The Promised Land

Welcome to Israel. A country in the Middle East that’s smaller than the state of New Jersey. Yet, for being so small, Israel has had a huge impact on the world stage.

Israel calls to mind certain pictures for many people:

A religious land.

An ancient land.

A dry land.

A dangerous land.

Syrian Border

Dolphinarium Night Club, 

Sight of 2001 Suicide Bombing

There is truth to all of those things, but modern-day Israel is so much more!

While the Negev Desert makes up 60% of Israel, Israel borders three different seas.

View from My First Hostel in Israel

Mediterranean Beaches

Enjoying the Red Sea

Mediterranean Coastline in Northern Israel

In addition to salt water, Israel has the “Sea” of Galilee (which is really a freshwater lake) and some beautiful inland waterways.

Sea of Galilee Before Sunset

River Through Tel Aviv

Banias Waterfall

While there are many ancient cities in Israel, there are modern cities as well, right next door.

View of Five-Thousand Year-Old Port City of Jaffa from Tel Aviv

View of Tel Aviv (Founded in 1909) from Jaffa

While entertainment can come in ancient form, much of it looks just like home! 

Two Men Playing Shesh Besh, a 5000 Year-Old Game Similar to 

Backgammon

Who doesn't love a paddleboat shaped like a car?

Morning Yoga by the Sea

While some things are familiar, others are a bit of a shock to the system.

An Ice Cream Truck (same fun song!)

It didn’t take long for me to realize that there is much more to Israel than what we see on the news – this

country is full of contrasts and surprises!

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