Author Archives: Lee Saunders

The International Film Festivals in Israel

“Israel is absolutely fascinating. It is the kind of country where you put your finger on a windowsill and you get an interesting story,” said the Jerusalem-born Hollywood actress Natalie Portman. Many of these interesting stories are widely celebrated by the Israeli film industry with a number of film festivals throughout the year.

The oldest of the international film festivals in Israel is in Haifa, which opened its doors in 1983. This year’s Haifa International Film Festival, which runs from 15 to 24 October 2016, is one of the most popular fixtures in the film festival calendar.

Visit our hotels in Haifa >>

There is much excitement based on the success of last year’s event. Attracting some 400,000 visitors to the festival in just ten days, fans last year attended 280 screenings of new films (a quarter of which are Israeli) covering diverse topics and from all over the world.

About 300 guests from the Israeli and global movie industry met the audience and colleagues in talks between screenings, receptions in the festival garden, masterclass workshops and international conventions.

Most of the films shown in the festival are award-winning and are picked by the biggest and most important festivals in the world. Premieres of new feature and documentary films from over 40 countries are shown with famous guests to include directors, producers and actors, who participate and talk with the audience.

Previous guest have included household names, such as actors Willem Defoe, Harvey Keitel, Brenda Blethyn, Joseph Fiennes and Elliot Gould.

Alongside the festival, there is a rich nightly program of cultural events open to everyone and including live music, outdoor film screenings, and an artists’ market in the nearby Mania Shokhat Park. The many cafes and pubs along the Carmel Ridge are open until late at night.

You can get to the different venues across the city by taking a free festival shuttle bus, which will stops by the Dan Panorama Haifa Hotel.

While Haifa holds the Israeli crown for hosting the first international film festival, the Jerusalem International Film Festival (JIFF) held its first festival just a year later, in 1984, and has done so every July ever since. Having matured and grown in popularity, JIFF regularly screens between 150 and 200 films showcasing the world’s finest contemporary cinema to a local and international audience.

Movie fans visiting Jerusalem can also visit the Stephen Spielberg Jewish Film Archive, founded in the late 1960s, and is the largest collection of Jewish documentary films in the world.

Dan hotels in Jerusalem >>

Situated in the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the archive stores over 18,000 titles from different periods of history, from the time of the Ottoman Empire to the present day and is a terrific resource for film producers and directors, researchers, students, university lecturers, schools and cultural centers.

It is a fascinating stop for visiting movie fans who want to learn more. The archive is open, by prior appointment only, between Sunday and Thursday.

The incredibly popular Docaviv, the annual international documentary film festival, drew tens of thousands to Tel Aviv in May and is visiting the Galilee and the Negev in November and December respectively while the southern city of Sderot also hosts the Cinema South International Film Festival at Sderot Cinemateque every summer.

This national love of film and festivals also reflects growing Israeli success abroad. The talent of a diverse generation of filmmakers, producers and actors is nurtured by top-notch film schools, such as Jerusalem’s Sam Spiegel Film and Television School, and supported by movies boards, such as Israel Film Fund (IFF) and the Yehoshua Rabinovich Foundation.

As a result, Israeli movies and shows are gaining increasing recognition at key international festivals, such as Cannes, Venice and Berlin, and Haifa International Film Festival is one of a number of major festivals in Israel, which continues to fly the flag at home.

Israel – The Start-Up Artist Nation

Leave a reply

Tel Aviv street art

Known as the Start-Up Nation, Israel is often admired for its creativity and innovation in the high-tech sector, but you only need take a stroll around to see how that creativity and innovation finds its way into many avenues of society. Here, we explore some of the interesting, creative things to do and see, a little off the well-worn tourist trail.

Florentin –similar to like New York’s Lower East Side or London’s Shoreditch

The imaginative use of space and creating something out of nothing is a common feature in a small country such as Israel. This is particularly striking in Florentin, a southern suburb of Tel Aviv.

This hip and authentic area has drawn comparisons with New York’s Lower East Side or London’s Shoreditch, and has become a magnet for tourists in recent years after it blossomed into a bohemian hotspot, lined with coffeehouses, markets, bars, and, also some of the most imaginative outdoor graffiti around.

Set against the growing tide of gentrification, the streets around Florentine retain their groovy charm thanks to its vast array of graffiti, impressively decorating the walls, doors, gates and workshops of the local enamellers, carpenters and welders.

Take in the magnificent imagery of artists like Dede, who not only paint and spray paint images but give an insight into the diverse values and thoughts of the locals in this cosmopolitan and creative city.

There is a sign in Hebrew etched onto a wall in Florentine – “If I forget you Jerusalem, it is because of Tel Aviv,” but it is impossible to imagine anyone forgetting the creative genius on display in Mahane Yehuda, Jerusalem’s famous market.

