Author Archives: Lee Saunders

Hiking Trails and National Parks in Israel

In every long walk in nature, you always get far more than you’re looking for: a return to freedom; a return to humility; a return to yourself…

In Israel, 40 national parks and numerous hiking trails only serve as reminders of the haunting magnitude of nature, and our small place in the heart of it. Despite its tiny size, Israel’s unbelievably diverse terrain runs from mountains in the north to the parched desert of the Negev in the south, offering a fascinating and challenging geography that will give you the unforgettable experience that you crave.

With almost 10,000 km of marked trails, and still growing, there is some truly superb hiking to be done, and nowhere offers sites of such natural beauty more than Israel’s third city – Haifa. The country’s largest national park is Mount Carmel National Park, which towers over the Mediterranean coastline, and the majestic mountain-topped Dan Carmel Haifa, and stretches over the Carmel mountain range, from Haifa, down to wine growing towns such as Binyamina and Zichron Yaakov further south. Containing 10,000 hectares of pine, eucalyptus and cypress forest, the park offers many scenic hiking trails on lush green slopes, taking you past some of the 250 archaeological sites inhabited by prehistoric humans.

Masada- One of the iconic hikes in Israel

There are few places that steal your breath away more than Masada, an awe-inspiring ancient fortress in the Negev Desert, built by King Herod. From the base of the fortress, the Masada Snake Path, one of the iconic hikes in Israel, winds its way up approximately 400 meters from the lowest place on earth, the Dead Sea, to the peak where archaeological remains tell a remarkable story, against all odds, of heroism, endurance and resilience. What better way to test yours than with this epic 90-minute climb. Book an early morning tour from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem from any of the Dan Hotels; sunrise hikes offer one of the greatest experiences in the world, as the sun peaks out over the Jordanian Mountains and you enjoy unbeatable views across the Dead Sea.

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Close to the Dead Sea in the Judean Desert is the oasis that is Ein Gedi, offering one of Israel’s premier hiking spots. With springs, waterfalls and brooks flowing at the foot of the cliffs, Ein Gedi provides more than nine well-marked hiking trails range from shorter one-hour hikes, suitable for family groups, and longer, more challenging 3-4 hour trails for the most experienced hiker. They will take you through wadis (dry river stream in the desert) and surprisingly lush green scenery to the refreshing David’s Waterfall to cool off. For the more adventurous, there is the chance to also visit Dodim’s Cave and the water pools nearby. Marvel at the contrasting rich and green vegetation with the red and brown rocks of the Judean desert; stop, breathe in and share the scenery with the native ibexes and rock hyrax in a place filled with historical and archaeological remains of its first inhabitants some 5,000 years ago.

Mitzpe Ramon- Much more than a stopping point on the way to Eilat, gives you a truly memorable experience path

More than a stopping point on the way to Eilat, the epic terrain that is Mitzpe Ramon or Ramon Crater, the largest of three Negev craters, gives you a truly memorable off-the-beaten-path experience. Once filled with giant oceans, this unique crater is a jewel in the Negev desert does not exist anywhere else in the world. Now more than 500 meters deep and 40 km long, it was created as the oceans dried up and receded and rivers weaved through the empty canyons. Enjoy hikes, ranging from 2 hours to a full day, taking with you all the water and sunscreen you will need for a safe and fantastic trail.

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Further south in the Eilat Mountains, the Red Canyon is the stunning backdrop to one of Israel’s most enjoyable and accessible hiking trails. Twenty minutes north of Eilat, you can hike undisturbed, at peace, through natural canyons, the Red Canyon getting its name from the phenomenon when the sunlight hits the reddish rock. Trails include a “green” well marked and relatively short trail that is family-friendly, while the “black” trail is a more challenging descent down to the river bed and creeks. Marvel at the yellow, red and brown colors of the rocky landscape as you weave your way through narrow canyons, looking out for gazelles in the wild. From certain viewpoints, you can see four countries: Israel, Jordan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
Book your trips from the Dan Eilat and Dan Panorama Eilat, where you can enjoy a pampered and luxurious stay before hitting the open road and wearing out your boots.

The Red Canyon at Eilat Mountains- Constituting one of Israel’s most enjoyable and accessible hiking trails.

