Touring Israel with a tour guide

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...

🕊️ Storks in Israel – Nature’s Migratory Spectacle 🇮🇱 Every year, hundreds of thousands of storkssoar through Israel on their epic journey between Europe and Africa! The White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) is the most common, while the Black Stork (Ciconia nigra) is rarer and more elusive. 🗺️ Where to Spot Them 📍 Hula Valley – A top migration stopover 📍 Jezreel Valley – Flocks resting in the fields 📍 Bet She’an Valley – A key feeding ground 🌍 Why Israel? With its unique location, Israel is a bottleneck for migrating birds, making it one of the best places in the world to witness this natural phenomenon. ⚠️ Conservation Matters! While these birds are protected in Israel, they face threats like power line collisions, habitat loss, and pesticide exposure. Conservation efforts, including the Hula Valley Restoration Project, help ensure their safe passage. 🐦✨ Have you ever seen a stork in Israel? Share your experience in the comments! 👇 #simonostertourguideisrael #simonosterto...

Jerusalem’s Yemin Moshe neighbourhood, and the Spanish synagogue. The land where Yemin Moshe and the Sephardi Spanish Synagogue now stand was legally purchased in the mid-19th century - not stolen, not occupied, and certainly not colonised by the British! This land was originally Waqf property, under the authority of Muhammad Tahir al-Husayni, the Mufti of Jerusalem (c. 1842–1858). Waqf land was typically inalienable, but under Ottoman law, sales or long-term leases (hikr) were permitted with official approval from the Mufti & other authorities. The purchase was facilitated by Hacham Bashi Chaim Avraham Gagin, the Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem’s Sephardic community, who worked within the legal framework of the time. Later, Sir Moses Montefiore, a British Jewish philanthropist, played a key role in developing Yemin Moshe as the first Jewish neighbourhood built outside the Old City walls. His vision was to improve Jewish living conditions, as many families lived in overcrowded and unsanit...

**🐟 The Mighty Sea Bass of Israel! 🌊🇮🇱** The European Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)is a prized fish found along Israel’s Mediterranean coast and in fish farms across the country**. Known for its delicate flavour and firm texture, it’s a favourite in Israeli cuisine — whether grilled, baked, or served fresh as sashimi! 🍽️🔥 🌊 Did You Know? 🐠 Sea bass thrive in both saltwater & freshwater, making them ideal for Israel’s innovative aquaculture industry. 🌿 They are high in protein & Omega-3, making them a healthy choice! 👨‍🍳 A staple in Mediterranean dishes, often paired with olive oil, lemon & fresh herbs. Next time you’re by the sea, keep an eye out for these sleek, silver beauties. 😋🐟 📸 Have you tried Israeli sea bass? Share your favourite way to eat it in the comments! #simonostertourguideisrael #simonostertourguide #VisitIsrael #tourguideisrael #TouringIsrael #BookTourGuideinIsrael #SeaBass #IsraeliCuisine #MediterraneanFood #FreshCatch #Seafoo...

🏡 The German Colony, Jerusalem – A Blend of History & Charm 🇮🇱 Tucked away southwest of the Old City, the German Colony is one of Jerusalem’s most beautiful neighbourhoods. Established in the late 19th century by the German Templer Society, it was part of a movement of Protestant settlers who believed living in the Holy Land would hasten the Second Coming of Christ. With its red-tiled roofs, tree-lined streets & European-style stone houses, the German Colony has a unique character; it’s a lively hub filled with cafés, restaurants & boutique shops, making it a favourite spot for both locals & visitors. 🚶‍♂️ Explore Emek Refaim Street – the heart of the neighbourhood, offering a mix of history, culture & fantastic food. The name "Emek Refaim" translates to "Valley of the Ghosts", with biblical roots tied to ancient inhabitants of the region. 🔍 Did you know? The land for the German Colony was purchased from the Husseini family who arrived in...

🐪 The Mighty Dromedary Camel – King of the Desert! 🏜️ The Dromedary Camel (Camelus dromedarius), also known as the Arabian camel, is one of the most iconic animals in Israel’s deserts! With its single hump, it’s built to survive extreme heat and go without water for days—making it the ultimate desert traveler. 🚶‍♂️🌞 🌟 Fun Facts: 🥵 Can drink up to 100 litres of water in minutes after a dry spell! 🔥 Thick fur protects them from the desert sun and cold nights. 🚶‍♂️ Used for transport for thousands of years by Bedouins and traders. Spot these majestic creatures in the Negev & Judean Deserts—or even take a camel ride for a true desert adventure! 🏜️✨ 📸 Tag us in your best camel photos! 🐪📷 #imagineisraeltours #simonostertourguideisrael #simonostertourguide #DromedaryCamel #CamelsOfInstagram #DesertKing #NegevDesert #MiddleEastWildlife #IsraelTravel #HikingIsrael #WildlifePhotography #NatureLover #DesertLife