MARILYN'S  CHRISTIAN PILGRIMAGE ITINERARY 

DAY ONE Friday NOVEMBER 5 – Arrival- Nazareth and Cana

Pick up Group at Sheikh Hussein Bridge 

Lunch – Village of Naim @Sahara Restaurant – Voucher

Foot of Givat Moreh - Miracle:  Luke 7:11-17  - Jesus brings back to life Widow’s son

Nazareth Church of the Annunciation

Luke 1:26-38  and Matthew, 1:18-21, Luke 4:15-13 (Mt. Precious, just outside Nazareth) –walk UP the path for best view. Mt Precipice is reached by car following the signs of "Mt Precipice" on the highway that bypasses Nazareth towards Jewish Nazereth Illit.

Cana Church MASS and Wedding Vows – fixed time

John 2:1-11 (First Miracle – water to wine),  John 4:46 (Second Miracle – Cure of the Nobleman’s son)

Overnight – Tiberias Royal Plaza - One of the four Jewish holy cities (along with Hebron, Jerusalem and Safed – established in 19 CE).

DAY TWO Saturday November 6 Sea of Galilee and Mt. Tabor

Wake up calls/breakfast – Remind all of modest dress

Mount of Beatitudes

Matthew 5: 1-13 – can read all the way through chapter 7.

Capernaum-Home Town of Jesus Capernaum - from Hebrew:  Kefar (village) + Nachum (a name of the  prophet from the old testament). Josephus, War  3.519, Matt 4:12-17 (Jesus leaves Nazareth and settles in Capernaum), Mark 1:29-31 (Cure of Simon’s mother-in-law)  Matthew 9:1-8 (Cure of the Paralyzed man), Luke 4:31, Luke 4:23, Mark 2:1 (Matt 9:1), Mark 9:33, Matt 8:5, Luke 5: 12-16 (Cure of the Leper) Luke 7:1-10 (Cure of the centurion’s servant), John 4:46, Matt 11:23, Luke 10:15, John 2:12, John 6: 17, 24, 59.

Tabgha-Matthew 14:13-21

Primacy of Peter- John 2:1.

Boat Ride of Sea of Galilee – Daniel Carmel Boats

Matthew 8:23-27 (Calming of the Sea), Matthew 14:22-23 (Jesus walks on water)

Lunch - @Ein Gev

Yardenit – Optional Baptism $10 to rent robe and towel and use changing room – NO Lockers…need to safe guard valuables. 

Matthew 3: 11-16

Mount Tabor – Church of the Transfiguration

Judges 4: 5-16 (Victory of Barak under order of Judge Deborah, Mark 9:2-8 (Jesus transfiguration) , Luke 9:37-43 (Jesus cures epileptic boy at village of Daburiyah – large Arab village south of Tabor)

Overnight Tiberias –Royal Plaza Hotel

DAY THREE Sunday November 7 -  Jericho and Dead Sea

Wake up calls/breakfast – have guests prepare for swimming at Dead Sea – swim suits/towels/sun screen

Check out Tiberias – Royal Plaza Hotel

Jericho – need to connect with Palestinian Guide.  Book of Joshua 6: 1-27 (Battle of Jericho)  Luke 19:81-10, story of Zacchaeus (name means pure) the short tax collector climbing the sycamore tree to see Jesus pass.

Lunch – Jericho @ Templation

Qumran – National Park pass, wonderful shopping,  get voucher for swimming at Kalya (usually only available if you have lunch at Qumran.)

Kalya- Swimming in Dead Sea – Kalya? Need Voucher or agreement from Qumran – if not eating lunch at Kalya – check with Eli Shalom or Yinon Ben Hod.

Overnight Jerusalem – Dan Panorama

DAY FOUR  Monday November 8 – Jerusalem

Wake Up Calls/Breakfast – Remind Guests of modest clothes and good walking shoes with rubber grip soles- skirt and a shawl for women, no shorts for men.

Drive up via Mount Scopus to….

Mount of Olives:  Acts 1: 9-12,

Ascension Chapel – Mosque and Church – Ring doorbell, entrance fee.

Luke 24:50-51

Pater Noster:     Luke 11:1-4  named for the “Our Father” prayer taught to Jesus to his Disciples   Opening hours:            Monday-Saturday 8:30-11:45, 3-5; closed Sunday

Use observation point  just south of the stairs down to Dominus Flavit

Walk down Palm Sunday Road (Luke 19:37-40)   (Note:  The road is very steep and narrow, so wear good walking shoes with a good rubber grip.)

Dominus Flavit Luke 19:37-42, Chapel (Roman Catholic/Franciscan) “The Lord Wept”  Architect of the Holy Land Franciscan Monk Antonio Barluzzi (1954)

Garden of Gethsemane  Matthew 26:36-46, Mark 14:32, Luke 22:39-46, John 18:1-2

Church of all Nations  Matthew 14:32-42

Lunch - Nafoura (Christian Quarter – go inside Jaffa Gate- take first Left)

St. Peter In Gallicantu – Voucher- Matthew 26:31-35, Mark 14:30 [Gallus cantat, meaning “at the cock’s crow.”]

Room of the Last Supper:[Upper Room, Coenaculum or Coenacle]  Mark 14:15, Luke 22:12, Acts 1:14 (Holy Spirit appears on Pentacost)

King David’s Tomb

Dormition Abbey

Communion at Garden Tomb (02) 627-2745  Time must be booked and confirmed. Hours:  Monday to Saturday from 9:00 to noon and 14:00 to 17:30. 

Overnight – Dan Panorama Hotel

DAY FIVE Tuesday November 9 – Jerusalem

Wake up Calls/Breakfast

Start at Lion’s Gate: 

Walk Via Dolorosa

Church of St. Anne and Bethesda Pool (John 5:2-18- healing the paralyzed man)): Hours:  Mon-Sat 8am-noon and 2-5pm (until 6pm in summer); closed Sunday

End up at Holy Sepulchre

Meet bus at Mamila

Bethlehem (Nisan Shop) Need to make connection

Lunch at Nisan in Bethlehem – MASS at Chapel of St. Jerome’s Cave (fixed time)

Ein Kerem -Church of St. John the Baptist (Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22 and Josephus - Herod has John imprisoned for denouncing his marriage, and he is later executed.) and Church of the Visitation (Magnificat Luke 1: 46-55 – song sang by Mary when congratulated by Elizabeth, mother of John) 

Overnight Dan Panorama

DAY SIX Wednesday November 10  - Departure

Check out Dan Panorama

Drive to Airport 

Appendix

Sheikh Hussein Bridge (Irbid-Beit Shean) -Hours of Operation of the Passenger Terminal:

Sunday to Thursday: 06:30 – 21:00 Friday and Saturday: 08:00 – 20:00.  Passengers come out from building on left of parking lot – sliding door.  Bathrooms, small snack bar and money charging service (reputedly bad rate of exchange.)

Church of the Annunciation: The current church is a two-story building constructed in 1969 over the site of an earlier Byzantine-era and then Crusader-era church. Inside, the lower level contains the Grotto of the Annunciation, believed by many Christians to be the remains of the original childhood home of Mary.  The first shrine was probably built sometime in the middle of the 4th century, comprising an altar in the cave in which Mary had lived. A larger structure was commissioned by Emperor Constantine I, who had directed his mother, Saint Helena, to found churches commemorating important events in Jesus Christ's life. The Church of the Annunciation was founded around the same time as the Church of the Nativity (the birthplace) and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (the tomb). Some version of it was known to have still been in existence around 570 AD, but it was destroyed in the 7th century after the Muslim conquest of Palestine.

