Israel walks through history: from windswept crusader castles to ports where seamen, pilgrims and famous travelers spent some time and then moved on; from desert landscapes that were home to traveling tribes, half forgotten armies and merchants in camel caravans, to sheikhs’ tombs with whitened domes, silent monasteries and ancient synagogues decorated with colorful mosaics. The State of Israel was created in the Land of Israel which was promised to the People of Israel according to Jewish tradition. It was where Jesus, the Christian Messiah, was born and the place where Mohammed, the Moslem Prophet, ascended to heaven. The meeting place of three continents and two seas, the country is a skein of cultures, customs and traditions, a country that was home to many people, cultures and changing religions. On the crossroads of ancient routes of commerce, the land also saw waves of conquering armies: the Canaanites, Hebrews, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Crusaders Ottoman Turks and the British made this much-desired small country into a battlefield where they strove for eminence, built fortifications, castles and royal palaces.

The State of Israel, set up at the meeting places of continents, history and cultures embodies this rich web of cultures. Its population includes different peoples and religions, religious and secular, Arab Moslems and Arab Christians, Druze, Bedouins, Circassians, Samaritans and Jews from 70 Diasporas, from East and Western Europe, North Africa, Asia, North and South America. The people are settled all over the country in the Negev, Arava, Galilee and coastal plain, in moshavim, kibbutzim, vivacious cities and quiet villages busily engaged in industry and commerce, farming and scientific research. All of these cultures, peoples and religions created a rich tapestry of tradition, beliefs and customs that encapsulate the holy and the secular, the past and the present, the east and the west.
Geography

Israel is located in Southwest Asia between the Mediterranean and the deserts of Syria and Arabia. The country's geographical borders are the Mediterranean to the West, the Jordan Valley Rift to the East, and the mountains of Lebanon to the North with Eilat Bay marking the country's southern tip. Although small in territory, Israel's landscape and climate are varied, and its dense population does not interfere with a wealth of plants and wildlife, as well as many natural attractions.

Official Languages: Hebrew, Arabic, English

Demonym: Israeli

Currency: Israeli new sheqel (₪‎) (ILS)

Time Zone: IST (UTC+2)

Summer (DST):  (UTC+3)

Internet TLD: .il

Calling Code: +972

Visa formalities for Israel:

Passport Note
(a) Persons wishing to proceed to an Arab country other than Egypt or Jordan after visiting Israel should ensure their passport does not contain an Israeli visa or stamp. However, persons permitted to stay in Israel for a period of three months or more will be required to have an extension stamped in their passport. (b) Former nationals of Israel holding a foreign passport must have written proof of having given up Israeli identity, otherwise they may be required to obtain a new Israeli passport or renew their original one.

Passports
Passport valid for a minimum of six months beyond intended date of arrival required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.

Visas
Not required by all nationals of countries referred British, Australian, Canadian, USA, Other UE for stays of up to three months except:
(a) Nationals of Germany if born before 1 January 1928 who do require a visa;

(b) Nationals of Bulgaria and Romania who do require, but do not have to pay for, a visa.

Note: All nationals require a stamp on arrival.

Note: Nationals not referred are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see General Info).

Visa Note
It is advisable to check with nearest consulate (or consular section at embassy) for visa requirements before traveling to Israel as requirements may vary for some nationals.

Tourist/Entry: £11 (cash only, or £12 postal order).
Cruise ship passengers visiting Israel will be issued Landing Cards, allowing them to remain in the country for as long as the ship is in port. No visa applications are required.

As a concession to travelers intending to travel at a later date to countries with entry restrictions for visitors to Israel, entry stamps will, on request, be entered only on the entry form AL-17 and not on the passport. This facility is not available to those required to obtain their Israeli visas in advance.

Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at embassy); see Contact Details for details.

Working Days Required
Some visas will require authorization from Israel and so it is advisable to contact the embassy before booking travel tickets. Generally tourists are advised to allow seven working days.

Warning
Travelers are advised against all travel to the Gaza strip because of the security situation. Despite the ceasefire between Palestinian militant groups and Israel effective from November 2006, there continue to be frequent clashes between armed Palestinian groups and attacks on individuals, resulting in deaths and injuries. On 26-28 January 2007 around 27 Palestinians were killed during clashes, the majority of them in the Gaza Strip, and factional tension remains high.

