Israel

Quick Facts

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Capital

Jerusalem

Population

6,117,000

Government

Parliamentary Democracy

Religions

Judaism, Islam, Christianity

Languages

Hebrew, Arabic, English

Calling Code

+972

Nationality

Local name

Introduction

Jerusalem

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The immense religious significance of Israel to Jews, Muslims and Christians alike makes Israel one of the most important places on earth. Unfortunately, where great importance lies, the danger of conflict and violence also lies, as news of suicide bombings and political strife in Israel brutally demonstrates. That said, Israel is still a beautiful and fascinating place to visit.

Brief History

Geography

Israel shares international with Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Egypt.

Districts

Israel consists of 6 main administrative districts.

• Center District
• Haifa District
• Jerusalem District
• Northern District
• Southern District
• Tel Aviv District

Cities

• Jerusalem, one of the most religious cities in the world and the capital of the country.
• Tel Aviv, including Jaffa
• Haifa
• Beer Sheva
• Ashdod
• Eilat, in the south by the Red Sea.
• Bethlehem
• Nazareth

Sights and Activities

Not surprisingly, Israel's main appeal is its spiritual significance. Being able to retrace the steps of the Jewish Patriarchs or Jesus or pilgrims who have visited throughout the centuries is what thousands come here to do. The Israeli Antiquities Authority has preserved and restored many biblical/historical sites complimented by well informed and interesting tour guides, audio-visual presentations, computer simulations, slide shows and live action re-creation.

For those less interested in spirituality, Israel still has an extensive list of compulsory activities, be it floating on the Dead Sea, rafting on the Jordan River, hiking in the Negev Desert or striking up a towel on one of the many fine beaches along the Mediterranean coast.

If you are an art lover, you should visit the Israeli museum in Jerusalem, Yad VaShem, Tel Aviv museum of art and the Raw Art Gallery.

Jerusalem

Jerusalem is a magical city, where the ancient and modern worlds collide. Very few places bear the immense significance that Jerusalem has for Jews, Muslims and Christians, which explains why Jerusalem is such a fascinating city.

Tel Aviv

Tel-Aviv has been described as the city that never sleeps. This is 100% true, with people of all ages walking along the promenades, sitting at sidewalk cafés or going out on the town to numerous night spots.

Other places

In northern Israel, you'll find beautiful, rolling green hills and expansive valleys rich in vegetation, with flowers galore and so very much to see and do in the Galilee. The Golan Heights afford great views of the surrounding land.

The Negev desert in southern Israel is also a gorgeous location: its quiet and majestic beauty will astonish you.

Events and Festivals

Weather

Any time is a good time to visit Israel! Spring & summer months are the best times to visit Jerusalem, where there is always a cool afternoon breeze blowing across the Judean Hills. If you can bear the heat and humidity along the coast, come in July and August, when there's lots to do, see and experience.

Getting There

By Plane

El Al is the national airline of Israel, based at Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) close to Tel Aviv. El Al has flights to and from a number of European cities, including Amsterdam, Madrid, London, Frankfurt and Geneva and flights further away include those to Johannesburg, Los Angeles, Hong Kong and Beijing. Dozens of other airlines (including several Israeli based) serve the country, mostly to Europe and the former Sovjetunion republics and to Cairo.

By Train

By Car

By Bus

By Boat

Getting Around

Getting around Israel is very easy, either by train, bus, tax or "sharoot" (a cross between a taxi and bus, seating about 12 people). Getting from one point to another is easy. A taxi from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv costs about NIS240 (shiekles) or a sharoot about NIS15. This journey is about 60km in distance.

By Plane

By Train

By Car

By Bus

By Boat

Red Tape

Main article: Visas (Israel)

Money

The new sheqel (Hebrew: שקל חדש, abbr. NIS) is Israel's currency. It is made up of 100 agorot (אגורות). Notes come in 20, 50, 100 and 200 new sheqalim denominations and coins come in denominations of 10 agorot and ½, 1, 2, 5 and 10 new sheqalim.

Work

Study

Language

Hebrew and Arabic are the official languages, and English is spoken widely.

Eat

Sleep

Drink

Health

Safety

Israel is one of the few countries today where you will see young children entertaining themselves at the beach or shopping malls, catching buses or taxis alone to and from their destinations. Children are independent from an early age.

The media frequently reports incidents of suicide bombings in Israel. Although the threat of a suicide bombing is real, this threat is no higher than being killed or maimed in a car accident.

Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

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