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Most of the
international airlines fly into Ben Gurion Airport (located just
about half way between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem). There are direct
flights from the USA, all European capitals, many African capitals,
the Far East, Cairo and Amman. If you want to come overland from
Egypt, the two border crossings are from Taba (Sinai into Eilat),
and from Rafiah (from northern Sinai). Until further notice, due to
the latest round of Israel-Palestinian tensions, we suggest you not
use the Rafiah border crossing, considering it’s extremely close
proximity to Gaza. If you come overland from Jordan, there is the
Jordan River Border crossing, located in the north (Sheik Hussein /
Beit Shean), the Arava Yitzhak Rabin border crossing in the south (Aqaba/Eilat),
and the King Hussein/Allenby bridge crossing near Jericho (the West
Bank). These borders are not open 24/7 – so check with us for the
latest information. There is a regular ferry service from Cyprus. |
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JERUSALEM
The capital of Israel, Jerusalem is the holy city for the Jews,
Moslems and Christians. Between the modern Western part of the
city, and the ancient old city in the eastern portion, one can spend
days and days in Jerusalem and never go to the same places twice.
Between 1948 and 1967 the entire old city and East Jerusalem was
under Jordanian jurisdiction. After the 6-day war of 1967, the city
was reunited. Some of the main attractions are:
Israel Museum – largest and most comprehensive museum in the country
with an extensive collection of antiquities, sculptures, ancient and
modern art, and the legendary Dead Sea Scrolls.
Yad Vashem – The largest of
Israel’s Holocaust memorial museums. Don’t plan to do too much
sightseeing right after your visit as this exhibition certainly
takes an emotional toll.
Ein Kerem – Quaint town just outside of the city - traditional
birthplace of John the Baptist
Mea Shearim – Home for several thousand ultra orthodox Jews –
preserving their traditional habits, dress, customs as there
ancestors did in the shtetls (Jewish towns/cities) of Eastern
Europe.
Ben Yehuda pedestrian mall – Outdoor shopping mall, restaurants,
coffee houses, home of the Jerusalem Open House (Jerusalem’s GLBT
organization)
Old City of Jerusalem – Jewish, Armenian, Christian and Moslem
Quarters – Western Wall, Cardo, Herodian Mansions, Burnt House,
Southern Excavations, Via Dolorosa, Church of the Holy Sepulchre,
Arab market
TEL AVIV
Known as the City that never takes a break, the most
conspicuous Tel Avivans are the exuberant youth. Great beaches,
restaurants, internet cafes, trendy clubs, dancing, music, shopping
– Tel Aviv is the center of Israel’s modern life. The GLBT’s from
all over the country flock to Tel Aviv’s free and easy atmosphere.
At the end of June the city wears the rainbow flag as a series of
pride activity dominate the social scene of Tel Aviv – culminating
with the annual pride parade. There isn’t a month that goes by that
Tel Aviv isn’t celebrating some musical or cultural event – often
offered free of charge. The city is packed with great clubs, discos,
restaurants, and the Nachalat Binyamin pedestrian mall, where the
Aguda (Israel’s national GLBT Organization) has its headquarters and
community center.
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