

Size

22,145 KM2

Population

8,774,002

GDP

$403

Spending Budget

$30 - $40

Famous For

  • Jerasulam
  • Diverse scenery

Best Time to Visit

  • January
  • February
  • April
  • May
  • October
  • November
  • December

History

The people of Israel (also called the "Jewish People") trace their origin to Abraham, who established the belief that there is only one God, the creator of the universe. The name Israel derives from the name given to Jacob . His 12 sons were the kernels of 12 tribes that later developed into the Jewish nation. The name Jew derives from Yehuda , one of the 12 sons of Jacob. So, the names Israel, Israeli or Jewish refer to people of the same origin.The descendants of Abraham crystallized into a nation at about 1300 BCE after their Exodus from Egypt under the leadership of Moses . Soon after the Exodus, Moses transmitted to the people of this newly emerging nation. After 40 years in the Sinai desert, Moses led them to the Land of Israel, which is cited in The Bible.The people of modern-day Israel share the same language and culture shaped by the Jewish heritage and religion passed through generations starting with the founding father Abraham. Thus, Jews have had a continuous presence in the land of Israel for the past 3,300 years.Before his death, Moses appointed Joshua as his successor to lead the 12 tribes of Israel. The period from 1000-587 BCE is known as the "Period of the Kings". The most noteworthy kings were King David, who made Jerusalem the Capital of Israel, and his son Solomon, who built the first Temple in Jerusalem as prescribed in the Tanach.

Present Day

Israel, officially known as the State of Israel , is a country in Western Asia. It is situated on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea, and shares borders with Lebanon to the north, Syria to the northeast, Jordan on the east, the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip to the east and west, respectively, and Egypt to the southwest. Tel Aviv is the economic and technological center of the country, while its seat of government and proclaimed capital is Jerusalem, although international recognition of the state's sovereignty over the city is limited.In its Basic Laws, Israel defines itself as a Jewish and democratic state and the nation state of the Jewish people.The country is a liberal democracy with a parliamentary system, proportional representation, and universal suffrage. The prime minister is head of government and the Knesset is the legislature. Israel is regarded by Jews, Christians and Muslims as the biblical Holy Land. Even though it is called industry hub, But still with its beautiful beaches, fascinating history and stunning natural landscapes like Nazareth, Jerusalem, Dead Sea, Eilat and Sea of Galilee to visit in Israel. Jerusalem is the capital of Israel Israel does not have an official language. The world’s only one underwater museum is in Israel.The Mount of Olives in Jerusalem is the world’s oldest continuously used cemetery.The currency of Israel is called Israeli New Shekel

Future

A measure of how much things have changed. In the past, Israelis described their economy’s dependency on the United States by saying that when Wall Street sneezed, the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange on Ahad Ha’am Street got a temperature. Today the fever on American financial markets due to the sub-prime crisis has triggered no more than a case of the sniffles for Israel’s economy.The most remarkable measure of Israel’s economy as the country enters its 61st year is its strength and stability. The real and anticipated slow-down in the United States, the principal market for the high-tech products that make up about half of Israel’s exports, has caused some downward revision of growth estimates for 2008 and perhaps beyond.But by and large, there’s confidence that the Israeli economic juggernaut, marked by low inflation, a positive trade balance and a stable currency, will keep on rolling ahead.Part of that confidence is based on performance. In 2007, with the clouds of crisis already gathering around the world and continuing violence on its southern border with Hamas-controlled Gaza, Israel’s Gross Domestic Product rose by a remarkable 5.3 percent. Perhaps even more impressive is that in 2006, a year in which the Second Lebanon War caused a third of the country to virtually shut down for more than a month and triggered a major drop in tourism, GDP growth was 5.1 percent, 1.7 times that of the world’s 30 most developed nation. And in the five years since the end of the second intifada, Israel’s economy has grown by an average of 5 percent a year.This resilience augurs well for the future, posits Leo Leiderman, a former senior official at the Bank of Israel and now chief economist for Bank Hapoalim, Israel’s largest bank.
Must Visit Places ------------

Acre old city

A rarely visited site in Israel, this amazing old city offers the best of the old and new world: great restaurants perched on its seaside cliffs and even a world-class hotel alongside all the fun of a classic Arabic market.

Masada

This mountaintop fortress in the Israeli desert was once the last holdout for the members of the Jewish revolt against the Roman empire. Their fate was a bitter one – after a lengthy siege they decided to take their own lives rather than surrender – but visiting the site is anything but bitter. Wake up extra early and hike or just take the tram and enjoy this amazing historical site

Jerusalem

Jerusalem is considered as the holiest land in the world and certainly one of the best places to visit in Israel. Frequented by the religious folks from all over the world, it is glorified by ancient buildings and majestic structures. Take a walk up to Yad Vashem – a memorial dedicated to those who died in the Holocaust.

Bethlehem

The birthplace of Jesus is certainly one of the best places to visit in Israel. Located to the south of Jerusalem in the West Bank, Bethlehem is almost 1.5-hour drive from the city center of Jerusalem. Plenty of churches and religious places are the prime attractions of the holy city.

Nazareth

Mostly comprising of Arab Muslim population and Christians, Nazareth town has been known as the place where Jesus spent his adolescent days. Get a feel of ancient days while taking the archeological tour of Nazareth Village – also known as the village of Jesus. Counted among the top Israel places to visit, Nazareth aptly evokes the divine feeling.