Capernaum:  Mathew 4:13, 18:22; Mark 1:21; - Capernaum was the center of Jesus activities in the Galilee and his town during that time. Jesus taught in the local synagogue. It was also the home town of the apostles Peter, James, Andrew and John, and the tax collector Matthew.

The town of Capernaum stretched for two-thirds of a mile along the north shore of the Sea of Galilee. Its harbor for fishing boats extended for over half a mile.

Capernaum existed for more than a thousand years, from the second century B.C. until the eleventh century A.D.

Fishing was the town’s major industry. Many residents were also engaged in such supporting enterprises as tying fishing nets and repairing boats. In addition to fishing, agriculture thrived in the fertile basaltic soil of the region.

Capernaum was the major center of trade and commerce in Galilee. The international trade route from Egypt through Palestine to Syria and Mesopotamia, passed near Capernaum. Located only three miles west of the eastern border ofGalilee at the Jordan River, the town became a port of entry and customs checkpoint. A collector of customs frompassing caravans, Matthew would also collect fees for fish caught in the lake, levied by Herod Antipas who, in effect, owned the lake.

Roman military personnel were stationed at Capernaum under the command of a centurion. Recent excavations indicate that a military garrison was quartered east of the town. These mercenary troops enjoyed a complete bath installation and other excellent facilities. This would have been the residence of the centurion who built the synagogue in which Jesus taught (Matt 8:1-13; Luke 7:1-10). This garrison served Harod Antipas, the governor of Galilee, under Roman authority.

Historical and Biblical Significance

After being rejected in His hometown of Nazareth, Jesus moved with his mother and brothers to Capernaum, making it the base of His ministry (Matt 4:12-16).

A fourth century synagogue of white limestone stands in Capernaum. The foundation of this synagogue is constructed of black basaltic stone, probably dating to the first century synagogue built by the Roman centurion who was stationed in Capernaum (Luke 7:5). At the request of this centurion, and encouraged by the synagogue elders, Jesus healed the centurion’s servant.

Although Peter was born in Bethsaida (John 1:44), he lived in Capernaum. Apparently his move there was related to his marrying a woman of Capernaum (Mark 1:29-30).

Capernaum forms the southwestern corner of the "evangelical triangle" on the north side of the Sea of Galilee. It was in this region, in Capernaum, Chorazin, and Bethsaida, that Jesus performed most of His Galilean miracles. In spite of the miracles Jesus had performed there, Jesus rebuked Capernaum for its lack of repentance (Matt 11:23-24).

In Capernaum, Jesus healed the paralytic who had been lowered through the roof of the house in which Jesus had been teaching (Mark 2:1-12).

It was in Capernaum that the "Beelzebub confrontation" occurred, an event that changed the focus of Jesus’ subsequent ministry.

Tabgha-  “Seven Springs”  - It is the traditional site of the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes (Mark 6:30-46) and the fourth resurrection appearance of Jesus (John 21:1-24) in Christianity.  The Monk Bargil Pixner of the Dormition Abbey helped build the current Church.

Primacy of Peter – (Drive out of Tabgha, turn right, park, go down steps on right)  The Church of the Primacy of St. Peter, north of the Church of the Multiplication. was built on rocks at the shore of the Sea of Galilee, traditionally considered to be the place where Jesus appeared the fourth time after his resurrection (John 21:1-24), during which, according to Catholic beliefs, Jesus again conferred primacy to Simon Peter.

Jericho - Jericho is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with evidence of settlement dating back to 9000 BC – meaning of the name – RAECH (Fragrance- was major exporter of BALSAM- noted among ancient writers—Theophrastus, Strabo, Pliny—for its medicinal and highly agreeable aromatic qualities.

or YARECH (Lunar).  Jericho is located 258 metres (846 ft) below sea level in an oasis in Wadi Qelt in the Jordan Valley.  The nearby spring of Ein es-Sultan produces 1,000 gallons of water per minute (3.8 m3/min), irrigating some 2,500 acres (10 km2) through multiple channels and feeding into the Jordan River, 6 miles (10 km) away. Annual rainfall is 6.4 inches (160 mm), mostly concentrated between November and February.

Mt. of Olives:  Acts 1, 9-12.  This passage identifies the Mt of Olives as the site of ascension:

"And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey".

Chapel of the Ascension, The ruins of the chapel is located in the suburb of A-Tur, on the east side of the main road of the top of Mount of Olives, at 830M above sea level.  It is easily accessible, and you can park close to its entrance.   Near the Ascension chapel is the Russian Orthodox Church of the Ascension, which is another traditional site of the ascension. It is located near a tall tower inside the village of A-Tur.The building blends the architectural features of the Crusader style with traits belonging to the Muslim tradition. The chapel rises on the site of an ancient paleo-Christian sanctuary, near the top of the Mount of Olives.  The original building was surrounded by a double portico forming a circle. Destroyed by the Persians in the 614, it was rebuilt by the Crusaders in the form of a small, octagonal temple (twelfth century).  Having come under the control of Muslims, to whom it has belonged since the thirteenth century, the building was converted into a mosque and completely transformed by walling in the arches and roofing over the octagon with a little dome of evident Islamic character.  On a rock inside can be seen a footprint which is identified according to Christian tradition as the print that Jesus (pbuh) left as he ascended to Heaven: "And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven" (Luke, 24: 50-51).

Walls great and small: A Walk in East Jerusalem
By AVIVA BAR-AM

10/21/2011 17:40

This week’s walk features an elegant 19th-century villa, a striking cathedral, three monuments, a world-renowned pottery workshop and a famous tomb.

During King Herod’s reign (37 BCE to 4 CE) and for decades afterwards, Jerusalem expanded greatly to the north. This left the new neighborhoods unprotected, and in 41 CE, soon after becoming king, Herod’s grandson Agrippa began building a wall that would incorporate them into the city. The design called for such a massive structure that after examining the foundations, Agrippa began to worry. What if Roman Emperor Claudius got a look at the wall and thought Agrippa was planning a revolt? Construction on the wall came to a screeching halt just about the time that Agrippa experienced a sudden demise.

If Agrippa had completed the wall, could it really have held off the Romans? Decide for yourself on this week’s Street Stroll, which also features an elegant 19th-century villa, a striking cathedral, three monuments, a world-renowned pottery workshop and a famous tomb. If you like, you can end your jaunt at my favorite humous joint in Sheikh Jarrah.

Begin next to the Sa’id and Sa’ad Mosque at the corner of Naomi Kis Street and Nablus Road and cross Naomi Kis over to the yellow (not the green-and-white!) gas station. What remains of Agrippa’s wall is found in front of the station, shaded by olive trees. Josephus called this the Third Wall, and that is how it is known today. Two other walls surrounded other parts of the city at the time – the Old Wall and the Middle Wall.

During the Great Revolt (66-70 CE), Jewish defenders of Jerusalem did their best to finish the wall. Unfortunately, it was not sturdy enough to hold off Roman battering rams.

As you cross the narrow adjacent street to Nablus Road on the other side, you pass a plaza hugging the guard booth of the nowdefunct American consulate. The plaza has a monument to the 25 paratroopers of the 28th Battalion who were killed in action along Nablus Road during the Six Day War.

