Somali Jewish

Israeli Diamond Exchange

somalijewish — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 20:10:24 +0000

TUESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2012

Israeli Diamond Exchange

Did you know that 1 out of every 2 diamonds sold in the US comes from Israel? I was just as surprised as you the first time I learned that Israel was a major shareholder in the world market for the sales and distribution of quality diamonds. However, having lived here for over a year now, I can’t tell you how many people I meet who work in the diamond trade. Located in the heart of Ramat Gan, a small city suburb bordering Tel Aviv, the Israeli Diamond Exchange makes its home in these towering buildings:

What is more is that the Israel Diamond Exchange is considered to be a world leader in the diamond trade, with the largest diamond trading floor of any country on earth. In fact, the Israeli Diamond Exchange is such a modern and exemplative market that even forward-thinking places like New York City have chosen the Israeli market to model their own markets after.

In the Israeli model, you really have a city within a city. You will find four buildings that are connected using a system of bridges. The exchange also includes a synagogue, a doctor, a restaurant and a barber, among others basic necessities so that you never need to leave the complex for anything.

Basically when you walk into the Israeli Diamond Exchange, you have everything you need in one central place. There is an exchange floor for polished and rough diamonds; there are banks working with the diamonds industry; there are tax offices. With approximately 2,800 members cutting, polishing, importing, exporting, trading and selling the diamonds, it’s a very busy place for business. It’s everything a diamond dealer needs in one centralized place.

The diamond industry is predominantly composed of the Jewish ultra-Orthodox community, by way of Antwerp, Belgium where the diamond business really blossomed before Israel even became a state. Over the years as immigrants continued to flood into Israel from Antwerp, the diamond industry in Israel grew from a single diamond polishing plant in Petach Tikvah to a multi-billion dollar business that is here to stay for good.

Today you can buy diamonds and precious stones at wholesale prices for a significant discount at the exchange. My husband can endorse this fact since this is where he purchased both my engagement ring and wedding band. I gave him the Tiffany’s Lucida as a rough guide. Mine came out with a round brilliant instead of a princess cut but the basic shape and style is the same.

I’ve actually never been inside the Diamond Exchange myself, but after reading up on it I’d really like to take a field trip there. Visitors, you might want to save up a little extra cash for your trip and a make a special visit there yourselves. Be sure to bring a native Israeli who can negotiate for you in Hebrew.

Christmas in Israel

somalijewish — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 08:18:22 +0000

Christmas Eve has come and gone and now we’ve arrived at Christmas Day here in Israel. Largely, you won’t see a single memento around town that notifies you that the Christmas holiday is here. Students are at school, employees are at work and there is no holiday break to be had.

However, just minutes away in Bethlehem, you will find quite the opposite scene. It’s Christmas at its epitome. Every year, some 90,000 people travel to Bethlehem locally and from around the world for the Christmas holiday and in particular for the Midnight Mass at the Church of the Nativity. Where can you get a more authentic Christmas experience than right there in Bethlehem?

Unfortunately for holders of Israeli passports, Bethlehem is off limits. It all has to do with the Arab-Israeli conflict. So, looks like I will never get to see Bethlehem in my lifetime. However, the images are worth 1,000 words.

Up north in Nazareth, Israel you will also find a Christmas scene taking place. Nazareth, believed to be the childhood home of Jesus, has more Christians per capita than any other city in Israel. I have been to Nazareth just once before and it was a very enriching cultural experience to see so many important sights in one small city. I can only imagine what it looks like during Christmastime.

I can tell you that during the month of December, the city happenings in Nazareth are geared entirely toward Christmas. Beginning on December 15, 2011 they had the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Mary’s Well Square, right in the center of town.

Following this main event, Nazareth hosted a Christmas Market in town between December 15-18, 2011. This festive market included Christmas carolers, music, food and gifts.

Next, a Christmas Concert hosted jointly by the Israeli Ministry of Tourism and the mayor of Nazareth is put on annually.

Finally, on Christmas Eve you will find a parade taking over the streets of Nazareth with thousands of attendees, followed by fireworks and ending with Midnight Mass in the Basilica of the Annunciation. Today, on Christmas Day, you will find a plethora of different mass services to attend in honor of today’s date.