The Enchanting World of Israeli Natural History

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While you may think of the well-known Natural History Museums of New York or London, Tel Aviv has made a stunningly impressive start to showcase the natural history and biodiversity of the region and the wider world, with the opening of the Steinhardt Museum of Natural History.

Open to the public from this September, this innovative new museum has embraced a hands-on multimedia and touch-screen approach and is expected to become an important cultural attraction for thousands of families, school children, nature lovers, tourists and scientists from around the world.

Next to Tel Aviv University, the intriguing five-story building has been uniquely designed to resemble a unique treasure chest, covering more than 9,620 square meters of exhibits, display spaces of 5.7 million items and 12 research laboratories for the museum’s scientists.

The Steinhardt Museum of Natural History – Credit: Oz Rittner

The architect – Michal Kimmel-Eshkelot – created the museum’s façade, by installing a ‘treasure chest’ raised above street level. After the building’s completion, it was also described as striking a resemblance to Noah’s Ark – a storehouse of nature’s treasures for future generations.

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And a storehouse it is as you can stroll through nine themed exhibition galleries. Learn about the fascinating Great Bird Migration, and how Israel is a center of migration for 500 million birds, each year using Israel as a land bridge between Europe, Asia and Africa. The creepy and exciting Bugs and Beyond exhibition includes 17 terrariums housing live insects and other creepy crawlies, such as the Madagascar hissing cockroach, Australian walking stick, predatory flea and American grasshopper, as well as different species of spiders, butterflies and ants. The Human Impact exhibition is an interactive digital exhibition that shows how people have influenced nature and biodiversity in Israel, through visual demonstration of the consequences for the landscapes of Israel and the surrounding region during the past 200 years. The thought-provoking Web of Life exhibition looks at the interconnection of our world and the natural world through the use of an acacia tree – a source of life for the gray wolf, caracal and spiny-tailed lizard, among others.

Desert Habitat and Web of Life exhibits – Credit: Itai Bennet

From the sandy desert of the Negev, to the peaks of Mount Hermon, the Israel’s Landscapes exhibition explores the impressive range of habitats in Israel, and contains six large dioramas of over 120 display items including the greater Egyptian gerbil, European snow vole and desert hedgehog.

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Learn about some of the millions of specimen that reflect the natural history of Israel and the surrounding region, and hear the story of biodiversity in Israel and the Middle East over the last few hundred years. Many of the items on display in Treasures of Biodiversity include species that have become extinct, including a bear, an Asiatic cheetah, the last leopard from Beit Horon and the last crocodile from the Taninim River, all of which belong to the Schmitz collection, predatory birds and other unique birds, including the only albatross spotted in Israel’s skies.

American Friends of Tel Aviv University president and CEO Gail Reiss said: “We hope and believe that, in addition to being a great research institution, the museum will become a tourist destination on par with Tel Aviv itself.” After my own personal visit there, it is well on its way.

Father Schmidt Collection – Credit: Shai Ben Efraim

Take a short ride north from the Dan Tel Aviv or the Link Hotel & Hub for a fascinating, insightful and humbling experience reminding of our place in the ecosystem, the visit the Steinhardt Museum of Natural History, at 12 Klausner Street, Tel Aviv. After its trial run in June and July, the museum will permanently open its doors to the general public and school trips, offering workshops and group tours from September 2018.

Water Activities Across Israel

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“Don’t go chasing waterfalls, please stick to the rivers and lakes that you’re used to,” goes the 1994 song by the American band TLC. In Israel, there is no shortage of waterfalls, rivers and lakes to take a break from the summer heat, and you won’t be used to any of them. With the country often closely associated with the desert, visitors are constantly surprised at the abundance of activities, relaxed and adrenalin-filled, for both solo travelers and the entire family. Here, we take a look at some favorite watery pastimes that will add to the vacation you need and deserve.

Go Chase the Waterfalls in North
The biggest waterfall in Israel is the roaring Banias Waterfall, situated in the upper Golan in northern Israel, between the Hula Valley and Mount Hermon. Located in the Banias Nature Reserve, walk the trails, exploring ancient Greek and Roman ruins, before cooling off in the gushing springs, shaded crystal-clear streams and under a thunderous waterfall emptying into a deep pool, which makes this one of the most beautiful – and popular – nature spots in the country.

