EL AL | Atmosphere

Issue 281 | May 2024

Discovering Zichron Ya’akov Beautiful landscapes, wonderful food, museums, vineyards, and galleries: Zichron Ya’akov is a travel gem that offers a unique blend of history, heritage, fun, and relaxation

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Flying on a 737 or 777 aircraft? Switch your mobile device to flight mode, select the EL AL network, and scan the QR code or open your browser and enter: wifi.elal.com to enjoy hundreds of movies, TV shows, music and games on your personal device. Further details on page 44

In-flight I Issue 281 I May 2024

Publisher

Editor-in-Chief Nava Marton Production Manager Liat Mofaz Milchan Art Director Amram Pikarsky / Studio Liat Rosenzwieg Design

Editor’s Letter

Shiri Atzmon Cover Photo Ramat Hanadiv Amit Geron Images ASAP Creative

This year marks 90 years since the death of the Baron Edmond de Rothschild, and with the great challenges the country is currently facing, it feels right to look for somewhere to holiday that combines history, heritage, fun and relaxation. And what better place than beautiful and picturesque Zichron Ya’akov, one of the Israeli towns most connected to the Baron de Rothschild, one of the Zionist Yishuv’s most prominent backers, who purchased vast quantities of land, developed local industry and agriculture, and established numerous factories and wineries. Named in honor of the Baron’s father, Zichron Ya’akov is also his and his wife’s place of burial. Recently, new hotels have opened there, attracting many visitors eager to enjoy the spectacular views, galleries, culinary scene, and top-tier wine. We spent 24 hours there and prepared a recommendation guide for you to plan a stay there. Also this month: an interview with Linor Abargil, former Miss World whose own

experience of sexual assault pushed her to lead the battle for the recognition of the sexual violence suffered by Israeli women on October 7; a glimpse into a photography exhibition that pays homage to people who showed immense bravery on that fateful day of October 7; a list of all the major Israeli chefs who received global recognition this year; a look at Israeli artists who make art out of trash; and of course, as always, all the month’s cultural highlights, events, and more. This month we celebrate Israel’s 76 th Independence Day, and mark our Memorial Day for the Fallen Soldiers, Yom HaZikaron, though this year things will be different, as the country is still fighting to restore security in the north and south and release the hostages still captive in Gaza. As we hope for better days ahead, I wish you all a pleasant read and a peaceful flight. Nava Marton

VP of Marketing, Trade and Sales Yaniv Ofir Business Development Manager Alon Fox Senior Sales Manager Sivan Himelfarb

Head of Inflight Entertainment & Connectivity Tal Kalderon Talkal@elal.co.il

For information regarding advertising opportunities Please contact Ms. Sivan Himelfarb at

TEL: 054-5255370 Sivan_h@rge.co.il

Traveler’s Prayer May it be Thy will, Lord of Heaven and Earth, to lead us to peace and safety, to fly us in peace and safety to our desired destination, to find life, joy, and peace. Guard and watch us, we who fly the air pathways, cross the seas, and travel overland routes. Make firm the hands that guide the steering and sustain their spirit, so that they may lead us in peace and safety. For in You alone is our shelter from now unto eternity. The Lord bless thee, keep thee, the Lord make His face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee, the Lord turns His face unto thee, and gives thee peace. Amen.

Atmosphere Magazine is published monthly by RGE and LDI. Materials in this publication may not be reproduced in any form without permission. The opinions expressed in this magazine reflect those of the writers only, and not EL AL Airlines. The publisher and / or EL AL are not responsible for advertising content.

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In-flight I Issue 281 I May 2024

Contents

41 42 News 44 In-flight Entertainment 46 New Movies 48 Kids - Movies & TV 49 Top 6 50 In-flight Internet Access 51 Meet the Crew 52 Destination Map 55 Fleet

Check-in 6 Travel News May highlights 8 What’s on Our Radar This Month Local events 12 Our Guide 6 tips for traveling like a pro 14 Passport Control Conductor Gil Shohat See the Sights 16 Discover 24 hours in picturesque Zichron Ya’akov where beautiful landscapes, art, history, delicious food and excellent wine, blend into a thrilling vacation 22 Explore An art tour following Israeli artists who repurpose trash to create one-of-a-kind objets d’art

Magazine 24 “I have to believe that in the end, things will be ok”

Lifestyle 28 Food

8 internationally acclaimed Israeli restaurants around the world 34 Small pleasures Fun and leisure recommendations 36 Design 5 emerging Israeli designers to look out for

An optimistic interview with Linor Abargil, brave advocate for the rights of Israeli women in the wake of the October 7 attacks 26 Humans of October 7 th A glimpse into Israeli photographer Erez Kaganovitz’s unique photo project

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+1917-7281211 +972-545613965

seaone.co.il

In collaboration with

Check-in I Travel News & Updates

May Highlights

© Visit Sellano

Imaging: Viewpoint

Imaging: @matteladventureparkz

Mattel is launching two Barbie theme parks | Mattel Inc., owner of the Barbie brand, has recently announced the opening of a Barbie theme park in Kansas City in 2026. It’ll be the second such park in America, with the first Mattel adventure park currently being built in Glendale, Arizona, and expected to open later this year. Fans of the Barbie movie, the most watched movie on the EL AL inflight entertainment system this year, eagerly await the launch of the theme parks, that will both feature attractions such as a “larger-than-life Barbie beach house” with a “flying theater”, interactive Barbie Dream Closet Experience, a rooftop restaurant and bar, roller coasters, a mini-golf inspired by Mattel games, experiential attractions themed around Thomas & Friends, and more. Nahal HaShofet, in Ramat Menashe Park, is one of the most sought-after and popular sites in the center of the country. Closed for extensive renovations following flooding in 2020, it was reopened to the public last month. As part of the renovations, which totaled at approximately NIS 25 million, the KKL- JNF has constructed circular access paths, built bridges crossing the stream, and made the entire site accessible to people with disabilities. Nahal HaShofet Park serves as a recreational area for countless visitors and offers a variety of activities including picnic areas, walking trails, natural flower areas, water features, archaeological sites, and more. The KKL-JNF has opened Nahal HaShofet to the public