Once night falls, shutters come down on the stalls, only to reveal faces from times past, in glorious technicolor. The work is the brainchild of British-born street artist, Solomon Souza, who, for the last two years, has been the artist behind the vast majority of the faces staring back at you.

Having overcome bureaucratic hurdles and initial resistance, the journey of artist Solomon Souza mirrors the very lives of the faces he has spray-painted: Stories of bravery, boldness, determination and heroism emerge around every corner to tell the unique story of Jerusalem.

As the bars and restaurants in the market come to life, photo-snapping tourists mix and joke with the locals, the buzz and excitement is palpable. So much so, that once-reluctant stallholders are now commissioning paintings to paint their shutters, and tell another story of Jerusalem.

Visit our hotels in Jerusalem >>

There is a similar buzz around Empty House, a creative art space I discovered through Jerusalem Art Tours. Empty House was set up by a group of some 50 young graduates from the renowned Bezalel School of Art in Jerusalem.

After struggles to find a stable space for their work, an open plan building was allocated to them, in the heart of Mamilla, close to the King David Hotel, and is open for artists to experiment, meet, collaborate and work, and for visitors to drop by and see their work on display.

From the more modern streets of Mamilla to the cobbled alleyways of historic Jaffa, there are some true gems to find, literally. Here, it is less about the use of space and more about family tradition, infused with an abundance of passion and imagination.

None more so than in the nearby Yemenite workshop where an eighth-generation Yemenite Jewish immigrant, Ben-Zion David is one of the city’s longest standing silversmiths. His parents were brought over to Israel on Operation Magic Carpet’s rescue of Yemenite Jews, he arrived only with his resourcefulness, skills and some tools, and managed to recreate what was left behind.

He developed his craft to such a level that the late Israeli political giant Shimon Peres gave special candlesticks to Queen Elizabeth II during a visit. Visit the workshop and watch how the jewelry is made, while sampling local dates and Yemenite coffee.

Fatma Shanan

At the other end of the spectrum altogether, a young Druze woman, Fatma Shanan, from the northern village of Julis, has retained her sense of family tradition and loyalty to her ethnic origins to become currently one the most stimulating young painters in Israeli art.

Through a series of paintings and videos, she has expanded on her love of oriental carpets, their sense of place in the Druze family home, and the changing weaving traditions of the Druze woman. Her unusual colorful work won her the 2016 Haim Shiff Prize for Figurative-Realist Art at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, where her work is on display until October 2017.

Often, the best home to creativity is the city’s markets. Four new seasonal markets have sprung up in Tel Aviv-Jaffa, under the umbrella of Market.TLV, which is a special gathering of designers from around the world, that has proven to be a massive hit with locals and tourists alike.

The market has attracted more than 60 talented artists to showcase their wares from florists to bakers, original fashion designers to jewellers, and includes out-of-their-own-kitchen cheesemakers to unique map-sellers.

These artists are closely following in the footsteps of those who present their unusual wares at the famous Nachalat Binyamin arts and crafts fair, the first and largest of its kind in Israel, and within walking distance of both the Dan Panorama Tel Aviv and Dan Tel Aviv.

Open Tuesdays and Fridays, this is more than a market. Surrounded by rows of fabric stores and historic buildings, the fair is a hive of activity, with more than 200 artists offering special and unique reminders of your time in Israel.

Israel’s creativity will help you create precious memories a special place, which is truly a sight for sore eyes. And, all that you really need to bring as a visitor, is a pair of sunglasses. If you forget, am sure you will find a new pair.

20th Maccabiah Games Takes to the Stage

Leave a reply

With thousands of tourists from around world coming to Israel for events and a string of iconic summer concerts, even more have arrived in Israel in July- to sweat, battle and compete for pride and glory in the Maccabiah Games, the world’s 3rd largest sporting event after the Olympics and the FIFA World Cup.

Record numbers compete; more visitors to Israel

Often referred to as the Jewish Olympics, the Maccabiah Games 2017 saw 10,000 athletes of Jewish or Israeli origin (passing the 9,000 in 2013) compete in 45 sports, with traditional favorites including soccer, swimming and tennis, as well as the fascinating-to-watch taekwondo, cricket and wrestling.

Taking place across Israel between July 4 and 18, delegates came from over 80 countries, with the Israeli and US delegations (more than 2,400 and 1,000 respectively) together accounting for around a third of the total number of athletes. However, this year’s event also included many countries that were participating for the first time, including delegations from the Bahamas, Cambodia, the Cayman Islands, Haiti, Malta, Morocco, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, and Trinidad.

“You’re all winners, you’re all champions!” said the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, who alluded to how injuries ended a glorious wrestling and soccer past. His message of luck was also echoed by British and Canadian Prime Ministers, Theresa May and Justin Trudeau, who sent pre-recorded good luck wishes to their teams at the opening ceremony in Jerusalem’s Teddy Stadium.

