Israel

Overview

Israel is located at the southwest of Asia east of the Mediterranean Sea. By 2018 it recorded a population of 8.884 million and covers an area of 22,145 km2.

The city of Jerusalem officially became the capital city of Israel on 6th December 2017. Initially, the capital was in Tel Aviv and the American embassy was there before being relocated to Jerusalem.

The Haifa city still has the German colony buildings like shops and restaurants; it also has the gold-domed Shrine of the Bab.

Jerusalem.

History

Israel has had long time conflicts with Palestinians and the Arabs over land ownership. The country gained independence in 1948, shortly after the second world war when the Jews were brought home from other parts of the world to the present-day Isreal.

Food & culture

The country is the motherland of the Jews and its culture is greatly influenced by the Jewish heritage. This is demonstrated through things like philosophy, poetry, festivals and art. The country is also regarded as the origin of both Christianity and Islam.

The major crops that are grown here include sorghum, corn, wheat, kiwifruit, guavas and grapes. The common dishes include falafel, hummus, tahini, kanafeh, khachapuri and sfenj.

Wildlife

The wildlife that is found here include Arabian Oryx, Arabian leopard, Sand cat, caracal, mountain gazelle, green toad, hoopoe, marbled polecat and European water vole.

The best months to visit are from April to May and from September to October.

Festivals & events

Israel’s festivals celebrated nationwide include Hanukkah, Sukkot, Yom Kippur, Rosh Hashanah and Passover.

Things to see

The most visited sites are the old city of Jerusalem which has existed for ages, it’s one of the oldest cities in the world. Nazareth city, which has a history in the Bible’s New Testament, is still a centre of Christianity. The cities have old architectural buildings like the Tower of David.

Beit Shean National Park is home to a variety of wildlife.

There are also many museums in Israel to visit and see the history of the Jewish communities; it has the largest number of museums per capita worldwide. They include Eretz Israel Museum, Beit Hatfutsot, Bible Lands Museums and Rockefeller Archaeological Museum.

Interesting facts

Israel is regarded as a Biblical Holy land by Christians, Jews and Muslims, it the spiritual home of the Jews.

Together with the United States, they have the highest population of the Jews who observe the Jewish religion.

The official language is Hebrew. It is the language in which the first Old Testament was written called the Hebrew Bible.

City guides

Cities & towns I’ve visited

Run a marathon in Israel

Jerusalem Marathon

Jerusalem · usually March

Hilly and historic, passing the walls of the Old City.

Dates move from year to year, so check the race website before you book.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Israel

2 of 10 visited. See every site I've been to.

Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls 1981
White City 2003
Acre 2001
Bahá'í World Centre buildings 2008
Beit Guvrin National Park 2014
Beit She'arim National Park 2015
Biblical Tels - Megiddo, Hazor, Beer Sheba 2005
Incense Route – Desert Cities in the Negev 2005
Masada 2001
Nahal Me'arot Nature Reserve 2012

My photos from Israel

November 2019 Overlanding East Africa - Oasis Overland + Extras

Jerusalem, Zion

Whole trip gallery

Plan your trip to Israel

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