And so now you know, if you ever find yourself in Israel for Christmas time, there is no shortage of authentic Christmas experiences for you to take part in from perhaps the very places where Christmas allegedly once began. One last option is in the heart of Jerusalem’s Old City in the Christian Quarter where Christmas is celebrated every year in the Christian Quarter at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The options go on and on. After all, Israel is not only a place for Jewish people, it is also home to a handful of other religions all of which have roots of their religion right here in the small borders of Israel. Wherever you are celebrating, I wish to you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Jerusalem Night Run

somalijewish — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 08:13:15 +0000

Last month, the locals of Tel Aviv gathered together on November 1, 2011 for the annual Nike Night Run, a 10 km jog through the cool desert night. Thousands and thousands of people gathered together for this local event. Tonight, on December 12, 2011, nearly six weeks later with temperatures dipping into the 40s at night, it’s Jerusalem’s turn. At 6 p.m., Jerusalem’s local residents and visitors can gather together for the 8 p.m. starting time to the Jerusalem Night Run right here in the holy city.

The 10K, in recent years, has become the pre-race to the Jerusalem Marathon, which is scheduled to take place on March 16, 2012 of the upcoming year. The 2011 Night Run here in Jerusalem will be focused in and around the walls of the Old City. A truly spectacular sight to behold as you are powering through the run. If you haven’t yet signed up, word is that there is no more room for new runners, however, you might try your luck by contacting the event organizer yourselves. Go to the Night Run’s website at this link by clicking here.

And of course, you may always elect to go as a spectator and to take in the run from the sidelines. Whether you’re running or watching, make sure you dress appropriately, because it’s literally almost freezing outside at night. If you’re curious to see the Tel Aviv event, see my previous post at this linkhere. Runners, good luck!

Night Show Spectacular

somalijewish — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 08:09:46 +0000

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2011

Night Show Spectacular

During the day, the Tower of David complex on the edge of Jerusalem’s Old City, is one of the main attractions in town. Constructed over 2,000 years ago by Herod the Great, the Tower of David still remains intact - amazingly - despite the passage of time. Interactive exhibits and a great lookout from the minaret attract hundreds of visitors daily.

But visiting during the day is not the only option at the Tower of David. If you haven’t yet been (or if you happen to be planning a visit to Jerusalem in the near future), then you need to add an item to your list. At night, the Tower of David’s Night Spectacular turns the walls of the Old City into a living piece of history.

Amidst the archaeological remains of the David Citadel and set to the sound of pulsing music, the story of Jerusalem unfolds through breathtaking, larger-than-life virtual reality images. There is no narration, just a few biblical verses spoken in both Hebrew and English. The 45-minute show details vignettes from different periods of history presented with blazing colors and dramatic soundtracks.

In just under an hour, you will experience an endless stream of images that memorialize Jerusalem’s 4,000 year history and while sitting in the very place where many of these historic episodes of history occurred.

You will watch as time periods meld seamlessly into one another. You will see King David playing his harp on the rooftop of the Old City and then there will be the Queen of Sheba visiting King Solomon’s palace. The show will take you to the city’s various churches and monasteries, showing you the people of the time as you pass through each period. Hearing the church bells ring, you will almost feel that you can step right into the churches which are displayed across the wall. Another beautiful scene you will see is Muhammad’s night journey from the Al-Aqsa mosque to heaven.

The Night Show Spectacular in Jerusalem was heralded by the New York Times as one of the “must-see shows of a lifetime”. It is not your typical lights, sound and special effects show. Viewers report being moved to laughter and tears as they watch mystifying, lifelike scenes of beauty unfold before their their eyes and ears against the backdrop of the Old City walls. Quiet a special experience to take part in while on a visit to Jerusalem.

