News from the Jewish Quarter

B"H

Until a few years ago, I used to be in the Old City many times whereas today, I hardly ever go. Years ago, I used to have plenty of friends in the Old City but those friends went back to the US after finishing their Yeshiva.

Jerusalem has changed and so has the Jewish Quarter in the Old City. Lets just take the alleyway, leading from the parking lot (at the Sephardi Center) to the Cardo, as an example. Until not too long ago, most of those shops in the alleyway were owned by Armenians selling Pizza. Today almost all of the shopkeepers are Jewish. The shops are newly renovated, clean and right at the Cardo you even find a new branch of Jerusalem's cafe chain NE'EMAN. When you are visiting the Jewish Quarter and you feel like an affordable cup of coffee and some Borekas, go to NE'EMAN.

Cafe Ne'eman

Photos: Miriam Woelke

The famous Square, the heart of the Jewish Quarter, has significantly changed its appearance. The Hurvah Synagogue was rebuilt, the expensive burger place found a new owner (who is, hopefully, not such a rip off as the previous one), and a brandnew Shwarma place opened right next to the burgers. What I do miss though is the grass which used to be in front of the burger place and next to the old Hurvah ruins. Today the entire Square basically consists of too much concrete.

Leaving the Square and walking down towards the Kotel: Bonker's Bagels is still around but everything else is new. Fancy SISSALIK ice - cream, souvenirs, the Jerusalem brand BURGERSBAR, Bagel or Pizza. Even the AISH diningroom (where there used to be Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur services) doesn't exist anymore. 

The change of the Jewish Quarter does have its positive sides but the neighbourhood itself as well as the Kotel should never loose their Jewish character due to tourism. 

At the Square

Souvenirs

Photos: Miriam Woelke

The Jerusalem Bus and Tram Map 2012

The tram travels forth and back from Mount Herzl to Chayal HaAvir (after Pisgat Ze'ev) but it seems as if the Municipality is planning to extend the tram's route in the near future.

B"H

A brief update on the public transportation system in Jerusalem. Most of us inhabitants used to have our surprise at quite a few mornings when suddenly our buses had changed their routes overnight.

Here you can look up all Jerusalem bus lines:

http://www.orenstransitpage.com/otpisraelpics/jlembusmap/

Although the tram is not part of EGGED, but of a company called  CITYPASS, you are able to use your one - way - ticket for both companies. If you buy a one - way - ticket from EGGED, you are allowed to change either bus or tram once in one direction. The same with CITYPASS: If you purchase a tram ticket, you are allowed to switch onto a bus once by using the same ticket. 

A one - way - ticket costs 6,60 Shekels (approx. 1,15 Euro or 1,65 $).

Photo: Miriam Woelke

Link:

EGGED Trip Planner

Austria: A Gentile running a hotel for Haredim

B"H 

You could call it a START UP idea: The Austrian non - Jew Stefan Sommerbichler had the idea of launching a hotel for the Jewish Orthodox World only. During the summer months, his hotel is mainly occupied by famous Rabbis such as the Toldot Aharon Rebbe or Rabbi Wosner from Bnei Brak. Before his passing, also the Nadvorna Rebbe (Bnei Brak) used to be a regular guest at Sommerbichler's hotel. However, the hotel also receives non - Jews but does kasher the kitchen before various famous Rebbes arrive for their summer vacation.

The hotel itself is located in Saalbach - Hinterglemm / Austria. It is a family business and after all those years of dealing with Jewish guests, Stefan Sommerbichler himself has learned a lot about Judaism. Moreover, he visited the Toldot Aharon in Mea Shearim where he was invited to their Tish. Furthermore, he claims having some great conversation with the Posek Rabbi Wosner. Sommerbichler was asked many times whether he wants to convert to Judaism but it doesn't seem as if he would be too interested taking this particular final step. 

Last week, the haredi magazine MISHPACHA (English edition) published a long article on Stefan Sommerbichler and his hotel. Here is a shorter version of the article. Short because they, of course, want you to buy the magazine, as I did.:-)

http://www.mishpacha.com/Browse/Article/2334/Be-My-Guest

Copyright: Mishpacha

Photos: Miriam Woelke

August 2012: Free rooms are still available in Tel Aviv Hostels

B"H 

Usually about this time, all Tel Aviv hostels are booked and the places are packed. This year, however, at least two hostels are still offering rooms and dormitory beds. I spoke to the SKY HOSTEL as well as at MOMO's in Ben Yehudah Street. Both places are not the best but cheap and still have room.

