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. Later in the evening, business will improve for this man. Now, he can relax.

The Gaaton 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.

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 dont expel Jews

Tefila I dont do this regularly. Whether thats 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. 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 places are guarded. Security is a concern, and places are guarded.

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

Festivals on the beach are common in Nahariya. Two years ago, guards stood at the entrances. They arent needed now.

Holocaust memorials are everywhere.

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

The Beit Holim (Hospital) of the Western Galilee

The main entrance.

Miyun (Emergency Room)

Not surprisingly, this is Machon HaLev the Cardiac Institute

Modern equipment doesnt 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 Ivonas 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.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 hes happy to take visitors for a sail.

HAIFA -חיפה Haifa is one of Israels 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 18 th 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 vShem 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 vShem)

Hes an 84 year old Holocaust survivor who says, Life is wonderful since Ive 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.