Israel

Our most iconic and life-changing tour... ISRAEL

This section contains a brief narrative about Israel and our tours there, as well as a description of some of the more "typical" activities during these tours...

All of our tours to the Holy Land are experiential tours, designed in such a way as to immerse you in the culture of this strange, mysterious and historical land. We do not want you to be an observer or spectator - we want you to be a participant and experience it with us, from the Galilee and the Golan Heights in the north, to the Negev Desert in the south, and in between.

We invite you to truly Live The Land with us.

Brief History

(all original links to source-information left active herein)

The history of Israel encompasses the Jewish history in the Land of Israel, as well as the history of the modern State of Israel. Modern Israel is roughly located on the site of the ancient kingdoms of Israel and Judah except that these kingdoms also included what is now the West Bank. It is the birthplace of the Hebrew language and of the Abrahamic religions. It contains sites sacred to Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Druze and Bahá'í Faith.

Although coming under the sway of various empires and home to a variety of ethnicities, the Land of Israel was predominantly Jewish until the 3rd century. The area became increasingly Christian after the 3rd century and then largely Muslim some centuries following the 7th century conquestuntil the middle of the 20th century. It was a focal point of conflict between Christianity and Islam between 1096 and 1291, and from the end of the Crusades was part of the Syrian province of first the Mamluk Sultanate and then the Ottoman Empire until the British conquest in 1917.

Modern Zionism emerged in the late-19th century.

Israel Maps

This next series of maps explains the commonly-heard (and sometimes confusing) terms of "Israel", "The West Bank", "Palestine" and "Gaza" and "The Gaza Strip".

Geography

Israel is located on a small strip of land along the eastern Mediterranean. It is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the west, the Gaza Strip (immediately north of Egypt on the western side, along the south-eastern edge of the Mediterranean Sea) and Egypt in the south, Lebanon and Syria to the north and Jordan to the east. From north to south, Israel is less than 300 miles in length, and 69 miles across at its widest point. Despite its small size, Israel is extremely varied in its terrain and topography. Coastal plains give way to central mountains, which descend to deserts to the south and east. In general, the north is green and fertile, and the south rugged and dry.

Government

The Government of Israel is a parliamentary democracy. The Chief Of State is The President, elected by the parliament for a term of five years. The Prime Minister is the head of Government and is elected by a vote of popularity for a four year term. The legislative body is the Knesset, the 120 members of whom are elected by a vote of popularity for a four year term.

Economy

Important industries in Israel are: high-tech, wood & paper products, potash & phosphates, food (citrus, vegetables, beef, poultry, dairy), cotton, tobacco and diamond cutting. Major trading partners are the USA, UK, Benelux, Hong Kong and The Netherlands.

Religion

Jewish - 80,1%; Muslim - 14,6% (mostly Sunni-Muslim); Christian - 2,1%; other - 3,2%.

Language And Vocabulary

The languages of both ancient and modern Israel was / is Hebrew, with Arabic as the official second language. English is widely spoken though, and all street and traffic signs are in both Hebrew and English.

Climate

The climate is warm and sunny for most of the year. Winters are short, but can be cold and rainy. Rainfall mainly occurs between November and April. In general, Jerusalem is colder than Tel Aviv. The hottest areas are those below sea-level, such as the Jordan Valley, the shores of the Sea Of Galilee, the Dead Sea and the areas around Eilat.

Some Of The Places We Visit

The tour as depicted below is included here simply as a demonstration of the type of places typically visited. Actual itineraries differ from tour to tour, and are largely dependent on the actual tour group, their mobility and several other factors which may dictate accessibility, etc...

Nazareth

Nazareth, where Jesus spent his childhood, is situated in the Galilean hills overlooking the Jezreel Valley. Its winding, cobbled lanes, churches, convents and monasteries, and the all-pervading sense of history vividly conjure up the story of 2000 years ago when Joseph, heeding the angel’s words, “took the young child and his mother ... and came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth” (Matthew 2:21-23). Jesus spent his childhood here, though the gospels give no description of these formative years. Nazareth is not mentioned in the Old Testament and only archaeological evidence points to a village inhabited during the First Temple period. The word “Nazareth” comes from the Hebrew for a new shoot of an olive tree, the “branch” of Isaiah 11:1.

Church Of The Annunciation

The Church of the Annunciation The focal point of Nazareth is the Church of the Annunciation, situated in the city’s Old Market quarter. This church was completed in 1969 and is the fifth church built on the spot where the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary to announce the birth of Jesus.

Cana

Four miles beyond Nazareth in the direction of Tiberias is the Arab village of Cana. The Christian inhabitants, who number half the local population, belong to the Catholic, Greek or Melkite Churches. Cana is the scene of two important New Testament happenings. Nathaniel, a native of Cana, was initially quite sceptical of Jesus. It was he who said “can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:46). Also here at Cana, Jesus performed his first miracle. At a wedding he was attending the wine required for the sanctification ran out. Jesus commanded that six stone jars used in the ritual purification be filled with water. When the water was drawn off it miraculously turned to wine. This was to be the first of Jesus’ signs.

Tiberias

Tiberias is situated on the western shores of the Sea of Galilee and was founded in 21 A.D. During the city’s construction, a Jewish necropolis (cemetery) was uncovered and Jews refused to live there for fear of ritual contamination through contact with the dead. It remained exclusively pagan for many years and we have no evidence that Jesus ever entered the site. Tiberias later became a seat of Jewish scholarship. By the second century the Sanhedrin was located here. It was in Tiberias, that the Mishna and the Jerusalem Talmud were compiled, and Hebrew scriptural punctuation was composed. After serving as the capital of Galilee during crusader times, Tiberias declined in subsequent centuries. It is currently a growing Jewish city.