I am in Tel Aviv for a few hours today and it is good seeing something else after all what happened. Exactly one bus ago, the Jerusalem bus accident took place and I still need to write an English report on this. My cuts on stomach and arms are almost healed but the bruised ribs keep on giving me a hard time. The worst though is laying down and it will take at least another month until I may be able sleeping on both sides of my body. This week, I am also going to visit the 19 - year - old American girl Jordan who was severely injured in the accident. Everything beyond is a case for our lawyers, as the EGGED insurance either has to ay us compensation or we are going to sue EGGED.

As I said, it is good to see something else and not to think about the trauma and the accident. While passing Dizengoff Square just two hours ago, I noticed that the Municipality finally fixed and painted the water fountain. There was a plan of demolishing the whole platform including the fountain in order to restore the shape of the former Square. In the end, the Tel Aviv Municipality didn't have enough money and dropped the plan. It was cheaper putting on some new colour instead of building an entire new Square.

The newly painted water fountain at Dizengoff Square in Tel Aviv

 

 Photos: Miriam Woelke

News from the Jewish Quarter in Jerusalem's Old City

Masses of visitors streaming to the present LIGHT FESTIVAL into Jerusalem's Old City

B"H

While walking through the Jewish Quarter a few days ago, I discovered some positive changes happening. I know the Jewish Quarter in the Old City of Jerusalem for many years. Shops and restaurants used to be the same. Expensive, the same products being sold for years and the same people running the businesses. Or in other words: A rip - off for tourists. 

Tourists will always get cheated but the businesses in the Jewish Quarter have changed for the better. A branch of Jerusalem's bakery chain NE'EMAN has opened right next to the Cardo. This is great news, as Ne'eman is known for its relatively fair prices and good products.

And what else do we find ?

A new burger place has opened its gates. Nearby is a new Makolet (small supermarket). The Makolet (picture below) used to be a dining - hall as well as a holiday prayer room of Yeshivat AISH HA'TORAH. I have prayed there many times on Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur and find it rather strange, seeing the facility now used as a supermarket.:-)

 Right across are the Holy Bagels (formerly Bonker's Bagels)

Photos: Miriam Woelke

Near the burger place and the Makolet we find another Cafe with fair prices and good coffee. However, I am not taking any kind of guarantee for the burger and bagel place.Those may be expensive or maybe not.

Now only one thing is missing: The restroom ! 

The Cafe does have its own washroom but I don't know about the burger and bagel place. Nevertheless, the public toilet is just around the corner and free of charge. There are further and usually clean restrooms down at the Kotel (Western Wall).. Also free of charge.

Links:


The Cardo in the Old City of Jerusalem, Part 1

The Cardo in the Old City of Jerusalem, Part 2

Coming to Israel carrying your whole life in your luggage

Seen in Jerusalem

Photo: Miriam Woelke

B"H

Everyone coming to Israel, no matter if as a tourist or a new immigrant (Oleh Chadash) is coming with his own personal package. According to my experience, many many people carry their own problems all along. Various tourists and new immgrants seem to run away from something in their former life and somehow make their way to Israel.

People may tend to think that, once they are packing their suitcase and travel to another country, all of their former issues will be solved. A new life is waiting and thus they have new opportunities. Sometimes this is true but the usual slogan is: If you can't make it in your own country, you won't succeed anywhere else. 

Due to all the different religious sites, tourist have discovered Israel as a way of finding themselves. This is alright, as long as Gentiles don't decide to stay. If they want to stay, they are going to face the Israeli authorities and will be soon told to leave the country. Most of them do anyway, as they run out of money. Most people coming here only realize later how expensive Israel is.

Plenty of new immigrants couldn't really make a living at home and then took the opportunity and made Aliyah. The same thing: Only in Israel they realized what living in this country really means. You need to be a real pioneer. Especially when you don't know Hebrew yet. 

