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

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 av

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

As you drive along Israel's stunning Mediterranean coast just south of Ashkelon (and north of the Gaza border), you can't miss the striking sight of the Rutenberg Power Station — its tall chimneys rising dramatically against the sea and sky. This massive facility is one of Israel's key electricity producers and a symbol of the country's engineering prowess. Named after Pinhas Rutenberg (1879–1942), a visionary Russian-born engineer and Zionist pioneer. Rutenberg fled politica

Imagine walking into a space that feels both ancient and alive — a synagogue whose very walls, beams, and hangings were crafted to whisper memories of the Mishkan, the portable sanctuary that traveled with the Israelites through the desert and stood at Shiloh for nearly four centuries. The Mishkanesque Synagogue in modern Shiloh does exactly that. Its architects drew directly from the detailed descriptions in Parshat Terumah and Vayakhel: the upright acacia-wood beams that on

Perched dramatically on Israel's northernmost tip in the Western Galilee, right along the Lebanese border, lies one of the country's most breathtaking natural wonders: Rosh HaNikra (ראש הנקרה, meaning "Head of the Grotto"). Often hailed as Israel's best-kept secret, this stunning geological masterpiece feels like a hidden gem tucked away at the edge of the map—where the Mediterranean Sea dramatically meets towering white chalk cliffs. Far from the crowds of Jerusalem or Tel A

Nestled in the charming town of Zichron Ya'akov, just a short drive from Haifa along Israel's scenic Carmel Mountains, stands one of the country's most historic and beautiful synagogues: Ohel Ya'akov Shul. For visitors exploring the region's rich Jewish heritage, this synagogue is an absolute must-see—a living testament to the pioneering spirit of early Zionism and the generosity of one of its greatest benefactors. Ohel Ya'akov, meaning "Tent of Jacob," was built in 1886 by B

Shalom and welcome to the WOW Israel Tours blog! If you've landed here, you're probably dreaming of (or already planning) a trip to Israel—the land where ancient history meets modern miracles, where every stone tells a story, and where "wow" moments happen around every corner. I'm Yoni Lemel, your licensed English-speaking Israeli tour guide, and I'm thrilled to launch this blog as part of wowisraeltours.com . After years of sharing the beauty, depth, and heart of Israel with