EL AL | Atmosphere

Issue 283 | July 2024

Summer at the beach Meandering lagoons and hidden bays, boardwalk promenades, and seashell-encrusted rocks: the beautiful beaches of Israel are fascinating to explore and perfect for whiling away a scorching summer afternoon

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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 40

In-flight I Issue 283 I JULY 2024

Publisher

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

Photo: Ariela Aflalo

Editor’s Letter

Spending time by the sea has been shown to improve health and wellbeing, body and mind, and with the arrival of the high temperatures of the Israeli summer, it’s clea that the best place to be right now is at the beach. Israel has gorgeous beaches, north to south, but the ones along the coastline between Haifa and Jisr az-Zarqa, are among the most spectacular, with their meandering lagoons, secret caves, seashell-encrusted rocks, archeological remains, boardwalk promenades, and shaded seating areas. To help you escape the heavy heat that has settled on our shores for the season, we’ve prepared a guide with seven of our favorite Israeli beaches, each unique in its own way, and all wonderful spots to while away scorching afternoons and admire cinematic sunsets. Some of the beaches selected are located in and around Haifa, which has become a veritable foodie haven in recent years, with an infinitely vibrant and eclectic culinary scene. To get a taste of its extraordinary diversity, check out our selection of new Haifa eateries

only recently inaugurated, including a chic wine bar, a Paris-style patisserie, a Vietnamese noodle bar, and a restaurant celebrating post-Soviet cuisine. Also this month: a selection of the month’s main cultural highlights, advice for packing a travel first-aid kit, and a look at this month’s Tzeva Tari Art and Design Fair in Tel Aviv, Israel’s biggest annual design fair. We’ve chosen to put the spotlight on some of our favorite lighting fixture designers presenting collections at this year’s fair. This month’s issue also contains an overview of six of the best travel apps and a selection of some lovely breezy summer dresses and comfy sandals and slides, in the fashion section. Before I end by wishing you all a pleasant flight, I’d like to underline the fact that while everyday life inevitably goes on right now, the fight for the release of the hostages in Gaza is very much at the forefront of our minds. I wish you all a pleasant read and a peaceful flight. Nava Marton

Shiri Atzmon Cover Photo and Images ASAP Creative

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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 283 I JULY 2024

Contents

37 38 News 40 In-flight Entertainment 42 New Movies 44 Kids - Movies & TV 45 Top 6 46 In-flight Internet Access 47 Meet the Crew 48 Destination Map 51 Fleet

Check-in 8 Travel News July highlights 10 What’s on Our Radar This Month Local events 12 Our Guide 5 tips on how to pack a travel first-aid kit 14 Flight Essentials for your next trip See the Sights 16 Discover 7 beautiful beaches to visit this summer 24 Explore The Dream Island resort - a haven of relaxation and rejuvenation

Lifestyle 26 Food

32 Fashion

The summer dresses, slides and sandals you need, to feel instantly lighter and refreshed Business 34 Technology 6 travel apps you need on your phone

Taste of the town: 6 new eateries to try out in Haifa 30 Design Five Israeli designers presenting their new lighting fixture collections at this year’s Tzeva Tari Art and Design Fair

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Informative Content

Everything you need to know about SEA ONE PRIVATE CLUB

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; 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 & all with the sea as backdrop. Step out of your door onto a

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 apartments: Tel: +972-549656415 or +1(917)7281211 seaone.co.il *5651

In collaboration with

Check-in I Travel News & Updates

July Highlights

Photo: Aya Ben Ezri

A new hotel brand has been launched in Israel |

The happiest city in the world | The Institute for Quality of Life has published this year’s list of happiest cities which rates 250 cities around the world according to how happy its inhabitants are. This year’s ranking takes into account the fact that happiness is not a notion everyone identifies with. The final results name the Danish city of Aarhus as the one with the highest score thanks to its social cohesion, attention to the environment, and quality of public transport. Aarhus was established as a port town in the 8 th century, quickly becoming a commercial center in Scandinavia. Tel Aviv is placed 70 th and Jerusalem 92 nd on the ranking list.