Launch of the new “David’s Harp” hotel on the shores of the Kinneret The David’s Harp Galilee Resort Hotel overlooking the Kinneret at Capernaum in Upper Western Galilee, is set to be launched this month with the support of the Ministry of Tourism. The NIS 300 million hotel is architecturally designed to appear as if it is growing out of the ground, built in the form of “David’s harp”. Featuring 276 rooms, including 18 luxurious suites, the hotel has a lobby restaurant, a spacious business lounge, halls of different sizes for events and conferences, meeting rooms for business trips, an amphitheater that will host performances, an infinity pool overlooking the Kinneret – heated in the fall and spring – and a luxurious spa that includes a gym, with running and cycling tracks. Rooms start at NIS 1,000 a night.

Inauguration of the highest bridge in Europe | A new suspension bridge was recently inaugurated in Umbria, Italy. At 175 meters above the Vigi River valley, it is in fact the highest in Europe, a magnificent engineering feat that can be walked on safely by everyone: experienced hikers, intrepid young people, as well as families and groups of friends. High up over the incredible scenery of Valnerina, a 30-45 minutes’ walk along the bridge connects you from the departure point in Sellano, one of Italy’s most beautiful medieval towns (an hour away from Perugia), to the hamlet of Montesanto.

Photo: Alex Kolomoisky, KKL-JNF

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Check-in I Local events I May 2024 I Nava Marton

What’s On Our Radar This Month

Performative Arts | “Three” by Ohad Naharin The Israeli Opera, Tel Aviv

Choreographer Ohad Naharin returns to “Three”, which he created for the Batsheva Dance Company in 2005. “Three” is a triptych comprised of three sections: Bellus, Humus, and Sekus. The tripartite theological structure suggests a return to a formal, exposed, everyday foundation of dance. Virtuosity is replaced by the simple movement, by rhythm, and unison, weaving the three sections into a delicate lacework of equilibriums between the empty spaces, silence, and pauses and the body, music, and movement. “Three” presents dance that is not afraid to be exposed and to expose, which does not apologize for its fragility, humanity, and excess. (The show contains nudity). May 9 th - 11 th , israel-opera.co.il

Photo: Askaf

Cinema | “Theodor”, the opera Across Israel

To mark Israel’s 76 th Independence Day, a special cinema screening of the Israeli Opera’s opera production “Theodor”, will be taking place in movie theaters across Israel. “Theodor” takes the audience on a journey through the life of Theodor Herzl, from his days as a young student to his transformation into a trailblazing leader of the Zionist movement. This superb production is a riveting spectacle and a deep-dive into the most salient moments of Herzl’s life – his involvement in the fight against antisemitism, his complicated relationship with his wife Julie, and the challenges brought on by his vision of a Jewish State. The film will be distributed to various broadcasting bodies around the world. From May 9 th in all Hot Cinema Planet movie theaters, Cinema City theaters, Movieland, Lev, Cinematheques Tel Aviv and Haifa, and other cinematheques across the country

Photo: Yossi Zwecker

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Exhibition | “Artist 26” Jerusalem

These artists’ studios have been welcoming artists for 40 years now. Their emulative quality and unique atmosphere have led to a plethora of art fairs and exhibitions to be created in their turn. To mark this important milestone, a giant exhibition spreading across all the studio spaces will showcase works by more than 100 artists, all of whom have worked here at some point along the decades. (Curators: Hili Wertman Moyal and Dvir Shaked). Entrance is free. Until June 22 nd, artiststudiojlm.org

Asana - Into The Sun by Sasha Tamarin

Jerusalem tour I Photo: Vered Pichersky

Exhibition| An Asana Moment, Meditative Breathing Now Eretz Israel Museum, Tel Aviv The exhibition “An Asana Moment, Meditative Breathing Now” emerged from the current reality in Israel to answer a basic mental need for respite, for some distance from the painful, frightening events, and to address some amorphic, abstract, calm healing for the soul. The exhibition presents video works and photographs created by 24 international contemporary artists, merging into a unique mixture of sound, color, and form. (Curator: Raz Samira). Until June 15 th, eretzmuseum.org.il

Exhibition and city tour | The Tower of David Jerusalem Museum Jerusalem

The “Jerusalem School” exhibition offers a look into Jerusalemite art, which developed over more than 100 years of creativity and served as an expression of the city as the artists saw it. Visitors are welcome to complement their visit of the museum exhibit with a tour of the city in the footsteps of artists and poets, whose works are shown in the exhibition, such as Anna Ticho, whose house is one of the city’s most picturesque, and Boris Schatz, founder of the Bezalel School of Arts and Crafts. Tours also include one of the Monastery of the Cross, where there are ancient frescoes and mosaics, and an evening Citadel rooftop tour as well. All tours require prior booking. Throughout May, tod.org.il

Music | The Genesis Festival Mount Gilboa “Artist 26” - a video installation by Raya Bruckenthal

