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7 Shmuel HaNagid Street in Jerusalem has a fascinating history. Originally built in the 1880s by Ismail al-Husayni, a wealthy Arab Jerusalemite & member of the influential al-Husayni family, the buildings were later purchased by the Jewish National Fund (JNF) in 1907. This acquisition was part of a broader pattern of Jewish-Arab land dealings in pre-Mandate Palestine. The site became home to the Bezalel Academy of Arts & Design, founded in 1906 by Boris Schatz. Bezalel was established to cultivate Jewish art & craftsmanship, blending European artistic traditions with Jewish design elements. By 1908, the academy had moved into its permanent location on Shmuel HaNagid Street, occupying buildings that housed Schatz’s residence, the art school & a national art museum. Bezalel quickly became a cultural hub, with its beautiful garden & exhibitions attracting both local & international attention. Over the years, the site has remained a centre for the arts. Today, it is...
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🌿 Lupins in Israel: A Burst of Wild Beauty! 🌿 Did you know Israel’s landscapes are brightened every spring by stunning wild lupins? These vibrant purple, pink, and blue flowers (Lupinus spp.) blanket hillsides and meadows, creating breathtaking natural displays— especially in the Galilee, Golan Heights, and Carmel regions. What is special about Lupins? Nitrogen Fixers – These clever plants enrich the soil, helping other flora thrive. Drought-Resistant – Perfect for Israel’s climate, they bloom even in tough conditions. Wildlife Haven – Bees & butterflies love them! Best Spots to See Them 📍 Mount Gilboa – Famous for its "Purple Gilboa" lupin carpets (Feb–Apr). 📍 Golan Heights – Rolling hills awash in blue and purple blooms. 📍 Carmel Forest – A magical mix of lupins and native wildflowers. Pro Tip: Visit in late winter to early spring for peak lupin season! A Word of Caution While gorgeous, some lupin species are toxic if ingested, so admire with care. Have you spotted...
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  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...
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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 📖...
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