There are new immigrants who are disappointed and start missing their former country. There are people who get to the point that they forget all about their problems in their former country but just want to leave Israel and return to New York, LA, etc. 

Running away from something cannot be a solution, as all your thoughts and issues follow you anywhere you are.

Christians are not welcomed in Meron !

B"H

Is goes without saying that MERON is a JEWISH place where the grave of the famous Tanna Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai is located. Despite the fact that Rabbi Shimon had nothing to do with Christianity or any other idol - worship religion, the Israeli government has been offering Meron including the site of the Kever to Christian tourists. Moreover, Jewish visitors to Rabbi Shimon's Kever have been complaining about secular and Gentile Kabbalah studies near Meron.

I don't understand what Christians and secular Jews are thinking: If you really want to show any honest Kavod to Rabbi Shimon and his teachings, you would never behave in such a way. Furthermore, I don't get it what Christians have to do with a JEWISH Rabbi, Tanna and Scholar.

Christian tourists groups in Meron ?

This would be a real disgrace of a Jewish site !

How vicious Christian Missionaries try to conquer Israel

Photo: Cafepress

B”H

The Israeli anti - missionary site "Jewish Israel" published the latest figures on Christian missionary activities in Israel:

The current figures being thrown around by numerous Jewish, Christian, and US government sources are an estimated 20,000 "Jewish believers in jesus" and 150 congregations throughout Israel.

Moreover, "Jewish Israel" is providing its readers with a link to a messianic website whose youth is organizing a trip to Israel taking place next month. I went a step further and had a look at the main site of those nutty messianics and found out that an earlier trip had already taken place last October.

Honestly, I don't care where these messianics go. And if they go to hell, I couldn't care less. However, the previous tour itinerary reveals a lot: The messianic group was obviously lodging at the Kibbutzim Ramat Rachel (Jerusalem) and En Gev (at the Sea of Galilee / Kinneret). Kibbutz Ramat Rachel is well - known for renting out its facilities, such as guest houses and lecture halls, to Christian missionaries.
Expert tour guides from the Israeli army volunteer programme SAR EL are being announced and I wonder whether the guides knew what kind of idolworship tourists they guide or whether SAR EL knows about the idolworship activities of their tour guides. 

I don't like giving the link to an idolworship and anti - Jewish website but for those who need a proof, click HERE ! 

And here is another proof for how vicious Christian missionaries try to get Jews into their idolworship ideology:

"There are people who suffer from depression and insecurity. We treat them, and gently bring them to Christianity… Dear donors, we can ease the distress and lead people to Christianity."

This astounding confession, signed by two missionaries who operate in Israel, Sonya and Charles Reichenbrach, comes from an internal memo of the "Rea-Israel" cult that was sent to donors in Switzerland.

It was obtained by Yad L'Achim and is further proof that missionaries prey on the weakest sectors of society, taking advantage of distress to bring Jews to Christianity.

Read the whole story on YAD LE'ACHIM !

Arrogant German Tourists in Israel

B”H

One thing I have been noticing in Tiberias and Tel Aviv for quite a while now: There are various younger German tourists who behave in an extreme arrogant way. If any of those German species has to wait or, let alone, stand in line, they easily freak. As soon as they get somewhere they want it to be their turn, no matter what. Use the Internet before them and they immediately come up to you like "For how long do you dare using the Internet ?" In other cases, they just take over without asking if the place is already occupied. 

Not only the German accent is obvious from far away but also the arrogant "Gestapo Commands !"

The Nutcases of the world come to Israel

B”H

I have been living in Israel for many years and thus, I am unable to count al the nutcases I have met during that time. Especially Gentiles from all over the world keep on coming to Israel. I don’t mean those crazy Christians who suddenly get the Jerusalem Syndrome. By the way, most people getting the syndrome have already arrived nuts. American or whatever Christians who suddenly heard the voice of J. telling them to come to Israel. And then they come, usually move into cheap hostels in Jerusalem’s Arab Quarter and keep on staying. Thanks to the Israeli Immigration Police deporting many of those loonies waiting for the second coming of J. 

But Christianity and all kinds of voices are not the only reason why the nuts of the world come to Israel. Many of them have serious problems in their home countries and just run away. For whatever reason, they end up in Israel and, in the worst case, they are even prepared to convert to Judaism as soon as the visa runs out and deportation becomes a serious threat.

