Haifa - Virtual Israel Tour

If someone asks you to name a beautiful cosmopolitan city on a hill with a spectacular view of the water, you'll probably say San Francisco. After you've been to Israel, however, your answer may change. One of the many jewels of Israel is the city of Haifa, a clean and green city that stretches from the shores of the Mediterranean up the slope of Mt. Carmel and is topped off by the high-rise University of Haifa. This is the site of Israel's major port, the place where both people and goods enter the country.

History

Although it does not appear in the Bible, Haifa is mentioned in Talmudic literature as a well-established Jewish community. Across from the National Maritime Museum on Allenby Road are steps to Elijah’s Cave. According to a Byzantine tradition, this is where Elijah the Prophet hid to escape the wrath of King Ahab. The site is revered by Christians and Muslims, as well as Jews. The first Sunday after Tisha B'Av, Oriental Jews recite Isaiah 40 and ask the prophet to bless their children, cure their illnesses and better their lives.

Relics found within the city limits date from the Stone Age to the Ottoman period. During the Middle Ages, the Jewish settlement in Haifa grew into a shipping center. In 1099, the city was conquered by the Crusaders, who slaughtered all the Jewish inhabitants. The Carmelite Order was established in 1156 over Elijah’s Cave. In 1265, Haifa fell to the Mamlukes, and in 1750 was captured by the Bedouin, Dahar al-Omar, who destroyed, then rebuilt and fortified it. From 1775 until World War I, Haifa was under Turkish control with two interruptions — in 1799, it was conquered by Napoleon and, from 1831-1840, it was under Egyptian rule. In the case of Napoleon, when he retreated from Palestine, he left his wounded soldiers at the Carmelites' hospital at Stella Maris. As soon as the emperor was gone, the local Muslims murdered the Frenchmen he'd left behind.

Early in the 19th century, Jews from North Africa settled in Haifa. In 1868, German Templars established Haifa's German Colony and in 1879 European Jews settled in the city.

In 1905, a railroad was built from Constantinople to the Muslim shrines of Mecca and Medina in Arabia. The railway passed through Damascus and had a spur that connected with Haifa. That line is long dormant. Today, one of the few places Israelis travel by train is between Tel Aviv and Haifa.

In 1918, Haifa was taken from the Turks by the British. During the Mandate period, it was the scene of many dramatic confrontations between the British who sought to keep Jews from entering Palestine and the clandestine efforts of the Haganah to smuggle in immigrants and the survivors of the Holocaust. One of the ships used to run the British blockade, an old American tank-landing craft called the Af-Al-Pi-Chen is in the Clandestine Immigration and Maritime Museum.

The large Arab population had relatively good relations with the Jews, even during the British Mandate. After partition, however, a number of violent incidents created tensions, and the Arab decision to prevent the establishment of a Jewish state by force led to the evacuation of much of the Arab population in April 1948 when the Haganah took over the city.

Modern Haifa

The city is divided into four main areas. At sea level, you'll find the bay and port, beaches, some residential neighborhoods and one of the main centers of Israeli industry. Major products produced in Haifa include cement, chemicals, electronic equipment, glass, steel and textiles. Haifa is also where Israeli oil is refined.

As you make your way up the hill, you'll enter Hadar Hacarmel, the commercial center of the city and the home of some of the older neighborhoods. This is the location of City Hall and the old campus of the Technion, sometimes referred to as the MIT of Israel (or is MIT the Technion of the U.S.?). The Technion was founded in 1912, but didn't open for another 12 years because of the onset of World War I and an internal dispute over whether the school should teach in German, the native language of many of the scientists, or in newly revived Hebrew.

Higher still is the Mt. Carmel area, which has newer residential neighborhoods and is where you'll find most of the entertainment, cultural and tourist activities. A bit off the beaten path, beyond the commercial and residential section of the city is the University of Haifa.

You can walk around Haifa, and it's beautiful, but if you plan to move from area to area, consider public transportation, especially the cable car (Carmelit), since the hills can wear you out. If you prefer to walk, take the "path of the thousand stairs" that starts from the scenic lookout on Yefe Nof Street (Panorama) in Central Carmel and leads down the mountain past the Baha'i Shrine and the German Colony and ends downtown.

Israel Fact

The road running past the Baha'i Shrine to the top of Mt. Carmel is known as Sedorot Hatziyonut, Zionism Blvd. Originally the street was named U.N. Blvd. in honor of the international body's role in the creation of Israel. After the UN adopted its infamous resolution equating Zionism with racism in 1975 (which was revoked in 1991), the name was changed.