Banias Waterfall

If you are looking to cool off, look no further than the enormous Yehudiya Nature Reserve, the largest reserve in the Golan, the heart of which is the Yehudiya forest. Among the many cool streams to wade through, there is the iconic Meshushim, a natural gem and one of the Golan’s most unexpected attractions. Formed by flowing streams of molten lava, this large Hexagon Pool is surrounded by a cliff made up of many hexagonal basalt pillars. Take a refreshing dip and soak up the most sublime views of deep canyons and bubbling waterfalls in an area teeming with gazelles and (potentially) wild boar.

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Take me to the River

While the Mediterranean Sea offers the chance to surf, paddleboard, jetski and more, there are few experiences that get the pulse racing and makes you feel young at heart than kayaking down the river, past banks of natural greenery, feeling the cool refreshing waters.
Among the best sites are Kfar Blum and HaGoshrim. Widely recognized as one of the original sites for kayaking in Israel, Kfar Blum is a kibbutz in the Hula Valley that has been professionally offering unforgettable kayak trips for more than 30 years. Whether 5 or 65 years old, you will enjoy the ‘standard’ or ‘long’ routes that take you on a mystical river adventure, down the Hatzbani and Banias streams, later merging with the Banias stream to create the River Jordan. If you have any energy left, try the Adventure Park, where the grand finale is a 300 feet long zip-line into the River Jordan. At HaGoshrim, enjoy the sights and sounds of the songbirds and wild animals that call this home as you float down the streams with your friends and family.

Jesus may have walked on water in the Sea of Galilee but at nearby Aqua Kef, you can walk, jump, climb, swim and more – as this floating water park provides a hugely memorable experience. Situated at Ganim Beach in the Sea of Galilee, the exciting first-of-its-kind park attracts families and groups of friends, who can choose between The Children’s Park, The Family Park and The Challenging Park – each one offering an array of water slides, trampolines, bridges, climbing walls and obstacles. Don’t forget to try The Olympic Park, consisting of eight sports fields – with all the games played in the water!

Aqua Kef on the Kinneret – Fun for all the family

Never be Board in the City
In fact, water sports are everywhere, with the entire Mediterranean Coast offering some of the best surfing spots all year round. Since the first surfboard was brought to Israel
by a Californian doctor in the 1950’s, Israeli has embraced surfing. From April onwards, the sun-kissed beaches right in front of the Dan Tel Aviv, and by the Dolphinarium Beach, near the Dan Panorama Tel Aviv, are packed with locals riding some of the best waves as the sun goes down, while the beaches further north, in Herzliya and Haifa, are also highly recommended, with visitors renting boards or take lessons at many of the surf schools dotted around. While surfing is relatively established, you can also become part of the newish craze sweeping the country – stand up paddleboarding, or SUP. With access to the Med, Red and Dead Seas, there are a number of excellent local clubs to learn from, with the professional EDEN Surf School on Tel Aviv’s Trumpeldor Beach, and Haifa’s Kahuna Surf Club among the favorites to teach students of all ages and levels how to master the board and enjoy the sea.

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Floating in the Dead Sea

If it is the floating experience you are desperate for, there is nothing that tops the Dead Sea. Take a short trip early in the morning from any of the four luxurious Dan Hotels in Jerusalem to savor the lowest place on earth. Take a dip and ease into the healing and reinvigorating waters of the Dead Sea, packed with minerals and high-quality mud to alleviate the most troublesome of ailments and relax your soul. When caked in mud, take that selfie and post to Instagram. A Dead Sea tradition.

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While you won’t find any fish in the magical waters of the Dead Sea, the coral reefs around the southern city of Eilat have been among the best sites for diving and snorkeling for many years. Both novice and expert divers and snorkelers can relax at the Dan Eilat and Dan Panorama Eilat before heading out to explore the shimmering crystal blue waters of the Red Sea, this technicolor world described by Dive Magazine as having some of the best diving locations in the world.