Thailand extends visa permit for Israeli tourists | The Thai government has approved an extension of 30 additional days of stay in the country, on its visa permit for visiting Israelis. Holiday-makers in the favored destination will be allowed to remain in Thailand for a period of 60 days. The move is intended to help the country’s tourism sector, which is a central component of its economy. Israel is among the 93 countries whose nationals receive an automatic tourism visa upon arrival in Thailand. The country’s digital nomad visa will be extended to five years of multiple entry, up from the current 60 days, with each stay limited to 180 days, with an option to extend it for another 180 days, for up to five years for the cost of 10,000 baht (around NIS 1000). An Israeli hotel in Italy has been awarded a Michelin Key The Michelin Guide has this year launched “Michelin Keys” for hotels. Michelin Keys mirror the Michelin Star system for restaurants, offering a reliable benchmark for travelers seeking exceptional hospitality experiences. A Michelin Key has been awarded to Tuscan hospitality gem, Precise Tale Poggio Alla Sala. This luxury 5-star resort is part of the international Precise hotel chain owned by Israeli businessman Ron Ben Haim. The hotel is located in Montelpulciano, a beautiful medieval town nestled in the heart of the Tuscan vineyards and hills. It was built on the ruins of an ancient 18 th century castle and sprawls across five buildings and a total of 34,200 sqm. It offers 71 luxury rooms and suites, a pampering spa with a heated indoor pool, dry and wet saunas, three outdoor pools, a gym, a bar, and a gourmet restaurant.

Hotel chain Africa Israel, owned by the Dayan family, has launched a new hotel, the Poli Urban TLV. The hotel is located in Ness Ziona Street in the heart of Tel Aviv, not far from the other Poli brand hotel, the Poli House Tel Aviv, in Magen David square. The Poli brand is managed by Sharon Alon and in the next two years Africa Israel plans on launching more urban boutique hotels in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem under the Poli brand.

Photo: Martino Dini

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

What’s On Our Radar This Month

Art | Wonderland 3 The Imperial Hotel, Tel Aviv The Imperial Hotel’s successful pop-up art show is back again, with curator Yaara Sachs’ Wonderland show, this time exploring the notion of escapism. Escapism can be a powerful coping mechanism and a tool for emotional healing. Like in previous editions, each one of the 37 hotel rooms serves as a portal into an alternative reality, created by 54 artists and creators of various disciplines, thus turning the hotel into a collective canvas upon which artists offer visitors a brief escape from our current harsh reality. Throughout July, imperialhotelwonderland.com

Artwork by Daniel Philosoph

Cinema | The Jerusalem Film Festival Jerusalem

This year’s edition of the Jerusalem Film Festival is a rich and diverse selection of films from around the globe, including some of the most talked-about movies of the year, some having premiered and received awards at the most prestigious international film festivals. The Jerusalem Film Festival also platforms competitions such as the Haggiag Competition for Israeli Feature Films, the Diamond Competition for Israeli Documentary Films, and competitions for experimental films, for first-time film directors, and more. Each year, more than NIS 1 million in prize money is awarded to filmmakers taking part in these competitions, many of them Israeli, with the aim to champion local filmmaking and creation. As always, the festival’s opening event will take place at the open-air Sultan’s Pool amphitheatre. July 18-27, jff.org.il/en

Photo: Tom Weintraub Louk

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Performing Arts | The Kolben Dance Company - DUO Across Israel

Duo is a dance show by the Jerusalemite Kolben Dance Company. A profound choreographic experience, it features two new works by leading contemporary dance creators: “Edi”, by Amir Kolben, the company’s artistic director, challenges us to examine how we perceive and interact with the world, and “Casting”, by Noa Zuk, which delves into the intricate dynamics between form and emotion, combining a philosophical choreographic approach with a dialogue between body and soul. July 9-31, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, Beer-Sheva, kolbendance.co.il

Duo by Kolben Dance Company I Photo: Yadin Miler

With the kids | Summer with the family Tel Aviv Port

A range of family activities will be held throughout the summer at Tel Aviv Port. On Tuesday evenings, kids’ plays by leading theatre companies will be presented at the port amphitheatre, free of charge, including “The Emperor’s New Clothes”, “Goldilocks and the Three Bears”, and more. On Mondays at 8pm, parents and children alike can enjoy alfresco screenings of some of the year’s biggest blockbuster movies, such as “Trolls Band Together”, “Wonka”, and “The Little Mermaid”. In August, the international lights festival will be back once again with dozens of installations by artists from around the world. Entrance to all events is free. Throughout July and August, namal.co.il/en/

Photo: Michal Chelbin

Opera | Rigoletto The Israeli Opera, Tel Aviv Verdi’s Rigoletto is one of the most famous and beloved operas ever written. The story revolves around the licentious Duke of Mantua, his hunch-backed court jester Rigoletto, and Rigoletto’s daughter Gilda. The opera’s legendary arias include “La donna è mobile”, and “Caro nome”. This production is led by director Regina Alexandrovskaya, with the participation of exceptional Israeli and international soloists, more than 20 dancers, chorus master Itay Berckovitch, and the Israel Symphony Orchestra Rishon LeZion, playing under the baton of Paolo Carignani. July 5-17, israel-opera.co.il

