Most people picture the job as standing in front of a group and explaining what they’re looking at. That part matters, of course. But it’s only the part you can see. The real work happens before anyone gets on the bus. It’s in deciding the order of the day, the timing between sites, which entrance to use, where to pause, and what to leave out so the things that matter don’t get rushed. It’s knowing that a particular viewpoint works better in the morning light, that a group of

Can you point out the tomb? Write your answer in the comments below. The small blue-domed compound most people photograph today is not an ancient monument in the archaeological sense. The standing structure is largely a 19th-century rebuild (around 1868). What is old is the claim on the place. The Bible is specific. Joshua 24:32 says the Israelites brought Joseph’s bones up from Egypt and buried them at Shechem, in the plot Jacob had bought from the sons of Hamor. Jews and l'

Masada looking south with the northern triple terraced palace nearest the viewer If you walk the western approach to Masada, resist the urge to look only at the view. Look at the pale slope under your feet. Short, weathered pieces of timber stick out of the chalk like the ribs of something that never quite finished rotting. They are not driftwood. They are Roman ramp stabilisers : tamarisk and palm rammed into an earthen fill so a siege tower could be pushed up to Herod’s wal

Guiding at the abandoned Syrian military HQ on August 25th. Last Tuesday, 25th August, I took a lovely group in a mini-bus through the Bashan, the Biblical Golan, and spent the day moving between memorials, ruins, and a living modern Israeli town. The thread of the day was Eli Cohen: several memorials to him, and the remains of structures he would have visited while posing as a Syrian insider. His intelligence made the Six-Day War’s Golan campaign faster and less costly. That

At the end of July my wife and I were in the Golan. We visited several sites, including the abandoned Syrian headquarters by the 1974 demarcation line at Quneitra and places associated with Eli Cohen, the legendary Israeli spy. Then we went up to stand near the summit of Mount Hermon, the highest point in Israel. The air was thin and cool, the northern views wide. History: the abandoned Syrian HQ at Quaneitra, Golan Heights By deliberate contrast, the following week we spent

Part 1: Ad Halom Bridge. Attacking the Egyptian army On the afternoon of 29 May 1948, just two weeks after Israel’s declaration of independence, the fledgling state faced an existential threat. An Egyptian armoured column — hundreds of vehicles, infantry, artillery, and armour — had pushed north along the coastal road and reached the outskirts of Isdud (today’s Ashdod). Only about 30–35 kilometres separated them from Tel Aviv. If the Egyptians crossed the bombed-out Mamluke b

I first read 'Our Man in Damascus' when I was sixteen, in the mid-1970s. Eli Cohen had been executed only a few years earlier. The book left a deep mark. Even at that age I recognised that I was reading about someone rare: a man whose courage and clarity of purpose reminded me of the heroes of the T'nach, the Jewish Bible . Without doubt, Eli Cohen stands among the giants of modern Israel. In many respects his story is reminiscent of the figures in the Book of Judges — Samson

By Photograph by Allan Warren by Keraunoscopia - Derived from File:Peter Sellers Allan Warren.jpg, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=26604037 Yesterday, while working in Jerusalem, I was planning a walking tour on Jaffa Street. I met a lovely couple with the surname Marks. I casually mentioned that my maternal grandmother was a Marks. His eyes lit up, and then he asked a question I’ve never been asked before. “Any relation to Peter Sellers?” I laug

Walk Where Modern Jewish Jerusalem Was Born – My New 2-Hour Jaffa Street Tour Discover the real story of the British Mandate years along Jerusalem’s historic main artery – from the sleek modern Light Rail to the battle we head back in time to more than 100 years ago! Most visitors explore the Old City or the shuk and feel they’ve “done” the city. But maybe the true heartbeat of modern Jewish Jerusalem beats along the full length of Rehov Yafo (Jaffa Street). I’m thrilled to a

Discovering Ancient Jerusalem at Davidson Archaeological Park: A Tour Guide’s Reflections from Yesterday’s Tour Yesterday, as a licensed guide with Wow Israel Tours, I had the absolute privilege of leading a wonderful group through one of my favorite hidden gems in the Old City of Jerusalem: Davidson Archaeological Park (also known as the Jerusalem Archaeological Park – Davidson Center). Tucked right next to the Western Wall Plaza and just inside the Dung Gate, this open-air