The opening ceremony was one of the most spectacularly colourful events in the Games’ 85-year history. The traditional delegation march was complimented by live performances by major Israeli artists with more than 600 dancers and the ceremony culminated with the lighting of the Maccabiah torch, featuring 5 Israelis, including judokas, Ori Sasson, Yarden Gerbi and world champion rower, Moran Samuel.

All had returned with medals from the Rio Olympics and Paralympics last year to celebrate with a luncheon and well-earned stay with their families at the Dan Tel Aviv.

Yarden returned to be hosted at the Royal Suite at the Dan Jerusalem, ahead of the Maccabiah Games 2017.

All of Dan hotels in Jerusalem >>

Committed to supporting, nurturing and boosting sporting talent in Israel, the teams’ success has long been a source of great pride for Dan Hotels, which regularly sponsors and hosts events for the Israeli athletes.

While the closing ceremony of the previous Maccabiah Games, back in 2013, took place at the Dan Caesarea, this year’s event saw the Dan Tel Aviv host delegates from Canada, Mexico, Spain, USA, Great Britain, Ireland and South Africa, winners of the first gold medal after defeating Israel in the rugby sevens final.

Meanwhile, in chess, one of the Maccabiah Games’ chess tournaments actually took place at the Dan Jerusalem, which also welcomed former Israeli politician, author and chess prodigy, Natan Sharansky to the hotel. Guests were allowed to compete and test their strategy and nerve against Sharansky, who famously beat the world chess champion Garry Kasparov in 1996.

Former Hapoel Tel Aviv footballer Gili Landau (right) came to the Dan Jerusalem to speak to, inspire and encourage Maccabiah competitors.

Sharing the athletes’ values of ambition, resilience and teamwork, the Dan Hotels recognizes these attributes as it too celebrates its own successful milestone this year– a 70th birthday.

By the end of the Games, Israel had much to celebrate. The team comfortably topped the medals table with 323 medals, around a third of them gold, and with three times as many medals as second-placed USA.

The real triumph, however, was the pure enjoyment and unbridled joy of thousands of Jewish athletes from all corners of the globe, coming to compete and enjoy all that Israel has to offer. For many of these visitors “returning home,” this was their first visit, but certainly not their last.

10 things to do this summer

1 Reply

The summer holidays have arrived, the shorts and sun cream are packed. You are ready to unwind. While rest and relaxation may be the order of the day, you want to make sure you see everything you want to in the time you have.

Among so many activities to choose from, we suggest 10 incredible things you should do in Israel this summer.

1. Boat Ride on Kinneret

With temperatures soaring in Israel in the summertime, it is no surprise that heading to water is always a popular choice. The Med, Red or Dead Sea provide visitors with a huge raft of options to enjoy, for riding above and exploring below, from swimming and surfing, to paddle boarding and scuba diving.

Sailing in the Sea of Galilee

One of our own particular favorites is to take a boat ride on the Kinneret, known as the Sea of Galilee, which is actually the lowest freshwater lake on Earth and the largest in Israel. Located in the northeast of the country, the Sea of Galilee is a major attraction for campers, swimmers (every September, there is the Kinneret Crossing) and Christian pilgrims who come to see where Jesus carried out miracles, such as walking on water.

There is no need for you to walk, though, there are many tour companies offering boat trips. Stay at one of the nearby kibbutzes (communal farms) or campsites, take in the early sunrise, and unwind in one of the most peaceful spots on Earth.

Book your vacation now at Dan Hotels in the city of Haifa >>

2. Scuba Diving in Eilat

While spectacular views lie above the water here, there are hidden treasures glimmering underneath the water’s surface at the other end of Israel – in the Red Sea. Deep beneath the pale blue waters, there is a treasure chest of life awaiting snorkelers and divers.

Be as close to nature as you possibly can be by taking a memorable dive at the Coral Beach Nature Reserve, a world of technicolor, a short drive south of the Dolphin Reef Eilat, a unique ecological site, where visitors magically bond with dolphins in their natural habitat, a memory to treasure and a high point of any trip to Eilat.

Come for a great summer vacation in Eilat with Dan hotels >>

Diving in Eilat

3. Floating in the Dead Sea

A stay at one of the luxurious Dan Hotels is often a high point for visitors to Jerusalem but one of the most incredible high points is actually the lowest point on Earth – the Dead Sea. Lying 40km away from Jerusalem, the Dead Sea is quite simply one of the most enduring experiences you will ever have.

It is famous for its therapeutic qualities and high concentration of minerals, particularly its salt content, which is 10 times greater than the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and allows bathers to float magically on the surface, almost like being in outer space. An unforgettably strange feeling, I always recall my own first time there, watching two elderly ladies sitting on plastic chairs float past, one reading a newspaper, the other talking to her.

Take a dip, cover yourself in mud, soak up the rays and breathe in one of the most surreal experiences of your life.