Photo by Joan Roth I from the Black Box Exhbition, Manofim festival

Art | Manofim Festival Jerusalem

Manofim Festival is the largest, oldest and most influential annual contemporary art event in Jerusalem, attracting thousands of attendees and visitors every year. The festival’s opening event, “Believe”, will be held on Mount Zion, ushering in five consecutive days of art tours, exhibitions, activities for people of all ages, music shows, and more, involving more than 30 art galleries, leading art centers in Israel, and hundreds of independent artists and creators. July 9-13, manofim.org

Photo: Guy Yechiely

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Check-in I Our Guide

A first-aid kit is an absolute must when you’re traveling, be it to the Alps, a holiday by the pool, or a safari in Tanzania. With the help of ‘Haverim Le’refuah’, an Israeli organization that helps people access medication, we’ve devised a little guide on how to go about making the ideal kit - and doing your bit for the environment along the way / By Nava Marton 5 tips on how to pack a first-aid kit for a trip overseas

01 What to pack: It all and type of vacation, as well as whether there are children or elderly people with you. A basic kit should include antibiotic ointment to prevent infection in cuts and burns, plasters, tweezers, scissors, a thermometer, gauze, medication to relieve fever, and pain-relief medicine as well. And of course, any medication you usually take. 02 Type of bag: Ideally it should be water, impact, and temperature resistant, easy to access and well organized. Keep it close to hand and not in a checked suitcase which could potentially be lost. Keep your medication inside its original packaging which always includes expiration dates, and indications about the maximum temperature to keep the medicine in, as well as the leaflet with all the depends on the destination side effect indications, etc. 03 When to take your medication: Remember to sync the time zones so you take any medication you’re used to take at a specific time, at the right time - even when you’re on a plane or in the middle of a vacation. Set an alarm on your cellphone to remind you.

04 What to avoid: Make sure you don’t leave any medication in the car, even if just for an hour. Not even pills against headaches. Cars can reach extreme temperatures in the summer, and act as virtual ovens, ‘baking’ whatever’s left inside. Extreme heat can damage the quality of the medicine. If you did forget medicine inside a car, destroy it and replace it. If you’re traveling with children, keep any medication far from their reach. 05 What to do with leftover medication: Don’t throw it away. Any medication you have that

Some people struggle to afford even basic, cheap, over the counter medication. In addition, the chemical compounds that make up the medicine can contaminate groundwater and cause harm to agriculture and the health of the population. Instead, bring your leftover medicine to one of the 1000 ‘Haverim Le’refuah’ collection sites. The organization will take care of sorting the medication and getting it to those who need it. The ‘Haverim Le’refuah’ organization ensures that every person in Israel receives the medicines they need, regardless of their economic situation. haverim.org.il

you don’t need anymore could potentially save someone’s life.

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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.

Check-in I Checklist

Flight Essentials for your next trip

Sunglasses, Roberto Cavalli, NIS 2,800, available at select eyewear stores

Urban sandals by Source, Nevada model, for men and women, NIS 349.90, available online via source-israel.co.il, at the brand’s factory store in Tirat HaCarmel and at select sports and outdoor gear stores (Photo: Israel Furlender)

Dress, Miami Beach model by Gallabia, NIS 690, available at all Gallabia stores and online via gallabia.com

Photo: Adi Helman

The Roncato Ypsilon luggage collection is designed and produced in Italy and made of polypropylene, an eco-friendly material. The suitcases are expandable and in the cabin version, they include a USB port. NIS 1000-1,500, available at all Lametayel stores and online via shop.lametayel.co.il

SunWay UV protective swimsuit, blocks upto 98% harmful UV rays, NIS 129.90– 159.90, available at all SunWay stores and online via uvsunway.com

Rubber slides by Femina, NIS 99.90, available at all Femina stores and online via femina.co.il

Skincare kit Mahut by Dr Marina Landau travel size skincare kit with five skin repair products, including a cleanser, a hydrating day cream, a rich hydrating night cream, a serum, and a hydrating lip mask, all suitable for daily use in all climates. The products all contain the unique Supercat TM complex developed by Dr Landau that has been proven to repair the epidermal barrier. All products are 100% vegan and perfume and dye-free. NIS 930, available at select skin therapists and online via mahut.me

Photos: PR

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NO ONE SAVES MORE LIVES IN ISRAEL IN TIMES OF CRISIS.

There are many ways to support Israel and its people, but none is more transformative than a gift to Magen David Adom, Israel’s emergency services system. Your gift to MDA isn’t just changing lives — it’s literally saving them — providing critical care and hospital transport for

everyone from victims of heart attacks to rocket attacks. Join the effort at afmda.org/give or call 866.632.2763.

