The Land of Israel
Recently, my assistant and tech expert, Eliad Laskin, traveled with his wife, Katie, to the land of Israel. Eliad, being Israeli and American - was looking forward to visiting his relatives who live there and to introduce Katie to that most historic part of the world. Eliad’s younger sister, Dafna, is currently working in Tel Aviv at Omanoot (Israel Through Art) and they were looking forward to seeing her, as well. The trip was great and we thought it would be nice to share his photos of the historical sites, the people, the food, and the amazing landscape. Have you been to Israel? Would you want to visit Israel? Let us know!
1 Overlooking the beautiful city of Old Jerusalem - the gold dome is the 'Dome of the Rock.' The city of Jerusalem is important to many major religions.
2 Here I am outside one of the entrances to the Old City - notice the bullet holes in the walls from the War of Independence in 1948.
3 A closer view of the entrance
4 Young Israeli Naval soldiers on a group trip to see Jerusalem - the female soldiers carry heavy bags and weapons, too.
5 King David, leader of the ancient Kingdom of Israel, is buried in the Old City of Jerusalem.
6 King David's Tomb - according to legend, a visit to this place can help women conceive.
7 Arabic calligraphy on a stained glass window in Jerusalem
8 An Armenian Orthodox priest at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre
9 Mary's Tomb in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre
10 Christian pilgrims place religious items for blessing on what is believed to be Jesus' tomb.
11 A group of young Orthodox Jewish children
12 The streets of the Jewish Quarter in Jerusalem
13 The Western Wall, or Kotel, with the Dome of the Rock behind it
14 Tourists snapping pictures of the men's side of the wall
15 A swearing in ceremony of Israeli troops at the Western Wall - a very meaningful location
16 It is said that if you write a prayer and put it in the wall, you have a higher likelyhood that it will be answered.
17 The Western Wall is divded by gender - here men wearing prayer shawls and phylacteries pray on the men's side.
18 Heading to the coast - this is the skyline of Tel Aviv - it has grown over the years into a booming metropolitan area.
19 Hundred-year-old Ottoman cannons in Old Jaffa pointed north towards the modern Tel Aviv Beach
20 The tayelet, or promenade, on the beach in Tel Aviv
21 Hummus with mushrooms from Hummus Ben Sira, a delicious hole-in-the-wall sort of place on Ben Sira Street in Jerusalem
22 The Tel Aviv Beach
23 One does not need to read Hebrew to understand the meaning of this sign.
24 No reason to be alarmed! This is a paratrooper after a training jog in Old Jaffa - they are supposed to be with their weapon.
25 This is Andromedas rock - a tale from Greek mythology.
26 Shakshuka - a popular Middle Eastern dish - made with a chunky and spicy tomato and onion base with two eggs cooked into the mixture. This one had sheep's milk cheese melted on top.
27 A classic Israeli salad - chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, and though not as common, peppers.
28 A gigantic, fresh salad topped with sheep's milk cheese and almonds
29 A view of the hills and mountains nearing the town of Nazareth
30 Some may find this humorous, A KFC in Nazareth!
31 The ruins of a synagogue in Capernaum - on the shores of the Galilee - dating back to the time of St. Peter
32 Local Nazaretheans socializing
33 The Church of the Annunciation
34 Mosaic detail underneath the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth
35 Dozens of countries submitted artistic interpretations of Mary and Jesus. This one is from Japan.
36 My wife, Katie, and I on the shore of the Galilee, or Kinneret in Hebrew
37 Another ancient synagogue in Capernaum
38 The ruins of the ancient town in Capernaum and the Galilee behind them
39 The Jordan River - these are baptismal stations.
40 Steps leading down - here is station number 9
41 A woman about to be baptized
42 Splash!
43 Hills in the Judean Desert
44 A gas station in the West Bank - yes, that is a camel!
45 On the way south, one sees many Bedouin (nomads) habitats. They are herdsmen and move with the flocks.
46 The terrain began to look more and more like the dessert.
47 In the distance, Jericho, the most ancient city in the world - dates back to 8,000 BC! - and is mentioned in the bible.