A second memorial wall stands on the opposite side of the plaza. Who would have thought, in those heady days when this monument was erected, that there would be the need for a second, newer wall inscribed with the names of soldiers from the battalion who have fallen in Israel’s wars since 1967? Now head for No. 14 Nablus Road, across from the empty consulate, and ring the bell outside the Palestinian Pottery. This amazing enterprise belongs to the Balians, descendants of master potter Neshan Balian. The Balian and Karkashian families were brought to Jerusalem in 1917 from Kutahya, Turkey, to renovate the ceramic tiles at the Dome of the Rock. Five years later they established the first Armenian Pottery in Jerusalem. The two families parted ways some decades later, with the Balians remaining on Nablus Road.

You won’t find the Balians’ fabulous designs and handiwork in the Old City marketplace; their creations are sold only at this shop (and on their website, http://armenianceramics.com).

Sitting at the table in the store is Marie Balian, a renowned ceramic tile artist whose works have been exhibited all over the world – from the Eretz Israel Museum in Tel Aviv to the Smithsonian Museum in Washington. She is currently preparing an exhibit for an institute in Paris.

WHEN YOU leave, turn right to continue north on Nablus Road.

On your left, the east Jerusalem YMCA now includes the elegant Legacy Hotel. Past the British Council and the Nazarene Church, you come to a villa at No. 35. A prayer center is housed in this historic building, constructed in 1890 in what was an early Arab neighborhood outside the walls of the Old City.

The house was sold to a couple from the American Colony in 1904. In 1930, when Swedish consul Lewis Larsson moved in with his family, it became the Swedish Consulate. In May 1947, UNSCOP (United Nations Special Commission on Palestine) came to Jerusalem, and since Sweden was one of the countries on the commission, several meetings were held at this villa.

In In 1969 the Baptist Convention in Israel purchased the building and operated it as a center for Christian students. On the top floor, scholars translated the New Testament from Greek into modern Hebrew. The old building was renovated in 2008, and the second story now features an unusual, interactive prayer room.

Cross the street and walk a few dozen meters to one of Jerusalem’s most distinctive landmarks: St. George’s Cathedral, dating back to 1898. The center for the Anglican Church in the Middle East, this classic neo-Gothic edifice and the extraordinarily impressive buildings in the cathedral enclosure would fit easily into a traditional English countryside.

A lone Byzantine pillar stands in the center of a courtyard dominated by vaulted arcades. The column is capped with a cannonball and surmounted by a cross, representing the victory of Christianity over war. Positioned around the courtyard are the bishop’s residence, a delightful guest house, the cathedral and a splendid tower that was completed in 1910. The latter was named for King Edward VII, a genial patron of the arts who died that same year.

Interestingly, the 33-meter-high square tower with its four pointed turrets was purposely not attached to the church. It was planned that way by the architect, who feared the consequences of interdependence should there be an earthquake. The tower’s three bells are sounded for the daily Angelus (a historic call to prayer), as well as on solemn occasions.

A combination of massive stone walls, arches and the warm, dark woodwork in the ceiling and the pulpit contribute to the cathedral’s uplifting ambience. An Austrian organ is housed in a beautifully carved wooden structure at the rear of the church. Anglican congregations from Iraq and the Gulf states contributed a new pulpit to replace the original Irish stand destroyed by a mortar shell during Israel’s War of Independence.

One wall of the church holds the British royal coat of arms which, until 1948, hung in the seat of the British high commissioner at Government House.

When the British Mandate ended in 1948, the coat of arms was deposited here, in the last bastion of English domination over mandatory Palestine.

When you leave, turn right. Cross at the corner and continue left on Nablus Road to the American Colony Hotel. You are about to explore one of the first houses outside the Old City walls, dating back to the mid-1860s.

The rich effendi who built this palatial residence fitted it with beautifully decorated chambers for himself and for each of his four wives. At first completely isolated in the wastelands, the dwelling was eventually incorporated into the aristocratic neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah that grew up around it. A splendid inner courtyard – today an exclusive restaurant – provided privacy for the villa’s inhabitants and a measure of protection from outside attack.

When the effendi died, he left no male heir to take over the historic villa. It stood empty for decades, until it was rented to a communal group of Protestants originally from Chicago. Commonly known as the American Colony, the group was led by Anna and Horatio Spafford, a couple that had experienced great personal tragedy.

Before they came to Jerusalem, the Spaffords lived in a beautiful home in Chicago. In 1873 Anna and the four Spafford daughters left on a trip to Europe, but their ship collided with another vessel. The four girls perished, but Anna was saved. More children were born to the Spaffords after this catastrophe, but one of them died of disease. The family moved to the Holy City hoping to find respite from their sorrows.

The pioneer group reached the Holy Land in 1881 and moved into lodgings within the Old City walls.

But when dozens of Swedes joined the colony in 1896, the living quarters became far too crowded for comfort. That’s when the American Colony relocated to the late effendi’s splendid villa outside the walls.

At first it had been quite a struggle to find financing for the colony’s modest daily requirements, as well as for the help the group proffered to needy Jerusalemites. Once joined by Swedish farmers, blacksmiths and expert craftsmen, however, the colony became solvent and even began to prosper. With a new bakery, blacksmith shop, dairy and a photography business, it was almost completely self-sufficient.

And eventually new vistas opened up.

The colony began taking in paying guests at the beginning of the 20th century, doubling up to make room for out-of-town visitors. Little by little, the American Colony Hotel became famous for its combination of European and Middle Eastern hospitality and ambience.

Note the beautiful original stone floors as you enjoy unique and touching exhibits. Then take stairs to a second story that features an open sitting room from which you can gaze up at the exquisite painted wooden ceiling.

BACK ON the road, turn right and continue down the street. There is a gas station on your left and construction on your right. Stop across from the Al-Kana’a Grocery, just before the turn for the Tomb of Shimon Hatzadik, and climb a few steps to a second monument from the Six Day War. This one is dedicated to 11 soldiers from the 71st Battalion who fought and died in Sheikh Jarrah and on the ridges of Mount Scopus in the battle for Jerusalem. In 1985, a new wall was added, inscribed with the names of soldiers from the battalion who fell in later years.

During King Herod’s reign (37 BCE to 4 CE) and for decades afterwards, Jerusalem expanded greatly to the north. This left the new neighborhoods unprotected, and in 41 CE, soon after becoming king, Herod’s grandson Agrippa began building a wall that would incorporate them into the city. The design called for such a massive structure that after examining the foundations, Agrippa began to worry. What if Roman Emperor Claudius got a look at the wall and thought Agrippa was planning a revolt? Construction on the wall came to a screeching halt just about the time that Agrippa experienced a sudden demise.

If Agrippa had completed the wall, could it really have held off the Romans? Decide for yourself on this week’s Street Stroll, which also features an elegant 19th-century villa, a striking cathedral, three monuments, a world-renowned pottery workshop and a famous tomb. If you like, you can end your jaunt at my favorite humous joint in Sheikh Jarrah.

Begin next to the Sa’id and Sa’ad Mosque at the corner of Naomi Kis Street and Nablus Road and cross Naomi Kis over to the yellow (not the green-and-white!) gas station. What remains of Agrippa’s wall is found in front of the station, shaded by olive trees. Josephus called this the Third Wall, and that is how it is known today. Two other walls surrounded other parts of the city at the time – the Old Wall and the Middle Wall.

During the Great Revolt (66-70 CE), Jewish defenders of Jerusalem did their best to finish the wall. Unfortunately, it was not sturdy enough to hold off Roman battering rams.

As you cross the narrow adjacent street to Nablus Road on the other side, you pass a plaza hugging the guard booth of the nowdefunct American consulate. The plaza has a monument to the 25 paratroopers of the 28th Battalion who were killed in action along Nablus Road during the Six Day War.