See the Sights I Eat, Travel, Enjoy

All along its northern coast, from Haifa to Jisr az-Zarqa, lie some of Israel’s most spectacular beaches. From lagoons and bays to seashell-encrusted rocks, archeological remains, and a fascinating cave, the Israeli coastline is rich with a myriad magical beaches / By Ariela Aflalo 7 beautiful beaches to visit this summer

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01 The neighborhood beach Bat Galim Beach, Haifa Located a stone’s throw away from the Bat Galim neighborhood, this beach is considered one of the most popular in Haifa. It’s small and intimate, simple and neighborly. Thanks to the breakwaters, swimming conditions are usually comfortable, so it’s a great beach for families with small kids. It has also become a well-known spot for surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and SUP, thanks to the ideal wind direction, and the proximity with Mount Carmel which strengthens the wind intensity. Amenities: there are two lifeguard

huts, sunshades, deck chairs, showers, toilets and changing rooms, a playground, a basketball court, a surf club, a snack bar and two excellent restaurants – Shawatina and Najma. Extra feature : a cable car that’ll take you right up to the Stella Maris monastery at the top of Mount Carmel and back down again. 02 The foodie’s favorite Dado Beach, Haifa Named in memory of David (Dado) Elazar, Israel’s Chief of Staff during the Yom Kippur War, Dado beach is one of Haifa’s most popular beaches. People come here to

swim, sunbathe, see and be seen, play volleyball, while away the summer holidays – and also for the abundance of restaurants, cafés, and ice-cream parlors, among which the Camel café, a well-known spot tourists and locals have been flocking to for decades. Aside from the beach volleyball court, Dado beach also has an amphitheatre for live shows and sports events. Amenities: a breakwater, three lifeguard stations, sunshades, deck chairs and tables, outdoor fitness equipment, lawns, toilets, showers, and changing rooms. Extra feature: a freshwater paddling pool for toddlers, play facilities, a special beach wheelchair for the disabled, cycling lanes, and a skate zone.

Bat Galim Beach, Haifa I Photo: Nir Belzitzky, Haifa Municipality

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See the Sights I Eat, Travel, Enjoy

03 The secret beach Shikmona Beach, Haifa

Sometimes nicknamed the “Jacuzzi”, and “Haifa’s secret beach”, Shikmona beach lies at the southern end of Haifa’s Hecht promenade, beside Tel Shikmona, where you can see the archeological remains of an ancient Canaanite city. Shikmona beach is extremely narrow and has lagoons all around it, as well as beautiful hidden bays. The Shikmona archeological site also showcases the remains of 16 th century mosaics. Amenities: as it’s not a regulated beach, there’s no lifeguard and no toilets, but there’s a food truck called Juicy that sells ice-cream, hotdogs, and more. Extra feature: the nearby nature reserve has a promenade with a birdwatching deck, walking and cycling lanes, and a skate zone. 04 Set between Kfar Galim and Atlit, Hamivtzar beach is part of the shoreline that includes the Moshav Magadim nature reserve and Kibbutz Hahotrim. The Carmel Coast Regional Council has announced it intends to open a new regulated beach here, with a surf club and a food court, so best hurry to come and enjoy it while it’s still untouched. Accessible by car, the beach and its hidden nooks, nestled in the kurkar ridge, is the ideal hangout spot, where windsurfers and surfers alike, dot the gorgeous sea view. Amenities: showers, a food truck selling snacks, ice-cream, and beverages. The hangout beach Hamivtzar Beach, Atlit

Dado Beach I Photo: Nir Belzitzky, Haifa Municipality

Shikmona Beach I Photo: Ron Weinstock, Haifa Municipality

Hamivtzar Beach, Atlit I Photo: Ariela Aflalo

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Extra feature: a short walk southwards will lead you to the Atlit salt pools, where there are flamingos and sea turtles. 05 For the whole family Neve Yam Beach Neve Yam is a regulated beach that has obtained the ‘blue thanks to the high standards of its infrastructure. Neve Yam is vast: it has a lagoon you can enter and see geysers emerging from the rocks, and at its northern edge, there is a shallow natural pool, perfect for toddlers to splash about in. Camping on the beach is not permitted, and neither are BBQs, nor playing loud music, but at walking distance, there’s another beautiful beach where tents are allowed to be pitched. Neve Yam is not an officially regulated beach, but it has chemical toilets, and its waters are well monitored. Amenities: a lifeguard hut, deck chairs, showers, changing rooms, and a box with beach toys in case you forgot to bring your own. Extra feature: a rusty washed-up fisherman’s boat called Elisheva that has become an appreciated selfie spot. 06 The most romantic Habonim beach With its lagoons, hidden bays, giant rocks, and mini-islands, Habonim beach is paradise on earth. Within it also lies what is known as the ‘blue cave’, a breathtaking grotto also dubbed the ‘love cave’. Habonim was designated a nature reserve flag’ certification from the FEE (the international Foundation for Environmental Education),

