Israel 2005 ישראל 5765

About once a year, I travel ten time zones to spend a few weeks in the hospital at Nahariya, Israel. I make rounds with residents, practice my Hebrew, do a little touring, and in general have a great time.

The entrance to the city of Nahariya.

Nahariya is a tourist town Nahariya is a tourist town. Later in the evening, business will improve for this man. Now, he can relax.

The Ga’aton is a canal that runs through the main street The Ga-aton – a canal that runs through the main street of Nahariya The Ga’aton is a canal that runs through the main street and occasionally floods with winter rains.

Once a year is the Hebrew Book Week. Little stands sprout up all over. This is the week of the Hebrew book. Little stands with books at a discount sprout up all over. Once a year is the Hebrew Book Week. Little stands sprout up all over.

If flags are a measure of patriotism, then Israel is an unusually patriotic country.

The withdrawal from Gaza arouses much interest. This sign says “Jews don’t expel Jews”

Tefila I don’t do this regularly. Whether that’s good or bad depends on your point of view.

Terrorism? Americans often hesitate to visit Israel because they fear a terrorist attack. But people living normal, quiet lives do not make the news shows. Personally, I feel as safe there as in the USA. Security is a concern, and it is guarded.

They check when you go into a store, not when you leave.

Festivals on the beach are common in Nahariya. There is often a festival of one kind or another. Note that there are no guards at the entrance to the beach – unlike two years ago. Festivals on the beach are common in Nahariya. Two years ago, guards stood at the entrances. They aren’t needed now.

Holocaust memorials are all over Israel.

“To the Memory of the Martyrs of terrorism who died in Nahariya”

The Beit Holim (Hospital) of the Western Galilee

The main entrance.

Mi’yun (Emergency Room)

Not surprisingly, this is Ma’chon HaLev – the Cardiac Institute

Modern equipment doesn’t always work. Dimitry here, with a Yiddish pun, calls it ‘my enemy.’

The residents need coffee to start the day as much as I do.

Ivona Horn is the director of the ward. An immigrant from Poland, she tries to ‘polish’ her English.

Eli Hazani, the head of medicine, says Ivona’s English is already Polish enough.

Tsvi Zaks from America.

AKKO - עכו Akko is an ancient port city with a mixed Arab Jewish population. It boasts some wonderful restaurants along the walls of the old Crusader forts.

If an Arab family invites you for dinner, bring your appetite and forget your diet. Arab hospitality is legendary for a good reason.

The Marina with the ancient fort in the background.

A friend of mine, Joel Chezar, owns part of a sailboat. A friend, Joel Chezar, is part owner . of a sailboat

And he’s happy to take visitors for a sail.

HAIFA - חיפה Haifa is one of Israel’s most active ports, and a major population center. Like Aco, the city has a mixed population of Arabs and Jews. The Bahai religion is headquartered here.

The Bihai gardens are nothing short of exquisite.

The Gulf of Haifa.

Mosque towers seen through the arch of an ancient church.

JERUSALEM - ירושלים Jerusalem is both the political and the spiritual capitol of Israel. The ‘New City’ is modern, and the ‘Old City’ looks, in part, like the 18th century. Arabs live in the East and Jews live in the West of the city. Whether the city will end up being split in two is a major question.

Yad v’Shem is the Holocaust Memorial Museum, and is essential for any visitor to Jerusalem.

Partisans’ monument.

Garden of the Righteous Gentiles.

Hills of Jerusalem – the new city (from Yad v’Shem)

He’s an 84 year old Holocaust survivor who says, “Life is wonderful since I’ve found Viagra.”

Old city walls Wall of the Old City near Yaffa Gate.

Old City inside Yaffa Gate Old City inside the Yaffa Gate.

Cardo The Cardo (remains of an ancient Roman market.)

Flags in the Kotel Plaza

The Western Wall (Kotel)

But all vacations must come to an end.