Sea Of Galilee

This is the catchment basin for the Jordan River and is fed by the melting snows of Mount Hermon to the north. Numerous other seasonal streams flow down from the surrounding mountains to this low-lying, fresh-water lake, 685 feet below sea level. The Sea of Galilee is in fact a lake. It is 13 miles long and 7.5 miles wide, 50 metres deep, with a surface area of 63.7 square miles. In a land so barren, this fresh-water lake provides much needed greenery, respite for the eyes and the soul and, through the intense cultivation possible here, nourishment for the body. Jesus spent most of his three-year public ministry in towns and villages around the Sea of Galilee. Some scholars, taking note of the large number of sick people that came to Jesus to be healed, believe that they may have initially come to the region to take advantage of the hot springs.

Tabgha

The curved northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee contains several brackish springs, this explaining the Greek name for the site, Heptapegon (seven springs). Over the years, the name was changed to Tabgha. This is the site of Jesus’ miraculous feeding of the multitude which is commemorated by a fourth century church whose flower and bird mosaics are the most beautiful in the Holy Land. Between the apse and altar of the church is a fifth to sixth century mosaic, representing fishes and a basket of loaves (Mk. 6:34, Luke 9:10).

Capernaum

Capernaum at the time of Jesus was a border village between Herod Abtupas’ Tetrarchy of Galilee and Hellenistic Gaulanitis. It contained a customs’ house, and was garrisoned by a small Roman detachment. It was here that Jesus came to teach after his failure to evangelize Nazareth. And Capernaum became the centre of his Galilean ministry. Jesus gathered together his disciples here (Matt. 4, 14) and performed many cures (Mk. 1,21;2,3, Luke 7, 2). Today can be seen the remains of a synagogue 2-3 centuries younger than that in which Jesus taught, though most likely on the same site. The main material used for building is well-dressed and carved limestone. The synagogue is typical of the basilica style of the period, with Corinthian columns. Nearby are the remains of an octagonal structure, thought to be built on the remains of Peter’s house. Also stone artefacts of ancient Capernaum: a carved palm tree, millstone and the Star of David.

Yardenit

Yardenit is today a popular site for baptism of pilgrims to the Holy Land. Situated close to where the Jordan leaves the Sea of Galilee, it boasts modern facilities including showers and a restaurant.

The Mount Of Beatitudes

On a hill rising behind Tabgha is a round chapel built in 1937 and maintained by the Franciscan Sisters. This site, which offers one of Israel’s most beautiful panoramas, is where Jesus delivered his Sermon on the Mount.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.” (Matthew 5:3-10)

Mount Tabor

Mount Tabor, at 1850 feet, is the highest mountain in the area. From here there is a magnificent view of the Jezreel plain and Nazareth to the west, with Samaria to north. The top is a large plateau. It was traditionally on the summit of Mount Tabor, “the high mountain apart”, that Jesus was transfigured in the eyes of Peter, James and John “and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light” (Matthew 17:2).

Caesarea Philippi

Caesarea Philippi at the base of Mt. Hermon stands at the headwaters of one of the sources of the Jordan. Its present name is Banias, a distortion of the Greek word Paneas, for here stood a shrine to the god Pan. Here Herod the Great built a Shrine to Caesar. Philippi, his son, embellished the town and named it Caesarea. Caesarea Philippi is to be distinguished from the Herodean port-city Caesarea Maritime. It was here that Simon acknowledged Jesus as the Messiah, to which Jesus replied: “You are Peter. And on this rock (Petra) I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it.”

Mount Carmel

Mount Carmel is seaward extension of the Samaria range. It stretches along fourteen miles and is 3 to 4 miles wide, jutting across the coastal plain to meet the sea at Haifa. Carmel was extolled by the prophets for its beauty and fertility (Songs 7:5, Isa. 35:2, Amos 1:2) and as a place of worship and retreat (I Kings 18:19, II Kings 2:25, Amos 9:3). Today the mountain is covered with oak and carob groves with several settlements scattered on its broad rolling plateau. In biblical times this plateau was heavily cultivated. A number of villages here, Daliat el Carmel and Isafiya are inhabited by a non-Muslim Arab people called the Druze. This sect broke with formal Islam in the 11th century.

Mukhraka

Mukhraka is situated on Mount Carmel, overlooking the Izrael Valley. The Canaanite inhabitants worshipped Baal and his consort Ishtar who were adopted by the Israelites. Here Elijah, the prophet, challenged the priests of Baal to prove whose god was more powerful. When Elijah won, the Israelites abandoned the Canaanite deities and the false prophets were slaughtered (1 Kings 18). Mukhraka, the traditional site of the contest, is today marked by a Carmelite monastery, built in 1886.

