The YoungUIA exec is giving LonelyPlanet and Tripadvisor.com a run for their money by creating its own "Top 10" things to do while you're in Israel over 2010/11.
Of course there are the perennial favourites such as the holy Kotel (Western Wall), Tel Aviv's beaches, Eilat and the Golan, however, what we want to do is show you the 'real Israel'!
1. The best falafel
Ta'ami Falafel bar - 3 Shamai street, Jerusalem
Any Israeli knows that the best falafel are never in the tourist areas. Hidden away from the never ending wave of American tourists on Ben Yehuda street, there is a small hole in the wall where Ta'ami is situated. Ta'ami known for its hummus above all else, but Jerusalem falafel connoisseurs know that its mastery of chickpeas doesn't end with spreads. Ta'ami's falafel is dense, moist and intensely flavorful - perhaps the best on-its-own falafel in the entire city. The restaurant's major weak point is that they don't offer the full complement of salads - you can order a falafel to go, but all you can get in the pita is the falafel, hummus and tomato-and-cucumber salad. Still, it's Ta'ami falafel and Ta'ami hummus, which means that essentially anything else would be an unwelcome distraction!
2. Making history 'fun'...well sort of
The Time Elevator 37 Hilel Street, Agron House , Jerusalem 91004
Incorporating perhaps the most unnecessary need for moving 'theme world style' chairs ever, The Time Elevator provides visitors with an opportunity to learn about the history of Israel and Jerusalem. The theater has several screens where visitors literally 'lurch' through the pages of history. This audio-visual feast is narated by none other than Topel - the guy who plays Tevia in Fiddler on the Roof.
While we're on the theme of interactive history lessons, if you're up north it's worth visiting "Golan Magic" (In the Hutzot Ha'Golan shopping center). The three-dimensional adventure incorporates a 180-degree panoramic screen. Lights, sounds and a variety of sensory stimuli enable you to experience the scenery, the people, the sites and the history of the Golan in a way you never dreamed possible. Glide over rushing streams, feel the wind, see the snow and more.
3. Xoho Cafe-Bar-Art
Xoho Cafe - Mapu 18, Ben Yehuda Street, Tel Aviv
This ain't your ordinary cafe. If Music and Art were to marry, their child would be this cafe.
The English speaking hosts (Xoli and Howard - hence where the cafe's name comes from) make it easy for the majority of us who never got further in Hebrew at school than learning what a 'shoresh' is - and even then - to order food. Daily muffins are always a different flavor and salads are made of fresh market produce. The Salmon and Cream Cheese bagel is a definite
favorite among regulars, as well as the Carrot Cake that often accompanies a coffee for dessert.4. Electron blue
Better Place electric vehicle demonstration center: Pi Glilot compound Ramat Hasharon Tel Aviv, Israel
CEO of Better Place Australia, Evan Thornley sums up his pitch in one sentence - "Petol is getting more expensive, electricity is getting cheaper - you know how this movie ends". Entrepreneur Shai Agassi who founded Better Place foresees electric vehicles making up the majority of cars on the road in 20 years. His company will be leading the way by providing the infrastructure needed to support electric cars. Recently, Better Place opened a visitor centre in Tel Aviv. The opening of the Better Place Center represents an important step for the company as it prepares for commercial launch in Israel and Denmark next year. The Center is open to the public to come and familiarize themselves with all aspects of the Better Place solution: a fully electric, battery-powered car; a comprehensive infrastructure that includes charge spots and a battery switch station; and a comprehensive suite of in-car services designed to provide drivers with the best possible EV driving experience.
5. Support Sderot!
Sderot Media Center - Histadrut 1 Sderot, Israel 80100
The town of Sderot has been under attack from Hamas rockets for over a decade. Since Operation Cast Lead, the number of rockets hitting Sderot has fallen to almost zero. However, 10 years of constant rocket attacks has had a detrimental effect on the local economy. Now, we're not saying that Sderot is the most beautiful town in Israel - far from it, however by visiting Sderot, not only will you be supporting the locals, you will be sending a clear message to Hamas that their rockets won't lead to Israelis packing their bags!
6. A kibbutz with a difference
Kibbutz Lavi, Lower Galilee, Israel - www.lavi.co.il
Kibbutz Lavi has been going from strength to strength since its founding in 1949. During its early days, a number of Australian's made aliyah to live on the Kibbutz. We recommend staying for a shabbat on the Kibbutz. The Kibbutz is home to a world class hotel made up of 188 luxurious rooms. Many guests choose to take a tour of the kibbutz on Saturday afternoon where they discover Lavi's garden for the blind. This really is something special. Visitors - both blind and with sight are encouraged to feel their way around the garden. Specially selected plants have been planted that have unique textures and smells.