Tickets can be purchased for almost any night of the year, except for Friday nights when the city shuts down for Shabbat, of course. Most nights, in fact, there are two show viewings available. But since it’s almost December, be sure to bundle up! Don’t be deceived by the fact that you are visiting Israel, our nightly temperatures are already dipping into the mid-40s F (or around 10 C). Prices are 45 NIS for regular tickets (the equivalent of about $12 US) and there are special rates for children, students and soldiers. If you are interested in visiting the Tower of David Museum during the daytime, there are special deals available for you. For more information on tickets and showtimes, follow this link.

Be sure to come to see this magical show put together by the Skertzo Group from France, who specialize in technical productions at historic sites. Taking over a year to put together (and reviewing 4,000 years worth of history), the Night Show Spectacular cost over $2.5 million US to put together. It will be a dazzling treat for your senses. Enjoy the above video as a sample of what you might see!

Posted by Erin in Israel at 8:48 AM 1 comments

Email This BlogThis!Share to Twitter Share to Facebook

https://plusone.google.com/_/+1/fastbutton?url=http%3A%2F%2Ferinamsili.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F11%2Fnight-show-spectacular.html&source=blogger&size=medium&count=true&annotation=inline&width=300&hl=en&jsh=m%3B%2F_%2Fapps-static%2F_%2Fjs%2Fwidget%2F__features__%2Frt%3Dj%2Fver%3DO0oSXvPL694.no.%2Fsv%3D1%2Fam%3D!itqi7GDL5S6I4GqN1g%2Fd%3D1%2F#id=I1_1324799791615&parent=http%3A%2F%2Ferinamsili.blogspot.com&rpctoken=315527296&_methods=onPlusOne%2C_ready%2C_close%2C_open%2C_resizeMe

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2011

Tel Aviv Museum of Art

On November 2, 2011, the Tel Aviv Museum of Art opened up its highly anticipated New Museum Wing after nearly a decade in the making. Situated on an historic piece of property that used to be the original home of Tel Aviv’s first mayor, Meir Dizengoff, the Tel Aviv Museum of Art’s new addition was named the “Herta and Paul Amir Building”.

Designed by Cambridge, Massachusetts based architect Preston Scott Cohen, the new wing is a unique and original shape that some believe resembles an elongated, white Rubik’s Cube. Its modern and chic style is a truly remarkable and bold statement in the Israeli art scene. Due in part to its unveiling, the city of Tel Aviv has declared that 2012 shall be “Art Year”.

Over the last few years, nearly $55 million has been poured into the creation of this new wing which was built upon a triangular footprint of approximately 4,500 square meters. The building combines Tel Aviv’s existing Modernism and turns it into a contemporary and progressive architectural masterpiece.

It is definitely noticeable. It’s white, it’s bright and it gives the area a gleaming piece of architecture for visitors and locals to admire when entering the Tel Aviv suburb where it is located.

The structure was built with 465 pieces of flat, interlocking, precast concrete panels of all different shapes and sizes. With three floors above ground, it also extends two floors below the ground.

Atop the masterpiece is an 87-foot high atrium which casts light at all different angles down into the world’s largest collection of Israeli art. Fittingly named, the architectural exhibition is called “Lightfall”. The twisting surfaces of the interior are just as beautiful as the artwork they showcase. Currently, the artwork on display includes the Israeli Architecture Archive as well as a new selection of visual arts and photography.

The Tel Aviv Museum of Art welcomes more than 500,000 visitors every year. People come from all around the world to experience the impressive display of permanent collections and temporary exhibitions in a wide variety of artistic mediums – painting, sculpture, prints, drawings, photography, video, architecture and design. The museum also has an impressive sculpture garden as well as a youth wing for the little ones. The new wing is definitely worth a visit and will continue to be a staple of Tel Aviv’s ever-changing skyline. Visit the museum’s website at this link. Or, make your way in person to 27 Shaul Hamelech Blvd. in north Tel Aviv to see the highly anticipated masterpiece in person.