Acre (Akko)

Acre (Akko) is first mentioned in the Egyptian texts in the 19th century B.C. From the 25th to the 13th centuries B.C, it was a large important Canaanite city. Though part of the inheritance of Asher, it never seems to have been conquered by the Israelites (Judges 1:31). In the 7th and 8th centuries B.C, it was an important Phoenician city. It flourished as Hellenistic city under the name Ptolemaist. Here Paul disembarked (Acts 21:7). The city is mentioned once in the New Testament. Acre entered its most glorious period with the coming of the Crusaders. It was taken by Baldwin I in 104AD, and became chief stronghold of the Crusaders Kingdom. After the disastrous Christian defeat at Hittin in 1187, the city surrendered to Saladin without resistance but was soon re-enforced by knights from all over Europe, only to fall in 1191. During following century, St. John de Acre became the capital of Latin Kingdom. Rivalry between the principal chivalrous orders and corruption within the merchant population weakened the city’s strength and hastened its fall to Muslims in 1291. Many Crusader buildings and fortifications remain intact to this day. The Acre Mosque, built by the notorious 18th century Muslim ruler; Jasser Pasha is among the most important mosques in Israel.

Haifa - the Baha'i Shrine

Haifa - The Baha’i Shrine Haifa is the world centre of the Baha’i faith. The neo-classical archives and gold-domed shrine are situated in one of Israel’s most beautiful garden estates. In 1844, a Persian, Mirza Mohammed Ali Mohammad declared himself the forerunner or “El Bab” and proclaimed the imminent coming of the awaited Mahdi. In 1866, a follower, Baha Ulla, announced that he was the awaited one. The Turks banished Baha Ulla to Acre, where he is buried. The Baha’i faith preaches continual revelation and respects all previous enlightened teachings. The sect now numbers over two million. The gold-domed shrine contains the remains of both el Bab and the Baha Ulla’s successor, Abdul Basha.

Megiddo

The Tel (Tel:- city built on top of old cities) itself consists of twenty superimposed cities, the oldest going back to 4000 B.C. The Tel was finally abandoned in 400 B.C. A Canaanite city stood here around 2000 B.C., but was succeeded to by the Hyksos invaders in the 18th century B.C. The Hyksos were finally subdued and Megiddo taken by the pharaoh Thutmose, in 1478 B.C. King Solomon fortified Megiddo and made it one of his chariot cities and supply centres (I Kings 4:12; 9:15; 10:26). Two Judean kings died in battle here. Ahaziah was killed by Jehu in 847 B.C, (II Kings 9:27) and Josiah by Pharaoh Necco in 610 B.C. (II Kings 23:26). In World War I, the decisive battle in the conquest of northern Palestine by the British was fought here. General Allenby’s victory earned him the title Viscount of Megiddo. Megiddo is identified with Armageddon of Revelations 16:16.

Caesarea

Caesarea is located on the coast, It was initially a small Phoenician trading post called Straton’s tower. In 25 B.C., Herod the Great built an artificial harbour and a “king size” city. This port city of Caesarea, named in honour of Augustus, was designed to link the pagan Decapolis with Rome and serve as a counterweight to Jerusalem’s port of Jaffa. After Herod’s death, Caesarea became the seat of the Roman government in Judea; Pontius Pilate resided here during his terms as procurator. A bitter dispute between the local pagan and Jewish populations led to heightened Jewish resentment of Rome. With the outbreak of the Jewish revolt, Vespasian was proclaimed emperor here. Phillip the Deacon evangelized here (Acts 8:40) and Paul was imprisoned here (Acts 23:23). Caesarea was the seat of government during Byzantine times, and it had a population of 200,000. One famous inhabitant was Eusebeus, the first historian of the church. Caesarea fell in 640 to the Arabs, but was retaken and fortified by the Crusaders and finally destroyed by Beybars in 1921.

Old Jaffa

From the time immemorial, Jaffa (Hebrew for “beautiful”) has been important as a port and station in the ancient trade route of “Via Maris”, which connected Egypt with Mesopotamia and the north. Legend holds that the founder of Jaffa was Japheth, son of Noah. Documentary evidence goes back 3500 years to the time when, as described in the Amarna letters, the Egyptian pharaoh, Thutmose III, conquered the town in 1468 B.C., by bringing in with him, hundreds of soldiers in innocent-looking hampers. II Chronicles 2:16 relates how Solomon discussed his building projects with Hiram, king of Tyre, who offered: “We will cut wood out of Lebanon... and bring it in floats by sea to Joppa”, for this was the Holy Land’s outlet to the wide world. Jonah 1:3 tells how he “went down to Joppa. And he found a ship going to Tarshish”. Christians associate Jaffa with Peter, who restored Tabitha to life and “tarried many days with one Simon, a tanner” (Acts 9:43). Here he had his vision which led to the first preaching of the gospel of Christ to the Gentiles. The House of Simon the tanner and St. Peter’s Church recall these events. Another legend associated with Jaffa is that of Perseus and Andromeda, daughter of the king of Jaffa. The beautiful princess was chained to a rock in the harbour to be sacrificed to the sea monster, in order to appease its wrath. Perseus saw her in her terrible plight and rescued her by slaying the monster. “Andromeda’s rock” can be seen in the harbour not far from the light-house. Today, one of Jaffa’s main attractions is the Artists’ quarter, with its quaint streets and workshops.

Jerusalem

Jerusalem of Gold, Jerusalem the Holy – if only the cruelties of history had not made such a travesty of her name – the city of Peace. The violent tones of destruction and rebuilding, form background to the strained relationships of three faiths: To Muslims it is El-Kuds, Islam’s third holiest site where the prophet Mohammed ascended skyward. To Jews, Yerushalaim is the Crown of Israel, Israel’s eternal capital, site of the Temple, seat of David and chosen city of God. “If I forget thee O’ Jerusalem, may my right hand lose its expressing” Jewish people’s devotion to its capital. Christians too treasure Jerusalem, for here Jesus walked, taught and suffered through the final Passion designed to redeem Mankind from sin.