7. Nitzana Youth Village
Nitzana Youth Village
Now, we couldn't do a "top 10" list of things to do in Israel without plugging one of our own projects. YoungUIA is proud to support the Nitzana Youth Village. The village is situated on the Peace Border with Egypt. The Nitzana Educational Village brings together religious and secular Israeli-born youth, youth from the Diaspora, immigrants from the former Soviet Union and Ethiopia as well as Bedouin youth. Nitzana’s overall educational approach emphasizes tolerance, mutual understanding and respect among Jews of diverse backgrounds. The Village plays an important role in promoting the development of the Negev. In addition, the village is used as a testing ground for many of the new renewable energy technologies being invented in Israel. It is projected that one day, only electric cars will be allowed to drive in the village.
8. A Drewish Princess?
22nd Street, Daliyat el-Carmel, Carmel, Israel
Daliyat el-Carmel is a Druze village high on the slopes of Mt.Carmel and has an exceptionally unique character. It is a colorful village that offers wonderful hospitality with a smile and is also very interesting. The Druze is an ethnic group that split off from Islam in Egypt
In recent years the villagers have begun hosting groups in their homes, and such a visit offers a glimpse of their houses, culture and tradition. The local residents offer tourists and genuine ethnic foods, wear their traditional clothes, tell stories about the Druze heritage and there are even guest houses designed with an authentic Druze décor.
9. Yad Vashem
Har Hazikaron, Jerusalem
Many people will tell you that they've visited Yad Vashem on numerous occasions, yet they still learn or see something new on each additional visit. As the Jewish people’s living memorial to the Holocaust, Yad Vashem safeguards the memory of the past and imparts its meaning for future generations. Established in 1953, as the world center for documentation, research, education and commemoration of the Holocaust, Yad Vashem is today a dynamic and vital place of intergenerational and international encounter. Make sure you leave a minimum of 4 hours to look through the museum.
10. On ya' bike!
Cycle.co.il - 147 Ben Yehuda Street, Tel Aviv
Tel-Aviv has recently built over 100km of dedicate bicycle tracks. For around $15 per day, you can rent a bike and enjoy the fresh air. Here is a suggested bike route:
Start your day by Riding South on the Seafront ( Herbert Samuel Blvd ). This will take you along the public beaches of the city into the old city of Jaffa . Ride into the Port, and there leave your bike to explore the alleys and churches of ancient Jaffa . Ride out of the port heading to the Jaffa Flea Market, where you can find nearly anything from clothing and toys to jewelry, art, souvenirs, etc.
Head north out of Jaffa , crossing the bridge at Abarbanel Street into Neve Tsedek - the first neighborhood built out of Jaffa and in the “new” city of Tel Aviv back in 1887 – where it all began. Ride through the tranquil and colorful streets of the area, enjoy the public art and galleries, and stop into one of the fashionable cafes located everywhere.
Head towards the Shalom Tower and join the bike lane along Rothschild Blvd. Follow the bike lane through the heart of the "White City" and observe the architecture that claimed this area a UNESCO world heritage site. You will arrive at the Bima Theater and the Dizengoff Center ; the commercial heart of Tel Aviv.
Follow the side streets parallel to Dizengoff, and then head east towards the Tel Aviv Museum of Art. After Visiting the Museum, stay on the inner streets, parallel to Iben Gvriol, going north to the Medina Plaza (Kikar Ha'Medina). Take some time to explore the fashion and boutique stores and the park situated in this high class area.
Continue north, until you reach the park on the south shore of the Yarkon river. Ride along the peaceful bike lane towards the sea that will eventually bring you to the port of Tel Aviv. Follow the many bike routes of this historical location before heading back to the beachfront, where we started off.
Head north out of Jaffa , crossing the bridge at Abarbanel Street into Neve Tsedek - the first neighborhood built out of Jaffa and in the “new” city of Tel Aviv back in 1887 – where it all began. Ride through the tranquil and colorful streets of the area, enjoy the public art and galleries, and stop into one of the fashionable cafes located everywhere.
Head towards the Shalom Tower and join the bike lane along Rothschild Blvd. Follow the bike lane through the heart of the "White City" and observe the architecture that claimed this area a UNESCO world heritage site. You will arrive at the Bima Theater and the Dizengoff Center ; the commercial heart of Tel Aviv.
Follow the side streets parallel to Dizengoff, and then head east towards the Tel Aviv Museum of Art. After Visiting the Museum, stay on the inner streets, parallel to Iben Gvriol, going north to the Medina Plaza (Kikar Ha'Medina). Take some time to explore the fashion and boutique stores and the park situated in this high class area.
Continue north, until you reach the park on the south shore of the Yarkon river. Ride along the peaceful bike lane towards the sea that will eventually bring you to the port of Tel Aviv. Follow the many bike routes of this historical location before heading back to the beachfront, where we started off.
If you're interested in joining one of the many UIA Missions to Israel, please don't hesitate to contact our office on (03) 9272 5533.
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