Ruger 10/22 Interested in shooting? If you’re a tourist visiting Israel and craving a truly unforgettable adventure, recreational shooting should be high on your list. Imagine stepping onto a professional range, learning proper firearm handling from elite instructors (many ex-IDF), and firing live rounds under complete safety supervision – all without needing your own gun license or any prior experience. Israel offers unique, tourist-friendly shooting experiences that blend

Caesarea as it probably looked like in the Roman period. All these sites can be visited today: A= Hippodrome where Rabbi Akiva may have been put to death; B = Theatre; C= Dungeons. In the sun-scorched hills and coastal plains of what was once Roman Judea, three distinct architectural forms rise from the earth like echoes of a vanished empire. These were not merely places of gathering but instruments of power—stages where the Romans enacted their vision of order, entertainme

Stargazing in the Holy Land: Astronomy Tours in Israel with Yoni I love introducing visitors to Israel’s rich landscapes, history, and culture during the day. But sometimes, when darkness falls, another passion shines through. Since 1977 I have been an active amateur astronomer, and I happily bring my 12-inch Dobsonian reflector telescope (see pic above) on request for any group that wants to experience the night sky over the Holy Land. Israel offers some of the most rewardin

If you’re an Oleh dreaming of a special place to build your Israeli life — where modern convenience, warm community, and timeless charm blend seamlessly — Halomot (חלמות זכרון) in Zichron Yaakov may be exactly what you’re looking for. This inviting neighborhood on the moshava’s eastern slopes offers walkable living, family-friendly amenities, and breathtaking views, making it a top choice for English-speaking immigrant families. A Modern Development with Historical Roots Halo

Common Hoopoe Upupa epops Every spring and autumn, a miracle unfolds in Israeli skies. Over 500 million birds from more than 200 species pour through this narrow land bridge between Europe, Asia, and Africa. For ornithologists and passionate birdwatchers, Israel is a dream destination — a place where you can witness one of the planet’s greatest natural spectacles up close. Israel’s national bird the Eurasian Hoopoe (Upupa epops), perfectly captures the country’s vibrant avi

I’m not usually asked these days if I am ‘scared’ being in Israel during wartime. The question was occasionally asked around October 7th, 2023. I was asked again this week, quite out of the blue, by an old friend who looked me up. The truth is, from a diaspora point of view, it’s a serious question that needs to be answered as best I can. No, I’m not scared. And here’s why. A Historic Moment We’re living through a chapter of Jewish history that previous generations only dream

When I first set foot in Tel Aviv, I was immediately drawn to its vibrant energy. But beyond the buzzing streets and beautiful beaches, there’s a rich cultural tapestry waiting to be explored. If you’re like me and crave more than just sightseeing, diving into the cultural side of Tel Aviv will leave you inspired and connected. Let me take you on a journey through some of the city’s most captivating cultural experiences in Tel Aviv. Discovering the Heartbeat of Tel Aviv’s Cul

The Orot Rabin Power Station (also known as Hadera Power Station or "Rabin Lights") stands as one of Israel's most prominent industrial landmarks. You can't miss the four chimneys dominating the Mediterranean coastline near the city of Hadera. Located in the Haifa District along the shore, roughly 6 km northwest of central Hadera, the facility sits right on the beach, with a long coal-unloading pier extending far into the sea. This strategic coastal position allows direct acc

The ancient Land of Israel (Eretz Yisrael) is renowned for its rich archaeological heritage, and few aspects capture the imagination of Jewish visitors more vividly than the stunning mosaic floors uncovered in synagogues from the Roman and Byzantine periods (roughly 1st–7th centuries CE). These intricate artworks, crafted from thousands of tiny colored stones (tesserae), reflect a fascinating blend of Jewish devotion, cultural adaptation, and artistic innovation during times

The Jewish concept of Mizrach (also spelled Mizrah or Mizrakh) holds deep significance in Jewish tradition, particularly in relation to prayer. The Hebrew word מִזְרָח (mizrach) literally means "east," but in Jewish practice, it refers to the direction Jews face during prayer, oriented toward Jerusalem and the site of the ancient Temple. This practice stems from the Book of Daniel 6:10 where Daniel prays towards Jerusalem, the Talmud (Berakhot 30a) instructs that Jews in the