Bethany

Bethany is known in Arabic as al-Azariya. It was the home of Lazarus and his sisters, Martha and Mary. Here Mary “sat at Jesus’ feet, but Martha was cumbered about much serving”, complaining to Jesus that Mary did not help her, Martha was told that “Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:39-40). Lazarus became ill and died after he had been dead for four days, Jesus came from the River Jordan on his way to Jerusalem and restored him to life. Lazarus’ grave is behind the Franciscan Sanctuary of St. Lazarus; a masterpiece built in 1954 by Italian architect Barluzzi, which incorporates fourth, sixth and twelfth century remains. In the church are many mosaics, copious frescos painted by G. Vagarini. Above the church is a ruined tower said to be on the side of Simon the Leper’s house, where Jesus sat when a woman anointed him with precious spikenard and his fellow guest complained of the waste: “Why trouble ye the woman ?” And Jesus said: “For she hath wrought good work upon me” (Mat. 26:10).

Mount Of Olives

For Christianity, no mountain holds more far reaching importance and sentiment than the Mt. of Olives. Nowhere did Jesus spend more time during his mission in Jerusalem. Here, overlooking the Temple, he taught his disciples, and on its slopes he was taken captive. The Church of Eleona or Pater Noster marks the spot where Jesus revealed worldly secrets to his disciples. (Matthew 24:3) and taught them “Our Father” (Luke 9). Near Eleona stand the Crusader remains of the site of the Ascension. This small-doomed structure surrounded by a circular wall is presently a Muslim chapel. Inside is the impression of a footstep said to have been made by Jesus ascending into Heaven. It was here, a Sabbath day’s journey from Jerusalem, that the risen Jesus departed from his disciples, 40 days after his Crucifixion.

City Of David

City of David Four thousand years of history have been revealed by the exciting in the City of David, where visitors gain important understanding of Jerusalem’s unique place in the world. A huge water cistern evokes the story of Jeremiah’s imprisonment (Jer. 38:6). The touring route descends via Warren’s Shaft and more recently discovered tunnels to the Gihon Spring where Solomon was crowned (1 Kings 1:33). The walk then continues to remnants of the actual Siloam Pool from Second Temple times. The adventurous can then slosh 1,500 feet through Hezekiah’s Tunnel (2 Chron. 32:30).

Siloam Tunnel

Siloam Tunnel In Biblical times, the Gihon Spring was Jerusalem’s only water supply and when enemies were at the gate, the first priority was the safety of the spring. II Chronicles 32:30 tells how King “Hezekiah stopped the upper watercourse of Gihon and brought it straight down to the west side of the city of David”. This extraordinary conduit, now known as the Siloam Tunnel or Hezekiah’s Tunnel, was dug around 700 B.C. to bring water directly into the town and is still in use. An inscription in ancient Hebrew script found chiselled into the conduit wall, commemorates the meeting of Hezekiah’s two work gangs who began at each end of the tunnel and met midway. At the Pool of Siloam, Jesus healed a man who had been blind from birth and gave him sight (John 9). Empress Eudocia commemorated this miracle with a church built in the spot. It was destroyed in the Persian invasion and to prevent its being rebuilt, the Muslims erected a mosque on the site.

Temple Mount

Temple Mount is especially holy to Jews and Muslims. For Jews, the Temple Mount is the site of the First and Second Temples as well as important events like the creation of Adam, the first sacrifice made by Adam, Abraham's near-sacrifice of Isaac, and Jacob's famous dream of angels and ladders. For Muslims, the Temple Mount is the site from which Muhammad embarked on his Night Journey to Heaven. The Dome of the Rock, built in 691 AD, is one of the earliest Muslim structures and shelters the very rock on which Muhammad stood. The Temple Mount also contains an ancient and important mosque, the Al Aqsa Mosque, built in 720 AD. The Temple Mount is a relatively minor site for Christians, but is believed to contain the "pinnacle of the Temple" (Matthew 4:5) from which Satan tempted Jesus to jump to prove his status as the Messiah (near Al Aqsa Mosque). The courtyard by the mosques provides an excellent view of surrounding Christian sites, including the Dome of the Ascension (marking the site from which where Jesus ascended into heaven) and the church of Dominus Flevit (commemorating the spot where Jesus wept as he saw a vision of Jerusalem in ruins).

Shrines Of The Temple Mount

The Dome of the Chain is so-called because of the chain that hangs from the ceiling. Legend tells that King David sat here to judge the people and if the chain broke in the hands of the accused he was guilty. It may have been the royal treasure houses where funds for building the Dome were kept. The Crusaders used it for prayer and it was known as the Chapel of St. James. The small pillared Dome of the Spirits is on the spot where Mohammed is said to have conversed with Jewish and Christian prophets. Here, it is believed, he will summon the spirits of the faithful on Judgement Day. Another shrine on the Temple Mount is the Dome of Ascension, which is associated with Mohammed’s night journey. The Crusaders used it as a baptistery. There are also many fountains on the Temple Mount (before entering the Mosque to pray, Muslims wash their feet). The circular fountain surrounded by trees is called El Kas, The Basin, and is situated over the largest of the underground cisterns on the Temple Mount.