 

I am not going to announce the exact location but, today, I happened to see another case. A German woman in her late 40ies was walking around at a Jewish place and even for German standards she behaved strange. When some Israelis asked her where she actually comes from in Germany, she refused telling them. She claimed that the Germans only made her suffer and she doesn’t want to talk about this country.

I knew that the woman wasn’t Jewish. I could just tell easily but refrained from a conversation with her. Actually she didn’t know what she wants in Israel. She lives in Jerusalem but wants to study in Zfat. Music, I guess. A Yemenite Jew asked her for sex and another Jew from Tel Aviv stole her money.

“I always thought that the Jews are great people but here in Israel I got to know them and many are evil”, she told those Israelis who had asked her where she came from.

Then she asked for a place where she can convert to Judaism. Not that she is interested in religion but what she is interested in is a new country and getting a new ID. Such people don’t even take into consideration that Israel has introduced much stricter legal regulations for those coming from abroad and are looking for a conversion course (Kurs Giur). Today a potential candidate doesn’t only have to deal with the Rabbanut (Chief Rabbinate) but also with an extension committee run by the Ministry of the Interior. And it is the ministry deciding whether you will get a visa and thus even be allowed to stay for the course.

Israel wants to remain a Jewish state and not attract all kinds of foreigners having problems in their own country and then think about staying here. Our small country faces enough difficulties and we neither have the capacity nor are we in the mood to accept all kinds of people from different countries who just don’t belong to Israel. I am not talking about the normal regular converts or tourists but about those people who first should get their lives into order and do this in their countries and not in Israel.

Secular Jews touring Haredi Neighbourhoods

B"H

Israel's secular press is, as we all know, not too friendly towards the haredi population. Publishing a real negative juicy article about a Haredi molesting a child, abusing his family, about Mother Taliban and her Baalei Teshuva Breslov freaks (Elior Chen) and even the Mea Shearim abusive mother from Toldot Aharon is more than popular. Today it is Eli Yishai, tomorrow it is Chabad or Satmar. This, however, attracts plenty of readers and not only the Israeli press has dicovered such headlines. Now the German press is following suit. The Germans who killed hundreds of thousands of Chassidim in the Holocaust still hate frum Jews. Haredi Jews who wear these "funny" clothes and these strange "fur hats". Just recently the German magazine "Der Spiegel" published a hate article about the religious Jews in Zfat and their resistance against the Arabs who run after Jewish girls and try renting apartments in town.

Because of the constant negative press, the haredi world should do some public relation and don't let secular leftist Jews destroy their reputation. J have had the experience that actually many seculars are interested in the haredi world and would love to know more. But where do you learn details about haredi, in particular chassidic, history or customs ? In fact, there are some peoples offering tours. Calling themselves lecturers or researchers and showing off with "knowing" the haredi world in detail. Mostly those "experienced" people only read books and Wikipedia but have never been an active part of haredi society itself. Personally, I think it is more than important to have been part of society in order to teach about it. Simply because the lecturer needs the feeling. You need to feel Chassidut, haredi atmosphere and life. You have to breathe it. Otherwise it doesn't work telling people about a world you have never been part of. An astronaut would tell the greatest stories about being in space but what would I say about space ? Maybe just sound like an enyclopedia but missing the whole point and enthusiasm.

Now Chabad is supporting a new initiative for showing seculars around haredi neighbourhoods. Taking them to Tishes and so on. I think the idea is great, as a Haredi showing people around always works better. Nevertheless, when I hear "Chabad is showing around", I immediately think of CHABAD. Chabad ideology and here comes my stigma: Most Chabadnikim only know about Chabad but nothing about other chassidic groups. Although, lately, I did meet some Chabadnikim who even knew about Munkatch or Koznitz.
The article also mentions haredi families providing Shabbat hospitality for secular tour groups. I just wonder what kind of families do this. For tour groups ?
I have never come across this in Mea Shearim and only know families who invite a certain kind of people. Mostly other Frummies, Yeshiva people or their friends and neighbours.

