Seeking to grab a quick lunch on a Saturday – Shabbat – in Israel, led us into the Arab town of Umm Al Fahm, where we were greeted with unexpected hospitality. Before we went, I didn’t know anything about Umm al Fahm other than that it ‘had a bad press’, and I’m glad I saved … Continue reading Kindness in Umm al Fahm
When Putin decided to invade Ukraine with zero grounds or provocation it was the natural order for the international community to ‘Stand with Ukraine’ and start isolating Russia through sanctions and other measures. People around the world were appalled and they expected to see immediate action taken to defend innocent people. Not all aggressors use … Continue reading Is Israel guilty of apartheid?
It’s hard to live in Jerusalem and not feel like you’re tripping over Herod’s legacy all the time. Over two thousand years after his death, that alone is testimony to the magnitude of the man. So, who was he and what mark did he leave on the Holy Land? Herod was perhaps the original … Continue reading In Herod’s Shadow
Everyone knows the joy of finding a good resting place on a long journey, and so it is also for the millions of birds that stop-off in Israel twice a year on their migration between Europe and Africa. During October, it is estimated that up to 400 species of birds migrate through Israel, totalling between … Continue reading Bird superhighway
I’m often saying to anyone who will listen, that Israel and Palestine contain what feels like a whole continent of different countries, and never was this more the case than on a recent trip to the Northern town of Majdal Shams. Majdal Shams is a small town in the foothills of the Hermon mountain range, … Continue reading Majdal Shams
As the weather starts to cool a little, it's time to start writing the adventure list! Below is my roundup of the best underground adventures, with a cave or experience to suit a range of people from the thrill seeking to the small kids. The Best Cave Ever The Best Cave Ever - Haritoun Cave … Continue reading Going Underground
On a hot summer’s day, the sea started to beckon, and we set off for the picturesque town of Jaffa, that holds a special place in the hearts of many Palestinians. Jaffa is an ancient port town on the Mediterranean coast, that has been inhabited for thousands of years. It features in several Biblical stories … Continue reading Jaffa
It was just after eight on a hot Sunday morning as we pulled out of our driveway and spotted our friend Ahmad who was delivering the daily newspapers. ‘We can’t chat as we have important business at Qasr Al Yahud, we’re baptising our friend’s baby this morning’. ‘Is it being born in the river?’ he … Continue reading The Baptism Site
One of the most surprising things that has happened in Israel over the past few months has been the unrest that has occurred across the country in solidarity with Palestinians living in East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza. Is this tension new or was it there all along? Nourooz lives in the Northern town … Continue reading The girl from Tarshiha
This week looks set to be the week that Benjamin Netanyahu, or Bibi as he is locally known, is finally ousted from his role as the Prime Minister of Israel after 12 years at the helm. Whether you are hearing about this from around the world or live within Jerusalem, it can be difficult to … Continue reading Bye bye Bibi
I went to Haifa hoping that it would be all about the food, and it was, but there was more to be found in this relaxed and artsy city, which left me wondering why I hadn’t visited sooner. After Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, Haifa is Israel’s third largest city. Its large port has given it … Continue reading Haifa
Walking in the Red Canyon felt pretty much like being on Planet Mars. I wouldn’t normally write about hikes in Israel as I regret too much that they aren’t accessible to everyone, but this natural wonder deserves a special mention for its sheer beauty. Israel's border with Egypt The Red Canyon is situated in the … Continue reading Hiking on Mars
East Jerusalem Diaries 