Yad Kennedy (“Kennedy’s Memorial” in Hebrew) is one of the special spots just outside Jerusalem in the Jerusalem Forest. It is dedicated to the memory of the 35th US President, John F. Kennedy. Yad Kennedy is a somewhat large building on top of one of the highest hilltops in the area commanding … Read more
The Muslim Quarter is one of the four quarters of the Old City of Jerusalem. The Muslim Quarter is the largest and the most populous of all the four quarters, extending from the Lions’ Gate in the east, along the northern wall of the Temple Mount on the south, to the Damascus … Read more
Mt. Zion – David’s Tomb, the Last Supper and Pentecost, Crowned by a Minaret Mt. Zion is a wide spur of elevated land extending south of the Armenian Quarter outside the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem. It is a microcosm of Jerusalem’s sanctity to all three monotheistic religions. The same … Read more
Hirbat Midras (also known as Horbot Midras, Khirbet Midras, or Hurvat Midras — “Midras” can also be spelled as “Madras”) was a significant population center in Second Temple times and many scholars believe that it is also the site of the home and grave of the Prophet Zechariah. It is now located … Read more
Most tourists who have been to Israel would confess that it is nearly impossible to choose only a few favorite places, so expect that in the future there will be another list of more favorite places in the country. Meanwhile, this article lists the favorite places by categories. 1. Holy Place For … Read more
Akko (or variously Acre or Acco) While Akko’s history spans over 5,000 years, it is mainly the Crusader and Ottoman periods that stand out because of the way that they molded the city, both above and below ground. Acre’s rich history has meant that several cultures have played an important role – … Read more
This is a tour of Jerusalem that I have used successfully with many friends and business colleagues. It takes 2-3 hours and is best done in the early evening as it gets cooler as the evening stretches into night. However, if you are only around during the day, bring a hat, lots … Read more
Historic Safed For travelers who are interested in exploring some of the history and cultural sites of Northern Israel, Safed — also known as “Tzfat,” “Tz’fat”, “Tsfat,” “Tzefat,” “Zfat” or “Zefat” — is a fascinating city. Safed’s history dates back to the times of the First Temple and Safed was mentioned by … Read more
Arbel, a moshav and also a mountain in Northern Israel, offers stunning views over the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) from this sheer cliff face. It offers views of Mount Hernon in the Golan Heights and trails to a cave-fortress. It is also the site of ruins of an ancient synagogue. The majestic … Read more
Zichron Yaakov was one of the first new settlements founded by Romanian immigrants to Israel and is now a pretty town, with great views and a prestigious historical past. The First Aliya & the founding of Zichron Yaakov The first wave of modern Zionist immigration to the Land of Israel, known as … Read more