Posted by Erin in Israel at 8:00 AM 2 comments

Email This BlogThis!Share to Twitter Share to Facebook

https://plusone.google.com/_/+1/fastbutton?url=http%3A%2F%2Ferinamsili.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F11%2Ftel-aviv-museum-of-art.html&source=blogger&size=medium&count=true&annotation=inline&width=300&hl=en&jsh=m%3B%2F_%2Fapps-static%2F_%2Fjs%2Fwidget%2F__features__%2Frt%3Dj%2Fver%3DO0oSXvPL694.no.%2Fsv%3D1%2Fam%3D!itqi7GDL5S6I4GqN1g%2Fd%3D1%2F#id=I2_1324799791635&parent=http%3A%2F%2Ferinamsili.blogspot.com&rpctoken=390535340&_methods=onPlusOne%2C_ready%2C_close%2C_open%2C_resizeMe

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

Malcha Mall Events

Malcha Mall is surely Jerusalem’s largest and most popular shopping center. Seen in the picture below, Malcha Mall is a three-story facility which even houses a Zara and an H & M. We’re pretty happy about that.

Malcha proves to always be busy, no matter when you make a visit there. You sort of have to push your way through the crowds, especially on a Friday, just to make it to your store. Despite this, it’s the biggest mall we have in Jerusalem so if you need to visit a central mall, this is the one you will visit.

Malcha is also home to several events and promotions through the year. For instance, over the summer they hosted an outdoor “beach” party with sand, umbrellas, music and drinks. This week, there has been an ongoing TLC Fair, with special sales of all kinds of pampering products. Handmade soaps, feng-shui items, cozy winter selections and massage products; you name it, you will find it. In addition to the special TLC selections, there is a great deal where you are able to select a special quality gift item for just 10 NIS after spending 299 NIS in the Malcha Mall during the TLC Fair’s dates from November 20-24.

So if you haven’t yet been, GO! Additionally, every Friday, the Malcha Mall becomes the grounds for the weekly Culinary Fair. I happened upon this fair by accident one week and was so excited to see a delicious array of foreign and quality foods throughout the Mall. I was most excited about my run-in with the potsticker dumpling stand, a delicious delicacy that not only happens to be one of my favorite foods, but also, something that is fairly hard to come by in Israel. You will have better luck in Tel Aviv (as opposed to Jerusalem) for a wider selections of foods. In Jerusalem, you will be a bit limited by the plethora of Kosher restaurants in addition to the division of dairy restaurants, of which there are many, separate from the meat restaurants, of which there are few.

Chocolate stands, fresh bread, dessert displays, you will find it all at the weekly Culinary Fair. It’s sort of like an indoor Farmer’s Market. If you find yourself in Jerusalem on a Friday, perhaps stop by Malcha Mall for a delicious host of culinary treats. Or, better yet, you can visit Zara, one of Israel’s preferred shopping stores — and the only one you will find in Jerusalem. Shabbat Shalom and have a restful weekend!

Posted by Erin in Israel at 8:00 AM 1 comments

Email This BlogThis!Share to Twitter Share to Facebook

https://plusone.google.com/_/+1/fastbutton?url=http%3A%2F%2Ferinamsili.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F11%2Fmalcha-mall-events.html&source=blogger&size=medium&count=true&annotation=inline&width=300&hl=en&jsh=m%3B%2F_%2Fapps-static%2F_%2Fjs%2Fwidget%2F__features__%2Frt%3Dj%2Fver%3DO0oSXvPL694.no.%2Fsv%3D1%2Fam%3D!itqi7GDL5S6I4GqN1g%2Fd%3D1%2F#id=I3_1324799791642&parent=http%3A%2F%2Ferinamsili.blogspot.com&rpctoken=312290824&_methods=onPlusOne%2C_ready%2C_close%2C_open%2C_resizeMe

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2011

Kikar Hamedina

After multiple shopping trips with girlfriends here in Israel, I can assuredly say that the Israeli fashion scene hasn’t been all that inspiring (sorry, Israel…). However, with the holidays coming up (well, the holidays are coming up in the US starting with the Black Friday rampage), I got to thinking that I have never introduced to the blogging world Kikar Hamedina. There is hope yet for the shopping elite. Kikar Hadmedina is Israel’s “Rodeo Drive” so to say. The poshest, fanciest stores in all of Israel can be found here around the broad circle you see below in this image of Tel Aviv from the air.