Dome Of The Rock

The focal point of Jerusalem both today and at the time of Jesus was Mt. Moriah. Today the site is the home of the impressive and austere Dome of the Rock. It is set on the actual bedrock of the highest point of the Temple Mount on the eastern hill. This superb structure was built by the Muslim Caliph Abdel-Malik in the year 691 A.D. That makes it nearly 1300 years old. When it was being constructed there were still many Byzantine artisans living in the city. This explains the interesting juxtaposition of Arabesque script on Byzantine-styled mosaics. The eight-sided structure is very similar in form and artistic origin to St. Peter’s house at Capernaum. Votive offerings and small shrines from Muslim rulers throughout the centuries stud the entire plaza area. Renovated in the 1960s’, the former cast iron dome was replaced by one of zinc-aluminium alloy which is only 1/6 of the weight! Inside the building is seen the hallowed rock itself. According to Muslim tradition, it is from this point that Mohammed leapt skywards. To the Jews this rock has a significance stretching at least 2000 years before Mohammed. For it was here on Mt. Moriah that Abraham offered his only son Isaac as a sacrifice (Gen 22:2). It was this same site that David purchased from Ornan the Jebusite in 1000 B.C. as a home for the Ark of the Covenant. But it was up to King Solomon to finally build God’s Temple, destined to make Jerusalem Judaism’s focal point to this day. Most biblical authorities identify this rock with the Holy of Holies.

El-Aksa Mosque

El-Aksa Mosque (Arabic Masjid Al-Aqsa, "Distant Mosque" - also spelled El-Aksa) is an important mosque in Jerusalem. It is part of the complex of religious buildings known as the Haram esh-Sharif (the Noble Sanctuary) to Muslims and the Temple Mount to Jews, it is the third holiest site in Islam, after Mecca and Medina. The first Al-Aqsa Mosque was constructed of wood by the Umayyad’s in 710 AD, only a few decades after the Dome of the Rock. The structure has been rebuilt at least five times; it was entirely destroyed at least once by earthquakes. The last major rebuild was in 1035. When the Crusaders captured Jerusalem in 1099, Al-Aqsa became the headquarters of the Templars. Their legacy remains in the three central bays of the main facade. In the mid-14th century the Mamelukes added an extra two bays on either side, resulting in the seven bays that stand today.

Pool Of Bethesda

North of the Temple Mount just inside St. Stephen’s gate, lies the Pool of Bethesda of Piscina Probatica. Uncovered in 1871, the pool appears as a deep pit broken by a series of stone foundation archways upon which were built Byzantine and Crusader Churches. It was used as a rain catchment pool during Herod’s reign. It was part of a grandiose plan to augment Jerusalem’s meagre water supply. During Jesus’ time this pool was thought to have curative powers. It is here that Jesus miraculously cured the infirm man on the Sabbath (John 5:1-18).

Via Dolorosa

The Via Dolorosa, “Way of Sorrow” or “Way of the Cross” is Christendom’s most sacred route. It is the path followed by Jesus from the judgment court, the Praetorian, to Golgotha, the place of the Crucifixion, bearing the Cross on his back. Every Friday at 3 p.m., Christian pilgrims from all over the world join the Franciscan procession to retrace these steps and recall Jesus’ agony. There are fourteen stations on the way of the Cross, nine along the narrow street and five inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. All are marked by chapels or churches for meditation and prayer. Despite the hustle and the bustle of the route, it is a moving spiritual experience to wander along the Way where Jesus suffered on his last day on earth 2000 years ago.

Ecce Homo Arch

Ecce Homo Arch The Ecce Homo arch is part of the eastern entrance to the Roman city Aelia Capitolina, constructed by Hadrian as a triumphal arch with three portals. According to tradition this is the spot where Pilate ordered Christ to be brought forth to the Jews, Proclaiming ‘Ecce Homo’- Behold the Man. Today the northern, smaller arch is integrated into the Chapel of Ecce Homo in the Convent of the Sisters of Zion. The large arch spans part of the Via Dolorosa.

Church Of The Holy Sepulchre

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre lies in the heart of the Christian Quarter of the Old City. Within the compound are the Hill of Golgotha or Calvary and the Rotunda which contains the Holy Sepulchre. Here Jesus was crucified, buried and rose again. The Church is maintained by the Roman Catholics, the Greek Orthodox and the Armenians. There are also several chapels including the Chapel of Adam, the Chapel of St. Helena and the Chapel of the Finding of the Cross.

Room Of The Last Supper

The Cenacle is the second floor room marking the site of the Passover feast Jesus attended with his disciples – The Last Supper (Mark 14:13). The present structure is a 14th century renovation with Gothic windows and Crusader arches. Just as the law came forth from David’s Zion in Isaiah’s time, so here met the Apostles to spread the new covenant. Here Jesus appeared before the Apostles (John 20:19-23; 22:24-29) and here too, the Holy Ghost descended upon the house at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4)

Garden Tomb

Many Protestants believe that Jesus was buried in the Garden Tomb, which is set in a quiet enclosure just outside the Damascus gate. A nearby hillock, with a Muslim cemetery on top and a broken cistern in its rocky face, bears resemblance to a skull, which could be Golgotha. In 167 A.D, a first-century rock-hewn tomb containing two chambers was discovered near the hill. In 1882, the British General Gordon was a leading advocate for this area as a probable site of the Crucifixion and it was purchased by the Garden Tomb Association of London in 1893. The evidence for a probable site of execution near to an exceptionally large cistern and a Herodian tomb, which meets all the details mentioned in the Gospel, makes the present garden a meaningful centre.