Tel Aviv

Roam around

Haifa

With plenty of eateries and places to hang out, Haifa makes for a popular tourist attraction in Israel. The port city, owing to its strategic location, is a massive lure for tourists. Gardens, beaches, promenades, and monasteries adorn the city that has been outlined by a steep cliff and a perfect landscape.

Jaffa

An ancient port city to the south of Tel Aviv, Jaffa is one of the best places to visit in Israel. The city has been mentioned in the holy Bible to be named after Noah’s son Japhet. Take walk back in time as you stroll past the ancient buildings, art galleries, and cafés.

Dead Sea Region

Located almost 400 m below the sea level in the heart of Israel, Dead Sea is nature’s true wonder and one of the famous places to visit in Israel. It’s sweeping landscapes and secluded charm enthrall every traveler planning a trip to Israel.

Sea Of Galilee

Buzzing with historical sites, minarets, hot springs, and vast national parks, Sea of Galilee is the lowest freshwater lake on earth. It showcases rustic charm and awesomeness and is one of the good places to visit in Israel. The lake fed by Jordan river is surrounded by exciting landscapes, beaches, and enchanting views, making this freshwater lake reserve a must-visit.

Eilat

The popular beach town in the South is another one of the hot tourist attractions in Israel. Marine life, extended beach, and rich wildlife make Eilat a hot favorite for tourists traveling to Israel. Try a range of watersports like snorkeling and scuba diving in the Red Sea.

Mount Tabor

Even if you’re not familiar with its significance in the Bible, Mount Tabor is sure to impress. With its distinctive curve, rising above the pancake-flat Jezreel Valley, it is easy to spot from miles away. It’s actually only about 600m (1,968ft) high

Red Canyon

A 20-minute drive from the popular Red Sea resort of Eliat, a hike through the Red Canyon feels like you’re on another planet – Mars, to be precise – as you zig-zag your way along a path carved through swirling rock. When the sun hits, it illuminates red, white and even yellow.

Timna Park

Parched and photogenic, rugged Timna Park is an essential stop-off point in Israel’s impressive Negev Desert. It’s not just its good looks, the attraction also lies in its rich regional history. Here you’ll find the world’s first ever copper mine and remains of smelting furnaces dating back to ancient Egyptian times.

Valley of Elah

The site of the famous battle between David and Goliath, this triangle-shaped valley – lush with green fields – provides a surprisingly gentle hike. Many visitors choose to come with a guide so they can hear the biblical tale while touring the landscape but you can just as easily enjoy a spring visit on your own when the valley is filled with purple blooming lupines.

Mount Zion

Outside the old walls of Jerusalem, Mount Zion is a holy site for Jewish, Christian and Muslim worshippers alike. Packed with beautiful old buildings and famous spots including King David’s Tomb and the Room of the Last Supper, it’s a must-visit for history buffs as well as religious pilgrims.

Golan Heights

Northern Israel is home to the Golan Heights, controversially captured from Syria in 1967. It is a beautiful, mountainous place with breathtaking landscapes, glorious nature reserves and intriguing historical attractions for the whole family. If hiking is your thing, there are paths of varying levels of difficulty, depending on the time of year.

Ramon Crater

Head to Mitzpe Ramon, a town in the Negev desert midway between Jerusalem and Eilat, and you’ll be able to visit the Ramon Crater (Makhtesh Ramon in Hebrew). It’s not technically a crater – that would have involved a meteorite – but rather a makteshim (erosion cirque), formed during millions of years of erosion.

Mar Saba monestry

Mar Saba Monastery is an architectural marvel of the Byzantine age, precariously snuggled into the cliff face as if it had sprouted organically out of the sheer rock. Although female travelers are not allowed to actually enter the monastery, the view is enough of a reason to visit, with the metal domes glinting in the sun between the rock face.

Beit Shean

In a country full of ruins, Beit Shean stands out from the crowd for its excellent preservation. Here, you can get a real feel for the life of a Roman and Byzantine town, with its colonnaded streets, well-restored theater, and extensive bathhouse remains.

Akko

Wrapped up in Crusader history, Akko (Acre to the Crusaders) has a mellow harbor full of colorful, bobbing fishing boats; a vibrant bazaar crammed with spice, produce, and interesting artisan products; and a truckload of history to boot.

Negev

Israel’s majestic desert, Negev is packed with vineyards, archaeological sites like the historic Masada, and extraordinary geological wonders such as the world’s largest erosion crater - Ramon Crater. Do opt for a stay in the desert camps, where Bedouins tribes offer jeep tours and camel rides.

Western Wall

An ancient limestone wall fragment that stands in the old city of Jerusalem, the Western Wall is a holy pilgrimage spot. It is one the holiest tourist places in israel where the Jews are permitted to offer prayers as a result of the restrictions surrounding prayers at Temple Mount.

Tiberias

Stunning beaches, important archaeological sites, and impressive national parks coexist together in Tiberias, one of the unique places in Israel. When visiting Tiberias, do plan a trip to Magdala, an ancient town that was home to many disciples of Jesus. For thrill-seekers, enjoying water sports at Tiberias is one of the best things to do in Israel.

Temple Mount

Said to be the ancient site where Abraham sacrificed his son, Isaac as well as the site where two ancient Jewish temples are present. The current day location of Al-Aqsa Mosque and Dome of Rock, Temple Mount is an extremely important site in Jerusalem.