48 Dramatic steep cliffs
49 A first look at the Dead Sea, also the lowest point on earth.
50 On top of the ancient fortress of Masada, the Jewish Alamo - one can still see the outline of the Roman encampments below. The Romans put them in place to siege Masada.
51 Here is Katie, taking in a fantastic view of the Dead Sea.
52 Another view
53 This is the largest of the Roman encampments.
54 Some of the beatiful mosaics are still intact - the dry dessert air helped to preserve them.
55 Here is a view of the Snake Path that leads up to Masada. It is a long climb up and it is recommended that you begin your climb very early in the morning to avoid a punishing sun.
56 Here I am wearing the famous 'mud' from the Dead Sea - It is supposed to have medicinal and cosmetic properties.
57 Here is Katie floating in the Dead Sea - because of it's high salt content, there is great buoyancy. It is called 'Dead' because nothing can live in so much much salt.
58 This is what you see when you step in - lots of salt formations.
59 The effects of the salt corrosion on bycicles - what are they doing here anyway?
60 Now headed to northern Israel - this is the ancient 'Old' city of Acre (people in Israel call it Akko) one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world.
61 One of the attractions is the mostly intact Turkish bath house (Hamam al-Basha) - no, these are not real people!
62 The Mosque of Al-Jezzar
63 A baklava storefront in the old city of Acre - Baklava is a sweet type of pastry with layers of phyllo dough filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey or syrup. This shop had many varieties.
64 Delicious looking sacks of nuts in the market place
65 Majadera - a staple of Middle Eastern cuisine - made with rice, lentils, fried onions, and Middle Eastern spices
66 Kuneifa, a Middle Eastern dessert, made with milk, orange blossom water, and wheat
67 A view towards Rosh Hanikra - a natural wonder of grottos or caves - from the Patrol Path - in the northern town of Nahariya
68 On the Sabbath, many orthodox Jews like to appreciate nature.
69 Because Rosh Hanikra marks the border between Israel and Lebanon, there is a sizable naval base and radar station.
70 A grotto at Rosh Hanikra, a beautiful site on the border with Lebanon
71 The water inside is a beautiful color.
72 After millions of years of erosion, the rock took on the shape of an elephant's leg!
73 Katie loved getting her picture taken with Israeli soldiers.
74 Shuk HaCarmel, a gigantic open air produce and clothing market, in central Tel Aviv
75 Many herbs and spices - notice the big green mound? That is Zatar, a very popular herb mix in Israel and throughout much of the Middle East. It's very good on pizza.
76 The freshly squeezed pomegranate juice was delicious.
77 Mounds and mounds of olives - so good!
78 My sister and her co-workers at Omanoot. From left to right: Edoe (co-founder and executive director), Dafna Laskin (social media editor), Jordyn, Orli, Jamie, and Lindsay, Director of Education.
Martha Pins
Martha Tweets
what an amazing trip... I've always wanted to go ever since my sister lived there in a kibbutz... amazing!
Posted by: Punctuation Mark | April 8th, 2010 at 12:55 am
Amazing to see places mentioned in the Bible.
Posted by: Gloria | April 8th, 2010 at 3:06 am
Incredable!! Such history and culture! And even a KFC.. I would love to go to Israel. I just wish that it was a little safer. One of the top spots on the bucket list though.
Dan Viger
http://www.meandmartha.net
Hollis Center, ME.
Posted by: Daniel Viger | April 8th, 2010 at 3:10 am
I would love to make the trip and I thoroughly enjoyed the photos. One day soon I hope.
Posted by: Lilly | April 8th, 2010 at 4:21 am
Great travelog, thanks
Posted by: Tricia | April 8th, 2010 at 4:22 am
ya it is a very nice place,,,even though it is devastated and Palestinians there are suffering but still u can see the beauty ,,,
and by the way we like to call it Palestinian not the land of Israel
Posted by: sumaya shishani | April 8th, 2010 at 5:03 am
A big w00t w0t for Omanoot! It's a great way to learn more about Israel via the cultural production of the place itself - check it...
Posted by: Alli | April 8th, 2010 at 5:29 am
I have never been there, but after seeing these photos, I would love to visit.