Garden Of Gethsemane & The Church Of All Nations

In the valley of Kidron, on the Mt.of Olive’s lower slopes, there stands to this day a stately grove of eight ancient olive trees. These trees and their fruit have given this site its name, Gethsemane, for “gate-shamna” is an olive press in Aramaic. The garden is well kept by the Franciscan brothers who offer pilgrims a leaf from the trees as a memento of their visit. The focal point of the garden is the Rock of the Agony which has been covered over by the modern Church of All Nations, so called because of the world-wide contributions that enabled its construction. It was here, at Gethsemane that Jesus came with his disciples to pray. Here he grew despondent and was tempted to find a way out, only finally to overcome the weakness of the flesh and accept the Divine Will. Betrayed by Judas, Jesus was arrested by the soldiers of the High Priest and taken away for indictment.

Western Wall

The Western Wall was not actually a part of the temple. Biblical Jerusalem was built on the two hills, the eastern Moriah, and the Ophel. Between them was a valley that has since been filled in by the debris of the destroyed Temple which was situated where the present plaza is in front of the Western Wall. There is yet another reason why Mount Moriah has lost its hilly appearance. The Western Wall is actually a retaining wall built by Herod in 20 B.C., surrounding the entire eastern hill which was raised with fill to form a flat plateau, the level of Moriah’s summit. It was on this elevated plaza that the Temple stood at the time of time of Jesus. Ever since the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 A.D, Jews have gathered in pilgrimage and in prayer at the Western Wall, which became known as the Wailing Wall. Its cracks are filled with written prayers for the speedy recovery of the sick, for the Peace of Jerusalem and the coming of the Messiah.

Western Wall Tunnel

Excavations of the Western Wall Tunnel, in the Old City, were started during the 1967 war in Israel. The tunnels are those that have been created by numerous arches side-by-side, supporting staircases going from the city to the Temple Mount. In ancient times there was a shallow valley called the Tyropaean running along the Western side of the Temple Mount (now filled in due to constant demolition and rebuilding) that separated the rich Herodian quarter from the Temple. It was the need to bridge this that caused the arches to be built. These pathways still hold up the streets today, and the tunnel goes directly underneath the Muslim quarter. As you walk through the tunnel along the ancient wall, you can pause opposite the Holy of Holies, see a pavement built by Herod Agrippa (Acts 12:21) and the foundations of the Praetorium (Matt. 27:27). This is a not-to-be-missed combination of the historical and spiritual that is unique, and yet so typical of the Holy City.

Old City Walls & Gates

The Old City walls are 4,018m long, have an average height of 12m and are about 2.5m thick. The present walls were constructed by Suleiman the Magnificent in 1542 along the lines of the Crusader city and in some places on even earlier foundations. In the walls there are 34 towers and eight gates: Damascus Gate, the most ornate, where the road to Damascus used to start; the New Gate, built in 1887 to facilitate passage from institutions outside the wall; Jaffa Gate, originally the starting point of the road to the most important port town; Zion Gate, connecting the Armenian Quarter with Mount Zion; Dung Gate, nearest to the Western Wall and through which much of the city’s refuse is taken to Kidron Valley; the Golden Gate, or St. Stephens’s Gate, through which Israeli paratroopers entered the City in the Six Day War and Herod’s Gate, in Hebrew called the “Gate of Flowers”.

Citadel (David's Tower)

The citadel, incorrectly called David’s Tower, overlooks Jaffa Gate on the western side of the Old City. Here Herod built some of his most impressive fortifications including the Tower of Phasael which, with its large masonry, can still be seen today just inside Jaffa gate. A climb to the roof offers a magnificent view of the Old City, while the lower rooms contain an archaeological exhibition spanning Jerusalem’s long history.

Cardo

Parts of the Cardo Maximus, the main street of the Roman-Byzantine city, have been discovered in archaeological excavations in the Jewish Quarter. Byzantine and Crusader structures have been rebuilt and included in the design of new tourist shops which now line the ancient way.

Israel Museum / Dead Sea Scrolls

Opened in 1965, the Israel Museum is many-faceted, housing collection of Judaic, Art, and Archaeology, the Billy Rose Sculpture Garden and – the pearl in the crown – the Shrine of the Book, which contains the Dead Sea Scrolls. The white-domed exterior resembles the lid of one of the earthenware jars in which the scrolls were hidden in Qumran. Despite the fact that the Museum is relatively very new, its collections rival that of many well-established museums the world over. Among the many gems are a seventeenth century Italian synagogue and another from Cochin, India. The Youth Wing is particularly active, with regularly changing exhibits, and the Museum has a full programme of lectures, concerts and films.

Model Of Jerusalem

The Model of Jerusalem at the time of the second temple is displayed at the grounds of Israel Museum. It was built before the re-unification of the city. The 1:50 scale model was built according to the descriptions of Josephus Flavius. Whenever excavations reveal new information, changes are made in the Model. The grandeur of the city at the time can be appreciated by viewing this replica.

Yad Vashem

Yad Vashem is the Jewish people’s memorial to the murdered Six Million and symbolizes the on-going confrontation with the rupture engendered by the Holocaust. Containing the world’s largest repository of information on the Holocaust, Yad Vashem is a leader in Shoah education, commemoration, research and documentation. The museum is designed in the shape of a prism penetrating the mountain. The car was used to transport Jews who had been banished from their homes to the concentration camps, and now serves as a monument. The museum is divided into nine galleries that relate the stories of the Jewish communities before the Second World War and the series of events beginning from the rise of the Nazis to power, the pursuit of the Jews, their eviction to the ghettos and ending with “the Final Solution” and mass genocide. The personal experiences and feelings of the victims of the holocaust constitute the groundwork for the museum’s exhibits. The exhibits include photographs, films, documents, letters, works of art, and personal items found in the camps and ghettos, and excerpts from children’s diaries. Visiting the Yad Vashem museum is an emotional and heartrending experience, but viewing the exhibits and remembering the holocaust and its victims is important to the citizens and leaders of Israel and of other nations.

