Advantages: Wow, I never knew that
Disadvantages: But is it safe?

...After last week’s questionable assassination of admitted murderer Sheik Yassin, it’s nice to remember some of the positive contributions Israel is making to the world – some of them quite remarkable for a country that was established only 55 years ago. Israel has a total population of around six million with Israeli Arabs making up over 25% of that amount. The total area of Israel excluding the occupied territories is just under 21,000 square kilometers. By comparison, Syria is over 180,000 square kilometers and Egypt is over a million square kilometers. Israel has the highest number of university degrees per capita in the world. In 1969, Golda Meir became the world’s second elected female leader. Apart from the US and Canada, Israel has more companies listed on the NASDAQ than any other country. After the bombing of the American... Read review

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Advantages: Easy to get to with a car, wheelchair & buggy accessible
Disadvantages: Gets very busy on festivals and holidays

...Mini Israel is a display of hundreds of scaled down models of buildings throughout Israel. It is easy to walk around the site, even pushing wheelchairs/buggies. The main drawback for tourists, is that if children do not recognise the buildings they are viewing, they get bored quickly. However, when we were there there was also a bouncy castle and various other activities for children which were fun. During the intermediate days of festivals/holidays it gets very busy, and in hot weather it is stifling and difficult to get round the exhibits. It is best to go early in the morning or late at night during these times. It is all open air, although there are some picnic benches with small roofs. Restaurants serve food and going into the restaurants and shops is the only way to spend time inside. In July and August it is open until 10pm... Read review

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Advantages: hot weather
Disadvantages: violence between jews and arabs

...Israel was one of the most popular holiday destinations. But now it has been severely hit by all of the violent clashes between the Israelis and Arabs. There is still a lot to do though in Israel. For example in Jerusalem, both the capital of Israel and the most holy place for many religions. There is the Golden Mosque, the Wailing (Western) Wall and the traditional streets with the markets. There are also many other towns to visit, like Haifa and Tel Aviv. The climate in Israel is very hot. They can go for months upon months without having any rain. Even though it may sound great, it is very important when you are there to drink plenty of water. Sometimes, if you pour some water on the ground, it will take only a matter of seconds for it to totally evaporate. When you get there you will have a great time- but getting there you... Read review

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Advantages:
Disadvantages:

...Nazareth has much history and is another tourist spot for pilgrims. I went there whilst on a tour in Israel, and as a Christian, was interested in where Jesus grew up. However, there is very little to see in the town of Nazareth as people have constantly lived in there. There is however, a huge Catholic Church in the town which has the remains of a house within it - which is suggested to have been the house where Jesus lived. As with many sites in Israel this can not taken too literally as there is no conclusive evidence to say 100% that this is the house. There is another church in Nazareth which owns a small room below the ground which could be the remains of a synagogue and as this is the only remains of a synagogue within Nazareth, which has been found then it seems possible that Jesus would have been there as he spent most of his... Read review

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Advantages: Beatiful
Disadvantages: Dangerous

...Israel is a country at war with its self at the moment, as you all know lots of internal politics involved. Behind this there is such a wonderful country with really nice passionate people. Israelis are genuinely friendly people what ever religion they are, they will help you if they can. On a recent visit an Israeli soldier was most helpful in recommending somewhere to eat and gave concise instructions in near perfect English. Jerusalem is at the centre of Israel and is a wonderful city, surrounded by an ancient wall. There are 4 ways in to old Jerusalem through four gates, which are all worth a visit particularly the Damascus gate overlooking the Church of Gethsemane just outside the city. I have to mention the Wailing Wall where every one comes to pray from tourists to the locals, you are provided with a carpel to cover your... Read review

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Advantages: It's an eye-opener
Disadvantages: It's not very glamorous

...The Eretz (literally meaning "The Land") museum is a monument to the continuing struggle experienced by past and present Israelis in establishing the Promised Land. There are numerous archive photographs, artefacts and displays which capture something of the history of this young country. This is not so much about the ancient history of this land, for that you are better served at the national museum in Jerusalem. For me this was a shame, as the biblical, Roman and medieval stories attached to Israel are numerous. However, in presenting the modern history of the state one can see how a nation forges an identity, and here of all places, incorporates religion and a sense of righteous purpose. Let's not forget that Israel had been a British protectorate (Palestine) for several decades before the 2nd World War, and it was the shake up... Read review

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Advantages: History, beauty, climate
Disadvantages: Fear, political situation, prices

...I spent two weeks in Israel over Christmas and New Year 2004/05. I lost count of the times people thanked me for going there at a time when so many are afraid. There really isn't any need to be afraid. The last suicide bomb attack in Israeli territory was in September, and nearly all cases of violence break out in isolated areas which are easy to avoid as a traveller. A trip to Israel can take in Egypt and Jordan as day trips, although with an Israeli stamp in your passport you will be barred entry from most other Arabic countries. Apparently you can ask immigration officials to not stamp your passport, but I arrived bleary eyed and hungover at 5am and the stamp was dry before I registered that anything had happened. You will more than likely be flying El Al from the UK to Israel. Get to the airport early, be prepared... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Great new translation, interesting art
Disadvantages: Sometimes the art and text don't seem to work well together

...Perhaps the phrase, be careful what you ask for, should have been coined for this early story. In the books of Samuel, the nation of Israel essentially 'comes of age', and enters the arena of other nations by forming a central hierarchical structure. The politics of Israel was interesting at this point. From the time of the Exodus (after Moses and Joshua) to the time of Samuel (some 400+ years later, if the Biblical account of years can be trusted -- the exact meaning of some time phrasings is still in doubt), Israel had no central authority, no hierarchy. The people lived in a mostly agrarian culture, with small farming, flocks and herds as the norm. Cities were rare, and generally despised. For instance, the Philistines and the Egyptians were both known primarily as city-dwellers, and both were considered enemies in many respects... Read review

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Advantages: Diverse and fascinating
Disadvantages: Can be dangerous and very hot in the Summer

...Before my incredible sojourn around Vancouver and Western Canada (see previous opinion), I cut my travelling teeth with a gap year in Israel in 1997. I really knew very little about the country before I left, but in many ways this was a good thing, as I went with no preconceptions or prejudices. I arrived in Tel-Aviv with my backpack, a handful of American Dollars, passport, credit card, toothbrush and very little else. After settling in a cheap hotel I embarked on a mission to discover the local nightlife and returned to my accommodation long after daybreak. However, after three days of partying in Tel-Aviv I decided to venture east to Jerusalem. The Arab centre of Jerusalem is a crazy mix of ethnic lifestyles, religious sanctity and modern commercialism. The sights and sounds are fantastic, but the attitude of the street bazaar... Read review

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Advantages: Sitt and chill out
Disadvantages: Dont get water in your eyes it hurts

...I visited the dead sea about 10 years ago now and still remember it very well. We visited for an afternoon on a trip