Coral Reef in Eilat

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Whichever activity you decide to try, there is plenty to whet your appetite in Israel. Just remember to take a towel.

Israel’s Stand-up Scene

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“The greatest Jewish tradition is to laugh. The cornerstone of Jewish survival has always been to find humor in life and in ourselves,” pointed out U.S. comedian Jerry Seinfeld, who performed at Tel Aviv’s Menorah Mivtachim Arena last December. And the legendary comedian accurately hit the nail on the head. From Mel Brooks to Woody Allen, Larry David to Adam Sandler, Jewish culture has never taken itself too seriously. Forty years ago, back in 1978, Time magazine asserted that 80% of all stand-up comedians in the U.S. at that time were Jewish, and only 3% of the population!

The American comedian Jerry Seinfeld

In Israel, where everyone can think of themselves as a comedian, the comedy scene is far more diverse, with many shows in English and Hebrew, performed by local rising stars and well known professional stand-ups. Here, we take a close look at some of the best venues not to miss for a night of belly laughs.

In a fast-emerging scene, more and more Israelis are performing stand-up comedy in English, poking fun at politics, religion and day-to-day life that strike all the right chords for an English speaking audience. A nice side-splitting walk from the Dan Tel Aviv, Bar Giyora hosts terrific live shows, such as Funny Monday, which has captured the attention of audiences around the city. Catch the hysterical antics on stage here of Yohay Sponder and Shahar Hasson, who were among the first comedy pioneers to bridge the cultural gaps and re-write their material into English, while remaining funny, fresh and original.

Not far from the Dan Panorama Tel Aviv are the hip venues, the Stand Up Factory and Zvulun 10.
South Tel Aviv’s Stand Up Factory offers an intimate and fun atmosphere that is reminiscent of New York’s finest stand-up clubs, and boasts some of the funniest comedians around, such as Asaf Yitzhaki and Mor Chen. As well as open mic nights and “The Funny Friday” nights, there are also twice weekly performances in English too. One of the longest standing microbreweries, the Dancing Camel, is an excellent and cosy backdrop for an evening of craft beers and comedy, with its regular Wednesday English-language comedy nights, while The Camel Comedy Club has been entertaining crowds for more than 25 years, with daily shows, and even a comedy school to help polish the act of promising stand-ups.

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South of Rothschild Boulevard, Zvulun 10 has become a massive draw and an established fixture on the Tel Aviv comedy circuit. There are regular shows in English featuring up and coming stars, Mike Kroll and Mishel Sabbah, as well as hit comedians such as Sarah Markowitz and Benji Lovitt. In fact, Lovitt has teamed up with Beit Hatfutsot, or Museum of the Jewish People, to create an interactive comedy workshop, exploring the link between Jewish humor and identity in a new “Let there be laughter” exhibit open to the public.

The two comedians Benji Lovitt and David Kilimnick

For those who think that Jerusalem may be more conservative, there is a vibrant scene in the city,
with the outstanding Off the Wall Comedy Theater, one of the city’s funniest tourist destinations. Adjacent to the King David Hotel, each week, revered Jerusalem comedian David Kilimnick introduces the comic and musical talent, both amateur and professional, bringing together an eclectic mix of comedians from the local community to share a much-needed laugh with residents and tourists alike.

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Alongside the intimate venues, there are the larger arenas which certainly see their fair share of more established stand-up comics. Following in the footsteps of Jerry Seinfeld, this past January saw raucous American comedian Chris Rock come to Israel for the first time, with his debut performance proving hugely popular with 10,000 people at the Menorah Mivtachim Arena, while Australian comic Jim Jefferies also performed in the same venue. Now, edgy king of sarcasm, UK comedian Jimmy Carr is also due in Israel for the first time, performing at the Charles Bronfman Auditorium in Tel Aviv on August 11, as part of his The Best of Ultimate Gold Greatest Hits Tour.

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There is always a reason to laugh in Israel. After all, it’s a tradition

A Whole New World – Eilat

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“I can show you the world, shining, shimmering, splendid,” sings Aladdin to Princess Jasmine in the Disney track A Whole New World. Although this was a popular animated movie, he may well have been serenading her on the balcony of the breathtaking luxurious Dan Eilat or the Dan Panorama Eilat, whose shining, shimmering and splendid views of the Red Sea redefine time.

