Experience Israel

Experiencing the Great Country of Israel

It is a real shame that Israel is currently going through some tough times because the country is truly beautiful and fascinating. Every year, thousands of people make their way to Israel to experience the unique blend of passion, history, politics, and religion aspects. Without doubt, this country grabs every Jew, Muslim, and Christian’s imagination. It was here that people have experienced an epiphany for years.

Today, Israel is a modern, noisy, smelly country that continues to intrigue people from around the world. The key to enjoying all that Israel has to offer is going there without any preconceptions. Obviously, the rich history and religious connections are a huge part of what makes this country so magnificent but there is so much more to experience. For example, few people know that Israel has some incredible national parks. Of course, you can visit the Dead Sea or visit the hopping city of Tel Aviv! As you read through this article, keep in mind we are stretching the boundaries to include all of the areas of Golan Heights, the Gaza Strip, and the West Bank.

The current population is approximately 8.5 million people. Of those, 5.8 are in Israel itself and the remaining 2.7 in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. The majority of people are Jewish but you will also find Muslim followed by Christians and Druze. Israel has been shaped into what it is today by thousands of years of conflict. Sometime around 1800 BC, Abraham brought the nomads into the country where they settled in the Canaan Mountains. Then by 1023 BC, a kingdom had been formed, which was first led by King Saul and then King David. Jerusalem was captured, becoming the capital city.

In 950 BC, Solomon, David’s son, built the First Temple of Jerusalem, which was sadly destroyed by invading Babylonians in 586 BC. However, over the years, the temple would be rebuilt. By 63 BC, the Roman Empire controlled the country where it was under the power of Herod the Great and Pontius Pilate. During this era, Jesus lived and preached throughout the land. As the Empire grew more and more out of control, a Jewish uprising occurred, lasting four years and again, the great temple was devastated. When the area was hit with a second revolt, Aelia Capitolina, a new city, was constructed on the ruins, marking the end of the Jewish state, which scattered the people.

By the time 331 AD rolled around, the Emperor Constantine became a Christian. With that, he allowed Christianity to be a practiced religion. Soon, churches and other buildings were erected throughout Israel, marking this important belief. However, in 638, the city of Jerusalem was swept under the control of Caliph Omar, being claimed as the Holy City of Islam, the place where the Prophet Mohammed came from Heaven to the Temple Mount. By 1099, a huge Christian army was formed, killing almost everyone. With this, 100 years of Christian rule began. However, the Muslims would again gain control in 1187.

For the next five centuries, Israel was a quiet country with empires coming and going. Then in the 16th century, the Ottoman Empire took control at which time the city walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt. Then in the mid-19th century, the Ottomans were losing their power at which time Britain started a consulate in the city of Jerusalem. By 1839, a British Jew by the name of Sir Moses Montefiore started encouraging the start of a Jewish state, with the first colony being founded in 1878. Shortly after, immigrants began pouring into Israel. At the time World War I broke out, Britain was heavily involved with Israel, giving their word to the Arabs that an Arab state would be recognized and that the Jews would have a homeland in Palestine.

When that war ended and World War II began, the British rule decided all immigration into the country would cease but the people continued to come. As more and more Arabs arrived, the violence increased. By 1947, the British were done and feeling a resolution was needed, they divided the country between the Jews and Arabs, leaving them to flee in 1948. Almost immediately, major battles broke out. From that time forward, territories were fought over, the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) was formed, a peace treaty with Egypt was signed, and by 1999, Israel had become a country eager to embrace peace.

As you go through Israel today, you can easily recognize the Jews by the dark clothing, curly sideburns, and heavy beards. In the Palestinian areas, you will find the culture to be far more Muslim, meaning modestly dressed women. However, the Palestine people are incredibly hospitable and often go out of their way to be friendly to complete strangers, even welcoming people into their private homes. Music is a major part of the society, especially violin in the form of Yiddish folk music. Other art forms include literature and poetry.

As you make your way through Israel, sadly, it is difficult to find any buildings that have made it past the 20th century although if you visit Old Jerusalem, you can find some amazing Mamluk architecture. The food is quite delicious and interesting. You see, religious laws dictate some of the foods. For example, dairy and meat products served together are prohibited by Jewish law. In addition, both Jew and Muslim are forbidden to eat unclean fish or bird, or pig. Because the various groups of immigrants brought their own flavors and spices, you will find a popular type of cuisine called Yemeni.

For Jewish foods, the dishes are typically stuffed vegetables and grilled meat. Then the Eastern European Jewish dishes include things like gefilte fish, blintzes, goulash, and the ever favorite, schnitzel. Jews are also not permitted to cook on the Sabbath day. Therefore, on Saturday, they will eat cholent, a rich, heavy stew that has been cooked all day Friday. For Arab food, you would find things like Tahina, which is sesame paste, Hummus, chickpea and garlic paste specially seasoned with spices and then deep-fried, and of course, flatbread.

On the west, Israel is bordered by the beautiful, Mediterranean Sea, to the south is Egypt, both Syria and Lebanon is to the north and to the east, you will find Jordan. For the most part, Israel is dry with the main body of water being the Dead Sea, which is both amazingly salty and the lowest point on earth. Israel is broken down into distinct geographic zones, providing an abundance of wildlife. First, there is the northern region, which is wet and has many beautiful mountains. Because of this, you will find laurel forest and streams where otters live. Then you have the south region, which is desert although it is common to find wild tulips and date palms.

This country ranks number five when it comes to national parks. In fact, you will discover some 300 in all. What most people do not realize is that the Israeli people took an otherwise, dry, desert land and transformed it into magnificent gardens. With this, they were able to reintroduce numerous species that had been extinct since Biblical days. While some areas of the country require you to be cautious, if you get the chance, Israel is worth the time to experience. Different from any other place on the planet, Israel is unique and a marvelous travel destination.


Last Updated: 10/19/2006 3:14:00 PM

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