Though from the above image, it might look like that circle is lined with apartment complexes, I can assure you that there is more than meet’s the eye. Kikar Hamedina is the place in Tel Aviv to buy fashion items from the world’s top designers. The clientele will be of the wealthier crowd.

You will find labels such as Gucci, Yves Saint Lauren, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Versace, Chanel and the like. Some of Israel’s trendiest designers make their home in Kikar Hamedina, along with high-end jewelry stores and unique boutiques. You will be hard-pressed not to find something stylish and fashionable on a shopping excursion to Kikar Hamedina.

There are a few bakeries and cafes situated throughout the circle, so keep your eye out for a trendy spot to stop and dine while you watch the shoppers and visiting businessmen stroll by.

So, if you’re in a crunch to find a fashionable item for an upcoming event (and your budget allows you) then make your way to Kikar Hamedina and you will likely be able to satisfy your shopping fix.

Centrally located in the north of Tel Aviv, just a few minutes away by foot is the Tel Aviv Museum of Art. Check back in soon for an update about this museum which just so happens to be the central art museum of Israel. Happy shopping!

Posted by Erin in Israel at 3:15 PM 1 comments

Email This BlogThis!Share to Twitter Share to Facebook

https://plusone.google.com/_/+1/fastbutton?url=http%3A%2F%2Ferinamsili.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F11%2Fkikar-hamedina.html&source=blogger&size=medium&count=true&annotation=inline&width=300&hl=en&jsh=m%3B%2F_%2Fapps-static%2F_%2Fjs%2Fwidget%2F__features__%2Frt%3Dj%2Fver%3DO0oSXvPL694.no.%2Fsv%3D1%2Fam%3D!itqi7GDL5S6I4GqN1g%2Fd%3D1%2F#id=I4_1324799791650&parent=http%3A%2F%2Ferinamsili.blogspot.com&rpctoken=996058666&_methods=onPlusOne%2C_ready%2C_close%2C_open%2C_resizeMe

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2011

Thanksgiving in Israel

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays of the year. There is something so special about the traditions, the gathering of friends and family, the fall decor, the autumn scents and the delicious spreads that fill your table annually. I am about to celebrate my second Thanksgiving while living abroad in Israel; however, I will not be alone in doing so. Hundreds of thousands of fellow Americans have chosen to make their home in Israel too, and every year, it is possible to find somewhere in Israel to celebrate this most beloved holiday with your fellow expatriates. Here’s your 411 on some of this year’s Thanksgiving happenings in the holy land:

Option 1: Nefesh B’Nefesh’s Annual Thanksgiving Dinner

Nefesh B’Nefesh will be hosting their annual Thanksgiving event in Tel Aviv on Thursday, November 24, 2011 at the Basel Hotel at 156 Hayarkon Street, between Gordon and Ben Gurion Streets. The feast will include a 3-course meal with all the trimmings, drinks, wine and entertainment. The dinner will take place between 7:30 pm and 11:00 pm, with a pre-registration fee of 90 NIS. If you pay at the door, it’s not only 120 NIS, but also, there’s a chance there might not be room available. So book early! This Thanksgiving meal attracts singles and young couples in their 20s and 30s mostly. See more information here.

Option 2: Association of Americans and Canadians in Israel’s Annual Thanksgiving Celebration

Another popular choice is the AACI’s annual Thanksgiving celebration, which takes place at 6:30 pm in Jerusalem at the Dr. Max & Gianna Glassman Family Center. For AACI members, the cost is 135 NIS and for nonmembers the cost is 160 NIS. Children under 12 are half-price and children under 2 are free. This event attracts local families, so bring your spouses, children and grandparents for a beautiful gathering. For more information about the AACI Thanksgiving Dinner, click here.

Option 3: Hebrew University’s Hillel Thanksgiving Event

If you went to school on any U.S. college campus, you likely had a Hillel organization providing social activities to the Jewish population. The same is true here in Israel, and so, the Hebrew University’s Hillel organization also hosts a special event each year for the Thanksgiving holiday, among many other holidays as well. Last year, my husband and I chose to attend this event which was a fun night with lots and lots of food and entertainment, taking place at the Park Hotel in Jerusalem. Attracting mostly university and graduate students, the Hillel Thanksgiving Dinner came at a reduced price of only 40 NIS per guest. If you are in your 20s and living in Jerusalem, I would recommending going to this great Thanksgiving celebration. For more details on this year’s Thanksgiving Dinner, check out Hebrew University’s Hillel websitehere.