A second memorial wall stands on the opposite side of the plaza. Who would have thought, in those heady days when this monument was erected, that there would be the need for a second, newer wall inscribed with the names of soldiers from the battalion who have fallen in Israel’s wars since 1967? Now head for No. 14 Nablus Road, across from the empty consulate, and ring the bell outside the Palestinian Pottery. This amazing enterprise belongs to the Balians, descendants of master potter Neshan Balian. The Balian and Karkashian families were brought to Jerusalem in 1917 from Kutahya, Turkey, to renovate the ceramic tiles at the Dome of the Rock. Five years later they established the first Armenian Pottery in Jerusalem. The two families parted ways some decades later, with the Balians remaining on Nablus Road.

You won’t find the Balians’ fabulous designs and handiwork in the Old City marketplace; their creations are sold only at this shop (and on their website, http://armenianceramics.com).

Sitting at the table in the store is Marie Balian, a renowned ceramic tile artist whose works have been exhibited all over the world – from the Eretz Israel Museum in Tel Aviv to the Smithsonian Museum in Washington. She is currently preparing an exhibit for an institute in Paris.

WHEN YOU leave, turn right to continue north on Nablus Road.

On your left, the east Jerusalem YMCA now includes the elegant Legacy Hotel. Past the British Council and the Nazarene Church, you come to a villa at No. 35. A prayer center is housed in this historic building, constructed in 1890 in what was an early Arab neighborhood outside the walls of the Old City.

The house was sold to a couple from the American Colony in 1904. In 1930, when Swedish consul Lewis Larsson moved in with his family, it became the Swedish Consulate. In May 1947, UNSCOP (United Nations Special Commission on Palestine) came to Jerusalem, and since Sweden was one of the countries on the commission, several meetings were held at this villa.

In 1969 the Baptist Convention in Israel purchased the building and operated it as a center for Christian students. On the top floor, scholars translated the New Testament from Greek into modern Hebrew. The old building was renovated in 2008, and the second story now features an unusual, interactive prayer room.

Cross the street and walk a few dozen meters to one of Jerusalem’s most distinctive landmarks: St. George’s Cathedral, dating back to 1898. The center for the Anglican Church in the Middle East, this classic neo-Gothic edifice and the extraordinarily impressive buildings in the cathedral enclosure would fit easily into a traditional English countryside.

A lone Byzantine pillar stands in the center of a courtyard dominated by vaulted arcades. The column is capped with a cannonball and surmounted by a cross, representing the victory of Christianity over war. Positioned around the courtyard are the bishop’s residence, a delightful guest house, the cathedral and a splendid tower that was completed in 1910. The latter was named for King Edward VII, a genial patron of the arts who died that same year.

Interestingly, the 33-meter-high square tower with its four pointed turrets was purposely not attached to the church. It was planned that way by the architect, who feared the consequences of interdependence should there be an earthquake. The tower’s three bells are sounded for the daily Angelus (a historic call to prayer), as well as on solemn occasions.

A combination of massive stone walls, arches and the warm, dark woodwork in the ceiling and the pulpit contribute to the cathedral’s uplifting ambience. An Austrian organ is housed in a beautifully carved wooden structure at the rear of the church. Anglican congregations from Iraq and the Gulf states contributed a new pulpit to replace the original Irish stand destroyed by a mortar shell during Israel’s War of Independence.

One wall of the church holds the British royal coat of arms which, until 1948, hung in the seat of the British high commissioner at Government House.

When the British Mandate ended in 1948, the coat of arms was deposited here, in the last bastion of English domination over mandatory Palestine.

When you leave, turn right. Cross at the corner and continue left on Nablus Road to the American Colony Hotel. You are about to explore one of the first houses outside the Old City walls, dating back to the mid-1860s.

The rich effendi who built this palatial residence fitted it with beautifully decorated chambers for himself and for each of his four wives. At first completely isolated in the wastelands, the dwelling was eventually incorporated into the aristocratic neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah that grew up around it. A splendid inner courtyard – today an exclusive restaurant – provided privacy for the villa’s inhabitants and a measure of protection from outside attack.

When the effendi died, he left no male heir to take over the historic villa. It stood empty for decades, until it was rented to a communal group of Protestants originally from Chicago. Commonly known as the American Colony, the group was led by Anna and Horatio Spafford, a couple that had experienced great personal tragedy.

Before they came to Jerusalem, the Spaffords lived in a beautiful home in Chicago. In 1873 Anna and the four Spafford daughters left on a trip to Europe, but their ship collided with another vessel. The four girls perished, but Anna was saved. More children were born to the Spaffords after this catastrophe, but one of them died of disease. The family moved to the Holy City hoping to find respite from their sorrows.

The pioneer group reached the Holy Land in 1881 and moved into lodgings within the Old City walls.

But when dozens of Swedes joined the colony in 1896, the living quarters became far too crowded for comfort. That’s when the American Colony relocated to the late effendi’s splendid villa outside the walls.

At first it had been quite a struggle to find financing for the colony’s modest daily requirements, as well as for the help the group proffered to needy Jerusalemites. Once joined by Swedish farmers, blacksmiths and expert craftsmen, however, the colony became solvent and even began to prosper. With a new bakery, blacksmith shop, dairy and a photography business, it was almost completely self-sufficient.

And eventually new vistas opened up.

The colony began taking in paying guests at the beginning of the 20th century, doubling up to make room for out-of-town visitors. Little by little, the American Colony Hotel became famous for its combination of European and Middle Eastern hospitality and ambience.

Note the beautiful original stone floors as you enjoy unique and touching exhibits. Then take stairs to a second story that features an open sitting room from which you can gaze up at the exquisite painted wooden ceiling.

BACK ON the road, turn right and continue down the street. There is a gas station on your left and construction on your right. Stop across from the Al-Kana’a Grocery, just before the turn for the Tomb of Shimon Hatzadik, and climb a few steps to a second monument from the Six Day War. This one is dedicated to 11 soldiers from the 71st Battalion who fought and died in Sheikh Jarrah and on the ridges of Mount Scopus in the battle for Jerusalem. In 1985, a new wall was added, inscribed with the names of soldiers from the battalion who fell in later years.


Your last point of interest is the traditional burial site of Shimon Hatzadik, a Jewish high priest during the time of the Second Temple. Many are the stories and legends around Shimon Hatzadik, but he is most famous for his maxim that the world stands on three things: Torah, divine worship and acts of loving kindness (Pirkei Avot 1:2).

To visit this unprepossessing tomb, turn at the sign, take the left fork and turn left into the parking lot.

End your tour, if you like, with humous, pita and chopped salad. Return to Nablus Road, turn right, cross the intersection and continue straight ahead up a short hill next to the Automatic Grocery. Stop at the tiny eatery on your right.

Then begin the long trek back to where you started.