Neve Yam Beach I Photo: Ariela Aflalo

Habonim Beach I Photo: Ariela Aflalo

Habonim Beach I Photo: Ariela Aflalo

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See the Sights I Eat, Travel, Enjoy

Jisr az-Zarqa Beach I Photo: (left) Asaf Pinchuk, (right) Anat Cohen Halevi

beach and it is divided into three parts: in the middle there’s a cove you can access against a small fee, above lies a reef that leads into the sea, and at the beach’s southern end, there are wild beaches, including one that has seashell encrusted rocks that lead onto the aforementioned blue cave. A short walk southwards will lead you to the Tel Dor site where you’ll find the archeological remains of the old Arab village of Tantura. South of Tel Dor lies Nachsholim beach, another beautiful beach well-worth exploring. Amenities: in the regulated parts of the beach: a lifeguard hut, toilets,

showers, and sunshades. Extra feature: a camping ground along the beach and at Nachsholim beach, there’s a sailing club, as well as B&Bs and a boutique hotel. 07 The most authentic Jisr az-Zarqa There are no deck chairs, lifeguard huts, or sunshades here – just a rusty old lighthouse, fishermen’s boats floating along the water, and fishermen bringing their day’s catch to shore. This stretch of the coastline

is located between Caesarea and Kibbutz Maagan Michael. Jisr az Zarqa is an Israeli Arab town with picturesque old houses painted blue, recalling the Spanish village of Júzcar – much to the appreciation of the many tourists and visitors who come here to experience a slice of untouched authenticity. Amenities: beach showers and a fish restaurant open on weekends. Extra feature: there’s a great hike to be had around here, along Nahal Taninim stream and the remains of the bridge that was built by the Ottomans in honor of Kaiser Wilhelm II in 1898. ˆ

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The Umm el-Fahem Art Gallery is renowned for its exceptional exhibition and promotion of Arab-Israeli & Palestinian art in Israel, and for the strengthening of civic participation and social involvement for Arab and Jewish residents of the Wadi Ara region. The place where art and culture meet to create a better world. An Inspiring Artistic Dialogue: The Umm el-Fahem Art Gallery

Current exhibition of artwork by Lea Dayan at the Umm el-Fahem Art Gallery I Photo by Yigal Pardo

Exhibitions, Seminars, Workshops and Tours

Founded in 1996 by a group of local artists and residents of a traditional Muslim Arab city, the Umm el Fahem Art Gallery, run under the auspices of the Al-Sabar not-for profit organization, is the only Arab institution of its kind in Israel. The initiative to establish an art gallery in the Wadi Ara area was led by Mr. Said Abu-Shakra, a former officer with the Israeli Police Force and the current director of the gallery. Aspiring to bring quality art to Umm el-Fahem, he envisioned a local art institution as a way to build a platform for cultural appreciation, tolerance, and artistic dialogue between Arab and Jewish artists and audiences.

through the mementos, photographs and stories of the Arab families who have lived there for hundreds of years. The gallery has developed an excellent reputation locally and internationally as an important social and cultural space in the Wadi Ara region of Israel – an area which otherwise suffers from high unemployment, poverty and a lack of opportunities. Its activities are supported by donations from foundations and private individuals from around the globe. The gallery maintains close links with other museums in the field, including the Tel Aviv Museum of Art. “The idea of establishing a modern art gallery was from the beginning

With around twenty exhibitions per year, the gallery showcases a wide variety of contemporary international art, including works by Israeli Arab, Israeli Jewish and international artists. The gallery holds numerous seminars, workshops, and tours, which consistently draw large, diverse audiences. It also operates a highly regarded education department, which features art lessons, courses and tours for local children, women’s groups, at-risk youth, visiting artists, and more. In addition, the gallery’s archive is the first body to research and document the rich heritage of the Wadi Ara region

Informative Content

Brides in white. Photo by Amar Yuones

Abu Shakra, founder of the Umm el-Fahem Art Gallery: “Despite initial doubts, the gallery has since become a vital platform for Arab artists in Israel and a hub for multicultural connections with Israeli and international art. It serves as a beacon for local residents, showcasing the path towards social change" Photo by Yigal Pardo