Option 4: Jerusalem’s Inbal Hotel Thanksgiving Dinner

I have heard that the Inbal Hotel, one of Jerusalem’s finest, is also an annual host to a delicious Thanksgiving meal. Since there are so many American guests who frequent this hotel, which is a beautiful one even by American standards, it is an obvious choice for a Thanksgiving meal. The price tag, however, is hefty. For more information on the Thanksgiving Dinner available at the Inbal Hotel, please see their website here.

Option 5: Jerusalem’s American Colony Hotel Thanksgiving Dinner

Another hotel option in Jerusalem is the American Colony Hotel where they host an annual Thanksgiving meal. This year, the American Colony Hotel will begin their Thanksgiving celebration at 7:00 pm on Thursday, November 24, 2011 with a delicious buffet spread. Salads, pumpkin and chestnut soup, traditional turkey stuffing, a spread of meats and vegetables as well as pumpkin pie and delectable desserts will dot the Thanksgiving buffet table. The price tag for this meal is hefty at $75 US, but it’s allegedly mouth-watering. For information about the American Colony Hotel, visit their website here. For Thanksgiving specific information, please see this link here.

Option 6: Mike’s Place Tel Aviv and Jerusalem

One of the hipper options in town in either Tel Aviv or Jerusalem is at Mike’s Place, a popular American bar that attracts, as you guessed, a largely American crowd all throughout the year. As per their annual tradition, Mike’s Place will be offering a Thanksgiving meal this year on Thursday, November 24, 2011 beginning at 7:00 p.m. Dinner will include tomato soup, roasted turkey, sweet potato yams, roasted potatoes, corn on the cob, stuffing, cranberry sauce, cornbread, green beans, wine, soft drinks and apple pie for dessert. The three-course meal will cost you 120 NIS each. For more information on the dinner, see this flier here. But the fun does not stop there. After your tummies are full, the partying begins. Mike’s Place will be throwing a bash with tons of giveaways for everyone coming dressed up in the traditional Cowboys & Indian theme. See information on the party here. If you’re looking for a good time on Thanksgiving, Mike’s Place is the place to be.

Option 7: Tel Aviv’s Beit Heseg Thanksgiving Dinner

Last but not least, every year the Heseg House in Tel Aviv throws a Thanksgiving Dinner for lone soldiers, who are Israeli soldiers who have moved to Israel from abroad and are completing their service military service here in Israel. My husband was one of those soldiers between November 2003 and November 2006, albeit from Colombia. Not only would you be able to eat and mingle with the lone soldiers at this beautiful mansion on Thanksgiving, but also, your attendance will cost you nothing. Entrance to the Beit Heseg Thanksgiving Dinner is free. You just need to sign up in advance to ensure you will have a spot. The fun will begin at 7:00 pm at the Beit Heseg Mansion at Rothschild 46 in Tel Aviv. This is the same place that issued my husband his academic scholarship over the last three years, so we’ve been there many times and it’s a beautiful place. For more information, see here.

And the options do not stop there. If you search local hotels in your specific city, whether you are in Haifa, Tel Aviv or Eilat, I am sure there are at least a handful of hotels in each city as well as university run programs offering a Thanksgiving meal next Thursday. Here in this blog I have highlighted just a few of the more popular options that I have been aware of in the Jerusalem and Tel Aviv area. If you know of any more, please feel free to comment on this blog post. Wherever you choose to enjoy your Thanksgiving this year, I wish you a happy holiday in the company of good people and even better food. In the spirit of the holiday, let’s not forget to give thanks for everything we’re thankful for this year!