The Dead Sea

4. Jerusalem Biblical Zoo

While not one single creature lives in the Dead Sea, The Jerusalem Biblical Zoo is home to more than 2,500 mammals, birds, reptiles and fish, many of which are mentioned in the Bible. Like Noah who saved the animals from the Great Flood, the zoo is a pioneer in protection, preservation and conservation.

You will encounter animals that are native to Israel yet are becoming extinct in the wild, as well as many other endangered species from around the world. It is easy to navigate yourself through the 62-acre site, and stroll down shaded paths, marvelling at the character and personalities of the Syrian Brown Bear, the Persian Leopard, Red Panda and Chimpanzees, to name but a few.

5. Old City and Tower of David

You won’t find too many chimpanzees walking through the old city of Jerusalem but a trip here is one of the must-sees for anyone coming to Israel. Whether your interest is historical or pure fascination, Jerusalem never disappoints.

The Tower of David, or Jerusalem Citadel, stands proudly at the western edge of the old city, which is shrouded in mystery and secrets. Jerusalem – also known as the city of gold – continues to shine, inviting you to explore a medley of cultures, the famous holy sites of the three monotheistic faiths dating back thousands of years.

Weaving your way through the narrow alleyways, you are greeted with pure architectural and historical splendor, and the feeling that you are in the heart of a city like no other.

The Western Wall, or Kotel, lies in the Jewish Quarter, beneath which you can take a fascinating tour of the tunnels. Nearby, the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the spectacular Dome of the Rock lie in the nearby Muslim Quarter, while the Church of the Holy Sepulchers is one of the many highlights in the Christian and Armenian Quarters.

Book a fascinating vacation with the luxurious Dan hotels in Jerusalem >>

The walls of the City of David

6. Night out in Tel Aviv

While Jerusalem is often known as the “City of Gold,” Tel Aviv is often nicknamed the “White City” on account of more than 4,000 Bauhaus (or Bauhaus-style) buildings brought over by German Jewish architects in the 1930s.

It is also the city where visitors paint the town red – every night of the week. Frothing with cafés, such as Olive Korner and Café Bucke, the city offers an array of cocktail bars, such as the New York style 223 and speakeasy Bellboy, or you can dance on the tables at the popular ZooZoo nightclub, one of many across the city.

The city that barely sleeps gives New York and London a run for its money. Nothing typifies a good night out in Tel Aviv more than Layla lagan, or White Night, this year on June 29, and one of the city’s biggest cultural nights. From beach concerts and parties to exhibitions, live music and performances, there are dozens of events across the city keeping the most caffeinated visitors enthralled.

Save places now at Dan Hotels in Tel Aviv >>

Tel Aviv, a city without a break

7. Romantic Jaffa

A pleasant summer stroll down the boardwalk from Tel Aviv brings you to the eternal Jaffa, whose courtyards, narrow passageways and cobbled alleys are a rich part of Tel Aviv’s urban tapestry.

From the historic port or the artist galleries, the city is ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of nearby Tel Aviv, and is perfect for a relaxing walk after a romantic dinner at any of the authentic local restaurants, with particular favorites, the spacious and sumptuous Arab restaurant Al Ashi while ALADI considered a must for its beautiful fish dishes and its spectacular views of Tel Aviv.

8. Ashkelon National Park

Further down the Mediterranean coast, just an hour from Tel Aviv and Jaffa, is the ancient city of Ashkelon, whose fascinating Ashkelon National Park displays archaeological remains link to the many rulers and civilizations that lived here, including the Canaanites, Philistines, Persians, Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and many others. Marble and granite columns and statues allude to the city’s history under Roman rule.

9. Ancient Caesarea

In the ancient city of Caesarea, you can transport yourself back to Roman times too, with a guided tour of the Caesarea National Park, a splendid reminder of the city’s ancient past when Herod the Great converted the small town into a small town thriving with a port, warehouses, markets, wide streets, bathhouses, temples and impressive public buildings.

Take a stroll along the promenade at sunset and absorb the view from above the Roman theatre and imagine life here more than 2,000 years ago before resting at the Dan Caesarea Hotel, the perfect spot from which to explore the city’s rich history.

The remains of stones in ancient Caesarea

10. Sunrise at Masada

If you are a photo junkie, sunrise at Masada is incomparable. The ancient fortification on the edge of the Judaean desert overlooks the Dead Sea and offers immense panoramic views matched only by the significance of the area, both historically and archaeologically.

Remembered for the Herodian palaces and Roman siege of Masada, both almost 2,000 years ago, today many pilgrimage to the site to take an early morning trek, approximately an hour, to the top of the mountain. Watch the sun peak through the Jordanian mountains. Unless you are there, no photo can ever do it justice.

Masada at sunrise

Whether it is sunrises or sunsets, on land or at sea, these are some of the many sizzling attractions in Israel to savor this summer. Pack that sun cream.