On Mt. Carmel, don't miss Panorama Road and its spectacular view of the sea. If you're in the neighborhood, why not stop by the USO office around the corner from the Dan Panorama Hotel. It's run by a one-woman whirlwind named Gila Gerzon, who has been helping U.S. sailors feel at home and giving them a taste of Israel since 1980. The U.S. Sixth Fleet and other naval vessels frequently come through Haifa, which is one of the sailors' favorite ports of call.

An Island of Tolerance

Haifa is the third largest city in Israel, with a population of approximately 250,000, and perhaps its most progressive. It has always had a large Arab population and, today, Haifa is one of the few places in Israel where Jews and Arabs are in regular contact and make genuine efforts to promote coexistence. Beit Hagefen is one of the organizations that runs programs in the city for Jews and Arabs.

Other minorities have also found Haifa a comfortable place to live. In fact, it is the world headquarters for the Baha’i faith, whose spectacular golden-domed shrine of the Bab is one of the city's landmarks. The shrine, along with the fabulous gardens at the center, make the center a popular tourist attraction.

Haifa is a blue-collar town -- it is the place where the Histadrut was founded in 1920 -- that also has a reputation for having a more pluralist approach to Judaism. It is the only city in Israel where the buses run on Shabbat and where many businesses stay open. This has enhanced the city’s image as a good party town. Moreover, the city is a cultural mecca with its own symphony orchestra, theaters, museums and a zoo.



Jewish Virtual Library

Israel - The World's Largest Underground Hospital

JERUSALEM, Oct. 17 -- Israel's Rambam medical center in Haifa is digging in as part of a massive project to fortify the center against what officials hope the emergency facility will never have to endure, a direct conventional, chemical, or biological attack.

The 1,000-bed hospital came under several Katyusha rocket attacks by Hezbollah in Lebanon during Israel's month-long war against the organization in the summer of 2006, and the hospital management admit that they weren't prepared.

"This is not something we took into account. In fact, the hospital itself could be vulnerable... that we were saving lives on the one hand, but at the same time, were vulnerable to loss of life because of deadly missile attacks," said Professor Karl Skorecki, who directs medical and research development at the center, according to a statement sent to Xinhua.

Rambam is the country's largest and most comprehensive center of its kind in the north, and serves some 75,000 people annually, and a half a million more as outpatients, including trauma treatment, oncology, and neurosurgery.

The center, which boasts 45 medical units, nine institutes, six laboratories and 30 administrative and maintenance departments, is also Israeli Army's principal medical facility for the Northern Command.

"For 33 days, it was the major hospital in northern Israel that was, in itself, under attack, having to lead the treatment and therapy for all the casualties of the civilian population around us and at the same time, the casualties of the army that were brought to us from the fierce battles in Lebanon," said Rambam General-Director and Chief Executive Officer Rafael Beyar.

So, in order to plan for the worst-case scenario in the face of increasing missile threats from the north and beyond, the hospital chiefs decided to build what they say will be the world's largest war-hardened underground medical facility.

On Saturday evening, more than 70 workers began to pour some 7, 000 cubic meters of concrete for the slab of what would be Rambam' s protected emergency underground hospital and three-story underground parking lot. The 36-hour concrete pour involved 80 cement mixers, 1,000 rounds of mixing, and four Haifa-area concrete plants to supply raw materials around the clock, according to a hospital statement.

The scope of the pour was so great, according to Rambam Department of Engineering Director Aryeh Berkovitz, that it temporarily monopolized all of the available concrete in central and northern Israel to fill the five-acre, 20-meter deep pit. The construction team is planning another four such deliveries throughout the winter, to fulfill the project's need.

When completed, the three-floor parking lot will serve the center's 1,500 workers, and visitors. But, in wartime or other emergency, officials say that within 48 hours, the parking lot can be switched over to a comprehensive, airtight and fully-stocked 2, 000-bed hospital, snuggled eight meters below sea-level.

The hospital will be able to generate its own power and will have enough stores of medical supplies, oxygen and drinking water for up to three days, according to officials.

Another critical need for the project, due to be completed in 2012, is financing. Hospital officials say they've already raised 350 million U.S. dollars, which they say covers only about half of the required funding.

But despite the funding bottleneck, Beyar is optimistic.

"This is a historic moment, not only for Rambam, but for the entire State of Israel. For a period of two years, we have coped with unexpected, difficult and weighty logistic problems regarding this construction. We overcame the obstacles, and with the help of our friends, donors and Ministry of Health officials, we are on the right path," Beyar said of the project.



by Xinhua

Israel's Tourism - West Galilee

Rosh Hanikra:

"Head of the rock caves"; also transliterated Rosh Haniqra is a dazzlingly white coastal rock cliff formation on the far North Coast of Israel, some 7 km (4.5 miles) north of Akhziv.

