When people think of the Galilee they think of rolling green hills, agricultural villages, the Kinneret and less of art museums. Emek Yizrael (the Jezreel Valley) is one of the cradles of the Zionist settlement of the early 20th century. Inhabited with all kind of settlements forms, Kibbutz and Moshav, and younger towns the region is characterized by the agricultural roots and economy. Yet you may find cultural surprises and secret treasures in many of these small communities in the Galilee. Here are four of my favorite art museums in the Galilee.
Read more... Link
Shalom and Welcome to this week’s In Israel Blog - Yom Haatzmaut Special
Israel turns 64 this week with Yom Haatzmaut (Israel Independence Day) falling this Thursday. Many buildings and cars are already decked out in flags in honour of the occasion. On Yom Haatzmaut itself almost the entire population will take to public parks, private gardens and even the grass reservation on some public roads in order to hang out with family, friends and to mangal (Bar-b-q). It is quite a sight!
Sounds of the Old City was a street music festival held at different spots around the Old City of Jerusalem. The bands were located in picturesque spots in the alleys and sites of the Old City.
The view over the Old City of Jerusalem from the dome of the Hurva Synagogue is one of the outstanding views of Jerusalem.
Qasr al Yahud (The Jews' Castle or Palace) is a site on the banks of the Jordan River not far from Jericho. Christian tradition associates Qasr al Yahud with the site of Jesus' baptism by Matthew (Matthew 3) and it has been revered as such from at least the fourth century. There are many monasteries and churches in the area testifying to the long religious tradition at Qasr al Yahud. In Jewish tradition the crossing of the Jordan by the Children of Israel under Joshua (Joshua 3) must also have taken place in this general area. It is also associated with the site where Elijah handed over the prophecy to Elisha and rose to heaven on a fiery chariot (2 Kings 11)