Art in the community, Al-Midan neighborhood

considered a ‘delusional idea’, and doubt was immediately cast on the initiative’s chances of survival,” says Said Abu Shakra, the founder, who also founded the first Arab historical photographic archive in Israel. “Despite initial doubts, the gallery has since become a vital platform for Arab artists in Israel and a hub for multicultural connections with Israeli and international art. It serves as a beacon for local residents, showcasing the path towards social change.”. A unique ability to unite, engage and empower Umm el-Fahem Art Gallery, a pioneer in Arab society in Israel, quickly established itself as a noteworthy institution on both the local and international cultural scene, attracting a multicultural base of friends and frequent visitors. Through its exhibitions, extensive education department and archives, the gallery plays a central role in the lives and economic development of local Umm el-Fahem citizens and residents of the Wadi Ara region. But most significantly, as the only gallery for contemporary Arab art in Israel,

it plays a crucial role in coexistence activities between Arabs and Jews - providing an inspiring model for peace and collaboration between these two communities. Realizing the tremendous potential of community building, and for connecting people of different religions and cultures via the arts, the team at the Umm el-Fahem Gallery has set a few goals: to present contemporary and high quality art, to develop and An inspiring cultural experience | Some of the projects instigated by the Umm el-Fahem Gallery Shared Space – Coexistence through Art: a coexistence through art program aimed at establishing a long-term relationship between Jewish and Arab children. The program works with two classes – one Arab and one Jewish – over the course of an entire year. Each meeting offers an opportunity for an unmediated encounter between the pupils in a positive and constructive environment, based on a shared experience of art observation and creation.

enhance the awareness of art in all age groups, to serve as a cultural and artistic center for Arab and Jewish artists in Israel, and to encourage cultural dialogue between them on a variety of themes, including ones related to critical current affairs, to create a multicultural dialogue between artists from Israel and abroad, and to establish the first Arab Museum of Contemporary Art. ummelfahemgallery.com The Archives of Wadi Ara: In 2008, the gallery began compiling the first Arab archives of their kind in Israel, telling the story of the Wadi Ara area through the mementos, photographs and oral history of the Arab families who have lived there for hundreds of years. Today, the archives include hundreds of photographs of Umm el Fahem (many of which recovered from archive collections in the UK, Germany and the US), as well as historic documents, artifacts and more than 500 video interviews with local elders, telling their personal stories that together make up the narrative of an entire community.

See the Sights I Vacation

A break for the mind, body, and soul

Photo: Ori Ackerman

At a 50 minutes’ drive from Tel Aviv, there’s a magical place with giant suites, luxury spas, watsu pools, and delicious food – the Dream Island resort is a haven of relaxation and rejuvenation / By Yaniv Levy

Water, water, and more water A considerable amount of money was spent on the renovations that made this 5-star resort what it is today, a unique wellness spa with a myriad of wondrous water experiences, including, hot and cold pools, a waterfall pool, and a watsu therapy pool. There’s also a Turkish bath, and food of the highest quality, served all day. The overall guest experience is one of total relaxation, a feeling that lingers on way after your stay is over. Dream Island even allows guests who have already checked out to stay on and enjoy the

When you first arrive at the Dream Island resort, you’re struck by the fact that everyone is wearing white bathrobes, seemingly on their way either to or from the spa. Once you check-in, you realize the only way to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere, is to get out of your clothes, and into one of those Dream Island bathrobes yourself – and almost instantly, as your everyday clothes come off, so do all your worries, stress, and thoughts that usually clutter the mind. You feel a smile appear on your face, and a wave of relaxation take over.

Photo: Matan Baranes

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resort facilities until 5pm, so even if you just spend one night here, you get to experience two days of spa treatments and pampering, without any extra charge. Guests who come for just a day, without spending the night, are given a black wristband that allows them to enjoy all the facilities all day long – pools, spa treatments, and food. Giant suites and gourmet food Dream Island has 26 suites, some of which include a Jacuzzi, a 2-person sauna cabin, and a relaxation garden, while others also have a private pool. During your stay, the only time you’ll need to get out of your bathrobe will be at the entrance to Armonim, the resort restaurant. Armonim is a veritable culinary institution in south-central Israel and used to be located in the nearby Moshav Sgula in its previous version. The Dream Island Armonim is a Kosher meat restaurant with a menu of gourmet dishes served in a relaxed atmosphere. Guests who come to the resort just for the day, can enjoy the restaurant all through the afternoon, while guests who spend the night also get to taste the evening menu which is served to the sound of a live DJ set. All guests are welcome to enjoy the food served in the food trucks spread across the resort grounds, free of charge. To all this you can add Pilates classes, makeup workshops, wine tasting sessions, not to mention the chance to see ancient ruins of the Biblical city of Gat, discovered here during the resort renovations. How much does it cost: a package deal including access to the pools, Hammam, food truck area, and Armonim restaurant, starts at NIS 590 per person. A deluxe package which also includes a massage and access to the spa, starts at NIS 880 per person. A night’s stay in one of the suites starts at NIS 2,250 during the week, breakfast included, and at NIS 2,900 on a Friday, breakfast included. dream-island.co.il ˆ

Photo: Yuval Iluk Photo: Matan Baranes Photo: Ori Ackerman

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Lifestyle I Food

Haifa’s food scene is alive and kicking and restaurants of every kind are sprouting across the city, from street food to fine dining, European cuisine to Asian fusion, wine bars to coffee shops and patisseries - there seems to be no limit to the culinary abundance and inventiveness. Here are 6 of our absolute favorite / By Sharon Ben-David Taste of the town: 6 new eateries to try out in Haifa

