Touring Israel with a tour guide

  Tel Aviv at 116: From Sand Dunes to a Thriving Global Metropolis! This year, Tel Aviv celebrates its 116th anniversary with a weekend of festivities from 3 to 5 April. The land Tel Aviv was built upon was a stretch of empty sand dunes north of Jaffa, which was purchased from the Lebanese Sursock family through the efforts of Yehoshua Hankin In 1909, a group of 60 Jewish families seeking to escape the cramped & unsanitary conditions of Jaffa, envisioned a modern, planned neighbourhood with wide streets, gardens & fresh air To divide the plots fairly, the families held a lottery using 120 seashells – half inscribed with names, half with plot numbers. This marked the birth of what would become the first all-Jewish city in modern history. Originally named Ahuzat Bayit, meaning “House Estate”, the city was soon renamed Tel Aviv, inspired by Theodor Herzl’s novel Altneuland (Old-New Land). Tel Aviv grew rapidly, absorbing waves of Jewish immigrants fleeing persecution in Europe...

The Bahá’í Gardens in Haifa: A Spiritual & Architectural Masterpiece 🌿✨ Perched on the slopes of Mount Carmel, the Bahá’í Gardens in Haifa are one of Israel’s most breathtaking landmarks. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, these meticulously designed terraces form the spiritual & administrative centre of the Bahá’í Faith - a religion focused on unity, peace & equality. 1. The Gardens: A Symbol of Harmony 🌿 19 Terraces cascading down Mount Carmel, symbolising spiritual ascension 🏛️ The Shrine of the Báb, with its golden dome, is the resting place of the Bahá’í prophet-herald 🌺 Lush gardens with geometric precision, blending Persian, European & local design 🌊 Overlooking Haifa Bay, offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean 2. What is the Bahá’í Faith? The Bahá’í Faith was founded in the 19th century in Persia (modern-day Iran) by Bahá’u’lláh, who taught the unity of all religions & humanity. The faith promotes: ✨ Oneness of humanity – A world without prejudice 📖...

Hibiscus in Israel: A Blooming Beauty 🌺🇮🇱 Hibiscus flowers bring a splash of colour to Israel’s landscapes, thriving in the country’s warm Mediterranean climate. These vibrant blossoms, known for their large petals and striking hues, can be found in gardens, parks, and urban streets from Tel Aviv to Eilat. 🌿 Why is Hibiscus Popular in Israel? ✔️ Drought-Resistant – Perfect for Israel’s hot summers ☀️ ✔️ Long Blooming Season – Flowers from spring to late autumn 🌸 ✔️ Ornamental & Practical – Used in gardens and as natural hedges 🌿 🍵 Hibiscus Tea (Karkadeh) – A refreshing drink made from dried hibiscus petals, popular in Middle Eastern and North African cultures. Known for its deep red colour, tangy flavour, and health benefits, it’s packed with vitamin C and antioxidants! 🌺 Where to See Hibiscus in Israel? 📍 Tel Aviv’s Boulevards 📍 Haifa’s Baha’i Gardens 📍 Eilat’s Resort Gardens 📍 Jerusalem’s Botanical Gardens Have you spotted hibiscus in Israel? Share your photos! 📸✨ #...

The Truth About Land Purchases in Pre-State Israel. Did you know the majority of the land purchased for Jewish settlement in pre-state Israel was bought from absentee landowners who didn’t even live in Palestine? Many of these sellers resided in Beirut, Damascus, Cairo, Istanbul & even Europe, for whom land was a financial asset. These individuals owned large estates & sold parcels to Jewish buyers, usually without the regard for tenant farmers, driven by a combination of economic, political & social factors. Here’s why: *Financial Incentives: High profits from land sales as Jewish buyers usually paid above-market prices for Land, making sales highly attractive. *Tax Burdens: Under Ottoman & later British rule, large landowners faced heavy taxes. Selling land- especially less profitable or remote plots was a way to avoid financial strain. *Cash Over Agriculture: Many absentee landlords preferred immediate cash over long-term agricultural income from tenant farmers. *Und...