Israel and the Summer of Rock

1 Reply

Watching your favorite live music with your friends is one of life’s unbeatable pleasures. From the exhilarating moment that the box office opens, grabbing a ticket can feel like winning the lottery.

You arrive. Anticipation is high. Your favorite artist is about to take the stage. The camera is charged. The phone is on. As they step out, the screams are deafening.

You’re not in Madison Square Garden, Wembley or London’s O2 Arena, you are in Israel.

Hayarkon Park

The times have definitely been a changing

Although not the first country to be obviously associated with major international artists, the times have definitely been a changing over the last few years, as an ever-growing number of world-famous names are either adding Israel to their world tours or making special stops in Tel Aviv. And the crowds appreciate it, with tickets often selling out in minutes.

Planing a visit in Israel? come stay at Dan hotels in Tel Aviv >>

This summer, particularly, has been the summer of rocking out. Following in the footsteps of rivals Bon Jovi, who came to Tel Aviv last October, in May, American rockers Aerosmith returned to the city’s packed out Hayarkon Park. Having last played in Tel Aviv in 1994, fans didn’t wanna miss a thing, especially as this visit by the legendary rock group was part of their farewell “Aeroviderci” tour.

In June, LGBT Pride in Tel Aviv welcomed more than 200,000 partygoers, including an estimated 30,000 tourists – among them another of the 1980s legendary pop groups – the Pet Shop Boys.

Last in Tel Aviv’s Nokia Arena in June 2013, the British electronic duo – Chris Lowe and Neil Tennant – performed the Super Tour production and sang hits including West End Girls, It’s a Sin and Always on My Mind, late into the night at Hayarkon Park.

World’s most iconic bands come to Israel

This summer, 80s supergroup Duran Duran are also scheduled to play Tel Aviv incidentally the name of a primarily instrumental track on the group’s first album. With more than 100 million records sold since the band started, lead singer Simon LeBon, who volunteered on a kibbutz in the 80s, is expected to sing the band’s biggest hits, including Girls on Film, Save a Prayer and Ordinary World.

The world may be ordinary for Duran Duran but it is anything but for Tears for Fears, who will crank out Everybody Wants to Rule The World, from a hugely impressive back catalog to be performed at Tel Aviv’s Menora Mivtachim Arena (July 5), which hosted Paul Young in May, and will also host rock music’s “Prince of Darkness,” Nick Cave in November.

There is no let up for rock music fans as the city welcomes two other of the world’s most iconic bands in July. The sounds of hard rock legends Guns and Roses (July 15) and experimental rock group Radiohead (July 19) will echo around the vast grounds of Hayarkon Park. Again.

Guns and Roses return to Israel, this time, with the original lineup of Axl Rose, Slash and Duff McKagan, who are expected to sing their medley of hits, including fan favorite Sweet Child of Mine. Radiohead have also delighted Israeli fans by returning to the country for the first time since 2000.

Having first played to an Israeli audience back in 1993, the rock group, led by frontman Thom Yorke, has already played in Israel four times, with their local fan base growing dramatically after a local radio DJ repeatedly played the memorable track Creep.

While many of these rock bands have been to Israel before, there is always feverish excitement and gratitude for newcomers. Pop princess Britney Spears is expected to perform to sellout crowds at Hayarkon Park (July 3). The sultry songstress of Baby One More Time and Oops! I Did It Again has sold over 100 million albums in her career, and such is her popularity here that a primary election for the Labor party was postponed in order to avoid a clash of dates.

Her ex-boyfriend, the hugely talented Justin Timberlake also visited the Holy Land for his first ever concert here back in 2014.

Israel has always been a source of fascination and curiosity for the artists themselves.

A regular visitor and performer in Israel, the late Leonard Cohen was once described by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as someone who “loved the people of Israel and the State of Israel.” There are plans to celebrate the life of the late Canadian singer-songwriter, poet and novelist at Beit Hatfutsot, the Museum of the Jewish People in Tel Aviv. Presently, the museum is showcasing the life, influences and legacy of folk legend Bob Dylan through film footage, rare photographs and dozens of pieces of his music.

Once the summer ends, there is still much to look forward to. After a visit in May by Canadian teen heartthrob Justin Bieber, fellow Canadian singer Brian Adams will play both Tel Aviv’s Nokia Arena and Jerusalem’s’ Pais Arena on December 4 and 6 respectively. One of the best-selling artists of all time, he is best known for popular tracks such as Heaven, Summer of 69 and Everything I Do, which sold 15 million copies around the world.

“Everything I do, I do it for you,” he sings. Well, in Israel, he is not the only one.