Bethlehem

Bethlehem The little town of Bethlehem, which in Hebrew means “house of bread”, has many biblical associations reflecting a tranquil, pastoral existence. As its name signifies, in antiquity the district was known for its fertility and for the cultivation of its fields and terraces. In the Old Testament, Bethlehem is often referred to as Ephrat, which means fruitfulness. Here, nearly four thousand years ago, Jacob buried his young wife Rachel; here was the home of Naomi and her family; here Ruth gleaned in the fields and fell in love with her kinsman Boaz; here their great-grandson David was born and here Samuel “anointed him in the midst of his brethren’ (1 Samuel 16:13). But the event that took place here and transformed the course of history was that ”Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea” (Matthew 2:1) Today, this town, surrounded by a beautiful hilly landscape, is the home of Christian and Muslim Arabs, many of whom are skilled artisans and craftsmen.

Church Of The Nativity

It seems reasonable to assume that Jesus’ birthplace was commonly known and revered by his followers. In 135 A.D. Bethlehem became off limits to both Jews and Judeo-Christians. Part of its paganization consisted in the birthplace being overgrown by a grove in honour of Adonis. In 330 A.D., with the Christianization of the Byzantine Empire, a splendid basilica, the Church of the Nativity, was erected on the site of the manger. Bethlehem at this period was a centre of Christian enlightenment.

Shepherd's Field

Shepherds still pasture their flocks around Bethlehem, where the shepherds heard the good tidings of Jesus’ birth from the angel of the Lord who told them to go to Bethlehem to adore the child (Luke 2). “Shepherds’ Field”, sometimes called Ruth’s field, is near the village of Bet Sahur. Everywhere, evidence is found of Byzantine convents, and a Greek Orthodox Church covers a cave which has a fine fourth century mosaic floor. Another church, called “Campo Dei Pastori” – “Shepherd’s Field” was rebuilt for the Franciscans by Antonio Barluzzi in 1950. The design of the Church represent a shepherd’s tent and the light penetrating the church through the glass openings of the dome recall the light that shone on the shepherds when the angel appeared to give them the tidings of Jesus’ birth. The walls are decorated with frescoes depicting the story of the shepherds and in the centre of the Church is an altar supported by bronze statues of shepherds.

Jericho

The arid climate of both Jericho and the Judean desert are due to their situation on the leeward side of the Judean Mountains. Located about 820 ft. below sea level, Jericho enjoys mild winters and hot summers.
A natural oasis it has been blessed with nearby springs (2 Kings 2:19). The key to survival in Jericho is the proper utilization of her water resources. The construction and repair of irrigation ditches, as well as a method for distributing the water among all the farmers are necessary for a viable settlement at Jericho. Such a degree of organization appears to have first been present at Jericho by 7000 B.C., making it one of the oldest cities in the world! Even today, the desolate grey un-irrigated countryside make a sharp contrast with the lush green fields of bananas, citrus and vegetables.

Mount Of Temptation

The Mount of Temptation (“Quarantel” from the Latin “Mons Quarantana” – Forty Days) looms behind Old Jericho in the west. A stony path ascends the hill and leads to the Greek monastery carved out of the mountain-side half-way up and built partly in the rock over the chasm. Here Jesus fasted for forty days to resist the devil’s offer to him of “all the kingdoms in the world” (Luke 4:5).

Dead Sea

Nearly 1300 feet below sea level, the Dead Sea is the world’s lowest point. It is actually a “dead end” sea, for the giant lake has no natural outlet; water entering by the Jordan, flash floods or underground springs, can only leave by evaporation; thus, salt concentrations build up enormously. Its high salt and mineral content (ten times that of seawater) makes the resources e.g. Potash, magnesium and bromide which are extracted by a process known as selective evaporation. The waters are also known for their curative powers against skin and muscle diseases.

Qumran

In 1947, a Bedouin boy searching for a lost goat in the cliffs above the Dead Sea accidently stumbled upon the biblical discovery of the age, the Dead Sea Scrolls. The hundreds of parchment fragments subsequently unearthed in eleven separate caves have thrown great light on the historical background of 1st century Israel. These scrolls belonged to and were written by, a Jewish sect, the Essenes. Founded around 160 B.C. in reaction to growing Hellenization, the Essenes sought the seclusion of the Judean Desert, where they could follow the Law more closely, and wait for the coming Messiah. They believed in two Messiahs: one, from David’s line, for the Monarch, and the other, a descendant of Aaron for the high priesthood. In 68 A.D., the settlement was completely destroyed by the Romans; the scribes, seeing the approaching legions, hastily stored the scrolls in nearby caves. There these parchments remained for nearly 1900 years. All the books of the Old Testament, except Esther, are present, as well as apocryphal psalms, commentaries and special scrolls dealing specifically with the sect’s code of ethics and beliefs. These Old Testament manuscripts are nearly 1000 years older than previously known manuscripts. The texts are outstandingly similar to their Masoritic equivalents, showing a high degree of standardization of Biblical texts before their compilation in Jaminia (Yavne) in the second century. The Dead Sea Scrolls are presently exhibited at Israel Museum in Jerusalem.