Jerusalem’s Old Train Station

somalijewish — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 16:59:38 +0000

For many years, beginning in 1892, there was a train line going from Jaffa Port in Tel Aviv all the way to the heart of Jerusalem, an 86 kilometer ride. The last stop on this line was located on what is now Jerusalem’s “cultural mile”, just behind trendy Emek Refaim, also called the German Colony. The train service was carried out pretty much daily until 1948 when the Arab-Israeli war caused a break in the train’s service due to the train passing through newly acquired Arab territory. Though service eventually picked up the following year, the amount of travelers on the line decreased. And eventually, the line had its final voyage back in 1998, closing up shop afterward.

In Tel Aviv, the train station has already been preserved and remodeled into a popular entertainment area, however, Jerusalem’s renovations are still currently under way. Nonetheless, the stretch of covered train tracks that sit perched behind Emek Refaim have become a popular walkway, a stroller’s haven and a dog’s best friend.

Along the way, between Bethlehem Road and Hebron Road, you will find small parks situated to the sides of the track.

It’s always great to find places to walk in Jerusalem, where you won’t have to bump into the mass of locals and tourists, and where you won’t have to elbow your way through the crowds. The Old Train Station tracks in Jerusalem are a great addition to the German Colony neighborhood and it makes you feel like you’ve got to go out and get a dog now that you have someone to walk him/her:

There are also some beautiful homes located right along the tracks. The German Colony is known for its Western style homes and modern amenities.

Though there’s still more to be done in the remodeling process, the revisions already under way have left behind a beautiful mile long walkway for locals to enjoy. You would never know you were in Israel, or in Jerusalem, if you saw images of this neighborhood below.

Meet up with a friend, go for a quick stroll and then veer through a side street over to Emek Refaim for a coffee break.

You can approach the railway tracks entrance either from one end across from Liberty Bell Park (a popular stop on many bus lines) or from the other end at the juncture between Emek Refaim and Baka (directly off of Pierre Konig Street). Basically, if you’re anywhere in the German Colony, you can find it easily by walking a block through the side streets to the outdoor walkway.

I’d been living in Israel for over a year before I discovered these tracks and I wish I’d discovered it sooner. Take a stroll there this week in the fresh, outdoor air if you haven’t done so already!

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2011Tel Aviv University Thursdays

Looking for something to do on your Thursday evenings? If so, Tel Aviv University has just the thing for you. An event series called Thursdays on Campus is being hosted on the grounds of Tel Aviv University on Thursday evenings. Every Thursday, between the hours of 6 p.m. and 11 p.m., a host of events will be offered on campus ranging from university lectures, traveling exhibitions, film screenings, live performances, concerts and even a farmer’s market. It’s just the thing to satisfy your cultural sweet tooth. Here’s a few pictures of the central university located in the heart of Tel Aviv’s upscale Ramat Aviv neighborhood:

You can check out the weekly schedule for yourself by visiting the Thursdays on Campus website at this link, click here. From the looks of it, the calendar is updated weekly, so be sure to check back in from week to week view the current happenings. On the agenda for the week is the a Coen Brothers’ film screening, an exhibit about Jewish mathematicians at the Diaspora Museum, a post-punk band performance which will take place in the university’s central square and a pair of lectures on the topics of work organizations and conflict resolution, respectively.

If any of those things sound like your cup of tea, then get yourself over there for some free entertainment and cultural stimulation. And be sure to check in next week to see the updated activities for the upcoming week.

In addition to lectures, music, movies and exhibitions, Thursdays on Campus also offers occasionally farmer’s markets and flea markets. Who doesn’t love a good open air market? There’s a little something for everyone. I can tell you that next time a market is offered, I’ll do my best to be there. There’s a little something for everyone and it’s free of charge, so why not go?

Erin’s Adventures in Israel

somalijewish — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 16:53:42 +0000

Apple in Israel

No, I’m not referring to my young sister, who I’ve affectionately nicknamed ‘Apple’ ever since we were kids (even pre-Gwyneth days). I am talking about the news that has been all over Israeli newspapers this week and that the fact that Apple, the Silicon Valley technology giant built by Steve Jobs, is making its way to Israel.

