The Wonders Of Israel

1) The Kotel (Western Wall)

The Kotel is part of the remains of the second temple in Jerusalem. Jews from all over the world go to the Kotel and post messages of their hopes and prayers, which the place in cracks in the wall. The Kotel bares significance to many Jews; some may say it’s the most spiritual place in the world.

One of my most memorable moments in Israel is having Friday night dinner, facing the Kotel. This moment was so special, because it was my first time in Israel, and I was able to watch thousands of Jews from all walks of life come together to celebrate the Sabbath. This was the first time that I felt spiritually connected to Israel, and it made me feel proud to be part of such an amazing community.

2) Tsfat

Tsfat is considered as one of the “4 holiest cities” in Israel. Tsfat is a picturesque neighborhood of narrow alleys and cobblestone streets where synagogues dating from the 16th century are still in use, sheltering the prayer, Torah study and Shabbat celebrations of many Jews. These streets clinging to the side of the mountain, connected by stone staircases and navigable only by foot possess a serene quality rarely found in today's world.

For me visiting the city of Tsfat was a magical experience! I felt like I had been transported back into Israel’s history. Tsfat is truly a city of mysticism! There is a candle shop in Tsfat which is UNREAL!!! They have candles shaped like super heroes, Noah’s Ark and other innovative creations. If you ever get the chance to visit this amazing city I recommend you pay it a visit.

3) The Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth, and the largest Natural Spa in the world!

Visiting the Dead Sea for me was a very surreal experience! The fact that you are floating in the middle of an ocean is very strange, but very cool! The Dead Sea does absolute wonders for the skin! I don’t think my skin has ever been so smooth!

4) Eilat

Eilat is Israel’s southernmost city in the southern district of Israel. Eilat holds various attractions, such as the Coral World Underwater Observatory, the Coral Reserve which is the most northerly coral reef in the world, "What's Up" The Observatory in Eilat, an IMAX theatre and scuba diving at Dolphin Reef. Many Israelis and tourists come to Eilat to relax.

I really enjoyed my time in Eilat. I can definitely admit that Eilat has to be one of Israel’s most popular tourist destinations. I particularly enjoyed scuba diving at Dolphin Reef, and visiting Eilat’s amazing market!

5) Yad Vashem

Yad Vashem is Israel's official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust established in 1953 through the Memorial Law passed by the Knesset, Israel's parliament. The origin of the name is from a Biblical verse: "And to them will I give in my house and within my walls a memorial and a name … that shall not be cut off." (Isaiah, chapter 56, verse 5) In Hebrew, "a memorial and a name" translates as yad va-shem. A literal translation would be "hand and name." Located in Jerusalem, it consists of a memorial chamber, a historical museum, an art gallery, a Hall of Names, an archive, the "Valley of the Destroyed Communities", and an educational centre. As well, non-Jews who saved Jews during the Holocaust, often at great personal risk, are honored by Yad Vashem as the "Righteous Among the Nations".

For me, my first visit to Yad Vashem was one of the most moving experiences of my life. It really does hit you the fact that six million Jews perished due to one megalomaniac leader. One particular feature of Yad Vashem, which really hit home was the Hall of Mirrors; a memorial to the one and a half million children who perished in the Holocaust. I believe that places like Yad Vashem are so important because they help to ensure that the atrocities of the Holocaust are never forgotten. Never Again!