EL AL | Atmosphere

Issue 285 | Septemper 2024

Discovering Eilat Crystal-clear waters, pampering hotels, an exciting culinary scene, and a myriad land and sea activities to enjoy. Israel’s vacation capital is the perfect holiday destination

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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

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In-flight I Issue 285 I September 2024

Publisher

Editor-in-Chief Nava Marton Production Manager Alon Fox Art Director Amram Pikarsky / Studio Liat Rosenzwieg Design Shiri Atzmon Cover Photo and Images ASAP Creative VP of Marketing, Trade and Sales Yaniv Ofir Senior Sales Manager Liad Elhadad

Editor’s Letter

September is always a pleasant time to be in Israel. The summer heat is finally subsiding, and fall seems resolutely on its way. The High Holidays are not too far behind either, bringing on the season of weekends away and family vacations. These are difficult times, and it’s so good for the body and soul to take a few days off to recharge your batteries, discover new landscapes, and snatch a few happy moments of relaxation and fun with your loved ones. This time we bring you the lowdown on what to see and do in the vacation capital of Israel, the southern city of Eilat. Up to very recently, Eilat hotels were serving as temporary homes for the displaced families of the north and south. Now, they’re back welcoming sun-seeking holidaymakers, proving once again that no one does vacation glamour quite like Eilat. Our 48 glorious hours there reminded us

just how much we missed it. You’ll find the highlights of our stay on page 16. On September 15 th , singer-songwriter Ishay Ribo will be performing at Madison Square Garden in New York, for the second time in his career. We sat down with him before his flight for a decidedly optimistic chat about music’s ability to heal and bring people together, and about his religious faith. And as always, in this issue you’ll find a selection of the month’s main cultural highlights, travel tips and recommendations, a look at some of Tel Aviv’s new hotel restaurants, and more. And of course, we remain, as ever, entirely engaged in the fight for the release of all the hostages held in Gaza. I wish you a pleasant read and a peaceful flight, as we hope for good news. Nava Marton

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

For information regarding advertising opportunities Please contact

Mr. Liad Elhadad at TEL: 052-3449838 Liad_e@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 285 I September 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 6 Travel News September highlights 8 What’s on Our Radar This Month Local events 10 Our Guide 8 tips for first-time cruisers 14 Flight Essentials for your next trip See the Sights 16 Discover 48 hours of fun and relaxation in Eilat

Magazine 24 The voice of faith

Lifestyle 30 Vacation

A spirit-lifting interview with Israeli singer-songwriter Ishay Ribo who will be performing this month at Madison Square Garden in New York 28 Reality creating art A look at this year’s Israel Festival’s artistic program

A glorious weekend away at the Bat Shlomo Farmhouse 32 Food 5 new Tel Aviv hotel restaurants to look out for

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Rendering for illustration purposes only

OUR EXCELLENCE STANDARD JUST GOT EVEN HIGHER

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Check-in I Travel News & Updates

September Highlights

@Barceló_ Isla_Canela

Photo: Aluma

A new Israeli hotel has opened in Athens |

The best all-inclusive resort in the world |

The busiest tourist destination on the European continent | New research, conducted by luxury travel company The Thinking Traveller, has ranked the most overcrowded tourist attractions in Europe so you can avoid getting caught up in the throngs. Analyzing TripAdvisor reviews, the list was compiled by finding locations with the most mentions of the words ‘crowded’ and ‘busy’. According to results, Edinburgh Castle was named the most overcrowded destination on the continent. In 2023, almost 2 million people walked its halls. Next up in the ranking was Buckingham Palace in London, followed by Siam Park, the waterpark of Tenerife. The Grand Canal in Venice made fourth place, and the Roman Baths in the city of Bath, fifth. Situated within the prestigious Weizmann Institute campus, the new Clore Garden of Science is the first open-air science park in the world. It took five years to complete, with a part of it still undergoing works likely to last three years. The Garden has been designed as a gathering place where scientists and members of the public can come together to brainstorm, interact, and collaborate - where Weizmann’s science experts can share their latest discoveries and offer visitors a chance to influence and even participate in their research. The Clore Garden of Science in Rehovot has opened to the public |

International hotel chain Aluma Hotels, sister company to Isrotel, has announced the opening of its new location in central Athens, the Anise. This 4-star hotel is located in the colorful and picturesque neighborhood of Psiri, ideal for exploring the city and soaking in its unique atmosphere. There are 63 rooms, including five suites and six family rooms, a restaurant in the hotel’s internal courtyard, and a gym. The rooftop lounge looks out onto the Psiri neighborhood, has a pool, a bar, and a seating area for enjoying lunch or a light snack as you admire the view. Price per night includes breakfast.