The Genesis Festival is back with its fourth edition, with three days of live music on three stages, against the background of beautiful Mount Gilboa. Israel’s leading artists will be performing, including Infected Mushroom, Marina Maximilian, Mercedes Benz, Ninet Tayeb, and more. Festivalgoers will also be able to enjoy yoga and acrobalance workshops led by Tel-Hai College instructors, as well as plenty of food stalls and a spacious campground. May 23 rd - 25 th , tickets: to-mix.co.il @genesis.festival

The Genesis Festival Photo: Shai Franco

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Informative Content

SEA ONE PRIVATE CLUB: Your Seafront Home In Israel

Sea One Private Club is a new kind of luxury resort-living experience for discerning residents of over 60, both from Israel and abroad. Sea One provides all the amenities of a world-class seafront resort: fine dining, state-of-the-art gym, gorgeous seafront pools, Yoga and Pilates studios, pampering spa with indoor pool, Jacuzzi, saunas and treatment rooms, lecture halls, art gallery and studio, private cinema, business center and conference rooms, synagogue, and banquet hall. Entertaining has never been so easy: some 20-plus hospitality units are available for friends and family, fine dining restaurants, and grab ‘n-go cafes provide a wide variety of food and beverages, and all the facilities are open for entertaining guests. Banquet halls, private rooms, or the synagogue are perfect for celebrating special events like Bar Mitzvahs or birthdays; and somebody else will do the cleaning up! What’s more, trained staff are on hand to help deal with maintenance, cleaning and the

famous only-in-Israel bureaucracy; let an Israeli ease you into the complications. Culture beats at the heart of the Club: lectures, jazz concerts, and other cultural activities as well as an art gallery and studio, private cinema, and round-the-clock sport classes and cultural events fill each day with joy; all with the sea as backdrop. Step out of your door onto a beachfront promenade of shops, restaurants and cafes, or hit the beach for a relaxing walk or seafront yoga session. The ultra-elegant Sea One Private Club is only a 15-minute drive from Tel Aviv; 20 minutes from Ben-Gurion Airport, and 45 minutes away from Jerusalem, with a train station located 5 minutes away. Sea One Private Club, developed by Oranim Group, an international company with over 45 years of experience in successful seafront projects, is set to be an iconic landmark. Oranim, renowned for meticulous design and quality, is well known for its Royal Beach Hotel &

Residence on the Tel Aviv seafront. Set to open by the end of 2024 with a variety of layouts, all Sea One Private Club units will be exquisitely designed to include a fully equipped kitchen and bathrooms, a safe room and private terrace. Sea One Private Club prices start from 3.9 million NIS plus monthly membership fees starting from 10,000 NIS. Residents may choose to terminate their membership with three months’ notice and the unit price is fully refundable after Consumer Price Index adjustment. Whether you want to live in Israel full-time, or just spend a few months in the country each year, Sea One Private Club is the perfect home for you. Live the dream: wake up by the beach and work or play all day in the sun. Sea One Private Club: the next level in luxury seafront living. For further information or to schedule a tour on site to view model partments: Tel: +972-549656415 or +1(917)7281211 seaone.co.il *5651

Check-in I Our Guide

Avoiding unnecessary stress and aggravation as you plan your flight takes a bit of know-how and experience - here are 6 tips to help you prepare your next flight with confidence and ease / By Lihi Ron How to plan your flight like a pro

01 Book a night flight. To avoid long lines in crowded airports at peak hours, the best solution is to book a night flight. You might not get the best night’s sleep of your life, but you’ll save money on the ticket and get through check-in and the security check, in no time. Also, chances are the flight won’t be completely full and you’ll be able to find a whole row of empty seats all for yourself. 02 Check-in online. This will save you a lot of time and aggravation. You can select your seat whether for free or not and skip the long lines. Once you get to the airport, all you need to do is go through the security check and leave your luggage at the bag drop off points for your airline. To save even more time, download your boarding pass to your phone ahead of time.

03 Choose your seat well. Whether window or aisle, choose your seat as you book your flight, or when you check in online. Make sure it’s at the front of the plane, away from the bathroom, close to the exit, or if you’re lucky, in the roomy exit row itself. If you don’t have a long legs problem, a window seat can give you a sense of privacy and the possibility to lean your head against the window to sleep a bit more comfortably. If you’re a person who needs to get up a lot during a flight, an aisle window is the best option. 04 Pack like a pro. Keep your passport, boarding pass, and phone in the bag you keep with you at all times, and your laptop, medication, change of clothes in a carry-on in the overhead bin. Remember not to have any metal objects (keys, small change, phone)

in your pockets before going through the security check so that you don’t slow down the line or raise the suspicion of the security agents. 05 Always have a snack on you. Apart from a bottle of water, bring something to snack on, the healthier the better. Even though you can find plenty to eat at the airport, everything there is more expensive, and the choice is narrower. 06 Download useful apps . Make sure you download all the apps you’re going to need on your trip before you leave: get a weather app, a language app, a GPS navigation app, a currency converter app, an app with information on events happening at your destination, and of course, download your airline app so that you stay updated on your flight schedule.