Dan hotels serve authentic Chinese food to the Chinese guests

1 Reply

To the ruler, the people are heaven; to the people, food is heaven
統治者，人民就是天堂，對人民來說，食物就是天堂

With a deeply entrenched passion for their food and culture, the Chinese have a striking ancient proverb that resonates in China: “To the ruler, the people are heaven; to the people, food is heaven.” From breakfast to dinner, food is widely considered more than an earthly experience – one to share, to savor, and to love. It is a tradition that runs as long as the Great Wall of China itself.

While food is considered heaven, in Israel, the food is heavenly. There has been a relentless push by the Dan Hotels, as well as a number of top quality restaurants, to provide the most authentic Chinese food, to meet both Chinese standards and enjoyment and satisfy Israeli cravings.

After celebrating the Chinese New Year in February, the Dan Hotels again emphasized its catering offering to Chinese guests, as one of its Head Chefs shared an insightful training seminar with the hotel’s other chefs on preparing and cooking the perfect Chinese breakfast.

Head Chef at Dan Accadia, Golan Israel before the training seminar

“I love making Chinese food, it is a real challenge to be focused and sharp”

Head Chef at the Dan Accadia in the upmarket city of Herzliya, near Tel Aviv, said: “I love making Chinese food, it is a real challenge to be focused and sharp. It combines speed in preparation with the freshness of the products.

” With an appetite whet by his love of food tasting events and fantastic markets, Golan set to work, cooking up a warming congee, a watery rice gruel resembling porridge, which can be seasoned with everything from chicken to mushrooms. Accompanying congee are crullers, long twisted strips of dough, deep fried in oil, often served at street stands.

They are dipped in congee, as you would a Chanukah donut into a cup of coffee. A plate of mixed cooked vegetables and servings of jiaozi dumplings were created to perfection. “The raw ingredients are so readily available in Israel. The biggest obstacles tend to be keeping the same flavor when you turn something from non-kosher to kosher,” he added.

A professional chef for more than 20 years, Golan draws his inspiration from travelling round the world. His infectious enthusiasm for Chinese food grew further after he cooked at events last year in Beijing and Shanghai organized by the Israeli Embassy to honor Israel’s Independence Day.

More recently, Rafi Baeri, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, and Roy Kriezman, Manager of China & Far East Markets, returned from visits to Qingdao, Shenzhen and Beijing, where they shared dinner with key Chinese tour operators at Art Zone, one of the capital’s most renowned restaurants.

With the growing number of Chinese tourists to Israel, the Dan Hotels adds a “Chinese corner” to its hotel breakfasts to ensure that guests have that option first thing in the morning. It has gone down a treat with Chinese visitors, especially the older generations.

At the Government level, Israeli Prime Minister visited China with a 70-strong business delegation of his own. His March visit reflects the continued strengthening of bilateral ties relating to commerce, science, technology and tourism, at the forefront of which are the initiatives carried out by the Dan Hotels.

These business visits and culinary training have all been part of longstanding concerted efforts by Dan Hotels to cater to the needs of its rising number of guests from the Chinese mainland. A “Chinese corner” has been added to the Dan Hotels breakfast menu to ensure that guests have that option first thing. It has gone down a treat with Chinese visitors, especially with the older generations, who may not always be as bold as the younger Chinese when it comes to their palate.

Chinese restaurants among the best

While Golan and the other Dan Hotels chefs have risen to the top of their profession, a growing number of high quality Chinese restaurants have also sprung up around Israel, focused on the appearance and smell of the food, both considered vital to its taste and authenticity.

Among our own particular favorites, we love Tel Aviv’s Furama (Ben Yehuda 7), which dishes up excellent and affordable Cantonese food, particularly colorful dim sums, comprising dumplings, rice noodle rolls, turnip cakes, and more, while Chinese-owned Hong Kong Dim Sum (Ben Yehuda 9) offers a superb alternative too, with incredible soup dumplings.

Chinese Wall (Mikveh Israel 26) is a popular kosher restaurant owned by Ya’acov Wang, a Chinese Jew, who has been running the restaurant with his brother-in-law for 20 years, serving up aromatic and mouthwatering dim sum, vegetarian and steamed rice dumplings and a raft of spicy dishes.

Check out our Hotels in tel aviv >>

In downtown Haifa, we recommend Yan Yan Chinese Restaurant (Derekh Yafo 26) for wonderful service and a tremendous variety of tasty meat and vegetarian platters. In Jerusalem, we like Mian Noodles (Solomon 22) for its family atmosphere and diversity of noodles and authentic noodle soups, while Sheyan (Ramban 8) is considered to be outstanding with many flavorful chicken and succulent noodle dishes.

Book your next vacation in Haifa with Dan Hotels >>

As more and more Chinese visitors flock to Israel, now taking advantage of direct flights, the continued push in Israel for high quality authentic Chinese cuisine is gathering pace, and it’s a taste well worth sampling.