Masada

Rising 1400 feet above the Dead Sea shoreline, the table-top mountain of Masada stands as a tribute to Jewish resistance against Rome. The summit fortress was designed by Herod the Great as a bastion capable of withstanding a siege by his enemies. He furnished the fortress with two palaces, bathhouses, storage space and provided a water storage capacity based upon trapping nearby winter flash floods. The fortress was garrisoned by Roman soldiers in the first century A.D. until overcome by Jewish rebels at the outbreak of the Jewish War (67 A.D.). For six years Masada served as a rebel base, where guerrilla sorties could be launched into the Judean hills. The end finally came in 73 A.D., when the Roman Tenth Legion and auxiliaries numbering ten thousand troops, staged the final assault. The nine hundred and sixty men, women and children committed a mass suicide, rather than fall into Roman captivity. Today, a cable car provides an easy approach to this once inaccessible spot. Masada, with its history, view and ruins, is one of Israel’s major tourist attractions.

Ein Gedi Spring

One of the most beautiful natural settings in Israel, Ein Gedi (spring of the kid) with its year-round waterfall and tropical vegetation contrasts with the sharp cliffs and Dead Sea shoreline. A present day Kibbutz utilizes part of this local water for irrigation, and the winter harvests fetch good prices in the city markets. It was to the caves above Ein Gedi that David fled from Saul’s wrath (1 Sam. 24). Solomon extolled the fertility of this oasis in the Song of Songs 1:14. Caves in the canyons high above Ein Gedi have revealed scrolls and letters dating from the Bar Kochba revolt in 130 A.D. In addition, a hoard of copper and ivory ritual artefacts, nearly 5000 years old has been discovered near the fountain head.

The South - Eilat

The red sea and the Gulf of Eilat is Israel’s door to Africa and Asia. The port city of Eilat is situated close to the biblical city Ezion-Geber where Solomon built a fleet of ships for trade with Ophir (Ethiopia?) (I Kings 9:26-28). When taken by Israel Defence Forces in 1949 it was a small derelict police post and started off slowly. However, since the Sinai Campaign and the lifting of the Egyptian naval siege on the Straits of Tiran, it has rapidly developed as a port. Because it is sunny and warm even in winter, Eilat has become a major winter resort for both Israelis and foreigners, especially Europeans, who can fly there directly. Its variously priced hotels, cafes, nightclubs and restaurants and a cosmopolitan atmosphere, as well as its magnificent underwater museum, cater to every whim.

Underwater Observatory

Eilat’s most visited site is the remarkable Underwater Observatory – “Coral World” – which affords the visitor a unique opportunity to get acquainted with the splendour of the underwater life of the Gulf of Eilat. Here one can view the magnificent coral formations and fish, sponges and other invertebrates from large windows in the wall. There are aquaria with tropical fish, pools containing sharks, sea-turtles and stingrays and a yellow Submarine from which one can observe the deeper coral reefs.

Jordan - Petra

Ancient Petra is traditionally Biblical Sela, capital of Edom. According to legend, it was here that Moses struck the rock and drew water (Exodus 17). The Nabateans made it their capital city in the sixth century B.C. They carved the magnificent structures we see today into the rose-red coloured rock. These were used as burial places and for other ritual purpose. The Nabateans were a semi-nomadic people and did not build permanent homes, so no houses or other remains survive. From Petra, the Nabateans controlled their lucrative trade routes and enjoyed centuries of prosperity. At first, they co-existed with the Roman Empire, however in 106 A.D the Romans took over their city. Petra was cut off from the West for over 1000 years. The Bedouin who lived here guarded their secret place jealously, refusing entry to outsiders. In 1812, a young Swiss explorer, Burckhardt, disguised himself as a Muslim and entered Petra, telling his suspicious guide that he had vowed to sacrifice a goat at Jebel Haroun (Mt. Aaron, where the Bedouin believe that Moses’ brother died and is buried).

Mt. Nebo & Madaba

It was on Mt. Nebo that Moses stood and gazed over the Promised Land that he was not allowed to enter (Deuteronomy 34) after leading his people through the desert for 40 years. Located 800 metres above sea-level, Mt. Nebo commands a breathtaking view and on a clear day, the Judean hills, the Dead Sea and Jerusalem are visible. In the sixth century, a basilica was built here and numerous beautiful mosaics have been uncovered. In Biblical times, many battles were fought over nearby Madaba. Spectacular mosaics and fragments from the early Christian period have been excavated. In 1898, the sixth century map of Palestine that made Madaba famous was discovered. It consists of 2:3 million tiles, and depicts the Holy Land, naming 150 sites.

Interesting Anecdotes about Israel

"In Israel, in order to be a realist, you have to believe in miracles."

- David Ben Gurion -

"The view of Jerusalem is the history of the world; it is more, it is the history of earth and of heaven."

- Benjamin Disraeli -

”I will insist the Hebrews have contributed more to civilise men than any other nation. If I was an atheist and believed in blind eternal fate, I should still believe that fate had ordained the Jews to be the most essential instrument for civilising the nations… They are the most glorious nation that ever inhabited this earth. The Romans and their empire were but a bubble in comparison to the Jews."

- John Adams -

"Israel was not created in order to disappear – Israel will endure and flourish. It is the child of hope and the home of the brave. It can neither be broken by adversity nor demoralised by success. It carries the shield of democracy and it honors the sword of freedom."

- John F Kennedy -