Years ago, there was a family in Mea Shearim inviting tour groups even for this reason: To show the secular world that Mea Shearim is not a fundamentalist abyss. I know the guy who did this and in Mea Shearim he is very well known for his kindness and hospitality. He was born into Breslov but now is a Toldot Avraham Yitzchak Chassid. A few months ago I spoke to him and he told me that he had to stop the "hospitality business" due to his neighbours. First a few secular Israelis came to his house in the Mea Shearim market. Then people started bringing their friends and then whole tour buses rolled in on Erev Shabbat. The groups didn't care about Shabbat and parked their bus nearby in HaNevi'im Street. This behaviour drove the Chassid's neighbours wild and they demonstrated in front of his house. This way, the seculars destroyed the opportunity of getting to know Mea Shearim.

The truth is that even when someone offers tours, the seculars will always be limited in getting to know the haredi world. Showing up in tours is always a disadvantage and usually you have more success by going alone.

Has the Jerusalem HERITAGE HOUSE WiFi ?

B"H


One blog reader was looking for an answer to the following question:


Does the Jewish hostel "Heritage House" in Jerusalem's Old City have WiFi access ?


The answer is NO. The women's as well as the men's Heritage House have free Internet but you either use the hostel computer or, in case you are staying at the women's hostel, you steal WiFi from the neighbours. But this only works when you sit upstairs !

When Israelis travel in Israel

B"H

What makes me upset as an Israeli citizen ?

When I decide to travel in my own country, I don't have the freedom to stay at any hostel I want. If you can afford a hotel, you are lucky but when I travel, I spend most of my nights in hostels. Not always the very cheap ones but let's say "hostels". 

However, when I go to different places or, at the moment, to Tiberias, I am limited because I am an Israeli citizen without a foreign passport. Most hostels in Jerusalem (especially in the Arab Quarter of the Old City), in Tel Aviv (Gordon or Mougrabi Hostel) or in Tiberias (Aviv Hostel), the owners do not accept Israeli citizens for any dormitory rooms. Tel Aviv's Mougrabi Hostels lets you have a private room and so does the Aviv Hostel in Tiberias but they only want tourists for the dorms. The Arabs don't accept Israeli citizens at all (such as the "Petra" or the "Hebron" Hostel). 

The "Jerusalem Hostel" in Jerusalem accepts Israelis, and so do the "Hagalilee Hostel" in Tiberias or the "Sky", the "Momos" and the "Hayarkon" in Tel Aviv. Unless you have a second foreign passport. Then they let you check in otherwise you are out. No acception is made. 

The reason may be that the hostel owners think that Israeli cause too much trouble. However, the main reason is probably money. Tourists pay more and usually don't complain or make a fuss. They come and leave. 

I just find it disgusting that Israelis are not always welcomed in their own country.  

Warning: False Tour Guides in Jerusalem, Bnei Brak and Tel Aviv

B"H

A Tel Aviv local paper is mentioning a problem I have been noticing for a longer period of time. Although the paper is only referring to false tour guides in Tel Aviv, I want to do the same for the haredi / chassidic world.

False tour guides are walking around in Jerusalem. Seemingly tours around the haredi / chassidic world attract many people and false guides have discovered the topic as an income source. Without any deeper knowledge about religion, without ever having studied at Yeshivot or seminaries, without ever having been part of the haredi world, totally secular tour guides offer their services. For plenty of money and I am sure that none of them is paying any taxes on that but just putting the money into one's own pocket.

Googling through Wikipedia, stealing information from this and other blogs, secular tour guides present false tours in order to cheat their listeners and make money.

In case you are planning to book such a tour:

1. Check whether the tour guide is a real historian or specialist on the subject. If he / she has recommendations, certificates, university degrees.

2. Check whether the tour guide has an official permission from the Ministry of Tourism.

3. Get receipts for the money you paid. Say that you need a receipt for the tax office.

4. If you are interested in REAL information, get in touch with some chassidic communities such as BELZ and book a tour. Stress that you want a chassidic guide from the particular group. Some haredi communities offer tours mostly for free. If you are interested in Belz, I am able to get you any further information. The same with Karlin - Stolin, Dushinsky, Toldot Aharon, Toldot Avraham Yitzchak, Rudzhin - Boyan,Vishnitz (Bnei Brak) or Kretchnif (Jerusalem).