Azamara Quest and Prinsendam passengers: Special Offer - Tour of Dead Sea and Jerusalem

************************************* LAND EXCURSION SPECIAL OCTOBER 30 AND 31 AZAMARA QUEST AND PRINSENDAM ************************************************

Dear Passengers on the Azamara Quest and Prinsendam mooring in Ashdod on Sunday October 30, Marilyn and I are pleased and honored to offer a private tour for two to the Dead Sea and Jerusalem for only $450 USD. You will be picked up at the Ashdod Port at @8:15 AM and we will drive you directly to Masada along the Dead Sea coast. After touring Masada we will customize the rest of your journey based on your particular interests. We suggest a dip in the Dead Sea on the way back to Jerusalem. In Jerusalem, you will have a customized tour of the Old City based on your wishes. We do recommend starting with at the Mt. of Olives, then walk down the Pilgrimage Path into the Old City via one of the 7 functioning ages. We recommend you sleep overnight in Jerusalem- yes we will show you the sights at night as well. We can get you special rates. Then the next day we can either return you to the port at Ashdod or go up to Haifa port with a tour of northern Israel along the way. A sample testimonial: Ashdod; the gateway for visiting Jerusalem, what more can be said. Wanting to see the Holy City and simultaneously do some other unique activities I opted for a private excursion with Mark Zober (markztours@gmail.com). I will highly recommend this option as there is so little time and so much to see to include making your way through the thousands of tourists and crowded streets. It is the only way to see Jerusalem unless you have at least a week to spare. I highly recommend Mark to anyone wanting to see Jerusalem - he is very well educated, very reasonable, and is flexible and organized. Mark will customize any excursion to your needs. Besides the four main Jerusalem quarters, I asked Mark to have us do the City of David to include all the three underground tunnels. These tunnels were just recently discovered it was a great experience but be ready for some heavy duty walking. I limited my group to a total of only 10 people; maneuver the throngs of tourists staying small is wise. Jerusalem is an amazing city filled with so much history that one day is not enough; however Mark packed in as much as humanly possible for one day. Come join Marilyn and I on a thrilling tour. First come first serve. Cordially, Mark Mark Alan Zober, Ph.D. Licensed Israel Tour Guide Past President, Jerusalem Rotary Club (District 2490) 465/5 Eliezer Kashani Street East Talpiot Jerusalem ISRAEL 972-2-673-3882 972-54-590-0223 Home/Office Jerusalem 972-8-684-3401 Home/Office Ashkelon BLOG http://tourguides0607.blogspot.com/ SKYPEID mzober

Crusader who signed Magna Carta Buried at Entrance to Holy Sepulchre

Jerusalem Curiosities Abraham Ezra Millgram 1990 The Burial Place of one of the signers of the Magna Carta One of the surprising curiosities of Jerusalem is the tombstone at the entrance to the Holy Sepulchre which marks the burial place of Sir Philip D’Aubigny, one of the signers of the Magna Carta. He came to the Holy Land as a crusaderin 1222 and died in 1236. There is no record of the 14 years of his residence in Jerusalem except the slab between the entrances to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Reverend J. E. Hanauer researched this historic monument and describes it in his book Walks in and Around Jerusalem: Stretched in from of the clusters of columns, between the two great portals of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, is a marble slab, bearing the epitaph of Philip D’Aubeny, and a Norman shield with his amorial bearings. In 1887, by reference to several ancient records, Tutor Henry III of Winchester, who, crowned when only a child of 8 years of age, was entrusted to his care during the protectorship of the able Earl of Pembroke. Before the accession of Henry III, however, and during the reign of King John, we find the name Sir Philip D’Aubeny amongst the barons who signed the Magna Carta. Sir Philip left England for the holy wars in Palestine in 1222. He resided in the country for 14 years and died in 1236. The identity of the personage buried here has been uncontestably proved by the amorial bearings, as well as by historical records, with the family D’Aubeny, still existing in England, the chief seat of which appears to have been the manor of South Petherton, Somersetshire. Philip I requested to be buried inside the Holy Sepulchre but his wish was not granted. He was fortunate. While Kings of the Kingdom of Jerusalem Geoffrey and Baldwin I were buried inside, their tomb raided and remains removed. In November 22 1977 an article in the Jerusalem Post by Judy Siegel “Family Reunion in Jerusalem After 770 Years.” An Englishwomen was reunited over the weekend with her 13th century Crusader forebearer at the church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem’s Old City, through the assistance of Mayor Teddy Kollek. Alisa Rushbrook had written to the mayor that one of her ancestors was Philip D’Aubigny, who took part in the Crusaders’ exploits in the Holy Land some 700 years ago. This fact, she wrote, was authenticated in 1925 by Sir Reginald Storrs, the military governor of Jerusalem, in an article he wrote for “The Times” of London. Archaeological excavations at the time uncovered Philip’s bones and tablets describing the family tree in the church, where, according to most Christian traditions, Jesus was buried. The Englishwoman had been to Jerusalem several times before an attempt to uncover the tablets in the grave and take photographs, but she had never been successful. Clergy of three of the sects in charge of the Church- Greek Orthodox, Catholic and Armenian- had been involved in a disagreement and would not grant to approval to uncover the rubble. The mayor, who has an excellent relationship with the leaders of the various churches, proceeded to mediate among the clergymen, and Mrs. Rushbrook was invited to the church. Arriving with her husband, she found the tablets and took pictures to record the Latin script. The tomb of Sir Philip in front of the double entrance to the Holy Sepulchre is now covered with well worn planks to protect it from vandalism and from further deterioration due to the incessant footsteps of throngs of visitors to the church.

Dining in Jerusalem: Recommendations by Restaurateurs from Barcelona

These two restaurants are highly recommended for serious diners in Jerusalem. We learned of these from one of our guests "Amy Artal Patnaik" , who is a restaurateur in Barcelona Chakra 41 King George St. 02-6252733 Recently relocated and redesigned, this place is both a popular restaurant and one of the busiest night spots in Jerusalem. MahaneYuda Beit Ya'akov 10, Mahane Yehuda Market 02-5333442 The décor and the food is funky, idiosyncratic but soulful, though sometimes the three chef owners sharing the open kitchen get a little carried away by their own coolness. Still overall experience is fabulous. Currently the hottest restaurant in Jerusalem, so book well ahead. ##################################### Now for our Barcelona recommendation: Cinc Sentiits Recommended for:Foodies, Special occasions Best for Gourmets -Expert review of Cinc Sentits Last updated 31 January 2011 Elegant Michelin-starred restaurant with a deep respect for the ways of the Catalan kitchen. Brother and sister Jordi (chef) and Amy Artal (maître d’) run this small, well-respected shrine to modern Catalan cuisine, which finally earned a much-deserved Michelin star in 2009. Food and drink: There is no a la carte, just two tasting menus – the six-course Essència or the eight-course Sensacions. To start they will bring you the house ‘chupito’ – a shot glass layered with rock salt, maple syrup (a nod to their Canadian roots), cream and cava sabayon, and then a parade of creative dishes that might include crisp coca bread with caramelised leeks and foie gras; red mullet with basil risotto, or suckling pig with ‘two textures’ of apple. Ambience: The dining room is hushed and minimalist – this is not the place for a rowdy party. Service: Amy and her multilingual team are knowledgeable and charming, and will steer you through the range of options and a good wine list. Location: Cinc Sentits is on C/Aribau, just up from the intersection with C/Aragó. Price advice: The Essència menu is 50 euros, while the Sensacions menu is 69 euros. More information on Cinc Sentits: Price guide:ExpensiveType:RestaurantFood:CatalanAddress:C/Aribau 58, Barcelona, 08011Telephone:93 323 94 90Website:http://www.cincsentits.comServes:Lunch, DinnerOpening times:Tue-Sat 1.30-3pm, 8.30-10.30pm. Closed Sundays, Mondays and two weeks in August.Accepts Credit Cards:YesReservations:Essential at peak times Have you been to Cinc Sentits? Would you