Rosh Hanikra is the northernmost point on the Mediterranean shore of Israel, the place where the chalk mountain ridge meets the sea essentially marking the (still hot!) border with Lebanon to the north. Despite its precarious location, visitors are safe (being mostly underground) and are rewarded by the sweet smelling limestone caverns and emerald-blue pools. The immediate coast is studded with inlets, lagoons and small beaches. On a clear day, the city of Haifa can be seen to the south.

See
* A chain of grottoes has been carved out by the power of the waves at the foot of the chalk cliffs - these beautiful grottoes are the main attraction of Rosh Hanikra.

In the grottoes of Rosh Hanikra
* During the Second World War the British dug a railway tunnel 250 meters long and built a bridge, as part of the Haifa - Beirut - Tripoli railway track.



Acre (Akko) - City Guide:

Declared a World Heritage Site in 2001 by UNESCO, the ancient city of Acre (Akko in Hebrew) is one of the most fascinating sites to visit while in Israel. The famous walls of the old city, the port and beaches, the markets and bazaars and the great authentic restaurants are only some of the attractions this city has to offer for a one or two days trip to the northern part of Israel.

Acre had a tremendous importance in ancient times thanks to its strategic location as a port city, and was therefore conquered by many civilizations, including the Christian Crusaders, the Ottomans and even Napoleon Bonaparte for a short period, each of which leaving their mark with some impressive buildings.

The old city of Acre is truly enchanting: the streets and alleys, accompanied by the underground passages and historical monuments, all make a walking tour in Acre a fascinating experience. Along these alleys you’ll find a Christian monastery, a huge mosque, some Turkish baths and many interesting archeological findings and ruins.

Acre is not only interesting for its ruins: the city holds some colorful festivals annually, the most famous of which is the Acre Festival of Alternative Israeli Theater, which has been operating in the city for the last 25 years and has been attracting thousands of visitors.

The open market of Akko is well known throughout Israel. It is a lively market full with activity, on weekends in particular. For hummus lovers, the Akko market is heaven on earth. Take “Saeid”, for instance, probably one of the best hummus places in Israel. Though you may need to wait to get a table, it is certainly worth waiting for. For some fresh fish meals go to the nearby port, where several excellent restaurants are serving their catch of the day.

There are few hotels in Acre to meet the needs of each and every traveler. Most of the hotels in Acre are located next to the beach and have well kept facilities. The “Palm Beac”h is one of the most popular hotels in Acre region. It is a popular four-star hotel, located 2km east of the old city. “Ahuzat Gay” is another nice option, with a luxury feel and great ambience. Located on Moshav Shavei Zion, less than 10km from Acre, it is a great place for a weekend escape. Notice that children under the age of 18 are not allowed. For low budget travelers and backpackers, try “Walied’s Akko Gate Hostel”. Though simple, it is a friendly and inexpensive option, and is located in the middle of the city itself.

Acre offers tourists a unique combination of old and new, East and west, archeological findings next to lively markets and colorful festivals, museums and many churches. Bookmark Acre as one of your stops while visiting the holy land and you won’t be sorry.



Haifa City Guide:

Haifa - Israel's third largest city and northern capital is the heart of it all! Situated in a broad natural bay between the beautiful Mediterranean Sea and the awe - inspiring Carmel mountain, the city's terraced landscape offers a rich variety of breathtaking panoramas, giving the observer the sensation of being on a heavenly peninsula. To the northeast, across the sparkling waters of the harbor sits the medieval walled fortress city of Acre.

Haifa Bahai Temple:
Directly north, if the weather is good, beckon the heights of Rosh Hanikra, the majestic white cliff, checkpoint on the Israel - Lebanon border. Further east towers the snow capped peak of Mount Hermon. Traditional, contemporary, sophisticated, relaxed, Haifa is a winning combination. Theaters, museums, cinemas, elegant hotels, air-conditioned shopping malls, pearly- beaches - we have it all. Haifa is a party for the kids, for the family, for you.

Buy
Haifa's mountainous location makes it quite unfriendly for pedestrian, therefore shopping avenues are rare . The shops that can be found in the city center offer a cheap and essential variety.

On the Other hand, Haifa has a well known reputation in Israel for its wide variety of malls and shopping centers such as the kiryon, kastra center, Kanyon Haifa and 'lev hamifratz'. Grand Kanyon is considered to be the newest and biggest mall, including international brand names such as Armani, Lacoste Benetton and Zara among local brands and a wide food court.

Eat
The city's selection of restaurants includes mostly cheap but tasty falafel counters and Arabic restaurants, located in the port area (lower city). 'hazkenim', 'michel' and 'orion' are some of the authentic and recommended counters. The local Turkish variation of turning kebab, Schwarma, is also very common and can be found in 'hazan' chain and 'jibli'.

