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Churches in Israel

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Christian Pilgrims have been visiting Israel for centuries. No wonder: the land where Jesus and the disciples lived is filled with historical sites and ancient churches that hold a tremendous importance for Christian believers. Many important churches in Israel are spread throughout the country, and are visited by thousands of believers every year.   The following is a shortlist of some of the most significant churches in Israel:

The Church of the Holy Sepulcher

The Church of the Holy Sepulcher, within the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem, is the first among the Christian shrines. According to Christian belief, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher (refereed to as Golgotha, the Hill of Calvary, by most Christians) is where Jesus was crucified and buried. The resurrection has been celebrated there for many centuries as the most sacred place in all of Christendom.

The Chapel of the Ascension

The Chapel of the Ascension in Jerusalem is believed by Christians to be where Jesus ascended into heaven. It is a holy site for Muslims as well, and serves as a church and a mosque. The first church was built there in 390 AD., the current chapel was built in 1150 AD., and the mosque was added in 1620 AD. It is located just south of the Mount of Olives.

The Church of the Nativity

The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem is one of the most ancient churches in the world, and one of the most important churches in Israel. It was built over the supposed birth place of Jesus, and is considered sacred to Muslims as well.

The Church of the Annunciation

The Church of the Annunciation, sometimes referred to as the Basilica of the Annunciation, is located in Nazareth, where – according to Roman Catholic tradition – Mary was told by Gabriel that she will be the mother of Jesus. The Church of the Annunciation is a pilgrims’ must-see and a tourists’ long time favorite.

Church of St. Gabriel

According to the apocryphal Gospel, the Church of St. Gabriel (St. Mary’s well) is the actual place where Gabriel made the announcement to Mary. It is also located in Nazareth.   The Church of St. Joseph is another main Christian attraction in Nazareth. Known as the supposed location of Joseph’s carpentry shop, the Church of St. Joseph is visited by many believers every year. The lower level contains the Grotto of the Annunciation, believed by many Christians to be the remains of the original childhood home of Mary.

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The Sharks of Hadera: A Rare Sight in Israel's Coastal City

Hadera is a coastal city in Israel known for its beautiful beaches and warm weather. However, in recent years, the city has become famous for a different reason - the sharks that have been spotted off its shores. In the summer of 2020, dozens of sharks were seen swimming close to the shore in Hadera, including the blue shark, sandbar shark, and thresher shark. These sightings caused concern among local authorities, who closed the beaches for several days to ensure the safety of swimmers and surfers. While shark sightings are not uncommon in Israel, they are relatively rare in Hadera. Some experts believe that the increase in shark sightings is due to the overfishing of the Mediterranean Sea, which has caused sharks to venture closer to the shore in search of food. Others suggest that warmer water temperatures caused by climate change may also be a factor. Despite the initial concern, local authorities have since taken measures to ensure the safety of beachgoers while also protecting the sharks. This includes posting warning signs and educating the public on how to react in case of a shark sighting. Overall, the sharks of Hadera have brought attention to the delicate balance between humans and marine life in the Mediterranean Sea. While they may be a rare sight, they serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting the ocean's biodiversity and preserving its fragile ecosystems.

The One Ice Arena - Ice skating - hockey, and a figure skating arena

OneIce Arena is a new ice center, which serves as a public skating facility, an ice hockey arena, and a figure skating arena. The arena is located in the Tnuvot industrial area (10 km east of Netanya near Kfar Yona on the road leading to Highway 6. The center's huge area, including two skating rinks, the central one meets the strict international standards of the skating competitions and of the American hockey league NHL, and next to it is another rink that is used for training. A grandstand was erected in the central court, which can hold about 1500 spectators. The Arena also operates a pizzeria and a cafe, a dedicated store for the sale of skating and hockey equipment, gyms, a training studio and more. The arena, the like of which is not found in Israel, was built according to international standards, where besides the skating rink, it also contains an advanced multimedia system, television broadcasting, dressing rooms for athletes and judges, communication rooms and more. The arena serves as the new home of the Ice Hockey Academy, which has been operating in Israel for over 25 years, which is the largest and most professional school in its field in Israel with approximately 15 branches throughout the country and over 800 active players. The academy operates a regular ice hockey league for six age groups in addition to participating in the Israeli Ice League. Address: 1 Nirim St., Tnuvut. Phone: *8207

10 Family-Friendly Springtime Destinations to Visit in Israel

Spring is a great time for families to visit Israel and explore its many fascinating destinations. With mild weather, colorful landscapes, and numerous cultural and historical events, there's something for everyone. In this article, we'll highlight 10 of the best springtime destinations in Israel that are perfect for families. Jerusalem Old CityJerusalem is a must-see destination for families visiting Israel. During the springtime, the Old City is at its best, with blooming flowers and the scent of fresh herbs filling the air. Take a walk through the narrow streets of the Jewish, Christian, and Muslim quarters and explore the historic sites such as the Western Wall and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Masada National Park Masada is an exciting destination for families, with its ancient fortress and stunning views of the Dead Sea. During the springtime, the weather is perfect for hiking up the Snake Path to the top of the mountain, where you can enjoy breathtaking views. Kids will love exploring the ruins and learning about the history of the fortress. Caesarea National ParkCaesarea is a great destination for families with older kids who are interested in history and archaeology. During the springtime, the city comes to life with a variety of cultural events, including concerts, festivals, and performances. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the impressive Roman amphitheater and the ruins of the ancient city. Mount Carmel National ParkMount Carmel is a beautiful mountain range that offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. During the springtime, the mountain is covered in colorful wildflowers, making it a great destination for families who love nature. You can also visit the nearby Druze village of Daliyat al-Karmel, which offers a unique cultural experience. Tel Aviv-Jaffa Tel Aviv-Jaffa is a fun and vibrant city that is perfect for families with kids of all ages. During the springtime, the city comes alive with cultural events, including music festivals, dance performances, and food markets. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the historic port of Jaffa and the many museums and galleries in the city. Ein Gedi Nature ReserveEin Gedi is a unique desert oasis located near the Dead Sea. During the springtime, the reserve is in full bloom with a variety of desert flowers and plants. Kids will love exploring the natural pools and waterfalls that are fed by the nearby springs. Nazareth Nazareth is a historic city that is known for its religious significance and cultural heritage. During the springtime, the city comes to life with a variety of cultural events, including music and dance performances, food markets, and art exhibits. Kids will love exploring the historic churches and landmarks, including the Basilica of the Annunciation. Rosh Hanikra Rosh Hanikra is a unique natural wonder located on the northern coast of Israel. During the springtime, the sea cliffs and grottos are in full bloom with a variety of wildflowers and plants. Kids will love taking a cable car ride to the bottom of the cliffs and exploring the unique geological formations and caves. Timna Park Timna Park is a fun and unique desert park located in southern Israel. During the springtime, the park is covered in a blanket of colorful wildflowers and plants. Kids will love exploring the unique geological formations, including the famous "Mushroom." Beit She'an National Park Beit She'an is an ancient city that is perfect for families who love history and archaeology. During the springtime, kids will love exploring the impressive Roman ruins and learning about the city's rich history. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the nearby Bet Al

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