Photo: Anatoli Michaelo

Café Coco | A Paris-style boulangerie-patisserie Chef Hmodi Okala is a Haifa food celeb. His restaurant, Raseef 33, is considered one of the best nightlife spots in the city, known for its chic atmosphere and top-notch menu. For Okala, Café Coco is the fulfilment of a lifelong dream, an opportunity to showcase his love for European baking techniques and flavors. It is situated just a stone’s throw away from Raseef 33, in the heart of downtown Haifa and overlooking the city’s iconic port. Its window is chockfull of baked wonders: intricate sandwiches, puff pastry delights, croissants of every kind, and more. Aside from French classics, the menu here includes interesting offerings that blend French baking techniques and Middle-Eastern flavors, such as halva-filled cruffins, croissant-pastry basbusas with coconut ganache and passionfruit coulis. On Saturdays, the café also serves brunch – it’s very popular so make sure you come in early to guarantee you get a seat. Hanamal 33, @cafecoco.haifa

Photo: Pavel Pereselyak and Moshe Levi

Roomka | Post-Soviet cuisine

with concrete walls and vintage steel cutlery. Vodka is served in tiny glasses called roomkas (which gave the restaurant its name), aside zakuskis, Russian hors d’oeuvres served cold. The menu also includes such dishes as chicken Kiev, shuba salad, and manti dumplings that integrate more Middle-Eastern flavors. A tasting menu called “Nov God” gives you a chance to fully immerse yourself in the post-Soviet food experience and is heartily recommended. Nordau 21

Had you ventured into Haifa’s Hadar neighborhood in the 1990s, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were somewhere in the Soviet Union. Almost four decades later, two childhood friends who grew up here, Dean Albert and Rony Berlin, opened Roomka, a restaurant that celebrates the flavors and specialties of post-Soviet cuisine. Modest in size, it opened a few months ago as the war was raging. The décor references typical Soviet aesthetics,

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Oliphant wine bar | Coffee shop and deli by day, wine bar by night Helmed by Chef Dudi Kedem who used to work for Ruti Broudo and her hospitality group R2M, and Yuval Kwintner, this wine bar and deli is located in Haifa’s Moriah neighborhood. During the day, Oliphant functions as a coffee shop and deli, selling top-notch sandwiches, croissants French toast, and elegant baked goods. In the evening, lights are dimmed, bottles are popped, and it transforms into a neighborhood wine bar. The evening menu is a sophisticated dance of delicate hors d’oeuvres, and vegetable and surf & turf mains. Wine and cheeses made by both Israeli and international producers can be purchased on-site. Moriah 13

Oliphant I Photo: Asaf Karela

Kona | Between casual & fine dining The Breada bakery is a veritable institution in Haifa. People flock over here every morning to enjoy the cornucopia of baked delights that bejewel the window shelves. For a while, the bakery premises had been serving as the stage of a brand-new restaurant open only in the evenings, to great success, so much so that the restaurant has expanded. It is now located right next-door to the bakery and has its own name: Kona. Kona is a bistro type eatery, somewhere between casual and fine dining, a

place you can stop by to take in the atmosphere and eat a simple but top-quality meal. The menu is composed of both permanent and changing dishes, such as fish tartar on a bed of croissant wedges with hazelnut oil and Japanese mayo, premium beef burger in a pumpkin brioche bun, or handmade pasta, and classic salads. On Fridays and Saturdays, lunch is served to the sound of a live DJ set, and wine and cocktails abundantly flow aside a brunch menu that focuses on egg-based dishes. Hanamal 10, @kona_haifa

Kona I Photo: PR

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Lifestyle I Food

Galilee and Carmel-based farmers, locally caught fish, and Emek Yizrael beef. Sfuri takes this superb bounty and creates subtle dishes such as white fish with toasted pepper and salt crumble, fried oxtail kubbeh, handmade seafood maftoul paella, etc. The drinks menu offers carefully selected wines and cocktails made using fresh fruit. Tapa is the first bar in this neighborhood, a first step towards turning it into a new and exciting nightlife hub. Hagefen 26, @tapa.haifa