For the second year in a row, and the fifth time overall, the Barceló Isla Canela has been named best all-inclusive resort at the World Travel Awards, known as the “Oscars of tourism”. Awards are attributed on the basis of certain criteria such as quality of facilities, service, and value for money. Located in the Andalusian town of Ayamonte, the Barceló hotel is a four-star resort with 349 rooms and plenty of other features, including three swimming pools, padel and tennis courts, a golf course, and a spa. The hotel design is traditional Andalusian in style, and some rooms offer wonderful sea views or views onto the resort’s beautiful gardens.

Photo: Michal Berger

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

What’s On Our Radar This Month

Lighthouse by Gal Sharir and Idan Sidi

Design | Jerusalem Design Week Hansen House, Jerusalem The theme of this year’s Jerusalem Design Week is the biblical story of Noah’s Ark, a story about a catastrophic disaster caused by evils attributed to humans, but also about the human act of taking responsibility for preservation, which brings about humanity’s salvation, redemption, and hope. For one week, Jerusalem culture hub Hansen House will be welcoming thousands of visitors, ready to discover hundreds of designers, exhibitors, artists and performers, from Israel and the world, including Neil Cohen, with his pop-art store for CON, Haifa-based street art collective Broken Fingaz, and many more. Entrance is free. September 19-26, jdwa.co.il

Photo: Evgeny Matveev

Performing Arts | The Seagull – A Ballet Story Ballet Eifman, The Israeli Opera, Tel Aviv

The Saint Petersburg Eifman Ballet is back in Israel with a choreographic interpretation of Anton Chekhov’ masterpiece, produced in the year that marks the illustrious ballet company’s 45 th anniversary. With the Seagull – A Ballet Story, company founder and choreographer Boris Eifman plunges the audience into the unique world of backstage – filled with electrifying passion, enticing and striking in its contrasts. In this world, love affairs are entangled with the torment of the creative process, and personal dramas are entwined with the mysterious origins of the works of artists. September 25-30, israel-opera.co.il/eng, eifmanballet.com

Music / Classical The Jerusalem International Chamber Music Festival YMCA, Jerusalem

The festival this year is celebrating the quintet ensemble in many of its myriad forms, whether strings, or combinations of strings or wind ensembles with piano. Through some of the great works in this genre, by composers including Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, Bruckner and Schnittke, the festival’s program explores

the rich and varied sonorities of various combinations of five instruments, and almost every concert will feature lieder. Among the performing musicians are the festival’s artistic director and pianist Elena Bashkirova, baritone Dietrich Henschel, clarinetist Pablo Barragán, and more. September 3-7, jcmf.org.il

Noga Shaham I Photo: Eduard Luzhetskiy

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Artwork by David Weksler I Photo: Elad Sarig

Exhibition | Color Design Museum Holon

Photo: Malevo

Performing Arts | Malevo Across the country

A colorful, optimistic exhibition that explores the world of Israeli design, focusing on the role played by color in facilitating our understanding of reality and our capacity to categorize it. More than 30 Israeli designers working in a range of disciplines were invited to explore the notion of color. Some of the works on show envisage color as matter and look at how it comes into being by means of both contemporary and traditional technologies. Others explore color trends and the historical and cultural reasons for choosing a certain color to represent a particular idea. The exhibition includes an interactive space for kids where they can explore the relations between color and the worlds of fauna and flora. (Curators: Yuval

Malevo, the succssful traditional Argentine folk dance company, is bringing its electrifying show to Israel for the first time ever. Sixteen male dancers, live music, and virtuoso dance set to a pulsating rhythm of drums, boleadoras and stomping, push the gaucho dance beyond its limits in an amazing show. Malevo shows will be held in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, and Herzliya. September 12-18, hoh-herzliya.co.il, barak-tickets.co.il, 2207.kupat.co.il

