EL AL | Atmosphere

Standing together | See the Sights

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Urban day trip | A day of fun at Tel Aviv’s Park HaMesila

Now the greenest spot in the south of Tel Aviv, this used to be where the old Ottoman train passed through on its way from Jaffa to Jerusalem and back. The new park is situated between the Neve Tzedek and Florentin neighborhoods, and is a great spot to enjoy a picnic, let the kids play, ride a bike and have a coffee. This is also where the new Elifelet tram station is located, which makes it an accessible gem in the heart of the city. Where: Between Nahalat Binyamin (near its junction with Yehuda Halevy st.) and the Old Station complex

Park Hamesila I Photo: Ariela Aflalo

13 Food | Asif

Hanoch Daum’s “Hug a reservist” initiative - supporting the businesses of Israeli reservists 14

Asif is an experiential and cultural hub centered around the research, documentation, and celebration of Israeli cuisine – located in Tel Aviv. Established by the Jewish Food Society and Israeli tech company Start-Up Nation Central, the center operates a first-rate restaurant and café that places great emphasis on local produce and offers a menu composed of typically Israeli dishes. There’s also a deli, a gallery, and a unique collection of cookery books. The institute also boasts a wonderful rooftop garden filled with plants and herbs, some cultivated using innovative AgriTech technologies. The garden is a cornucopia of heirloom plants and new varieties of fruit, vegetables, and fresh herbs. On Fridays, between 10:00 and 12:00, there are guided tours of the gallery, library, garden, and kitchen, where participants are invited to taste some of the delicious dishes served here. Info: asif.org

Israeli writer, comedian, and journalist Hanoch Daum has launched his “Hug a reservist” initiative to support

the businesses of Israeli army reservists. According to Daum, he began receiving messages from reservists two weeks after the start of the war telling him of the financial strife their businesses were in since they’d been called to the frontlines. Daum immediately raised the issue on social media, pushing people to support the businesses and establishments of reservists. The response from the public was incredible and the “Hug a reservist” initiative was officially born, with Daum’s wife Efrat managing it all. The initiative now counts hundreds of businesses, so if you’re in need of a gift, a place to eat, or a nearby carwash, make sure to check the “Hug a reservist” list via the “ easy ” app and show your support. http://go.easy.co.il/Hanoch

Asif I Photo: Dan Peretz, Styling: Nurit Kariv

18 ATMOSPHERE FEBRUARY 2024