5. Be aware because today, many unqualified people start calling themselves experts, kabbalists or historians. Most of them are not but just fakes (Cash Cows).

6. Interested in a great author on the chassidic world ? Get hold of the books wirtten by YITZCHAK ALFASSI (a Gerrer / Gur Chassid). Alfassi is THE absolute authority !!!

Landing at Ben Gurion Airport

B"H

Landing at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv can be extremely emotional. Although I haven't left the country for quite a while, these pictures don't encourage me to leave. Not even for a short vacation abroad.

The video below shows the landing of an ELAL plane coming in from Zurich. At the moment, thousands of Jews from all over the world are coming to Israel in order to spend the high holidays in the Holy Land.
"Welcome, welcome", and, sarcasticall speaking, we Israelis hope that you are going to spend lots of money in our country.

To give you a helpful piece of advise:
Don't get cheated in the Arab Quarter in Jerusalem's Old City. Know what you want to buy and don't let yourself getting convinced to buy more hand - made (in Taiwan) souvenirs. Don't even think about booking a trip to the Dead Sea through the Arabs or you may find your wallet completely emptied out.
Take a regular bus or go on an Israeli tour !

Shabbat Shalom

B"H

Next week I will be blogging a little less, as I am taking a brief vacation. On Sunday, for instance, I am going to travel around some national religious settlements north of Jerusalem and see how the people there live. Of course, I am going to put a longer article about the trip to Sderot and Netivot (to the grave of the Baba Sali) in the blog as well as the report about the settlements.

I have hardly been to any kind of settlement and it will an experience. Generally I am a city person and cannot stand living in small places. Sderot for one day was fine but otherwise I need a city or I am going nuts. This is why the small Mea Shearim world is nothing for me. I need to get out at least once a week and do something completely different. Sitting and talking to the women of a chassidic group is nice but after a while I get the feeling to meet other people as well. Only the backyard life would make me freak out after two weeks or so.

The high temperatures are really finishing me. Especially in Tel Aviv where I sometimes cannot move without any air condition around. Not only due to work I am always tired but also because of the weather which is making you dizzy. Thus I am looking forward to cooler weather starting in September.

For tourists:

Tel Aviv is totally flooded with tourists and, in case you are planning to stay in one of the hostels, you should definitely book in advance. The best places are probably the Sky Hostel, Momo's and the HaYarkon Hostel. I've heard that the worst is the Mugrabi Hostel which already from the outside looks like a shabby hut.

I am not a religious beach person and the religious beach in Tel Aviv looks rather like a prison. High concrete walls are surrounding it and nothing romantic is at sight. When I am saying "romantic" I mean watching a colourful sunset, for example. I simple cannot imagine any kind of spiritual world creation feeling while staring at concrete walls. And besides, seeing only women is boring. The regular beach, on the other hand, is crowded, some romantic feeling is showing up but too many people walk around immodest. Why do have all these elderly (fat) people squeeze themselves into either bikinis or tight bathing suits. It just doesn't fit anymore and they look ridiculous.

Lashon HaRah, Lashon HaRah (slander), yes, yes.
And this in the month of Elul. Nevertheless, this is the subject women are interested in: Elderly and bigger people wanting to show off with their bodies.
Just look at Madonna ! I haven't met her at the Tel Aviv beach yet (she is giving a concert in Tel Aviv at the beginning of September). But look at all her wrinkles. She cannot hide her age anymore.
Although I am not that old, the grey hair is coming and maybe soon some wrinkles.

I just wonder if chassidishe Frauen (women) like Satmar, Belz or the Toldot Aharon have the same subjects to talk about. Well, maybe not the beach and Madonna but diets and things. I am sure that the Toldot Aharon do, as they always show each other the new rings they have got. Let alone their new watches, chains and skirts.

What's up on Schabbes ?
This afternoon I am going to Jerusalem and I have no further plans whatsoever.

"Shabbat Shalom - Gut Schabbes" to all readers and enjoy the beach. Wherever you are.

Yaffo (Jaffa)

B"H

YAFFO is an ancient town located right next to Tel Aviv. A tourist hardly leaves Tel Aviv without visiting the Old City of Yaffo. You don't necessarily need a bus to get there but, instead, just walk along the beach promenade.