Posted by: French furniture | April 8th, 2010 at 6:09 am
These are great pictures and the captions underneath were very educational. I am never been to Israel but would love to go. So much rich history. Beautiful country!
Posted by: Beth | April 8th, 2010 at 6:20 am
I have never really traveled, but I have always wanted to go to Israel. I loved this blog and all the great pictures. So many pictures of places I have heard about or read about, and the food looks so appetizing. Thank you, Eliad and Katie for the mini-visit.
Posted by: Susie Poss | April 8th, 2010 at 6:25 am
Yes for sure! To experience it all and to have an understanding what they all are going through right now. It cannot be easy and still they are living their lives, have their dreams...... and they are so proud to be Iraeli's.... amazing!Taking my hat of for them and I salute them.
Posted by: Alta Oosthuizen | April 8th, 2010 at 7:03 am
I was lucky enough to visit Israel about 18 years ago. It was a turbulent country even then and people thought my family was crazy to go.
I loved every minute of it and would love to go back one day. Incredible scenery and architecture, wonderful people, AMAZING food. Simply Beautiful.
Posted by: Kikapu | April 8th, 2010 at 7:26 am
Until my daughter, Shara,( a former MSLO employee) moved to Israel, I didn't think I would ever see that beautiful land. Her bravery and sense of adventure broadened my experience to realize that visiting Israel is life-fulfilling. Its beauty in all parts, its history, its culture, its peace cannot be matched.
Posted by: Roxanne Lasky | April 8th, 2010 at 7:36 am
i went in 2000 and haven't been back since. i would love to go with my new wife!!
Posted by: sam | April 8th, 2010 at 9:10 am
Thanks for the photos. Hopefully my husband and I will make the trip to Israel one day.
Posted by: Dana | April 8th, 2010 at 9:14 am
Israel is one of -if not THE- most amazing, holy, magical, remarkable places on Earth!
Posted by: Robin | April 8th, 2010 at 9:25 am
I adore Israel. My husband is Israeli so we have been several times to visit his family. I also love Israeli Salad- and he said peppers are not common but I always make it with peppers. I love everything about Israel and it is quite common to see soldiers in the street with their guns. Even when not on duty they are required to carry their weapons.
Posted by: Teresa Pomerantz | April 8th, 2010 at 9:30 am
Absolutely, we hope to go soon.
Posted by: Lynn | April 8th, 2010 at 9:35 am
Those are PRAYERS not wishes
Posted by: TXTbone | April 8th, 2010 at 9:39 am
Great pics Eliad!! Looks like you guys had a great time !!!
Posted by: Kim Craft | April 8th, 2010 at 9:59 am
Lovely photos Eliad!
Posted by: sherey | April 8th, 2010 at 10:04 am
yes, I was there just after the sixth day war....
everyone including the women were wearing guns (big guns) on their shoulder.... it was christmas and notrees, lights,etc. however I have never felt more spiritual in my life.
Posted by: lee littenberg | April 8th, 2010 at 10:04 am
Thank you for sharing the beautiful photos of Isreal, Eliad! It is so amazing to see those places that are so historic - both Biblically and in general. It must have been so touching to visit the many ancient sites. I would love the opportunity to see them in person. Thanks, again, for sharing!
Posted by: Larissa | April 8th, 2010 at 10:09 am
I have never thought about going to Israel but who wouldn’t want to go after seeing these pictures and learning more about it from Eliad! Thanks Eliad! It is so beautiful there!
~
I especially like the pictures of the Dead Sea and the hills and mountains near the town of Nazareth, the ruins of an ancient town in Capernaum, the baptismal stations around the Jordan River, the hills in the Judean Desert and look how clean the Tel Aviv beach is! I think he captured everything of beauty and interest including the food, and for some strange reason, I have the urge to get baptized again. I’d liked to get dunked in the Jordan River!