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Check-in I Passport Control

What’s your favorite kind of vacation? “My favorite kind is staying in a big city where I can combine culture, friends, and shopping. These past years, I’ve become obsessed with outlet villages that are usually located on the outskirts of big cities, such as La Vallée Village which is about 40 minutes away from Paris. It’s a giant shopping center with dozens of top brand stores selling items at reduced prices”. What do you always pack with you? “Music scores that I study 24/7, cigars, my skincare products,my vitamins and a suit and tie just in case there’s a formal event I need to attend”. What’s the first thing you do when you arrive at your destination? “If it’s somewhere new I immediately go out to explore the surroundings. If it’s somewhere I know well, I go back to the same places I’ve been loyal to for years. In Rome for instance, there’s a café in front of the Vatican I’ve been going to for cappuccinos for thirty years. Rome is where I studied as a I young man. In Paris there’s a cheese shop next to the Madeleine I love returning to”. Most memorable travel experience? “Once, in New Delhi, India, minutes before I was supposed to go on stage for a solo piano recital, with the prime minister of India in the audience, I was told that my grand piano had been left at the entrance of the concert hall and completely disassembled. The Indian movers who had brought it had not realized they also had to put it together, and as if that wasn’t enough, a cow suddenly appeared and began licking it”. Any destination recommendations? “The Caribbean island of Saint-Barth is the ultimate luxury holiday destination. I apologize if it sounds a tad ‘elitist’ but it’s such a great place that offers the perfect blend of luxury pampering, wonderful weather, and the most beautiful mountain and ocean views”.

What does he pack in his suitcase, what happened to his grand piano in India, and where does he dream of going to? Pianist and conductor Gil Shohat shows us his passport / By Shani Altrovitch “The Caribbean island of Saint-Barth is the ultimate luxury holiday destination”

Gil Shohat, 50, lives with his partner and their eight-year-old twins. He’s been a pianist and a conductor for over 35 years, performed over 3,500 concerts across the world, and written 250 pieces, among which 9 symphonies, 15 concertos, and 3 operas. He’s produced hundreds of original shows that combine jazz, pop and world music. He has received 15 national and international awards, including the French title of Knight of Arts and Culture, and was chosen by Forbes magazine as well as by Israel’s leading newspapers, as Israel’s most important figure in the world of classical music.

Where do you dream of going? “On a real African safari. It’s my lifelong dream”.

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Photo: Fabrice Bitton

More benefits, more points, more flights! Introducing the Matmid Frequent Flyer Club program

Easier to retain your points Each point earned in the new

Easier to redeem Purchasing an award ticket?

Our Diamonds Our shiny new currency for calculating status eligibility. You can now keep your points exclusively for redemption towards your next flight, while the Diamonds you earn will elevate you to the next status quickly and easily Easier to earn points and Diamonds Besides earning Diamonds and points on flights and FLY CARD purchases*, for the first time you can earn Diamonds and points on purchases of extra baggage, SPACE seats and upgrades, making the road to an award ticket and tier status shorter

We’ve introduced a new, flexible award fares, and have canceled the additional cash component. Now, you can purchase an award ticket with just the points you’ve earned, and pay in cash for the tax component only Easier to upgrade Flight upgrades are just a few clicks away: from now on, all Matmid Frequent Flyer members are entitled to register for an upgrade, with one online click, from all booking classes and at varying prices. The higher your elite status, the higher your chances of getting an upgrade. And there’s more FLY CARD PREMIUM holders and Executive members enjoy priority in upgrades!

program will be valid for 18 months and will automatically be extended for an additional 18-month period whenever members earn at least one point on a flight or attain a minimum charge of NIS 5000 on their FLY CARD in a month during this period Easier to reach higher statuses members can reach a higher status quickly, and enjoy more benefits such as lounge access, preferred-seat selection at no-cost and much more. We've lowered the thresholds between statuses, so that all

All details and updates are available on the EL AL website elal.com *Diamonds can be earned for purchases with FLY CARD PREMIUM credit cards only, limited to up to 12,000 Diamonds for purchases made in the last 12 months. Earning Diamonds and points from upgrades will only be possible on the cash component of an upgrade through our Points Upgrade interface.

See the Sights I Eat, Travel, Enjoy

Museums, wonderful food, exceptional wine, spectacular views, beautiful vineyards, and activities for all the family: Zichron Ya’akov is a true gem that combines fascinating history with all the pleasures of modern life / By Nava Marton Raising a glass to the Baron: 24 magical hours in Zichron Ya’akov

This year marks 90 years since the death of the Baron Edmond de Rothschild, the famous philanthropist and leading figure of the Zionist movement. Among other things, he financed the establishment of the first vineyards and wineries of the Jewish Yishuv, notably in Zichron Ya’akov, one of the first Jewish agricultural colonies and named in memory of the Baron’s father, James (Ya’akov). Zichron Ya’akov is also where the Baron and his wife Ada are buried. We spent 24 hours in this little gem of a town, where art, history, delicious food, and excellent wine, collide and thrill the senses. Here’s the lowdown on what we saw, tasted, and discovered.

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What to see and do Aunt Berta’s | A unique little shop Aunt Berta’s story begins in 1963, when the Beit-El community, Christian Zionists desiring to settle beside the Jews in the Holy Land, settled in Israel. The community established itself in Zichron Ya’akov, where it founded a factory that produces air filtration systems, notably for operating rooms. One of its other ventures has been the Carmel brand, which notably manages the Aunt Berta shop, a charming little shop situated right beside factory, that sells 100% natural jams and compotes, made using a special manufacturing process that maintains the taste and nutritional value of the fruit. Same goes for the salad dressings, sauces and condiments, also on sale here. Aunt Berta’s also has its own bakery that produces typical European baked goods such as pretzels, Linzer tortes, sourdough breads, etc., and in the visitors’ center next-door, you can hear all about the the community’s establishment and development in Zichron Ya’akov. This shop is a lovely spot, that’s impossible to leave empty-handed. aunt-berta.co.il @aunt_berta1963

