Why
Israel?
Israel is a spiritual haven for many people and home to the three
great religions, which all trace their roots to this small, special
land.For Jews it is The Promised Land, given to Abraham by God.
Many centuries of military, economic and spiritual struggle and
triumph forged a people with a cultural identity inextricably bound
to the land.
Through millennia of exile most Jews came to look on Israel as a
home they would know only in their hearts. However, with the rebirth
of Israel as a nation in 1948 a culture and motherland were reunited.
The result is a modern country infused with a compelling ancient
heritage.
Israel is sacred to Christians as the birthplace of Jesus Christ
and His ministry. Jesus was born in Bethlehem; taught throughout
Nazareth and the Galilee. He was crucified, buried and resurrected
in Jerusalem. It was in the Land of Israel that the seeds of one
of the most widespread and enduring religions in history were sown.As
the site from which Mohammed ascended to Heaven, Jerusalem is considered
to be the third holiest city for Muslims.
ISRAEL - Incredible concentrations of spiritual and historical
attractions spread throughout a dramatic and beautiful landscape.
Although small in size, Israel encompasses the varied topographical
features of an entire continent, ranging from forested highlands
and fertile green valleys to mountainous deserts. From the coastal
plain to the semitropical Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea, the lowest
point on earth, one would have to travel endless hours in most parts
of the world to encounter the remarkable contrasts that exist in
Israel.
Within a day’s excursion from the major cities the tourist
can travel to the lush green valleys of the Galilee as well as the
desolate, golden Judean and Negev deserts; enjoy winter skiing on
the snow-capped slopes of Mount Hermon and laze on the sun washed
coral beaches of Eilat; “float” in the Dead Sea and
bathe in the blue Mediterranean waters; shop in fashionable shopping
malls and bargain in buzzing oriental bazaars; explore sites frequented
by biblical and historical legends and traverse locations where
today’s headline news is made; stroll through the 3000 year
old alleys of Jerusalem’s Old City and jog along the colorful
beachfront promenade of modern Tel Aviv.
In Israel tourists will find a kaleidoscopic combination of past,
present and future. The vast array of historical and archaeological
attractions are exciting, varying from ancient temples, mosques
and churches, to remnants from Greek, Roman, Crusader and other
periods. Israel is also a dynamic center of diverse cultural activities,
providing a rich and charming assortment of communities of different
ethnic appeal.
Israel’s incredible wealth of attractions is supported by
an extensive modern tourist infrastructure with up to date facilities
and conveniences, ensuring not only an exhilarating and enlightening
trip but a safe and comfortable one as well.
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