Saar and Liora Rosin). Until 31 st Dec, dmh.org.il

Exhibition | Maskit 10/30/70 MUZA, Eretz Israel, Museum, Tel Aviv

Maskit 10/30/70 tells the story of iconic Israeli fashion brand Maskit across 70 years, from its establishment in 1954 as part of a government company, its growth into a series of boutiques throughout the country in the second half of the 20 th century, which ended with its closure in 1994, to its revival by fashion designer Sharon Tal, as a privately owned haute couture brand in 2014. Central to the exhibition are the building blocks of the Maskit wardrobe – iconic items such as the “Desert Coat”, “Ein Gedi Dress”, and “Kinneret Shirt”. The exhibition also includes unique textiles, carpets and jewelry characterized by groundbreaking designs, alongside documents, photographs, and rare archival footage. (Curator: Shachar Atwan). In the Photo: a Dior outfit from the 1962 Bonds fashion show, photo by Peter Fink, Neora Warshavsky Archive, National Library collections Until December 2024, eretzmuseum.org.il/en

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Check-in I Our Guide

8 tips for first-time cruisers Undecided about destinations, trajectories, and what type of ship to choose? Here are 8 pieces of precious advice that’ll help you create the perfect first-time cruise trip / By Sigalit Bar

very big, but they’re usually quite comfortable, well-equipped, and have plenty of storage space. Cabin types include ones with or without a window, ones with windows that do or do not open, ones with a balcony, or with connecting doors (important for families with young children), and there are suites of various sizes. Prices vary location plays a part in the pricing too (cabins at the center of the ship are more stable than those located in its bow). 07 Food and entertainment: make sure you book your table at the cruise restaurant as well as your seat for the various entertainment activities for the duration of the cruise in order to avoid any potential disappointment. Same goes for drinks and Wi-Fi service. It’s always best to purchase them before embarking on the cruise, via the cruise line company app or website. 08 Schedule: never land in the city your cruise ship leaves from on embarkation day - and not even the day before. Arriving at least two nights before embarkation day is highly recommended since there’s always a risk your flight will get canceled or delayed. The ship won’t wait for you if you’re late. Board the ship as early as possible, so that you have time to conduct a full tour and get used to the surroundings before it sails away. accordingly of course, and as mentioned above, the cabin’s

that offers activities they will enjoy, and a cruise that stops in places the children will want to visit as well. 04 Booking your tickets: only book tickets from a travel agent you trust, and preferably one that specializes in cruises. Cruise ship brochures have so much small print in them, and the options can seem endless. It’s essential to consult a cruise specialist before booking. 05 Price comparisons: conduct thorough price comparisons between the various companies, and check what exactly is included in the price (food options, Wi-Fi service, activities etc.). Also, check your cabin’s exact location on the ship as it influences the price of your ticket - and make sure you know what the company’s cancelation policy is. 06 Cabin location: cruise cabins may not typically be

01 Cruise line company: make sure you compare the various options each company is offering in terms of services, activities, food, drink, and entertainment. Consult travel magazines and travel experts. 02 Type of ship: be aware that cruise line companies use brand-new, as well as less recent ships models. Some are bigger, some smaller, and some are more luxurious than others. Make sure you know exactly what type of ship you will be sailing on before purchasing tour tickets. 03 Trajectory: make sure you’re aware of your cruise’s precise trajectory and the length of each one of the stops it makes along the way, and choose the one that best suits your inclinations. If you’re traveling with children, make sure you pick a ship

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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 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. The first Luxury Resort Living in Israel with 5 star amenities 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 with luxury suites for resident’s guests Some 20-plus hospitality suites are available for friends and family wanting

to stay close , 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. Sea One Private Club members enjoy culture and social events Lectures, jazz concerts, and other cultural activities as well as an art gallery and studio, private cinema, and round-the-clock sport classes social 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. 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 Checklist

Flight Essentials for your next trip

Straighten and style your hair – anytime, anywhere

Men’s wash bag, GANT, NIS 155, available at all Gentleman stores and online via gentleman.co.il

The new DAFNI Active portable brush allows you to straighten, touch-up and style your hair with comfort and ease, wherever and whenever you need. Its patented technology protects your hair from damage by maintaining

Webee Learning game console for kids aged 2-6 with access to a wide variety of educational games, based on the Android operating system, available in 4 languages (Hebrew, Arabic, Russian, and English), imported by H.Y. Group, NIS 699

the temperature at an optimal 180°C. Its anti static bristles eliminate frizz and ensure silky smooth results. The DAFNI Active is compact and convenient, fitting easily in your bag. Light, powerful, and travel-friendly, its detachable battery is accepted by all airlines. Price: NIS 499, available online via dafni.co