I found some great pictures of Yaffo on a haredi website. ENJOY !!!






All pictures may be viewed here:

http://bhol.co.il/news_read.asp?id=10454&cat_id=18

Tel Aviv is raising Prices

B"H

Tourists watch out !
The Tel Aviv tourism industry is raising prices starting from the middle of June. Hotels and hostels will be far more expensive than they already have been.

The reason is YOU, the tourists. The tourism industry is expecting lots of tourists this summer. Usually the winter season is quiet but last winter, most beds were occupied. And when there is a busy winter season how busy could be the summer season ? And a busy summer season means profit.

So, be prepared when you come to Israel; especially to Tel Aviv.
I still remember some years ago, when a dormitory bed in Tel Aviv cost 25 or 30 Shekels (approx. 6 Dollar). Soon prices are going to be between 80 - 110 Shekels (approx. 20 Dollar). And this for a lousy dormitory bed with hardly any service. Only the Gordon Hostel in Tel Aviv is serving a large breakfast for that price.

In Jerusalem you can still find cheap hostels in the Arab Quarter. But be aware that it is the Arab Quarter with its Palestinians, some mad fanatic Christians and leftist peace fighters from all over the world. A dorm bed is still available for 30 - 50 Shekels (approx. 10 Dollar) but, many times, you then have to deal with loonies in your room. As far as I know, there is only one good Israeli hostel (besides the expensive state - owned ones) and this is the "Jerusalem Hostel" at Zion Square. A little more expensive than Arab hostels but definitely more normal and cleaner.

In case you are bankrupt, come to Tel Aviv were you can still sleep at the beach for free.

Trip to Netanya

B"H

A big difference between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv is the "garbage". This sounds like a ridiculous statement but those who live or have been to Jerusalem know what I mean. As soon as you go downtown or to the Machane Yehudah Market (Nachlaot area), the streets are screaming out: Garbage and rats.

Unfortunately, the municipality doesn't have much money to keep the city clean and tidy. Hardly anything green unless you go to certain neighbourhoods for the upper middle class.

Tel Aviv is basically kept clean and there are plenty of trees, flowers, nice parks; all this raising the quality of life in the city. Obviously there is some money and the municipality is trying to make everyone feel more comfortable. The same is happening in most of the coastal places north of Tel Aviv. Look at Herzliya or look at Netanya.

Today was my first trip to Netanya after some years. Pessach is the time for trips and I chose seeing Netanya with its great beach and its famous chassidic neighbourhood: Kiryat Zanz.

If you want to go to the famous city about 50 km north of Tel Aviv, you should take the bus from Tel Aviv's Central Bus Station (in case you are coming from Tel Aviv). Someone recommended the train to me but this would have cost me too much time and too many efforts.
What I didn't know was that the state - owned bus company EGGED only has one line to Netanya: No. 641 via Petach Tikwah. Everything else is taken over by a private bus company called "Nativ".

I took the Nativ bus no. 605 and was surprised about the cheap bus fare. Only 9 Shekels (less than 2 $). However, the ride to Netanya took us quite some time due to all the traffic jams.
In former years I had got the impression that Netanya is almost entirely English speaking. However, today the French seem to have taken over. Even or especially the local real estate market.

Compared to Tel Aviv, Netanya has a religious touch which was pleasant. At least all the restaurants and cafes were "kosher for Pessach". I couldn't believe it. It was just a great feeling. When I returned to Tel Aviv some time later, I first had to get used to checking out all the food once again.

Netanya is easy to manage by foot. The Central Bus Station is in the city center and from there, just walk around Weizman or up Herzl and you will find cafes and shopping malls. Up Herzl is also the direction to the beach surrounded by a great park.
The beach is basically clean but pay attention to the water. The further you walk up north, the cleaner the water gets.

Kiryat Zanz is up Weizman and in the heat, I didn't really get that far. So, I missed a closer look at Chassidut Zanz - Klausenburg but will do so some time later.
Besides Chassidut Zanz I found something else: Right near the Central Bus Station was a place called: Beit Meshiach 770 -
and guess to whom this belonged to !!!