Bún ch ả I Photo: Gilad Hershleg

Bún chá | A Vietnamese culinary experience Haifa’s Talpiot market has become a haven for foodies. You can find almost every type of cuisine under the sun, from gourmet food to hummus, to Asian fusion. Bún ch ả is an exciting new addition to the Haifa food scene. It serves Vietnamese cuisine - a world of flavors Haifa foodies are less familiar with. The word ‘bún’ refers to the flagship dish, a noodle bowl dish hailing from Hanoi. Here it is served with either crispy chicken, fried fish, or tofu and eggplant in sweet-and-sour sauce. The menu also includes egg and spring rolls, bánh mì rolls filled with all sorts of spreads, vegetables, and delicious umami condiments that magically

transport you to the streets of Hanoi. Lunz 7, @buncha_haifa

Tapa | Surf & turf

This tapas restaurant is located inside the new Botanica hotel in the German Colony neighborhood and has the most spectacular view of the Bahá’í Gardens. It was initially supposed to open last October but the war postponed the opening. The menu is based on produce locally sourced by Chef Warad Sfuri, including olive oil that was made using a century old press, vegetables from the Wadi Nisnas market and grown by

Tapa I Photo: Asaf Karela

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Lifestyle I Design

Art and design often have the power to heal and console when times are hard. We’ve chosen to put the spotlight on five Israeli designers presenting their new lighting collections at this year’s Tzeva Tari Art and Design Fair, the biggest of its kind in Israel / By Adi Fogel Hollander Precious rays of light

Velvart | Designer: Keren Velvart

Studio Vayehi | Designers: Tzuri Gottlieb and Katharina Brand Studio Vayehi, owned by designers Tzuri Gottlieb and Katharina Brand, specializes in the design of handmade wood veneer lampshades. Their new collection, “Topo”, is composed of spectacular pieces that give the impression of spiraling, gradual, movement. @studio_vayehi Keren Velvart graduated with honors from the interior design department of Shenkar College. Her lighting fixtures draw inspiration from nature and combine shapes and materials from the natural world with an artificial framing, emphasizing the intertwining of craftsmanship and technology. Velvart’s most recent collections focus on stone-like materials and digital designs that exalt nature evoking manmade shapes. @velvart

Photo: Studio Velvart Studio Vayehi ן Photo: Assaf Ambran

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Duo House | Designer: Yoav Barel After spending years designing lighting for museums and architectural spaces, Yoav Barel decided to focus on product design, light fixtures in particular. Eighteen months ago, he founded Duo House, a design hub that promotes Israeli contemporary art and design. Lighting is at the heart of all of Barel’s designs. Under his lighting brand, Yrd, he is presenting two lighting fixture collections that explore the notion of light as raw material through the meeting between light and metal, which creates a fascinating interplay of movement and aesthetics. @theduohouse

Pagoda | Designers: Nir Meiri and Maiyan Ben Yona Pagoda I Photo: Shay Ben Efraim Duo House

Tzeva Tari Art and Design Fair This year’s edition of the Tzeva Tari Art and Design Fair is taking place July 3-8 at the Hadar Yossef municipal sports center (Shitrit Street 4, Tel Aviv) in collaboration with the Tel Aviv municipality and under the sponsorship of Harel Insurance and the Zurich Insurance Group. The fair includes 40 exhibitions, curatorial projects, special projects, and social projects. Live performances will be taking place every day under the “Live!” banner, and like each year, the fair is an incredible opportunity for designers and artists to meet the wider public of design aficionados, who will be able to purchase original artwork from some of the most important Israeli creators working today. For more info and tickets go to: freshpaint.co.il

Nachshon Studio

Nachshon Studio | Designer: Tomer Nachshon An architect by training, Tomer Nachshon has always had a passion for details and small-scale furniture. His work combines the knowledge and know-how he absorbed as a child in his father’s workshop, and that of the world of architecture and design, acquired during his studies. His design language leans on material, technology, and detail, when the details are what melds everything together. The main materials employed are metal, leather, and wood, which are also the materials used in Nachshon’s lighting fixture collection showcased at the Tzeva Tari Design Fair. @nachshonstudio

A first-time collaboration project between lighting designer Nir Meiri and ceramicist Maiyan Ben Yona has delivered a beautiful collection of lighting fixtures inspired by the shape and aesthetics of the pagoda, after which it was named. The pieces are all made of metal, porcelain, and wood - materials both creators usually work with, highlighting the beauty of the intertwining of the three, while maintaining a clean, modern line with added shots of bright optimistic color. @nirmeiri, @maiyanbenyona

Photos: courtesy of the designers

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Lifestyle I Fashion

The summer dresses, slides, and sandals you need to feel instantly lighter and refreshed this season / Nava Marton Easy, breezy, and effortless

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1. American Eagle, NIS 219.90 2. Zadig & Voltaire, NIS 3,735, 3. Castro, NIS 199.90 4. Zimmermann for Factory 54, NIS 5,290 5 , Wrangler, NIS 429 6. Bash for Boutique 77, NIS 2,123 7. & Other Stories, NIS 620 8. Avishag Arbel, NIS 349 9. Hoodies, NIS 129.90 10. Polo Ralph Lauren, NIS 1,129

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