The Aunt Berta shop I Photo: Shelly Gendel

Ramat Hanadiv gardens I Photo: Tal Gluck‎

The Carmel winery | Wine, cheese, and history

revolution of today, with Israeli wines winning prestigious awards and garnering recognition. Visitors are invited to tour the vineyards, explore the wine cellar, and taste the wonderful wine, aside a selection of local cheeses. carmelwines.co.il Ramat Hanadiv | The Memorial gardens and nature park Ramat Hanadiv is an oasis of greenery and tranquility covering 4.5 km of land at the southern end of Mount Carmel, and 7000 sqm of landscaped gardens,

The Carmel winery is one of the two first wineries to be established in the Land of Israel, in 1889, by the Baron Edmond de Rothschild, the other being in Rishon LeZion. The Carmel winery has an impressive Wine & Culture Center, where tours, workshops, and wine tastings are organized and where visitors can hear all about the story of this magical place, from how the first vines were planted, through the implementation of the production system, and until the Israeli wine

The Carmel winery I Photo: Nava Marton

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See the Sights I Eat, Travel, Enjoy

dubbed the memorial gardens. Its impressive visitors’ pavilion became the first building in Israel to be granted standard certification for sustainable construction. The park has circular walking and cycling trails, an archeological site with the remains of a Herodian fortified complex, and a hidden spring. Inside the memorial gardens, you’ll find the Rothschild family tomb, where the Baron and his wife are buried, a beautiful herb garden, a rose garden, and a palm tree garden. All the information for a complete and comprehensive visit can be found at the visitors’ pavilion, where family-friendly activities also take place, such as the screening of a documentary that tells the story of the Rothschild family and the creation of the park. This year, the park will be celebrating its 70 th jubilee and its transformation from memorial site to the Baron, to a living, developing organization dedicated to the environment and the instilling of the values of sustainability, and the development of research and innovation. ramat-hanadiv.org.il Hanadiv Farm | Agricultural farm and riding tours Right next to Ramat Hanadiv lies Hanadiv Farm, an agricultural farm where visitors can pet and feed the farm animals and, pick and taste wonderful produce. The farm grows strawberries, cucumbers, medicinal herbs, etc., inside greenhouses, and there are sheep, ducks, and goats living on the farm. There are many child-friendly activities to enjoy here, including feeding the animals, art workshops, and picking fruit and herbs. For families with older kids or those looking for a bit more action, there are many experiential activities to choose from, including cycling tours, RZR tours, EZ-rider

The First Aliyah Museum I Photo: Henry Zvi Cohen

Hanadiv agricultural farm and riding tours I Photo: Noam Ofek

tours, navigation games, and more, all to be enjoyed against the backdrop of the beautiful Mount Carmel landscape. At the end of their visit, visitors are invited to take herb seedlings back home with them, as well as vegetables, strawberries (when in season), herbs, olive oil, olives, honey, cheeses and home-made shakes. hanadiv-farm.co.il The First Aliyah Museum | A journey back in time The museum is located in what was known as the “Administrative Building”, built in 1894 by the Baron’s delegates and considered

to be the largest and most impressive building in those days. It was renovated in the 1990s and through the restoration process, the entrance’s original double doors were repaired and maintained. The museum tells the story of the people of the First Ascent, the first Jewish immigrants to the Land of Israel between 1882 and 1904, through short engaging films produced especially for the museum, about a family on its way from the Diaspora to the colonies in Israel. The films are integrated with other interactive museum exhibits such as a clothing exhibit. museumzy.com

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Where to sleep Boutique 49 | Located in the heart of

Zichron Ya’akov, Boutique 49 is an intimate boutique hotel that offers guests a relaxing break from the crowds, while remaining a stone’s throw from the main attractions. There are nine rooms in total, all pleasant and spacious, designed in minimalist style, instilling an atmosphere of peace and tranquility. Each room has its own Jacuzzi, and some have a balcony with a seating area, where the bottle of wine every guest receives upon arrival, can be enjoyed. In-room spa treatments are also available upon request. Reservations ahead of time get you breakfast coupons to use at one of the nearby cafés. hotel49.co.il

Boutique 49 hotel I Photo: PR

The Zamarin spa I Photo: Aviv Kurt

The Zamarin spa | Time for some pampering

Where to eat The Uma Sushi Bar | A lovely sushi bar with a great

No trip is complete without a bit of TLC and time spent at the spa. The Zamarin hotel offers one of the best spa experiences in Zichron. It has three treatment rooms in total and an outdoor bar. The massage therapists are pleasant and highly competent, and they’re happy to provide you with the treatment you need according to how you’re feeling and where you’re hurting, without rigidly sticking to the treatment menu. This place is absolute bliss. zamarin.co.il

atmosphere and a rich and exciting menu that includes not only top-tier sushi, but also plenty of entrées, salads, bò búns, stir-fries, eggrolls, vegetarian dishes, and fantastic deserts. The drinks menu includes a variety of wines, cocktails, beers, soft drinks, and hot drinks. umasushi.co.il The Sholtik Bar | The brunch menu at the Sholtik Bar is truly thrilling, with such dishes as

Uma Sushi Bar I Photo: PR

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See the Sights I Eat, Travel, Enjoy

truffle and parmesan scrambled eggs, roasted pumpkin, fennel jam, egg salad with caramelized onion, smoked fish, and more. Everything is laid out on wooden boards aside slices of sourdough bread. Drink options include soft drinks, hot drinks, fruit juice, and coffee – and for whoever’s in the mood, perhaps even a cocktail. There are gluten free and vegan options on the menu as well. The bar is closed on Sundays and open on Saturdays, but best check opening hours before you come, and make sure to book a table. @sholtik_bar Batia and Nachman’s kitchen sandwich | Co-owned by Chef Ronen Raviv and his partner Keren, this delightful, eclectically designed little sandwich parlor immediately feels like home. The menu includes all sorts of meat sandwiches, plentiful plates of smoked and cured meats, casseroles, and mezze dips. Raviv is an expert meat smoker, and produces homemade pastrami, brisket, etc., in the finest American tradition. nach-man.co.il At Naama’s | Naama Tsfati invites up to 14 people (upon prior reservation), to come to dinner at her beautiful