~
I just love these pictures – thanks again Eliad. Trish
Posted by: Trish | April 8th, 2010 at 10:15 am
Great pictures brings back great memories. Love traveling to Israel. Despite all the problems and constant threat Israeli knows how to enjoy life. There are so much natural and diverse beauty deeply saturated in history. It’s looks like you had a short trip, I did not see picture from Eilat (Red Sea) - gorgeous place where the deep blue colors of the sea meet deep read, sometimes purple color of the mountains, which change its tint on an hourly base - breathtaking beauty. And of course is deep pain to see the dieing Dead Sea (it last year I was shocked when I saw how the water level drop since I’ve been there 13 years ago).
Posted by: Glamour Coach | April 8th, 2010 at 10:27 am
I live in Israel and love it!!!!moved here about 8 years ago from canada,I live here with my husband and 2 kids.amazing place
Posted by: Rachel | April 8th, 2010 at 10:37 am
Thank you for capturing these beautiful pictures. I feel as though I traveled there today enjoying the history, the architecture, the food, and the culture, all through your eyes.
Posted by: Debbie Munden | April 8th, 2010 at 10:45 am
Thanks for sharing the beautiful pictures,so much wonderful history,i might make it someday.
Posted by: Karlene Wissel | April 8th, 2010 at 10:59 am
I too am an Israeli-American and I thank you so much for sharing the most amazing place on Earth. I miss Israel everyday and would love to go back with my children. Everybody should try to go Israel no matter what you believe or don't believe in.
Posted by: Alit Bedik | April 8th, 2010 at 11:10 am
Martha - Israel is waiting for your visit!
Posted by: Ronan Kaplan | April 8th, 2010 at 11:32 am
Thank you so much for sharing your pictures and notes. It brought me back and reminded me of my beautiful visit there back in 1983. I've visited Spain, London, Paris, and various Caribbean Islands, and nothing compares to the special feelings I had in Israel. I'm looking forward to visiting again real soon.
Posted by: Rosa Garriga | April 8th, 2010 at 11:34 am
Martha,
Thank you for sharing this remarkable journey in pictures and in words. I visited Israel recently to enjoy the country's amazing birdlife. Read all about it here: http://www.audubonmagazine.org/features0911/greentravel.html
I love your show!
Rene Ebersole
Posted by: Rene Ebersole | April 8th, 2010 at 12:02 pm
Beautiful pictures! I've been to most of those sites, and your pictures make me want to return soon. It's been 6 years, and I can't wait to go again. Being there is more than I had ever expected.
Posted by: Sonya | April 8th, 2010 at 12:09 pm
Does anyone know where to get the hummus and mushrooms dish in Vancouver and/or Toronto? It looks absolutely mouthwatering. Martha, do you have the recipe somewhere on your website? Thanks!
Posted by: http://twitter.com/geotravel | April 8th, 2010 at 12:26 pm
Yes! If I had the means to go I would! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Sheri | April 8th, 2010 at 1:17 pm
Lovely pictures. Brings back many great memories of time spent in Israel. The land itself is beautiful, the people are warm and welcoming, the food delicious and the country is packed with locations and sites everybody should see. Thanks for sharing the trip.
Posted by: Pam | April 8th, 2010 at 2:04 pm
That was awesome! Thanks for sharing, pictures and information I would not have seen or read anywhere else. That's why I love your blog, always LEARNING something!!! ~Julie~
Posted by: Julie | April 8th, 2010 at 2:17 pm
It's been a long time since I've commented. These photos were so interesting. No, I've never been to Israel, yet for sure would not mind going!
~
Thanks so much for sharing with us.
Posted by: KLBrown | April 8th, 2010 at 2:22 pm
Fascinating! Thank you so much!
Posted by: Patty Young | April 8th, 2010 at 2:34 pm
That is so amazing. That's great that you had someone who could show you around and show you what it's really like there.
Posted by: Amanda | April 8th, 2010 at 2:57 pm
I have always wanted to visit the Holy Lands. What a trip!! I am in a Bible study and we are studing King David how nice it is to see where this actually took place.Thanks for sharing with your fans.
Dorothy Lee
Posted by: Dorothy Lee | April 8th, 2010 at 3:23 pm
To see the places where my Savior walked...thank you, Eliad!
Posted by: Eve | April 8th, 2010 at 4:55 pm
What an interesting place, the dead sea!