Chinese Movie Royalty Latest Celebrity to Come to Israel

1 Reply

While tourists and business delegations from China are coming to Israel in ever greater numbers, Israel is welcoming more and more A-Listers from China. This April, there was one famous name that raised eyebrows when he unpacked this month at the Dan Tel Aviv: Mr. Liu Ye.

Mr. Liu Ye at Dan Tel Aviv hotel

A household name in China, the 39-year old actor is revered for taking on challenging and difficult roles and is often billed as the Jackie Chan Westerners will soon know much more about.

Liu arrived with his wife, Anais (Anna) Martane, a French journalist and photographer of Jewish descent, and their two children. A huge supporter of Israel, Mr. Liu came on a personal visit with his wife’s family.

Come visit Dan Hotels in Tel Aviv >>

At the age of 18, he was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in one of his first films, Postmen in the Mountains and became the youngest ever winner of the Best Actor gong at the 38th Golden Horse Awards, for his film Lan Yu, in 1999. Several of Liu’s films have featured in international film festivals such as Purple Butterfly and The Floating Landscape.

Liu was not the first Chinese celebrity to be spotted in Israel. Back in 2014, Chinese actress Zhang Jingchu, who starred in Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation alongside Tom Cruise, filmed part of the Chinese blockbuster Old Cinderella near the Dead Sea, a popular spot for Chinese visitors.

Jin Xing

Before that, Jin Xing, a famous dancer and one of China’s most popular TV shows, first visited Israel in 2005 and launched an Israeli dance festival in Shanghai. In February 2017, Jin returned with a hugely talented troupe of dancers to perform at the Suzanne Dellal theater in Tel Aviv.

Bollywood arrives too

While this was indeed a personal visit for the actor, an increasing number of well-known heart throbs from the Asian big screen are coming to Israel.

Last May, Bollywood and Indian fashion icon Sonam Kapoor, daughter of the famous Indian actor and producer, Anil Kapoor came to Israel as a guest of the Ministry of Tourism, visiting Tel Aviv, the Dead Sea and Jerusalem, where she was pictured for the front cover of Harper’s Bazaar Bride India magazine last summer.

Whether business, pleasure or curiosity, the number of Chinese and Indian visitors coming to Israel is a major trend in the country’s vibrant tourism sector.

The airlines have taken note, with Hainan Airlines offering non-stop flights from Beijing for more than a year, Cathay Pacific launching direct flights from Hong Kong to Tel Aviv since the end of March, and Air India announcing direct trips from New Delhi from this May.

Haifa – The city that thrives with diversity

Leave a reply

“Climb mountains, – not so that the world can see you, but so you can see the world.” Never is this truer than in Israel’s third largest city, Haifa, built on the slopes of Mount Carmel.

The incredible views from this mountain range shine a light on a bustling port city, sandwiched between the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea.

In this blog, we catch a metaphorical cable car over the main areas to bring you a city brimming with diversity, proud of its history and serving up fascinating attractions, all a short distance from the Dan Carmel Haifa and Dan Panorama Haifa.

Dan Carmel Haifa hotel

A UNESCO World Heritage site that must be seen

One of Haifa’s most-photographed attractions is the city’s astonishingly manicured Baha’i Gardens, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage site, known as one of the two holiest sites for the Baha’i Faith, a ‘young’ religion emanating from 19th century Persia.

Book your next vacation at Dan Hotels in Haifa >>

Pulling in close to a million visitors yearly, you can learn about their fascinating beliefs, values and spirituality on a free guided tour, and gently walk down the 19-terrace (only 1km!) staircase to capture spectacular views of the golden-domed Shrine of the Báb, a founder of the faith, looking downwards towards the German Colony, not forgetting to look back upwards towards the northern slopes of Mount Carmel.

Hanging gardens of Haifa

Mercaz HaCarmel contains impressive historical and cultural gems

Weaving behind the Baha’i Gardens via HaNassi Boulevard brings you quickly to the Mercaz HaCarmel, a prestigious residential neighborhood containing the luxurious Dan Hotels, as well as impressive historical and cultural gems.

As you take a leisurely stroll, there is an unexpected artistic joy to behold in the form of the Tikotin Museum of Japanese Art, established almost 60 years ago to build and develop stronger relations between Israel and Japan.

Exploring Japanese art work from the 17th century to modern day, the museum is a genuine revelation with more than 7,000 exhibits. Further down HaNassi Boulevard, past Haifa Zoo, and you will come to the Haifa Auditorium and the Haifa Cinematheque, two of the venues in the
city’s popular international film festival pulling in more than 400,000 movie fans every October.

If you are looking for tasty cuisine and a well-stocked bar to quench your appetite, look no further than the nearby Sleek, and the string of bars and restaurants as it winds into Moriya Boulevard, one of Haifa’s liveliest nightlife spots.