There isn't too much to do but Netanya is worth a trip. Even for a few hours. In case you want a nicer beach or simply escape the hectic life of Tel Aviv, just take the bus to Netanya. Either from the Central Bus Station of from the Azrieli Towers.


Netanya: Between beach and mall

"Neve Zedek" & "Florentin" in Tel Aviv

In Florentin


B"H

At the moment, all the reports about the ongoing war in Gaza are becoming a little too much. Is seems like Israel only consists of war and terror. However, besides some politics and especially religion, I want to show the beauty of our country.
There are actually many positive sides and throughout all my years of living here (I think almost 14 years), I got to know the country and its inhabitants from a very different point of view.
So, why not also show how we live in Israel ?
In one of my German blogs I have already started describing some neighbourhoods in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. In English, I am starting today with the famous and popular Tel Aviv neighbourhoods "Neve Zedek" and "Florentin".
Both neighbourhoods are easy to find, as their location is very central (near Allenby Street in downtown Tel Aviv).

What does a not necessarily haredi Israeli love to do on Shabbat ? Especially when the weather is nice ?
Right, he likes to go on hiking trips. Walking and getting to know the own environment much better. Discover unknown places and simply have fun and enjoy nature. I am myself a nature freak and don't like sitting too much inside on the Shabbatot.

Last Shabbat, I joined the hiking society and started walking downtown. Weather was great with almost 20 degrees Celsius and the sky was completely blue. So far about the romantic part.

I walked through Rothschild Boulevard (Sderot Rothschild), a street with a long history. Once the high society part of the city, in the 70ies and 80ies, Rothschild got neglected. However, suddenly in the 90ies until now, the street has been experiencing a revival by becoming the old / new Yuppie center.
If you walk through Rothschild, you automatically find your way to Allenby Street. If you cross, you get to the "Shalom Tower". For many years, the tower was THE symbol of modern Tel Aviv, as it used to be the highest building in the entire country. Now, Tel Aviv is full of much higher and more modern towers than the old "Shalom - Tower". Countless offices and shops are located in the tower as well as the Ministry of the Interior of Tel Aviv. In case you need to renew your visa, go to the Shalom - Tower.



Neve Zedek


Right behind it, towards the beach, you can find the "Ahad Ha'am Street" or Lilienblum. The "Shalom -Tower" and all the other new skyscrapers around represent a modern Hightech Tel Aviv. However, if you walk down Ahad Ha'am or Lilienblum, you get to the village - like neighbourhood "Neve Zedek".
Neve Zedek is the first Tel Aviv settlement; the first old "Yishuv" and thus, the first houses built. You are in the middle of a city and suddenly you are standing in the middle of a romantic small village. Away from the city life, you find a cozy atmosphere. The clocks are "moving slowly" and there is no hectic at all. A different world in the middle of the world surrounded by skyscrapers with banks and insurance companies.



Idyllic but surrounded by modern buildings


"Neve Zedek" offers a lot to its visitors. Cafes and shops, parts of them open on Shabbat. Lots of green and stylish housing.





If you turn left into Celouche and cross the small bridge, you get back into the "real life". Back in a dirty road full of garages and hardware stores. This is Abarbanel Street until you reach Florentin Street.





And here we are in the second "IN" - neighbourhood called "Florentin". Normal and crazy people, artists and those who see it as an art to remain alive. More Hippie style but anything but conservative or Yuppie.

Whoever feels like keep on walking can continue for another few minutes until he reaches the antique town of Yaffo with its port. Others, like me, can crawl back into downtown Tel Aviv. Tired and finished from all the walking. Have a nice walk back at the beach.



Florentin


Behind the old "Dolphinarium" (towards Yaffo), you can find a new promenade with a great view onto the Mediteranean. Today, the "Dolphinarium" is just a ruine with a huge parking lot in front of it. Abandoned and neglected.
Every time I pass there, I am being reminded of the terror attack taking place on 1st June 2001. More than twenty Russian teens died on the spot when a suicide bomber blew himself up while the kids were waiting for the entrance into the former disco "Dolphinarium". One day, the entire complex will just be demolished and, if you ask me, it won't take too long anymore.

Those of you visiting Tel Aviv shouldn't only go to the Carmel - Market or to the beach, as the city has much more to offer.



Florentin



Artistic walls in Neve Zedek