Travelers are also advised against all travel to the Gaza strip because of the threat of kidnap. The Palestinian security forces continue to advise us that there is a particularly high threat against British nationals. British nationals have been kidnapped and held for up to two weeks in previous incidents.

Those who decide to travel to or remain in Gaza despite this advice should review their security arrangements and seek professional security advice on whether they are adequate.  

Travelers are still advised against all travel to the Sheba ‘a Farms and Ghajar on the border with Lebanon because of on-going military operations.

Travelers are advised against all but essential travel to the West Bank. Terrorist groups continue to maintain the intent and capability to kidnap foreign nationals, particularly in Nablus and the northern West Bank. On 23 January 2007, three French diplomats were held for several hours in Nablus by an armed group before being released. On 26-28 January, 2007 factional violence in Gaza spread to the West Bank, increasing the threat of kidnapping and street violence.

There are frequent demonstrations in Ram Allah and elsewhere in the West Bank, some of which have turned violent. 

Travelers are strongly advised to maintain a high level of vigilance when traveling anywhere in East or West Jerusalem, and to follow local advice. There are frequent demonstrations in the Old City, which have the potential to turn violent. Those who visit the Old City should take sensible precautions to protect themselves and their belongings.

A high threat from terrorism and military activity in Israel and in the Occupied Territories remains. On 29 January 2007, a suicide bomber killed and injured several people in the Red Sea resort of Eilat. On 8 November 2006, Israeli military action in Gaza resulted in at least 20 deaths. Palestinian militant groups have since threatened attacks inside green line Israel. On 17 April 2006, a suicide bomber killed nine people and injured around 65 in an attack at the Old Central Bus Station in Tel Aviv.

Attractions in Israel:

Beth Shalom-Alechem (Shalom-Alechem House)

This center, established in 1966, is devoted to honoring and continuing the legacy of Shalom Alechem, the great Yiddish author who chronicled the 'old world' from where many Jews, including those who found their way to Israel, came. A parallel emphasis of the center is Yiddish culture in general. The center hosts lectures, classes and presentations on Alechem's cultural milleu. There is also a museum room lined with display cases of family pictures, original editions of the author's works, illustrations and playbills from the many staged performances of his stories. Captions are only in Hebrew, though the material tends to speak for itself. Downstairs is a gallery of contemporary Israeli art. Admission to the museum and gallery is free.

Chapel of the Ascension

Rebuilt by the Crusaders as an octagonal chapel, it was transformed into a mosque after 1187. A square on the floor is said to mark the spot at which Jesus ascended to heaven. Outside, note the capitals of the columns. Ask to see the nearby tomb of Pelagia, an early Christian saint who disguised herself as a monk for many years until her secret was revealed when she died. To enter, ring the bell by the mosque; there is a small fee. A small gift stand sells postcards and other souvenirs.

Dome of the Rock

The golden domed structure encasing the Sacred Rock has special significance, in that it is the place where Abraham was about to sacrifice his son and from where the Muslim prophet Mohammed ascended to heaven. It is a unique and beautiful artistic piece of Islamic architecture built by Abd el-Malek in 691. The walls are decorated with verses from the Koran, the ceiling is tiled in red, gold and black shards and the exterior's tiled facade is magical. Converted to a church during the Crusader period, examine the crosses on the interior's columns. Downstairs is the wells of souls, a place where Abraham, David, Solomon, and Jesus were said to have prayed. Entrance fee to the Temple Mount includes the Dome of the Rock, Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Islamic Museum.

Ecce Homo

During construction of the Sisters of Sion convent, remains of a monumental Roman arch, probably erected by Hadrian in 135 CE, were revealed. Part of the central arch is visible on the Via Dolorosa. The smaller northern arch now holds the main altar in the convent chapel. Within the convent, visitors can see the vaulted Struthion Pool that supplied water to the Antonia fortress. The Roman pavement was once thought to be the place where Pilate condemned Jesus, but it was actually built after the first century.

Ein-Karem

Surrounded by hills dotted with olive and cypress trees, this is a refreshingly quiet village about a 20-minute ride southwest of the Old City. Its quaint stone houses are mostly inhabited by Israeli artists and sculptors, and there is a variety of art galleries in the village. You will also find a choice of intimate cafes and restaurants, and religious sites such as the Ein-Karem church, the Church of the Visitation, and the Spring of The Virgin. Take a walk through the winding streets and view-filled hills.

