For centuries, pilgrims of several religions have undertaken long and dangerous journeys to the Holy Land for spiritual reasons. It is now possible to visit the modern State of Israel and other parts of traditional Palestine and imbibe both their history and natural beauty in 21st century comfort. A direct flight from New York to Israel takes ten hours or less, and the most up-to-date tourist accommodations are available upon landing with routine advance arrangements.
The History of the Land of IsraelIsrael and the territiories still in dispute with its Arab neighbors are the lands of the Bible. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David tended flocks there. The Twelve Tribes spread over the hills and valleys on their return from Egyptian bondage. King Solomon built a splendid Temple. Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Elijah prophesied. The Maccabees fought the first great fight for religious freedom. Jesus preached and his followers gave the world a faith that won most of the globe.Post-Biblical history saw conquests by Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Crusaders, and Turks. During World War I, the British wrested Palestine from the Ottoman Turkish Empire and subsequently received a League of Nations Mandate to guide it toward self-rule. Jewish and Arab nationalist movements led to a partitioning of the land by the League's successor, the United Nations, in 1947. Two wars have left Israel a powerful state in military control of all the land west of the Jordan River except for the narrow Gaza Strip along the Mediterranean Sea.
Extensive archaeological projects and government-encouraged tourism activities in both Israel and the West Bank have made available to visitors the last remnant of the Jerusalem Temple and the ruins of religious, military, residential, commercial, and agricultural facilities from the Biblical period through the Crusades. Sites identified with the life of Jesus in Bethlehem, Nazareth, Galilee, Jerusalem, and along the Jordan are staples of Christian Bible tours. The signature golden Dome of the Rock dates from the 7th century Arab conquest. The 16th century Old City walls of Jerusalem are from the early Ottoman era. History moves right up to mid-20th century with wrecked armored vehicles along the main road to Jerusalem that symbolize the cost of breaking through an Arab blockade in the 1948 war.
The Holy Land's Natural BeautySnow-capped Mount Hermon on the Lebanon border is the setting for a major winter resort. The hills of Galilee, the Sea of Galilee, and the coastal Grottoes of Rosh Hanikrah are among the natural beauties of the northern part of Israel. At the southern tip, a magnificent aquarium in the scenic harbor of Eilat brings visitors face-to-face with a varied and colorful undersea world.
In between, the stark grandeur of the Negev Desert is highlighted by the "PIllars of Solomon" and the Ramon Crater, the latter containing geological formations unparalleled anywhere in the world. In the Judean Desert, Masada presents a unique combination of natural beauty and historic ruins with a compelling story.
Comfortable and helpful hotels and tour organizations are waiting. Unfortunately, there are also dives and fakes in their business. It would be wise to consult a knowledgeable travel agent to make good choices.
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