FACTS ABOUT ISRAEL - SOURCE: CIA WORLD FACTBOOK

FACTS ABOUT ISRAEL - SOURCE: CIA WORLD FACTBOOK Background: Following World War II, the British withdrew from their mandate of Palestine, and the UN partitioned the area into Arab and Jewish states, an arrangement rejected by the Arabs. Subsequently, the Israelis defeated the Arabs in a series of wars without ending the deep tensions between the two sides. The territories Israel occupied since the 1967 war are not included in the Israel country profile, unless otherwise noted. On 25 April 1982, Israel withdrew from the Sinai pursuant to the 1979 Israel-Egypt Peace Treaty. In keeping with the framework established at the Madrid Conference in October 1991, bilateral negotiations were conducted between Israel and Palestinian representatives and Syria to achieve a permanent settlement. Israel and Palestinian officials signed on 13 September 1993 a Declaration of Principles (also known as the "Oslo Accords") guiding an interim period of Palestinian self-rule. Outstanding territorial and other disputes with Jordan were resolved in the 26 October 1994 Israel-Jordan Treaty of Peace. In addition, on 25 May 2000, Israel withdrew unilaterally from southern Lebanon, which it had occupied since 1982. In April 2003, US President BUSH, working in conjunction with the EU, UN, and Russia - the "Quartet" - took the lead in laying out a roadmap to a final settlement of the conflict by 2005, based on reciprocal steps by the two parties leading to two states, Israel and a democratic Palestine. However, progress toward a permanent status agreement was undermined by Israeli-Palestinian violence between September 2003 and February 2005. In the summer of 2005, Israel unilaterally disengaged from the Gaza Strip, evacuating settlers and its military while retaining control over most points of entry into the Gaza Strip. The election of HAMAS to head the Palestinian Legislative Council froze relations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA). Ehud OLMERT became prime minister in March 2006 and presided over a 34-day conflict with Hizballah in Lebanon in June-August 2006 and a 23-day conflict with HAMAS in the Gaza Strip during December 2008 and January 2009. OLMERT, who in June 2007 resumed talks with PA President Mahmoud ABBAS, resigned in September 2008. Prime Minister Binyamin NETANYAHU formed a coalition in March 2009 following a February 2009 general election. Direct talks launched in September 2010 collapsed following the expiration of Israel's 10-month partial settlement construction moratorium in the West Bank. Diplomatic initiatives to revive the negotiations through proximity talks began at the end of 2010. Geography ::ISRAEL Location: Middle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Egypt and Lebanon Geographic coordinates: 31 30 N, 34 45 E Map references: Middle East Area: total: 20,770 sq km country comparison to the world: 154 land: 20,330 sq km water: 440 sq km Area - comparative: slightly larger than New Jersey Land boundaries: total: 1,017 km border countries: Egypt 266 km, Gaza Strip 51 km, Jordan 238 km, Lebanon 79 km, Syria 76 km, West Bank 307 km Coastline: 273 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm continental shelf: to depth of exploitation Climate: temperate; hot and dry in southern and eastern desert areas Terrain: Negev desert in the south; low coastal plain; central mountains; Jordan Rift Valley Elevation extremes: lowest point: Dead Sea -408 m highest point: Har Meron 1,208 m Natural resources: timber, potash, copper ore, natural gas, phosphate rock, magnesium bromide, clays, sand Land use: arable land: 15.45% permanent crops: 3.88% other: 80.67% (2005) Irrigated land: 2,250 sq km (2008) Total renewable water resources: 1.7 cu km (2001) Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural): total: 2.05 cu km/yr (31%/7%/62%) per capita: 305 cu m/yr (2000) Natural hazards: sandstorms may occur during spring and summer; droughts; periodic earthquakes Environment - current issues: limited arable land and natural freshwater resources pose serious constraints; desertification; air pollution from industrial and vehicle emissions; groundwater pollution from industrial and domestic waste, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation Geography - note: Lake Tiberias (Sea of Galilee) is an important freshwater source; there are about 355 Israeli civilian sites including about 145 small outpost communities in the West Bank, 41 sites in the Golan Heights, and 32 in East Jerusalem (2010 est.) People and Society ::ISRAEL Nationality: noun: Israeli(s) adjective: Israeli Ethnic groups: Jewish 76.4% (of which Israel-born 67.1%, Europe/America-born 22.6%, Africa-born 5.9%, Asia-born 4.2%), non-Jewish 23.6% (mostly Arab) (2004) Religions: Jewish 75.6%, Muslim 16.9%, Christian 2%, Druze 1.7%, other 3.8% (2008 census) Languages: Hebrew (official), Arabic (used officially for Arab minority), English (most commonly used foreign language) Population: 7,473,052 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 97 note: approximately 296,700 Israeli settlers live in the West Bank (2009 est.); approximately 19,100 Israeli settlers live in the Golan Heights (2008 est.); approximately 192,800 Israeli settlers live in East Jerusalem (2008 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 27.6% (male 1,057,113/female 1,008,978) 15-64 years: 62.2% (male 2,358,858/female 2,292,281) 65 years and over: 10.1% (male 331,034/female 424,788) (2011 est.) Median age: total: 29.4 years male: 28.7 years female: 30.1 years (2011 est.) Population growth rate: 1.584% (2011 est.) country comparison to the world: 73 Birth rate: 19.24 births/1,000 population (2011 est.) country comparison to the world: 98 Death rate: 5.47 deaths/1,000 population (July 2011 est.) country comparison to the world: 175 Net migration rate: 2.08 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2011 est.) country comparison to the world: 40 Urbanization: urban population: 92% of total population (2010) rate of urbanization: 1.5% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.) Major cities - population: Tel Aviv-Yafo 3.219 million; Haifa 1.027 million; JERUSALEM (capital) 768,000 (2009) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female total population: 1 male(s)/female (2011 est.) Maternal mortality rate: 7 deaths/100,000 live births (2008) Infant mortality rate: total: 4.12 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 200 male: 4.3 deaths/1,000 live births female: 3.94 deaths/1,000 live births (2011 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 80.96 years country comparison to the world: 17 male: 78.79 years female: 83.24 years (2011 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.7 children born/woman (2011 est.) country comparison to the world: 75 Health expenditures: 9.5% of GDP (2009) Physicians density: 3.633 physicians/1,000 population (2007) Hospital bed density: 5.83 beds/1,000 population (2007) Drinking water source: improved: urban: 100% of population rural: 100% of population total: 100% of population (2008) Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 100% of population rural: 100% of population total: 100% of population (2008) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.2% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 101 HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 7,500 (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 109 HIV/AIDS - deaths: fewer than 100 (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 136 Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 22.9% (2001) Education expenditures: 5.9% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 30 Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 97.1% male: 98.5% female: 95.9% (2004 est.) School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 15 years male: 15 years female: 16 years (2008) Government ::ISRAEL Country name: conventional long form: State of Israel conventional short form: Israel local long form: Medinat Yisra'el local short form: Yisra'el Government type: parliamentary democracy Capital: name: Jerusalem geographic coordinates: 31 46 N, 35 14 E time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time) daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Friday in April; ends the Sunday between the holidays of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur note: Israel proclaimed Jerusalem as its capital in 1950, but the US, like all other countries, maintains its Embassy in Tel Aviv Administrative divisions: 6 districts (mehozot, singular - mehoz); Central, Haifa, Jerusalem, Northern, Southern, Tel Aviv Independence: 14 May 1948 (from League of Nations mandate under British administration) National holiday: Independence Day, 14 May (1948); note - Israel declared independence on 14 May 1948, but the Jewish calendar is lunar