The shimmering Swimming Pool at Dan Panorama Eilat

Indeed, Eilat feels like a whole new world. Without the vibrant pace of Tel Aviv, the stunning intensity of Jerusalem or the tranquil vibe of Haifa, Israel’s southernmost city provides a tremendous opportunity to explore and celebrate what Eilat does best – the natural world – on land, under sea and in the sky.

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With landscapes that belong in a sci-fi movie, nowhere is this more visible than in Timna National Park, which lies 25km to the north of the city, buried deep in the Negev Desert. Arrange a trip from either of the city’s Dan Hotels to witness this serene and incomparable valley, surrounded by yellow sandstone mountains, with herds of wild ibex looking down at you from the cliff tops. Inside, you will embark on a stunning geological and archeological adventure, marvel at the ancient copper mines, with the blood-red volcanic Mount Timna at its very heart. Enjoy an early morning bike ride or late evening tour of amazing sites like the Mushroom, the Arches, Solomon’s Pillars, the Valley of Rock Drawings. Nestled in the Eilat Mountains, twenty minutes north of Eilat, is Red Canyon, one of the country’s most splendid, accessible and family friendly hiking trails. Deriving its name from the intense color when the sun hits the rock, this superb attraction will have you constantly clicking your camera.

Views from Timna Park (Courtesy of the park)

The blistering mountains that surround Eilat contrast wildly with the whole new world that lies beneath the Red Sea. Home to more than 1,200 species of fish, the Red Sea offers visitors the opportunity to forge a close and personal experience with some of marine life’s most fascinating creatures. Dolphin Reef Eilat is a unique ecological site and humbling experience for all the family to treasure, allowing you to snorkel or dive in the company of four delightfully social and independent dolphins that were born on the reef, have come of age and live freely. Enjoy Disney-esque views, a secluded beach and fantastic food as you observe this group of bottlenose dolphins play, court, socialize and eat right before your very eyes. Close by is the Underwater Observatory where you can literally spend hours going from window to window to watch the most colorful fish swim through and around the ancient coral reefs. There is also a relatively new shark tank allowing you to observe these often-misunderstood creatures and learn more about what is real and what is myth. Outside, a pier leads you away to an observation tower from where a thrilling glass-bottomed boat shows you real life beneath the sea.

Dolphin Reef Eilat- Unforgettable experience for all the family

Way, way above your head, far from the out-of-this-world balconies at the Dan Eilat and the Dan Panorama Eilat, you can enjoy one of those rare travelling moments you crave. The What’s Up – The Observatory Eilat is an experience to cherish. Guide Ethan Schwartz rekindles lost childhood innocence and brings the magical night sky of Eilat and the desert to you in this highly recommended stargazing tour that makes astronomy fun, educational and accessible for all. Look through telescopes at constellations of stars in a whole new world that no longer feels so far away. And, unlike Aladdin, you won’t need a magic carpet to see all of these favorite Eilat attractions. Just sunscreen.

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The Impressive Swimming Pool of Luxurious Dan Eilat Hotel.

Note: The new Ramon Airport, named after Ilan Ramon, Israel’s first ever astronaut and his son Asaf, who also died in an aircraft accident, is expected to open in the Timna Valley later in 2018-2019.

Israel Celebrates 100 years of Theater

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“Sunrise, sunset, sunrise, sunset, swiftly fly the years,” sings veteran Israeli theater actor, Chaim Topol, who played milkman Tevye, in the classic Fiddler on the Roof. And many years have indeed flown by in the world of Israeli theater – 100, to be exact, as Habima, Israel’s national theater, celebrates a magnificent milestone.

Founders: Menachem Gnessin, Nachum Zemach & Hanna Rovina at the signing of the first Hebrew-speaking Theater, Habima 1917

Eventually settling in Habima Square at the top of the delightful Rothschild Boulevard, the idea was born long before, during the early days of the 1917 Russian Revolution. It was the brainchild of a Polish Hebrew teacher, Nachum Zemach, who assembled a group of young actors to establish the first Hebrew theatre – among them nursery school teacher Hanna Rovina – later known as the “First Lady of Hebrew Theater” – and actor and director Menachem Gnessin.

