Israel

Israel is known as the birthplace of Jewish and Christian religion. The country is rich in beaches, archaeological and historical sites and the temperate climate makes tourism in Israel really worthwhile. Religious tourism is a very important industry and Israel. The country’s incoming tourists has been inclining the past few years regardless of the security problems that have taken its toll on the tourism industry. Today, Israel has the highest number of museums per capita in the world. The country is bordered by Lebanon in the north, Syria in the northeast, Jordan and the West Bank in the east, Egypt and the Gaza Strip in the southwest and the Gulf of Aqaba in the Read Sea to the south.

Tourism is a very important industry in the country. Luckily for South Africans, one can visit Israel visa-free for up to 3 months. Therefore those that are looking to do some religious tours, can hop on a plane to Israel and enjoy what the country has to offer. Although Israel is a religious country, not all attractions are religion orientated and therefore provide attractions for everyone.

When to go

Weather

During summertime, Israel can get very hot and in some areas humidity is also very high. Summertime is mostly a dry time of year. During autumn and spring the temperature is near perfect and the sun shines nearly all the days. Therefore many Jewish events and festivals are held during autumn and spring. Winters are mixed with rainy and cool days and cool sunny days, which makes it perfect for hiking and touring.

Major attractions in Israel

Other attractions in Israel include:

• Masada
• Ramon Crater
• Jordan River
• Knesset Building – home of Israeli Parliament
• Israeli Supreme Court
• IDF Kirya Compound
• Dizengoff Centre
• Particle Accelerator
• World’s Largest Solar Parabolic Dish
• Ancient Synagogue of Kfar Bar’am
• International Bahá’i Archives
• Western Wall
• Dome of the Rock
• Church of the Holy Sepulchre – the crucifixion site of Jesus
• Brain Research Centre
• Tel Aviv Performing Arts Centre
• Diamond Theatre
• Shrine of the Book
• Israel Museum
• National Holocaust Museum
• Beth Hatefutsoth Museum (Diaspora Museum)
• Mishkan Le’Omanut Museum – largest art museum north of Israel
• Rockefeller Museum
• Museum of Islamic Art

Top Activities

Events & Festivals

• Israel Festival
• Lag Baomer and Shavuot
• Red Sea International Film Festival
• Red Sea Jazz Festival
• Tel Aviv International Documentary Film Festival
• Passover
• Feast of Unleavened Bread
• Firstfruits
• Ahava Dead Sea Festival
• Purim in Israel
• Holom Women’s Festival
• Tel Aviv Art Weekend
• Sound of Winter
• Tel Aviv Gay Pride
• Jacob’s Ladder Festival
• Piano Festival
• and many more

Money and Cash

Israel’s main currency is called the New Israeli Shekel (ILS) or Israeli Shekel and is divided into 100 agorot. 1 ZAR will get you about 0.50 ILS.

Credit Cards:

ATM’s are available everywhere and credit cards are widely accepted.

Health and safety

Crime

The only part of the country that is dangerous is the areas bordering the Gaza Strip. The rest of the country is fairly save. Traveling to Palestinian territories is also save, but keep a lookout for current events when planning to travel to these areas. Never leave any belongings unattended as it might be suspected as a bomb. Mugging and drunken violence is very rare and a tourist can walk around during nighttime.

Preparing to visit

Visas:

Although many European Union member states have a visa-free entrance to Israel, some ethnic groups can still have difficulty getting access to the country. People of Arab descent will possibly have to undergo prolonged questioning and/or searches and denied entry. It is also important to note that many Arab and Islamic countries will deny entry to a person that has been to Israel. If you’re planning to visit Israel and later an Arab or Islamic country, it is advisable to apply for a second passport.

Practical Tips:

Please note that visiting any religious sites, neighborhoods or towns, you must be very tolerant as the natives will be with you. Visiting Holy Sites, men and women should dress in modest clothing to show respect. Some places will require you to take off your shoes; women to wear robes and men to cover their heads.

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