Kids’ travel pillow, Dr. Gav, NIS 119

Sunglasses by Cazal, Shaldag Eyewear, NIS 2,800

Wooden clogs by Danish brand Sanita, NIS 450, available at all Blue Heart stores and online via blueheart.co.il

Men’s sandals, Outdoor Revolution, synthetic outsole and lining, cushioned footbed for extra comfort, simple and secure fastening strap, NIS 199, available at outdoor gear stores and online via outdoorrevolution.co.il

Sunglasses, Cutler and Gross X The Great Frog, NIS 4,100

Satin pyjama set by Femina, NIS 229.90

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Photos: PR, Simon Elmalem, recommended retail prices, E&OE

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

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fun-packed hours in Eilat

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Israel’s tourist town of the south is a vacationer’s dream come true, with its pampering hotels, gorgeous beaches, excellent food scene, and endless shopping possibilities. Eilat is the perfect destination for a holiday with the kids, a romantic getaway, or a weekend of fun with a group of friends. Uncover the charms and delights of this Red Sea gem / By Nava Marton

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See the Sights I Eat, Travel, Enjoy

After months of lovingly hosting and caring for the tens of thousands of displaced families from the north and south, Eilat hotels are back doing what they do to perfection: welcoming sun-seeking holidaymakers eager to relax and enjoy the city’s myriad touristic joys. Here are some of the highlights of our last stay there, brought to you together with the warmest of recommendations to do yourself a favor, and head over there as soon as possible. The Neve Eilat Hotel Urban, with lashings of desert charm NIS 30 million went into refurbishing the Atlas chain’s Neve Eilat Hotel (formerly the Nova). The hotel has undergone a complete facelift. The desert red-brown-yellow tones of the design and use of natural materials, immediately catch the eye as you set foot in the vast lobby, where there are low-seating sofas and plush floor pillows, reminiscent of the desert khans. The warm lighting and bar also contribute to giving it that distinct Eilat vacation vibe. There are 190 rooms spread across six floors. 126 of them are large suites, each possessing a living room, a bedroom, a kitchen corner, and a spacious bathroom. All have been entirely restyled using the same desert tones. Some of the suites also have a balcony with a sunbed, a seating corner, and a lovely view of the city and landscape. The suites are perfect for families with kids as there’s a big sofa bed in the living room. The hotel also offers studio rooms that sleep up to three people. Breakfast and dinner are served in the big refectory. Fully kosher, the menu includes numerous healthy options, with the emphasis placed on quality ingredients. The breakfast

Photos: Sivan Askayo, courtesy of the Neve Eilat Hotel

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ten years ago, naming it Broitman after his mother. It was her maiden name and means “bread man” in Yiddish. Between 11 and 15 types of bread are baked onsite, and all of them are sourdough and left to prove for long hours which is why they are so flavorsome. Most breads are whole grain, spelt, or rye, some have added raisins or nuts in them. The only bread that’s 100% made of white flour are the challahs that are baked on Fridays, which is one of the best days to come here as aside from the challahs, all sorts of special baked delights bedeck the windows and shelves. The shaded seating area outside is perfect for enjoying a coffee or a cold beverage aside your baked good of choice. brbr.co.il Niki Kai Isrotel’s new Asian-fusion eatery It’s impossible to ignore the beautiful and inviting décor of the new restaurant at Isrotel’s Royal Garden mall boulevard. Niki Kai is big and spacious, warmly lit, and elegantly decorated with Far-East inspired art. The menu includes