Habima, then known as the Moscow Art Theater, moved to Israel with its initial focus on the revival of the Hebrew language. A century later, Habima has gone on to produce around 750 shows, and was the first theater to put on Shakespeare’s plays in Hebrew, including Hamlet and Twelfth Night.

Current building of Habima after 2007 renovation; During the building stages in 1917 (credit: Israel Archive)

Extraordinary renovations through the years have transformed the venue from 100 seats then to approximately 900 seats now, with large crowds attending nightly performances of longstanding plays, shows and musicals, such as Les Misérables, and other exciting performances by renowned musicians. Fans and actors, many of whom have stayed at the Dan Tel Aviv, often hang around afterwards for a drink at the local cafés and bars, near the Charles R Bronfman Auditorium, principal home of the 82-year-old Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra.

Additionally, Habima works on many co-production’s alongside other renowned Israeli theaters, such as its younger siblings, The Cameri Theater, one of the most prolific theaters in Israel, and Beit Lessin Theater. Located close to the new and modern LINK Hotel & Hub, the Cameri opened its doors and in 1944 and today attracts more than 900,000 spectators annually to its many new shows and previous productions, ranging from original Israeli shows and classical Shakespeare to modern drama and popular musicals. Founded in 1980, Beit Lessin is one of the largest theaters in Israel with not only a long track record in award-winning plays but also a theater school and regular workshops. Nestled in the charming neighborhood of Neve Tzedek, is performing arts theater, the Suzanne Dellal Center, the home to Israeli and international contemporary dance companies, a ten-minute walk from the Dan Panorama Tel Aviv.

The first audience at “Habima” Theater (credit: Israel Archive)

In nearby Jaffa, award-winning Gesher Theater acts as a bridge between Russian and Israeli cultures after it was set up almost 30 years ago by new immigrants from the former Soviet Union, led by prominent Moscow stage director, Yevgeny Arye. Today, the theater has staged over 60 productions and has represented Israel in almost 20 international festivals. Jaffa’s Arab Hebrew Theatre was set up 20 years ago, in 1998, and as collaboration between two theater companies with Jewish and Arab artists, the venue produces plays in Hebrew and Arabic, exploring the rich diversity of Jewish and Arab culture in Israel.

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Haifa is one of the Israeli cities that best showcases co-existence and the richness of Jewish and Arab culture in Israel. Haifa Theater, actually co-founded by Chaim Topol, was one of Israel’s first municipal theater when it opened its doors in 1961 as a springboard for local playwrights and producers of plays, often reflecting the variety and diversity of the melting pot that is Israel’s third city. Meanwhile, the 1,100-seat Haifa Auditorium is one of the city’s principal venues for ballet, modern dance and music, a very short walk from the spectacularly elegant Dan Carmel Haifa and the classic Dan Panorama Haifa.

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Alongside Habima and Haifa Auditorium, Jerusalem Theater (or the Jerusalem Center for the Performing Arts) is another of the country’s premium theater venues. Located in the leafy neighbourhood of Talbiya, the city’s largest and most vibrant cultural center has over 2,600 seats in six halls showing the best in local and international theater, dance, music and cinema, drawing in more than 600,000 visitors annually. Meanwhile, housed in an old Ottoman building near the old Train Station, the Khan Theater is widely recognized as one of the leading repertory theaters in Israel, producing six dynamic shows each year. Both theaters are less than a kilometer away from the legendary King David Hotel and splendid Dan Panorama Jerusalem, both leading actors in the eternal city.

Exterior view of Jerusalem Theater – One of the central & biggest Theater Venues in the city.

From Hanna Rovina then, to Gal Gadot now, from Topol then, to Itay Tiran today, the past century has seen Israeli theater produce a generation of actors and actresses, producers and directors of stage and screen, captivating audiences in Israel and increasingly around the world. The show might have started a hundred years ago. But, boy, did it go on!

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World Cup Fever Kicks Off in Israel

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The only time Israel qualified for the World Cup Finals – in 1970 – legendary striker Mordechai Spiegler scored their only goal in a 1-1 draw with Sweden. Now, almost 50 years later, while football (soccer) has not overtaken basketball as arguably Israel’s national sport, football – and particularly international football – remains as popular as ever.