Haifa Israel streets

German Colony remembers a complex past and vibrant present

At the foot of the Baha’i Gardens, towards the sea, is Haifa’s picturesque German Colony. By the end of the 19th century, the German Templars, a Protestant branch of Christianity, were well established in Haifa, as they were in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

Today, the Haifa City Museum stands where the Templars’ former community hall had been, and remembers a complex past and vibrant present. While embracing its traditions – some of the old Templar homes have undergone restorations – the German Colony has become home to many trendy red-roofed cafés, boutiques and restaurants, especially on the lively Ben Gurion Boulevard.

Consider trying Shtroudl, an excellent venue for high quality Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes, and Douzan, one of the best and most ambient places for delicious meat on a menu just bursting with flavor.

Melting pot of all tastes and flavors

Around a kilometer from the German Colony is Hadar HaCarmel, once Haifa’s commercial center, and today a thriving melting pot of all communities, underlining Haifa’s unique multicultural vibes.

Streets are lined with Bauhaus buildings, designed by German-Jewish architects, refugees from war-torn Europe, while the delightful neighborhood of Wadi Nisnas, Haifa’s best known Arab residential area, greets visitors with a colorful and welcoming market brimming with a variety of pita bakeries, falafel stores and restaurants, such as Ein El Wadi, which serves authentic Lebanese and Arabic food.

This district also hosts cultural landmarks, such as Beit HaGefen, an Arab–Jewish cultural center set up in 1963, and The Haifa Museum of Art, one of Israel’s many great art museums, on the edge of Wadi Nisnas, and housing contemporary Israeli and international art exhibits.

Close by, there is another more alternative and impressive art form on display at Masada Street, where cool graffiti decorates the walls between the retro music stores, cute cafés and quirky antique shops that make this one of Haifa’s charmingly hip neighborhoods.

Creativity and innovation are close companions throughout Haifa, and in Hadar HaCarmel, the Madatech- Israel National Museum of Science, Technology and Space inspires visitors with a raft of scientific and technological secrets and discoveries.

Madatech sits on the original home of the iconic Technion University, the country’s first academic institution established over a century ago, and has set a high bar among science museums worldwide. It is also well worth a visit to the current home of the Technion which best epitomizes Haifa’s, and Israel’s, contributions to the field of science and innovation, meanwhile the University of Haifa sits proudly on top Carmel Mountain, close to the wondrous Carmel Forest.

Close to the Carmel Forest, there are a number of Druze villages, who showcase Haifa’s broad diversity in a wonderful light. Recognized as a distinct ethnic community in Israel, the Druze, who numbered around 130,000 in 2012, have preserved their traditions and customs.

Visit the small towns of Daliyat el-Carmel and Isfiya, well worth a short day trip from Haifa. Browse through markets selling traditional Druze and Arab trinkets, before settling down to tasty lamb, chicken and rice dishes cooked to perfection at authentic Druze restaurants, including the wonderfully hospitable Nurah’s Kitchen and Nof Carmel.

Stella Maris – where the sea stares right back

While Druze villages dot one side of the Mount Carmel landscape, Elijah’s Cave stands at the other end. Enshrined by a domed chapel, the cave served as the home of one of the renowned prophets, back in 9th century BC.

A visit there is an oddly moving and incomparable experience that leaves you reflective of the life and times of a man, whose simple cave was rich with so many historic tales. Sacred to Jews, Muslims, Druze and Christians, one tradition holds that Mary, Joseph and Jesus found shelter in this cave for a night on their return from Egypt.

Stella Maris Monastery

While Druze villages dot one side of the Mount Carmel landscape, on the other end stands the architectural marvel that is the Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery, one of the largest and most significant churches in Haifa for the Carmelites, a Catholic religious order founded on Mount Carmel in the 12th century.

Set up in 1836, take a walk through the monastery’s stunning main hall, which, in its heyday, included a medical center, a pharmacy and an inn. Sheltering just behind the monastery is a delightfully surreal coffee shop, Santa Maria, dishing up authentic Austrian food, from sausages to Viennese pastries, as you look out and soak up the view of Haifa Bay.

And from this corner of Haifa, the sea stares right back. The nearby National Maritime Museum takes visitors on a fascinating voyage, explaining the deep connection between locals and the Mediterranean Sea, beaches and ports, while, next door, the Clandestine Immigration and Navy Museum is a must see stop for adults and kids gripped by all things naval.

The museum impresses for its collection of maps, photos and artefacts relating to immigration during the British Mandate period.

Haifa Stella Maris Cable Car

Close by, the Haifa Stella Maris Cable Car Station takes you on a swift and eye-popping cable car ride with tremendous views of the seascape below – from the monastery, on top of the Carmel ridge, right down to the sandy beaches and promenade at Bat Galim, meaning Daughter of the Waves in Hebrew.

From here, you can enjoy a wide variety of cafés and restaurants, while listening to the waves crash gently against the Mediterranean shore and breathing in the diverse city that is Haifa.