Sholtik Bar I Photo: Snir Gueta

Photo: courtesy of the restaurant

At Naama’s I Photo: Naama Tsfati

Batia and Nachman’s kitchen sandwich

Zichron Ya’akov stone house, where she prepares delicious vegan food. She buys the produce and prepares all the food on the day of the meal, using organic, locally sourced products. The menu is rich and diverse, full of exciting dishes, such as zucchini carpaccio, mushrooms stuffed

with spinach and cherry tomato pesto, spinach and vegan cheese pie, sweet potato lasagna, homemade sourdough bread, and a selection of delicious deserts. Naama’s dinners are also available on Fridays, with a fixed menu, and upon prior reservation. naama.tsfati @naamoolim

צילום: יח"צ I תענוג לעיניים ולחך. אומה סושי בר

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ISRAEL AIRLINES

We're expanding operations in Florida and taking off to Fort Lauderdale!

On select dates • EL AL reserves the right to make changes • Entering and leaving the country of the destination is subject to compliance with said location's immigration authority and protocol that may change over time. It is the passenger's responsibility to revise the relevant protocols before their flight • Subject to the terms and conditions on the EL AL website • E&O. E Two weekly flights to/from Fort Lauderdale, in addition to five weekly flights to/from Miami on board our advanced Dreamliner aircraft. Enjoy the gateway to a perfect vacation in many destinations, including in the Caribbean and South America. Additional information and booking are available at elal.com and through travel agencies.

See the Sights I Art Tour

As the saying goes, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” – at least it is so for these five Israeli artists who repurpose old parts, soda cans, driftwood, etc., to create sculptures, toys, and one-of-a-kind objets d’art / By Meital Katz From trash to treasure Can man Joseph Weiss “It all began when I visited the Red Bull exhibition in 2004, where I discovered all the can designs”, says

seventy-year-old Joseph Weiss, who worked at EL AL for 43 years. “My son had some empty cans lying about and he decided to try and build a motorbike out of them. I offered to give him a hand and the rest is history”. Indeed from then on, Weiss became enthralled with the art of can sculpting. After the motorbike, he built a cart, a carriage, and on and on, constantly enhancing his sculpting skills as he went along. Today, some of his work can be seen at the Holon Children’s Museum where a permanent exhibition of his work has been on show for the last six years.

Nir Ohayon I Photo: Igal Bareket

Treasures out of trash Nir Ohayon

“I was a real garbage man as a kid”, jokes eco-artist Nir Ohayon, now 52, “we’d find industrial junk at the rubbish tip and play with it”. After the army, Ohayon began sculpting, making flowerpots with faces made of plaster and where the plant would serve as the hair. His flowerpots were a great success, and he took them to LA where he lived for eighteen months selling his creations at local street fairs. When he returned to Israel, he sold his flowerpots at the Tel Aviv Nahalat Binyamin street fair. When he started to get a little bored with the flowerpots, he moved on to making bigger sculptures and taking part in art shows. The first work

he exhibited was a chair made of recycled parts. He later went on to design a ten-meter couch for the Hiriya Ecological Education Center. “The greatest moment of all was when Janet Jackson saw one of my chairs and asked to use it in a clip”, says Ohayon, who has been participating in art shows in Israel and abroad since 2004. Most of the raw materials he uses in his work, he finds on his way from his home in Jaffa to his studio in the south of Tel Aviv, which is filled with his sculptures of animals and creatures of his invention, made of materials such as shoes, pieces of wood, tires, metal, and more.

Joseph Weiss I Photo: Joseph Weiss

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The “From trash to treasure” art tour is part of journalist and entrepreneur Meital Katz’s social project that won the 2021 2022 European Travel & Hospitality Award. For more information and tour bookings: mk-artour.com/makers-tour to the art of paper sculpting, Ilan gave classes at Shenkar College and was an independent designer, before founding children’s furniture brand ”Ikoo”. In 2000, she began taking sculpting classes and before long, her work was shown in galleries in Israel and abroad. In her studio, there are great big 3D pictures that show visitors how she breathes new life into old, abandoned books. The printed word Carmel Ilan “I’ve always collected books I’d find in the street”, says artist Carmel Ilan. In her vast studio, she creates sculptures out of paper using a special technique she developed herself over many years. “We may be in the digital age, but I still find it hard to say goodbye to the printed word and the physical touch of paper. I love paper”, she says. Born in Jerusalem in 1960, Ilan studied fashion design at Shenkar College, and at the Parsons School of Design in New York. Before devoting herself

Carmel Ilan I Photo: Hadas Eldar

Wood carving Igor Kredentser Igor Kredentser was born in

Kazakhstan in 1965. When he was 12, he made a picture frame with his father, and discovered a passion for woodwork. After a few years working as a forest ranger in Russia, he made Aliyah and in Israel he began working as a carpenter. His childhood memory with his father and his love for woodcarving led him to create beautiful sculptures, first keeping them at home, and then filling his workshop with them. Kredentser makes Judaica objects, sculptures of supernatural creatures, and more, mostly out of the driftwood he finds when he goes fishing on weekends.