The Israeli National Football Team 1970. (Credit: Milner Moshe)

Despite not qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2018 tournament in Russia, Israel is feverishly getting into the spirit. As the country prepares for one of the most watched sporting events in the world, bars and cafes up and down the country will broadcast the World Cup live to a huge audience. And it is hardly surprising.

While the Israeli Premier League may only be 20 years old, football traces its roots in Israel back to 1928 and the establishment of the governing body of football, Eretz Israel Football Association, which changed its name to the Israel Football Association (IFA), after the country’s founding in 1948. The IFA organizes a variety of football leagues as well as looks after the national team, which regularly stays and trains at the Dan Caesarea and Dan Accadia, playing its home games at two stadiums – the Sammy Ofer Stadium, a 31,000 seater venue in Haifa and Teddy Stadium, a 32,000 capacity stadium in Jerusalem, a favorite to host next year’s Eurovision Song Contest. In fact, both stadiums are well worth a visit to watch the home games of Premier League teams (and co-tenants), Maccabi and Hapoel Haifa, or Beitar Jerusalem and Hapoel Jerusalem, when the domestic season begins in August.

On Left: Supporting Flags at Dan Caesarea. On Right: Israeli National Football Team 2013

However, there is no need to wait to enjoy the “beautiful game” as there are many bars and venues showing the FIFA World Cup 2018 in many towns and cities, including Haifa, Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Among our favorites, Gute Baroom, near the eclectic and diverse Wadi Nisnas neighborhood in Haifa, offers fresh and unique platters, an excellent vibe and a massive screen to show all of the games. Check out the two screens at the lively and friendly Morgan The Irish, a non-traditional Irish pub that never fails to lift your spirits, while Charliebar has four screens displaying all the games, just a short trip down the Louis Promenade from the Dan Carmel Haifa.

In Jerusalem, a quick stroll from The King David Hotel Jerusalem brings you to the highly recommended Jabotinsky Bar, which has become one of the city’s most popular and lively hotspots. Join locals and regulars to watch your favorite World Cup team on any of the five screens, while tasting the excellent meats and receiving exemplary service. With great whiskey and live music, Blaze Rock and Sports Bar has become a superb venue since it opened a decade ago. Close to the Dan Panorama Jerusalem, the bar serves up a laid-back atmosphere and food that keeps any football punters happy while catching one of the World Cup games live. While there are many bars showing the FIFA World Cup live, the ancient citadel that is the Tower of David is even getting on the act, bringing Jerusalemites and tourists together to watch matches on a gigantic screen inside walls of the ancient citadel.

Israeli National Football Team Relaxing at the Dan Accadia, 2013

In Tel Aviv, no sooner have the LGBT Pride flags come down than they are being replaced by the national flags of countries competing in the FIFA World Cup. In north Tel Aviv, check out 223, the city’s oldest cocktail bar for an amazing selection of drinks and an outdoor screen. At the other end of the city, a friendly football clientele is always expected at Malan 18, a cozy and delightful neighborhood bar in the heart of the Yemenite Quarter.
Molly Bloom’s and Mike’s Place are among Tel Aviv’s most popular sports bars, offering plenty of beer, juicy burgers and daily happy hours during the FIFA World Cup. Both of these venues, as well as the bars on Tel Aviv’s beaches, are right next to the Dan Tel Aviv, at the heart of all of the action.

Mordechai Spiegler “Sportsman of The Year” at the Award Ceremony in Tel- Aviv 1970 (Credit: Milner Moshe)

In fact, Dan Hotels has often been at the heart of major sporting events in Israel. Recently, its hotels warmly welcomed the Giro D’Italia, the second most prestigious bike race in the world, and it also regularly sponsors and hosts athletes and delegates for the Maccabiah Games, the world’s third largest sporting event after the Olympics and FIFA World Cup.

Israel may have failed to reach the finals, but the FIFA World Cup has well and truly reached Israel, and Mordechai Spiegler will, like the rest of us, surely be watching.