Posted by: Wendy | April 8th, 2010 at 5:31 pm
dear martha
i live in the usa for 12 years,but it looks like a part of me will always be in israel.
looking at the pictures just reproved it.it is a very special place.thank you for sharing the sits with us. as an almost professional cook (40 years in the kitchen)
i keep my kitchen israeli,and my family and frind happy.
Posted by: mira zigman | April 8th, 2010 at 7:41 pm
I WANT TO GO TO ISRAEL!
I just recently moved to Egypt last year to teach English and just fell in love with the Middle East. Even though the move was difficult, I fell in love with it and was very sad to move back. But, the USA is home, and the best home. I was originally petrified of the middle east and so ignorant of the amazing beauty the land has. I have such a respect for the land because of it's importance in the history of my life. I am amazed by these pictures
Posted by: lauren | April 8th, 2010 at 9:21 pm
Hi Eliad and Katie, WOW! These photos of your trip to Israel are fantastic. I truly love to see such personal trip photos to countries that I have never visited. I certainly would love to visit Israel if I could go with someone like you two. What was the weather like? It looked kind of hazy and I'm sure it was pretty warm. Your food photos were fantastic and I would love to try the different foods. Thanks so much for sharing with all of us at Martha's blog. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | April 8th, 2010 at 9:41 pm
I went backpacking through the Middle East for 6 1/2 weeks starting September 07. Going alone as a female was a bit intimidating but once I got to Israel, I was very comfortable and visited new friends made celebrating Rosh Hashana at a Bedouin beach camp in Sinai. Israel is a gorgeous country with some of the most hospitable people I've ever met. I had many varied experiences that could be described as very reflective and hijinks-filled *plus* ate some of the best produce I've ever had! One of my best memories is having a pot luck outdoor dinner during Sukkot. I was staying at a moshav in the mountains of the Jerusalem corridor. There was great food, great wine, festive conversation and good music all while a full moon was rising over the tree tops with Jerusalem below. Simply amazing. I would go back in a second.
Posted by: Erika | April 8th, 2010 at 9:45 pm
Thank you for the wonderful vicarious journey. What a beautiful land! As I am an aspiring religious scholar and lover of peoples I would jump at the chance to visit such a place
Posted by: Maia | April 8th, 2010 at 10:16 pm
Spent 2 weeks there last May and adored every minute of my visit. We traveled thoughout the entire country. I especially loved the northern section with the wineries and the Sea of Tiberius. The Roman ruins were wonderful! The entire country is magical - so beautiful, meaningful, and filled with so much history. You could stay in Jerusalem for a month and still not get your fill. Everyone should go -- and go soon. And be prepared to eat fabulous food!!
Posted by: gjg2917 | April 8th, 2010 at 11:39 pm
Jordan River baptism stations I find beautiful, culture ban the way to Mecca to leave their ress is to respect is one of the tourist sites that bisitaria if your country, your meals the best.
Sugiere una traducción mejor
Posted by: jazmin | April 9th, 2010 at 12:04 am
I've been three times, and love it more every time I'm there. Thanks for sharing your wonderful pictures. For those who want to go--do it!! Don't believe everything you see in the media about it being dangerous; you're probably safer there than in most US cities. You don't take the bus or do other things that might be risky, but personal crime levels are much lower. I have always felt safer in Israel than in the US, and I don't even speak the language.
Posted by: Lara | April 9th, 2010 at 2:59 am
Thank you, it was a wonderful trip for me back in time. I was there in 1982 and saw many of the places in the photos. I left a note at the Wailing Wall. Didn't see many of the places in the photos, so it was also educational. The pictures were beautiful.!
Posted by: Diane R. New Hampshire | April 9th, 2010 at 9:47 am
What a great trip!!! Visiting the historic as well as modern Israel is on my list of things to do.
Posted by: Scott E. | April 9th, 2010 at 10:15 am
I have lived in Israel since l981 and there is no place like it on Earth! This tiny country (smaller than the state of New Jersey!) provides modern architecture alongside ancient ruins, the possibilty to ski in the Hermon, take a short flight and swim n the Red Sea on the same day! We are home to most of the major religions, and have citizens fromall walks of life and all places on Earth.