February City Tours of Tel Aviv

While visiting Tel Aviv during this month, be sure to schedule some time for this car or walking tour. This tour is self-guided, but it is simple to follow due to clearly marked streets and placards. Visitors have four routes to choose from in order to get to know the city well and at each individual's pace. These routes include the patriotic Haganah Museum and Independence Hall, the artistic and cultural tour of the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, Rabin Square, and others.

Jaffa Gate Tourist Information

This small office is a hive of activity, located a few footsteps inside the Old City by the Jaffa Gate entrance. Its services include a bureau de change (no commission charged) and a travel agency which can arrange both local trips and journeys to destinations such as Petra and Cairo. There are maps on sale, as well as a limited supply of books and postcards. The staff speaks English, French, Italian and German and as well as giving travel information, they can also assist in reserving accommodation and renting cars. Credit cards can only be used for booking tours.

Love Parade

This annual Tel Aviv autumn event involves hundreds of thousands of people partying in the streets in the name of love, freedom and tolerance. The event takes place along Hayarkon, the beach road, which is shut to traffic from 11a until sundown as a procession of floats winds its way towards the Dolphinarium, near Jaffa. It is a huge street party, where the young, beautiful and outrageous come to be happy and strut their stuff. The floats each have their own sound system and have nightclub dancers and top DJs on board.

Western Wall

The Western Wall itself is actually a huge retaining wall for the structures built on the Temple Mount. It has been a focal point for Jewish prayer since 70 C.E., when the Second Temple was destroyed by the Roman army. A wide plaza accommodates worshippers (men and women pray in different areas), as well as public events, such as the swearing in of new army recruits, and the presentation of Israeli schoolchildren with their first prayer books, bar mitzvah celebrations, and wedding photos. Visitors should dress modestly. A local custom is to write prayers and petitions on small slips of paper and press them into the cracks in the wall.

Yakar Synagogue

Nestled on the peaceful streets of Old Katamon, this synagogue offers a unique prayer experience. On Friday evenings a traditional Orthodox service fuses with modern melodies created by the 'Rabbi of Love,' Shlomo Carle Bach. Worshippers sing each prayer with an impressive spiritual fervor. Be prepared for spontaneous eruptions of dance and song. Yakar attracts a young-professional and adult gathering from all walks of the Jewish religious spectrum. Week nights offer lecture series, Torah study and learning opportunities. Call for specific service and class times.

Climate of Israel:

Israel is in a subtropical region, with two seasons: a hot, dry summer period and a cold, semi-wet to wet winter period. Nonetheless, under general influences such as Israel's position between a sea and a desert, and more localized influences such as altitude and distance from the sea, Israel's climate is varied, offering tourists the winter choice between skiing on Mt. Hermon and swimming in the Bay of Eilat. It has three climatic regions: the prevalent climate in most of central and northern Israel is Mediterranean, characterized by hot summers and rainy winters. The coastal plain is humid during the summer and comfortable during the winter, while in the mountains summer is dry and winter can get quite cold. Southern and eastern parts of Israel have desert climates with hot, dry weather and substantial day-night temperature differences. Between the desert and Mediterranean regions, is the semi-arid zone, with a transitional climate. It is a land of bright sunshine, and the amounts of light and radiation are among the highest in the world. This ensures a good suntan, but requires appropriate protection. Most of Israel's precipitation is winter rains. Mt. Hermon gets snow every year and a few of the higher peaks see occasional snow in winter. In most of the Mediterranean climate zone, more than 400 millimeters of rain fall annually, while in the desert regions, rainfall is less than 250 millimeters. Rainfall in the semi-arid region ranges between 300 and 400 millimeters. Although the rainy season lasts from October through May, most of the rain falls between December and February. The hottest months of the dry season are July and August. During September-November and April-June, temperatures are comfortable and there is little rainfall, making for ideal beach going weather and pleasant hiking in the desert regions. Visitors to Israel in the summer should bring light clothing and bathing suits. Winter visitors should have warm clothes and umbrellas. Israel's winter is fairly comfortable and hiking outdoors is a pleasant option. In an unusually wet week, the southern port city of Eilat always offers refuge from the rain.