View of Haifa from atop Baha’i Gardens

Apple, a US-born institution, is planning on opening up its first development center outside the United States right here in Israel. I’ve mentioned before how Israel is really the up-and-coming Silicon Valley of the world, and this proves my case in point. Allegedly, the new research and development home will be situated somewhere in Haifa, where many other high-tech companies have also made a home for themselves.

Apple Headquarters in Cupertino, California

Technion Campus in Haifa, Israel

My husband, who spent the current week up in Haifa working out of the Intel office up there, was excited to learn that Apple employees were on site visiting the Intel grounds and neighboring research circles to examine a nice new home for the Apple research and development headquarters. Apple is showing interest in that location due to its proximity to the Technion, one of the world’s leading institutions of technology, as well as the slew of global technology levithans who have made the area home in recent years, including Microsoft, Google, Yahoo and Qualcomm.

According to recent news, the new Apple center will focus on developing flash storage technologies for the company’s cellular and iPad devices as well as the A5 CPUs (I have no idea what this is either, it’s all computer talk to me).

I can’t help but wonder how Steve Jobs would feel about this move, having recently passed away. At this point, it is not clear whether or not he was involved in this decision to move Apple outside of the US for the first time, or whether this is a brand new development post-Steve Jobs. Regardless, the people of Israel, who are mighty tech-savvy, could not be more excited.

Erin’s Adventures in Israel

somalijewish — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 16:21:07 +0000

Well ladies and gentlemen, it’s that time of year once again. It’s hard to believe that I’m spending my second Hanukkah here in Israel. It seems like it was just yesterday that I was celebrating a Hanukkah getaway with my husband at the Dead Sea and witnessing the celebrations of Hanukkah at Jerusalem’s Jaffa Gate throughout the eight nights.

Everywhere you go, you can see here in Israel signs that Hanukkah is about to begin. Decorations in the stores, jelly doughnuts in every bakery and menorahs for sale at every turn. Tonight, December 20, 2011 marks the first of our eight nights of Hanukkah. Just like last year, you can head over to Jaffa Gate where the majority of Jerusalem residents will gather nightly to watch the menorah lighting ceremony and to participate in some outrageously festive song and dance.

Be sure to try out some typical Hanukkah food as well, including an assortment of jelly doughnuts (called sufganiyot) and of course, latkes (fried potato pancakes) and applesauce.

Jerusalem in particular is known to be a great place to spend Hanukkah. Here in the holy city you can opt to take a menorah walk, which is a special tour through some of Jerusalem’s more religious neighborhoods where residents will leave their lit menorahs for you to view in their windows. Imagine an entire neighborhood filled with dazzling menorahs in the windows. Only here in Israel will you see something like this.

Kids love this holiday too because not only do they get gifts for eight nights in a row, but also, they get to play the dreidel game. Wondering what’s at stake? Loads and loads of chocolate gelt.

And all the typical Hanukkah songs can be heard around town, in stores and being sung at nighttime during public Hanukkah celebrations like the one below at the Kotel.

No matter where you are in the world, I hope you are doing something special to celebrate our annual holiday. To all, Happy Hanukkah!

We are the World – Pavarotti and Friends

somalijewish — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 21:10:23 +0000

One of the live concerts with Pavarotti and famous singers. Laura Pausini, Mariah Carey, Ricky Martin, Lionel Richie, Gloria Estefan, etc. in this video singing we are the world. Awesome. Check out Laura Pausini’s part…very passionate.

Voices of Tolerance in Israel

somalijewish — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 23:34:21 +0000

What is Israel about? “Israel is the one place everyone thinks they know something about, but then they find out they have a lot of things to learn about it”

Israeli Jews, Muslims, Christians and a Darfur refugee refute claims of racism in Israel, demonstrating the tolerance that characterizes the multicultural Israeli society.

*Fixed soundtrack* clip was uploaded to this channel in the past – this version includes an improved soundtrack for it.

Video: Israel wave your flag

somalijewish — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 06:19:01 +0000

Israel’s 63rd Independence Day is being observed here on Monday night and Tuesday (postponed from Sunday night and Monday so that Memorial Day can be Monday and not involve desecration of the Sabbath to set up on Saturday night). So the videos are starting to come. This one is called Israel wave your flag and it’s from Aish.com.