Drink
Central Mount Carmel offers a decent selection of mid class restaurants, cafe's and bars, such as Fusion noodle house 'Giraffe', Japanese 'Tatami' and trendy cafe's such as 'Greg' and 'tut'. 'Frangelico' and 'barbarossa' Nipples are consindered to be the most popular bars in the city's chic carmal area while the legendery old fashioned 'Maayan Habira' on the lower part of it city is more popular among adult crowd

Landmarks
* Bahá'í World Centre, on Mount Carmel's northern slope. Comprising the golden-domed Shrine of the Báb, terraced gardens and administrative buildings, the World Centre is the holiest site of pilgrimage for the members of the Bahá'í Faith, as well as the faith's central administrative center. The gardens are stunning and well worth visiting if you are in Haifa. Tours must be booked, although they are free, and are limited (tel. 04-8313131).

* Cave of Elijah - Elijah is considered a prophet by both Judaism and Islam. The Carmelites have a tradition that they were founded by Elijah at this time. According to tradition Elijah lived in a cave on Mt. Carmel during the reign of King Ahab.

* Stella Maris, a French Carmelite church, monastery and hospice. This is the founding place of the Carmelite Order, a religious order of the Roman Catholic Church. Located atop Mount Carmel, there is a hiking trail connecting it to the Cave of Elijah below.

* German Colony - in 1868 members of German Templar Society (not to be confused with the Knights of the Templars) purchased land that was far from the city and set out to build the first planned agricultural community in the Holy Land. Many of the original templar houses have preserved and undergone restoration in the last decade of XX century. Now the main street of the former colony (Ben Gurion Boulevard) is a promenade, with many restaurants and coffee shops. The City History Museum and the local Tourist Board are located here.

* University - located at the top of Carmel, the campus was originally designed by the architect of Brasilia and UN building in New York, Oscar Niemeyer. Newer buildings were added later. The top 30th floor of the Eshkol Tower, provides an incredible view of almost the entire North of Israel. The campus is also a home of Hecht Museum with its rich archeology and art collections.

* Druze Villages - 30min by sherut or longer by bus to the top of Mt. Carmel

Museums and Galleries
* National Maritime Museum, 198 Allenby Street, tel 04-8536622

* Haifa Museum of Art, 26 Shabtai Levi Street, tel 04-8523255 - presents rotating exhibitions of modern art.

* Hecht Museum - University of Haifa campus, tel 04-8257773, fax 04-8240724, email mushecht@research.haifa.ac.il, free admission. Features large archaeological exhibits and an art wing with 19th and 20th century painting and sculpture, including works by Corot, Manet, Monet, Pissarro, Van-Gogh, Soutine and Modigliani.

* Tikotin Museum of Japanese Art, 89 Hanassi Ave., tel. 04-8383554. The museum was founded in the year 1959, at the joint initiative of Felix Tikotin, a known collector of Japanese art. The museum present rotating exhibitions of old and modern Japanese art.

* Haifa Zoo and Botanic Garden, situated in Gan ha-Em in Central Carmel.

Where art and comfort meet. A spectacular boutique hotel planned and designed with the inspiration of art and scenery as an artistic gallery featuring a variety of collections.

The hotel is in a “Bauhaus” building which in Haifa, the gateway to Northern Israel. The focus is on a sense of calm and peaceful serenity, with personal friendly service towards each and every guest 24 hours a day.

Gallery Hotel is located in the heart of Haifa City in Hadar neighborhood, which is an old one. In Hadar there are shopping centers, variety shops and bazaars, pedestrian only Street, colorful market which are within walking distance only a short distant from our hotel. Gallery Hotel is located within walking distance or short time drive from museum centers, Bahai gardens, German Colony and government offices.

Gallery Hotel is in front of the Public Theater and near several fascinating most famous attractions of Haifa City. Its location enables brief visits out of Haifa to all tourism attractions in the North.

The hotel is within a short distance drive of about 5-10 minutes from Haifa port, and about 15 minutes from Haifa airport and 65 minutes from Ben Gurion airport in Tel-Aviv. Estimated walking and driving distances from the hotel are attached by, for your convenience.

Hotel Gallery is rich with relaxing stations and health spa treatments in breathtaking surroundings, The surprising variety, offers our guests a perfect feeling. The Gallery spa center works 24 hours a day and overlooks the amazing blue scene of the deep Mediterranean Sea and seashore of the spectacular Haifa Bay. Enjoy a rich massage menu such as holistic health care treatments, comfortable massages given by professional skilled massage crew.

Also a complimentary gym is open 24 hours a day an a personal trainer can be reserved as well.







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