and the holiday may occur in April or May Constitution: no formal constitution; some of the functions of a constitution are filled by the Declaration of Establishment (1948), the Basic Laws of the parliament (Knesset), and the Israeli citizenship law; note - since May 2003 the Constitution, Law, and Justice Committee of the Knesset has been working on a draft constitution Legal system: mixed legal system of English common law, British Mandate regulations, and Jewish, Christian, and Muslim religious laws International law organization participation: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; withdrew acceptance of ICCt jurisdiction in 2002 Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Shimon PERES (since 15 July 2007) head of government: Prime Minister Binyamin NETANYAHU (since 31 March 2009) cabinet: Cabinet selected by prime minister and approved by the Knesset (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president largely a ceremonial role and is elected by the Knesset for a seven-year term (one-term limit); election last held 13 June 2007 (next to be held in 2014 but can be called earlier); following legislative elections, the president, in consultation with party leaders, assigns the task of forming a governing coalition to a Knesset member who he or she determines is most likely to accomplish that task election results: Shimon PERES elected president; number of votes in first round - Shimon PERES 58, Reuven RIVLIN 37, Colette AVITAL 21; PERES elected president in second round with 86 votes (unopposed) Legislative branch: unicameral Knesset (120 seats; political parties are elected by popular vote and assigned seats for members on a proportional basis; members serve four-year terms) elections: last held on 10 February 2009 (next scheduled election to be held in 2013) election results: percent of vote by party (preliminary) - Kadima 23.2%, Likud-Ahi 22.3%, YB 12.1%, Labor 10.2%, SHAS 8.8%, United Torah Judaism 4.5%, United Arab List 3.5%, Hadash 3.4%, National Union 3.4%, New Movement-Meretz 3%, The Jewish Home 3%, Balad 2.6%; percent of vote by party (final) - Kadima 22.5%, Likud-Ahi 21.6%, YB 11.7%, Labor 9.9%, SHAS 8.5%, United Torah Judaism 4.4%, United Arab List 3.4%, Hadash 3.3%, National Union 3.3%, New Movement-Meretz 3%, The Jewish Home 2.9%, Balad 2.6%; seats by party - Kadima 28, Likud-Ahi 27, YB 15, Labor 13, SHAS 11, United Torah Judaism 5, United Arab List 4, National Union 4, HADASH 4, The Jewish Home 3, New Movement-Meretz 3, Balad 3 Judicial branch: Supreme Court (justices appointed by Judicial Selection Committee - made up of all three branches of the government; mandatory retirement age is 70) Political parties and leaders: Balad [Jamal ZAHALKA]; Democratic Front for Peace and Equality (HADASH) [Muhammad BARAKEH]; Independence [Ehud BARAK]; Kadima [Tzipora "Tzipi" LIVNI]; Labor Party [Eitan CABEL]; Likud [Binyamin NETANYAHU]; National Union [Yaakov KATZ]; SHAS [Eliyahu YISHAI]; The Jewish Home (HaBayit HaYehudi) [Daniel HERSCHKOWITZ]; The New Movement-Meretz [Haim ORON]; United Arab List-Ta'al [Ibrahim SARSUR]; United Torah Judaism or UTJ [Yaakov LITZMAN]; Yisrael Beiteinu or YB [Avigdor LIEBERMAN] Political pressure groups and leaders: B'Tselem [Jessica MONTELL, Executive Director] monitors human rights abuses; Peace Now [Yariv OPPENHEIMER, Secretary General] supports territorial concessions in the West Bank and Gaza Strip; YESHA Council of Settlements [Danny DAYAN, Chairman] promotes settler interests and opposes territorial compromise; Breaking the Silence [Yehuda SHAUL, Executive Director] collects testimonies from soldiers who served in the West Bank and Gaza Strip International organization participation: BIS, BSEC (observer), CERN (observer), CICA, EBRD, FAO, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW (signatory), OSCE (partner), Paris Club (associate), PCA, SECI (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Michael B.OREN chancery: 3514 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 364-5500 FAX: [1] (202) 364-5607 consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Daniel B. SHAPIRO embassy: 71 Hayarkon Street, Tel Aviv 63903 telephone: [972] (3) 519-7575 FAX: [972] (3) 516-4390 consulate(s) general: Jerusalem; note - an independent US mission, established in 1928, whose members are not accredited to a foreign government Flag description: white with a blue hexagram (six-pointed linear star) known as the Magen David (Shield of David) centered between two equal horizontal blue bands near the top and bottom edges of the flag; the basic design resembles a Jewish prayer shawl (tallit), which is white with blue stripes; the hexagram as a Jewish symbol dates back to medieval times National anthem: name: "Hatikvah" (The Hope) lyrics/music: Naftali Herz IMBER/traditional, arranged by Samuel COHEN note: adopted 2004, unofficial since 1948; used as the anthem of the Zionist movement since 1897; the 1888 arrangement by Shmuel COHEN is thought to be based on the Romanian folk song "Carul cu boi" (The Ox Driven Cart) Economy ::ISRAEL Economy - overview: Israel has a technologically advanced market economy. It depends on imports of crude oil, grains, raw materials, and military equipment. Despite limited natural resources, Israel has intensively developed its agricultural and industrial sectors over the past 20 years. Cut diamonds, high-technology equipment, and agricultural products (fruits and vegetables) are the leading exports. Israel usually posts sizable trade deficits, which are covered by large transfer payments from abroad and by foreign loans. Roughly half of the government's external debt is owed to the US, its major source of economic and military aid. Israel's GDP, after contracting slightly in 2001 and 2002 due to the Palestinian conflict and troubles in the high-technology sector, grew about 5% per year from 2004-07. The global financial crisis of 2008-09 spurred a brief recession in Israel, but the country entered the crisis with solid fundamentals - following years of prudent fiscal policy and a series of liberalizing reforms - and a resilient banking sector, and the economy has shown signs of an early recovery. Following GDP growth of 4% in 2008, Israel's GDP slipped to 0.2% in 2009, but reached 3.4% in 2010, as exports rebounded. The global economic downturn affected Israel's economy primarily through reduced demand for Israel's exports in the United States and EU, Israel's top trading partners. Exports of goods and services account for about 40% of the country's GDP. The Israeli Government responded to the recession by implementing a modest fiscal stimulus package and an aggressive expansionary monetary policy - including cutting interest rates to record lows, purchasing government bonds, and intervening in the foreign currency market. The Bank of Israel began raising interest rates in the summer of 2009 when inflation rose above the upper end of the Bank's target and the economy began to show signs of recovery. GDP (purchasing power parity): $219.4 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 52 $209.8 billion (2009 est.) $208.1 billion (2008 est.) note: data are in 2010 US dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $213.1 billion (2010 est.) GDP - real growth rate: 4.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 78 0.8% (2009 est.) 4.2% (2008 est.) GDP - per capita (PPP): $29,800 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 46 $29,000 (2009 est.) $29,300 (2008 est.) note: data are in 2010 US dollars GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 2.4% industry: 32.6% services: 65% (2010 est.) Labor force: 3.147 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 102 Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 2% industry: 16% services: 82% (September 2008) Unemployment rate: 6.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 63 7.5% (2009 est.) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 14.72% male: 15.67% female: 13.88% (2009) Population below poverty line: 23.6% note: Israel's poverty line is $7.30 per person per day (2007) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.5% highest 10%: 24.3% (2008) Distribution of family income - Gini index: 39.2 (2008) country comparison to the world: 67 35.5 (2001) Investment (gross fixed): 17.4% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 123 Budget: revenues: $61 billion expenditures: $69.08 billion (2010 est.) Taxes and other revenues: 28.6% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 94 Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -3.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 115 Public debt: 74.