The Official Country Representation for FIFA World Cup 2018

FIFA World Cup 2018 kicks off in Russia on June 14 and runs until July 15.

Tel Aviv Pride Makes History

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Singing sensation and national treasure Netta Barzilai made history in May after winning Eurovision for Israel for the first time in 20 years. With her mantra of “living her truth,” she won a legion of fans around Europe and was particularly adored by Tel Aviv’s LGBT community, which will also make history on June 8th when it celebrates 20 years since the first Gay Pride in Israel.

Tel Aviv has long been known as Israel’s hottest, most liberal and welcoming destination for the LGBT community and at no time is this more visible during the extremely popular, extravagant and colorful annual Gay Pride Tel Aviv event in June.

Tel Aviv painted for pride. (Credit: British Embassy)

Over 200,000 expected to join Pride
From 100,000 in 2012, Tel Aviv’s Gay Pride 2018 is set to welcome over 200,000 souls from all walks of life, including more than 30,000 tourists from around the world, who come to enjoy the city’s sun-kissed beaches, gay pride parties, bustling restaurants and fascinating cultural events.

The flagship event takes place on June 8th in Meir Park, in front of the city’s Gay Center, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary in the park, from where it facilitates a huge raft of events across the city. Get there early in the morning and you will be inspired by the huge number of social organizations and nonprofits offering help and support to the country’s LGBT community, underlining the heartwarming progress of LGBT rights in Israel.

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The parade itself departs around midday with marching groups and creatively designed floats leading the way and winding through the main streets. Put on your sunscreen and shades, make new friends, dance in the streets and marvel at those partying on the balconies above. Take in the splendid and eye-popping views and look out for Netta, who is expected to join the parade.

As it shimmies down the beachfront, the march passes the instantly recognizable rainbow-colored façade of the Dan Tel Aviv and ends at the Tel Aviv’s Charles Clore beach – not far from the Dan Panorama Tel Aviv. It is at this beach where the legendary party continues from 1430pm through until sunset, while at the northern end of the promenade, there are many parties all week at the city’s unofficial gay beach – Hilton beach.

Some of the parade

Liveliest Atmosphere Around
In addition to the beaches, Gay Pride Tel Aviv offers tourists the opportunity to party hard every night for a whole week with live events, bars and nightclubs to suit ALL tastes.
On May 31st, Street Party at Sheinkin is an enormous gathering with live 90s music and shows – a grateful and nostalgic nod of approval to the first Pride event on Sheinkin Street, back in 1993. On June 8th, there is the Forever Massive Main Party at the Tel Aviv Convention Center (“TCC”) where Netta Barzilai will perform.

If you are still standing, come back to TCC on June 9th to experience the phenomenon that is renowned Israeli DJ Offer Nissim.
Check out the theater-style bar Shpagat, near the Carmel Market for a relaxed and social ambiance and for an adrenalin-filled club experience, visit Arisa: Pride at Haoman 17, one of the largest clubs in the city. Meanwhile there is also one remarkable not-to-be-missed Saturday after party at the R&B and hip-hop club Lima on Lilienblum Street. If you plan to attend many of the extravagant round-the-clock parties, you can save money by purchasing an inclusive bracelet.

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If you prefer to chill out and enjoy a quieter night, there is a unique opportunity to dive into the LGBT community and appreciate great movies and documentaries at TLVFest, Tel Aviv’s International LGBT Film Festival is a unique annual event taking place each June at the Tel Aviv Cinematheque. Now in its 13th year, the festival coincides with Gay Pride Tel Aviv and takes place between May 31st and June 9th, unveiling a schedule of intriguing and enjoyable movies and documentaries that challenge, inspire and entertain.

British Embassy float of 2017 sponsored by Dan Hotels

We invite you to stay at either of the two Dan Hotels in Tel Aviv to enjoy Gay Pride Tel Aviv. Come and say hello at our float, co-sponsored with the British Embassy. To celebrate this year’s theme – generations – we have helped to create a float celebrating British music icons, who have helped to bring generations together.

And as Tel Aviv comes together to celebrate another remarkable milestone in LGBT history, the Dan Hotels, with its own values of Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Dedication and Excellence, could not be prouder.