Igor Kredentser I Photo: Igal Bareket

Making art out of old auto parts Shmulik Mizrahi

Sixty-one-year-old mechanic Shmulik Mizrahi makes art out of old motorbike and car parts. Working at a big garage where he specializes in radiators and mufflers, he first developed a love for house plants. Clients began asking him for tips, bringing their ailing plants to the garage which soon became swamped with plants of every kind. In order to make space, he created plant holders out of the old parts lying about, and from then on, his passion for sculpting hasn’t waned. His first sculpture was of a Harley Davidson, and more and more came along, including of guitars, cars, animals, and more.

Shmulik Mizrahi I Photo: Ido Halevi

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Magazine I Interview

Actress, producer, director, and fierce advocate for the rights of Israeli women in the wake of the October 7 attacks, Linor Abargil is hosting this year’s “Israel Prize” ceremony in Sderot, out of the belief that life must go on, and that perhaps now more than ever, change is possible / By Maya Cohen “I have to believe that in the end, things will be ok”

organizations for their silence in the face of the collected testimonies and evidence. Being their voice “Like all of us, on October 7 th I awoke to a terrible reality, and I became restless”, she recounts. “I felt I had to do something. I needed to be the voice of those women who couldn’t speak. With a film crew, I began filming witness testimonies, even before there were testimonies of the victims themselves, and saw monstrous pictures of what had taken place. Then, testimonies of women who had been assaulted began to emerge. (See Abargil’s report, “Linor’s war”, broadcast by Channel 12). I contacted every women’s organization in the world, knocked on all the doors, and was met with total indifference. At least until one day, when I met a woman working for the UN, with a hidden camera in my bag. To my surprise, I was offered to come and speak at the UN”, she says. “I didn’t really know

what I was going to say but I knew that as someone who has gone through a similar ordeal, I wanted to be the voice of the voiceless. I knew that if I spoke from the heart there was a chance people would listen. When I stood on that stage, I felt that all these past 26 years had been preparation for this moment. I never imagined my speech would reach so many. It taught me that every tiny effort can help bring change, and that words carry great power”. Standing strong When you see what’s happening in the world, that there are still many who don’t believe us about what took place – does it discourage you or does it motivate you to take action? “I believe that everything we do can help bring change, so I choose to take action. I also believe that after darkness comes light, and I see that people in Israel, people who weren’t particularly religious before, are embracing their Jewish identity. In no other place in the world have I seen such caring, kindness, and mutual support for fellow compatriots”. What are you currently involved in, in terms of advocacy for Israel?

In 1998, Linor Abargil was crowned Miss World. Six weeks before her crowning, she was kidnapped and raped in the outskirts of Milan by her travel agent. Since then, she has recounted her ordeal many times, believing that her personal story could help other women who experienced sexual violence, on their journey out of trauma and pain. Her voice has been a powerful one in the fight for female empowerment. Since October 7 th , as the sexual crimes perpetrated by Hamas against Israeli women have come to light, Abargil has become the ambassador of those women around the world, alerting international aid organizations of the rape and assault they have suffered. The response has mostly been a resounding silence, but last December she was invited to speak at the UN at a conference organized by Israel on the sexual violence committed by Hamas. In her speech which went viral, Abargil criticized international women’s

“I’ve recently got back from an economics conference in Harvard where I recounted my personal story and underscored the fact that Israeli men and women are still being held captive in Gaza"

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Our quick questionnaire

What makes you angry? “The silence of the world and of

women’s organizations”. What makes you sad?

“Knowing that the hostages are still being held captive all this time. It breaks my heart”. What makes you laugh? “My kids”. What makes you feel relaxed? “The sea”. What do people not know about you? “That I don’t take life too seriously”.

“I’m still invited to talk in conferences. In a few weeks I’ll be speaking at a UN conference in Vienna. I’ve recently got back from an economics conference in Harvard where I recounted my personal story and underscored the fact that Israeli men and women are still being held captive in Gaza, more than six months after their brutal kidnap. It’s simply unfathomable”. Are you able to remain optimistic? “I have to believe that in the end, things will be ok. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be able to do what I do. I came to the UN without any expectations, and the fact is things did change. Two days after my speech, President Biden spoke about what happened to Israeli women in a speech he gave”. On this year’s Independence Day, Abargil will be hosting the “Israel Prize” ceremony. “I think that even though there’s a sense that there shouldn’t be celebratory ceremonies right now, life has to go on. Aside the pain and sadness, life has to be lived. In the end, to me, real victory is in continuing to live and to love life”. ˆ

Photo: Tali Moas

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Magazine I Exhibition

Israeli photographer Erez Kaganovitz is presenting his “Humans of October 7 th ” project this month at the Embassy of Germany in Tel Aviv, with 30 photos that tell stories of heroism, hope, and solidarity. The exhibition will later be shown in museums around the world, in Jewish communities and in campuses across the US Humans of October 7 th 01

“Since the horrific attack of October 7 th , the incitement on the streets and on social media has fueled antisemitism and misconceptions about Israel and the Jewish people at large”, says photographer Erez Kaganovitz. “As an artist and a photojournalist, I feel it’s imperative to fight back against these misconceptions and the rising antisemitism by showing the human side of Israel. From my experience, highlighting the human side provides a reminder of what Israeli society is all about and what we are actually

fighting for. To do so, I’ve created the Humans of October 7 th project”. “The project is an ongoing photo exhibition that brings to light the human stories of the exceptional Israelis that stood up against terrorism. It reveals the Israeli spirit at its best and shows the incredible resilience of the Israeli people. The project will be shown across the world as a traveling exhibition throughout the year, in museums, US campuses, and Jewish communities, and opens May 10 th at the Embassy of Germany in Tel Aviv”.