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 25 77.6% of GDP (2009 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 90 3.3% (2009 est.) Central bank discount rate: 1% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 111 2.5% (31 December 2008) Commercial bank prime lending rate: 4.492% (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 173 3.7% (31 December 2009 est.) Stock of narrow money: $31.24 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 55 $26.21 billion (31 December 2009 est.) Stock of broad money: $208.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 39 $195.7 billion (31 December 2008 est.) Stock of domestic credit: $175.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 40 $154.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.) Market value of publicly traded shares: $218.1 billion (31 December 2010) country comparison to the world: 31 $182.1 billion (31 December 2009) $134.5 billion (31 December 2008) Agriculture - products: citrus, vegetables, cotton; beef, poultry, dairy products Industries: high-technology products (including aviation, communications, computer-aided design and manufactures, medical electronics, fiber optics), wood and paper products, potash and phosphates, food, beverages, and tobacco, caustic soda, cement, construction, metals products, chemical products, plastics, diamond cutting, textiles, footwear Industrial production growth rate: 8.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 35 Electricity - production: 53.04 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 46 Electricity - consumption: 47.16 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 48 Electricity - exports: 3.666 billion kWh (2008 est.) Electricity - imports: 3.666 billion kWh (2008 est.) Oil - production: 4,029 bbl/day (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 97 Oil - consumption: 238,000 bbl/day (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 52 Oil - exports: 86,010 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 67 Oil - imports: 282,200 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 40 Oil - proved reserves: 1.94 million bbl (1 January 2011 est.) country comparison to the world: 95 Natural gas - production: 1.55 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 60 Natural gas - consumption: 3.25 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 69 Natural gas - exports: 0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 115 Natural gas - imports: NA (2009 est.) Natural gas - proved reserves: 198.2 billion cu m (1 January 2011 est.) country comparison to the world: 45 Current account balance: $6.699 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 29 $7.063 billion (2009 est.) Exports: $55.84 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 50 $45.9 billion (2009 est.) Exports - commodities: machinery and equipment, software, cut diamonds, agricultural products, chemicals, textiles and apparel Exports - partners: US 32.1%, Hong Kong 6.3%, India 5.1%, Belgium 5.1% (2010) Imports: $57.93 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 46 $45.99 billion (2009 est.) Imports - commodities: raw materials, military equipment, investment goods, rough diamonds, fuels, grain, consumer goods Imports - partners: US 12.8%, China 8.1%, Germany 6.3%, Belgium 5.8%, Switzerland 4.6%, Italy 4.2% (2010) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $70.91 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 27 $60.61 billion (31 December 2009 est.) Debt - external: $106 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 36 $93.25 billion (31 December 2009 est.) Stock of direct foreign investment - at home: $77.82 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 44 $69.16 billion (31 December 2009 est.) Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad: $64.97 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 31 $57.37 billion (31 December 2009 est.) Exchange rates: new Israeli shekels (ILS) per US dollar - 3.739 (2010) 3.93 (2009) 3.588 (2008) 4.14 (2007) 4.4565 (2006) Communications ::ISRAEL Telephones - main lines in use: 3.25 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 48 Telephones - mobile cellular: 9.022 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 70 Telephone system: general assessment: most highly developed system in the Middle East although not the largest domestic: good system of coaxial cable and microwave radio relay; all systems are digital; four privately-owned mobile-cellular service providers with countrywide coverage international: country code - 972; submarine cables provide links to Europe, Cyprus, and parts of the Middle East; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (2 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) (2008) Broadcast media: state broadcasting network, operated by the Israel Broadcasting Authority (IBA), broadcasts on 2 channels, one in Hebrew and the other in Arabic; 5 commercial channels including a channel broadcasting in Russian, a channel broadcasting Knesset proceedings, and a music channel supervised by a public body; multi-channel satellite and cable TV packages provide access to foreign channels; IBA broadcasts on 8 radio networks with multiple repeaters and Israel Defense Forces Radio broadcasts over multiple stations; about 15 privately-owned radio stations; overall more than 100 stations and repeater stations operating (2008) Internet country code: .il Internet hosts: 1.689 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 35 Internet users: 4.525 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 51 Transportation ::ISRAEL Airports: 48 (2010) country comparison to the world: 92 Airports - with paved runways: total: 30 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 5 1,524 to 2,437 m: 6 914 to 1,523 m: 11 under 914 m: 6 (2010) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 18 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 3 under 914 m: 14 (2010) Heliports: 3 (2010) Pipelines: gas 211 km; oil 442 km; refined products 261 km (2010) Railways: total: 975 km country comparison to the world: 89 standard gauge: 975 km 1.435-m gauge (2010) Roadways: total: 18,290 km country comparison to the world: 115 paved: 18,290 km (includes 146 km of expressways) (2009) Merchant marine: total: 10 country comparison to the world: 113 by type: cargo 2, container 8 registered in other countries: 51 (Bermuda 3, Cyprus 1, Georgia 1, Honduras 1, Liberia 31, Malta 5, Marshall Islands 1, Moldova 4, Panama 1, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 3) (2010) Ports and terminals: Ashdod, Elat (Eilat), Hadera, Haifa Military ::ISRAEL Military branches: Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Israel Naval Forces (IN), Israel Air Force (IAF) (2010) Military service age and obligation: 18 years of age for compulsory (Jews, Druzes) and voluntary (Christians, Muslims, Circassians) military service; both sexes are obligated to military service; conscript service obligation - 36 months for enlisted men, 21 months for enlisted women, 48 months for officers; pilots commit to 9 years service; reserve obligation to age 41-51 (men), 24 (women) (2010) Manpower available for military service: males age 16-49: 1,797,960 females age 16-49: 1,713,230 (2010 est.) Manpower fit for military service: males age 16-49: 1,517,510 females age 16-49: 1,446,132 (2010 est.) Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually: male: 62,304 female: 59,418 (2010 est.) Military expenditures: 7.3% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 6 Transnational Issues ::ISRAEL Disputes - international: West Bank and Gaza Strip are Israeli-occupied with current status subject to the Israeli-Palestinian Interim Agreement - permanent status to be determined through further negotiation; Israel continues construction of a "seam line" separation barrier along parts of the Green Line and within the West Bank; Israel withdrew its settlers and military from the Gaza Strip and from four settlements in the West Bank in August 2005; Golan Heights is Israeli-occupied (Lebanon claims the Shab'a Farms area of Golan Heights); since 1948, about 350 peacekeepers from the UN Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) headquartered in Jerusalem monitor ceasefires, supervise armistice agreements, prevent isolated incidents from escalating, and assist other UN personnel in the region Refugees and internally displaced persons: IDPs: 150,000-420,000 (Arab villagers displaced from homes in northern Israel) (2007) Illicit drugs: increasingly concerned about ecstasy, cocaine, and heroin abuse; drugs arrive in country from Lebanon and, increasingly, from Jordan; money-laundering center

Always looking for Israeli Tour Guide Blogs-Touring Israel with Benny Powers

Take a look at: http://bennypowersisraeltours.wordpress.com/2011/07/15/the-four-sephardi-synagogues-in-the-jewish-quarter/#more-101 Always looking for Israeli Tour Guide Blogs-Touring Israel with Benny Powers Please send in your Blog Link if you are a licensed Israeli tour guide or in training. It is great to share! Mark and Marilyn