Come to Israel, it is alife changing experience!
Posted by: Helaine R. | April 9th, 2010 at 10:33 am
So beautiful, can't wait to go back!
Posted by: Clara | April 9th, 2010 at 11:12 am
Thanks for the tour, Eliad! You made me want to go and see it for myself!
Posted by: Leslie | April 9th, 2010 at 11:15 am
I really enjoyed this post. I plan to visit Israel within a year. I got some ideas of food to eat and more places to see. Thank you for this feature!!
Posted by: Cynthia | April 9th, 2010 at 2:11 pm
.
Millions of years looking into the face of a camera's fresh second....
.
Humbling.
.
Posted by: andrea and weims on twitter | April 9th, 2010 at 7:17 pm
As an Arab I`m not allowed to visit Palstine "Isreal"
but I`v special feelings to that land,I wish if I could visit it One day.. it is our Home land
Posted by: Haya | April 10th, 2010 at 10:12 am
Lebanese people such as myself are not allowed in.. but I have been to the border and at least seen it.. but I am not willing to go anyways
Posted by: Youmna | April 10th, 2010 at 12:36 pm
I have not visited but would love to do so. We need to know more about such places of mystery. Of course food serves as a connective. To break bread is to make a friend. Thanks
Posted by: http://twitter.com/geotravel | April 10th, 2010 at 5:08 pm
Hi Martha!!
Thanks for featuring these pictures!
I live in Israel now with my husband and we are huge fans of yours!! Please visit Israel soon! I promise you will love the fresh markets and beautiful landscapes!!
And to the people who claim they aren't allowed in, that is only for the protection of the Jewish people.
Posted by: Maya Spinner | April 11th, 2010 at 2:11 pm
Dear Martha
Thanks for the great bag you sent me. I am a busy mother of seven, and rejoice in the fact that I can hold down a job as an office manager and of course keep a splendid home. You inspire me each day to do my personal best with my children, with my home, and with my own self
Shelly Christmas
Posted by: SHELLY CHRISTMAS | April 12th, 2010 at 1:24 pm
I,ve been to israel many, times. However, we also frequent the West Bank, as my huband is from there, you really miss out tif you don't go to Hebron.... very nice........Abraham's and Sarah's graves are there as well as a the bustling west bank side. Bethlehem is sight to see too. Lot's of fun beautiful scenery and restaurants and a busling city life.
It's always worth the trip, but one should always make sure to see the West bank as well as the Israeli side.
Posted by: jennifer slaughter | April 12th, 2010 at 2:08 pm
I traveled to Israel, Egypt and Jordan many years ago with a contributing photographer to National Geographic (Floyd Holdman, I believe is his name). We stayed in a kibbutz
in Tiberias, enjoyed St. Peter's Fish, and tasted the phenomenal breads from street vendors or thinly sliced lamb added. The ancient ruins repeatedly remind of past civilizations, perhaps even the fragile-ness of life as we know it (even today in America). Great photos. Thank you for sharing!
Posted by: Savannah Grandmother | April 12th, 2010 at 8:59 pm
Last weekend I exhibited in a craft fair in Boston where there were 16 invited artists from Israel. Before meeting these lovely people, I hadn't thought about visiting their country. But after getting to know a young potter and listening to her speak of her country, I am intrigued. http://bit.ly/craft_boston and http://www.simone.co.il
Posted by: Kari Lønning | April 12th, 2010 at 10:53 pm
I went to Israel about 1 year ago and just loved it. My son was a volunteer paratrooper there and my daughter at sem - both recently returned home. It is a wonderful vibrant and diverse country with lots of really yummy food and aeons of history sometimes literally underfoot. Although there always seems to be trouble of some sort either happening or brewing I never felt threatened once even in Sderot.
Posted by: peninnah ackerman | April 13th, 2010 at 6:52 am
Shalom,
I'm Loul@ and I live in ISrael.
It's a beautiful country. I arrived when I was 43 years old and I can tell you that I could'nt live in France any more!
Posted by: Loul@ | April 24th, 2010 at 12:59 pm