01 Haim Jelin, Kibbutz Be’eri, Survivor of the 7 th of October massacre I ”You can destroy houses, destroy infrastructure, but you cannot kill our spirit”.

Erez Kaganovitz, photographer, native Tel Avivi, and TEDx speaker, is the human behind the Humans of Tel Aviv, Humans of Israel, and Humans of

the Holocaust projects. For the full project go to: www.humansoftelaviv.co.il

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02 Ruth Haran, Holocaust Survivor, Kibbutz Be’eri I “I survived the Holocaust and I survived the October 7 th massacre. I know how to deal with anguish and pain but this time it’s impossible to process”. 03 Naama Eitan. Survivor of the Supernova festival massacre I “We hid under a tree, barely covered, hoping not to be found out. Thoughts came to me about what scenario is better: death or abduction?”

04 Avraham Chana, brother of Israel Chana. A civilian who saved a whole neighborhood in Ofakim on October 7 th | “He wasn’t a soldier or a police officer. He was just a civilian who could have stayed home to protect his family, but he decided to go out and save as many people as he could”. 05 Tali Hadad, Ofakim. Evacuated her son under fire and continued to help other wounded people | “That day I made three trips back and forth, bringing a total of 12 people to the medical teams”.

06 Hamid Abu Ar’ara. Saved IDF soldiers from an ambush | “ Our Islam is the opposite of what the terrorists have done…” 07 Omer Ohana, Herzliya. Ohana and his partner Maj. Sagi Golan were due to get married on October 20 th . Golan was killed in battle in Kibbutz Be’eri | “There is nothing I am prouder of than being Sagi’s partner. I know that his light and the pursuit of justice and equality will continue to illuminate the world.”

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Lifestyle I Food

Israeli chefs have been making their country proud for years now, earning Michelin stars and prestigious international awards year in, year out. With the Guide Michelin soon to reach Israeli shores, we’ve selected some of the most internationally recognized Israeli restaurants, in Israel and abroad, from New York to Paris, through Berlin and Tel Aviv / By Sharon Ben-David 8 internationally acclaimed Israeli restaurants around the world

Photos: lephotographedudimanche

Matan Zaken, NOHMe, Paris One Michelin star At merely 31,

Franco-Israeli chef Matan Zaken, has achieved the Holy Grail of the Michelin star at his Parisian

restaurant NOHMe. Zaken has been toing and froing between Paris and Tel Aviv since his was a boy. Born in Jerusalem, he moved to France with his family at the age of 12, went back at 18 to serve in the army, and then returned to Paris to follow his dream of becoming a chef. NHOMe is a blend of the most sophisticated French cuisine and the vibrancy of the Mediterranean table, the Israeli one in particular. The restaurant’s 9-course tasting menu is a celebration of diverse cooking techniques, French sophistication, Israeli flavors and playfulness.

Photos: Max Flatow

Eyal Shani, Shmone, New York One Michelin star

About a month after the start of the war, as he was busy feeding IDF soldiers on the border with Gaza, Chef Eyal Shani, the indomitable prince of the Israeli culinary world, received the news that his New York restaurant Shmone had been awarded a Michelin star. Though he has restaurants in Vienna, Boston, Melbourne, and

Singapore, not to mention a vast empire of casual-chic eateries in Tel Aviv and around it, Shmone is most definitely the jewel in Eyal Shani’s crown. It manages to serve up quintessential Israeli nosh in a way only this food magician can, with the humble tomato given center stage. As the Michelin Guide puts it: “many restaurants celebrate fresh top-quality produce, but Shmone takes it to a whole other level, with a changing daily menu that leaves an indelible mark in your memory, each dish being entirely unique”.

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Assaf Granit, Shabour, Paris One Michelin star

EL AL passengers won’t need any introductions to Chef Assaf Granit– why, you’re probably biting into one of his creations this very minute, as he is none other than our airline’s own head chef. But that is but one of his many titles. One

of his restaurants, Shabour, is located in Paris’ second arrondissement, and has earned him a Michelin star for four years in a row now, becoming the Machneyuda Group’s most emblematic eateries. The menu is composed of brilliantly reinvented Israeli classics served on vintage porcelain plates in a buzzing atmosphere with an open kitchen, where operations are looked over by Chef Dan Yosha. French critics have been raving about the place, with the Figaroscope even naming it the best restaurant in Paris - and it’s got a Michelin star to prove it, for the fourth consecutive year.

Photos: Ilya, (Granit) Tami Bar Shai

Gal Ben-Moshe, Prism, Berlin One Michelin star

This is the fourth year in a row that Chef Gal Ben-Moshe and his Berlin restaurant Prism have received a Michelin star. No small feat, considering only 23 Berlin restaurants have been awarded a Michelin star,

and it’s a true badge of honor for Ben Moshe and his partner Jacqueline Lorenz, the restaurant’s co-owner and head sommelier. Based on fresh seasonal produce, the menu mixes local cuisine with elements of the Japanese, Scandinavian, and Iraqi cuisine, Ben-Moshe’s grandmother being Iraqi. The attention brought to every detail, the subtle elegance and precision of the execution, did not escape the eye of the Michelin inspectors, who remarked that “beyond the brilliant gastronomical uniqueness, what is really impressive here is the personal touch, one that you won’t find anywhere else”.

Photos: (Dish) Steffen Sinzinger, (Ben-Moshe) Ben Fuchs

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