Broitman Bakery I Photo: Rony Balahsan

buffet includes a salad bar, a bread and baked goods station, eggs any which way, fruit, granola, and a selection of breakfast cereals for kids. In the evening, the buffet menu includes meat, chicken, and fish dishes, vegetarian and vegan options, as well as an individual chef’s dish prepared in front of you and on the spot. And of course, dessert options abound. The hotel’s brand-new spa offers three treatment rooms, one of them suitable for couples. There’s a wide variety of treatments and massages to choose from, and the spa is located near the big hotel pool that’s surrounded by sunbeds, inviting hammock-laden seating areas, and a groovy bar. The hotel also has a gym, a small

movie theatre, a gaming room, and gymboree and game facilities for toddlers and kids. Neve Eilat is situated a stone’s throw from all the city’s main attractions, right next to the new Seven Stars mall and Terminal Park, where lots of family-friendly activities, music shows, and events take place. Prices: in the summer and on Jewish holidays: from NIS 1,500 a night (breakfast included), for a couple; during the year: NIS 850 midweek, and from NIS 1,050 on a weekend atlas.co.il/en Broitman Bakery Bread made with love No trip to Eilat is complete without a visit to the beloved Broitman Bakery. Owner Yuval Ziv opened the bakery

Niki Kai I Photo: Maor Moyal

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See the Sights I Eat, Travel, Enjoy

juggling, dancing and surprises. (Suitable for children aged 4 and above). Prices: NIS 109 for Isrotel hotel guests, NIS 139 for non-hotel guests isrotel.co.il Relaxation Pools For the body and the soul The Eilat Dolphin Reef possesses a secret hideaway designed for pure relaxation. A planked walkway leads you to three pools - a deep seawater pool, a soft rainwater pool, and a saltwater pool where you float Dead Sea-style. Pleasant music is played underwater, and skilled instructors teach you relaxation techniques, one in particular will leave you feeling as though you are floating. And once you’re done floating, you can spend the rest of the day walking along the boardwalk to look at the dolphins, or ordering drinks from the bar. Visitors must be 18 and above, use of cellphones is prohibited, and as a rule, the conversation volume is kept low so as not to disturb the sense of peace and tranquility. dolphinreef.co.il

Niki Kai I Photo: Maor Moyal

WOW A mega spectacle of a show As cliché as it may sound, this is a show at the end of which you will utter a “wow” or two. Life size dolls, flying acrobats, elastic girls, magicians and illusion artists delight the senses, on the stage of the Isrotel Royal Garden Theatre. The whole family is going to love Michaela Fettuccini Piccolo’s surprise wagon which turns into an elaborate stage with a performance full of humor, magic,

both classic Asian dishes such as pad Thai, cashew chicken, beef noodles, and colorful sushi, as well as lesser-known dishes like beef bò bún, agedashi tofu, beef tataki, and more. (There’s also a special sushi menu with options for pregnant women and a gluten-free menu.) There’s something for everyone here, and my advice is to order a bit of everything and share amongst yourselves so as to get a taste of as many dishes as possible. isrotel.co.il

WOW I Photo: Boaz Samorai

The relaxation pools at the Dolphin Reef I Photo: PR

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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.

See the Sights I Eat, Travel, Enjoy

The Camel Ranch meat banquet I Photos: Oren Dolev

The Camel Ranch A meat banquet for the ages Usually, the Camel Ranch offers family-friendly activities such as camel tours, bike tours, and RZR tours. It was founded in 1987 by Giora and Galina Prital. Their son Tal has been leading tours here since being discharged from the army in which he served as a reservist colonel. The Covid years and the current war have disrupted the ranch’s usual activities, so to keep it alive, the Pritals decided

to change gear, and serve meat banquets - one of their favorite things to do on a Friday in the wintertime. Guests (with prior reservations and above 18) are invited into an air-conditioned marquee where a huge bar is laden with all kinds of smoked meats and charcuterie, as the staff rings a bell to announce what each meat is. Nine kinds of meat, most of them smoked, are cut in front of the guests onto wooden boards and presented on

the bar table, where there are just forks and napkins (i.e. get ready to eat with your hands). Brisket, picanha, asado, sausages, chorizos, and more and more and more are served aside salads and warm focaccia bread baked onsite. The banquet starts at 8pm and a DJ at the center of the bar ensures the atmosphere stays upbeat and fun. Well-worth a visit. Price: NIS 320 per person (NIS 290

for Eilat residents). camel-ranch.co.il ˆ

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Magazine I Interview

The voice of faith

Photo: Tamar Hanan

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On September 15 th , singer-songwriter Ishay Ribo will do the impossible: perform for the second time at Madison Square Garden in New York in front of more than 12 thousand people, hosting Eviatar Banai and Idan Raichel on stage with him. Together they will prove once again to the world, than even in the toughest of times, as Israel faces a barrage of international criticism, music can soothe, repair, inspire the spirit of victory, and play a major part in uniting the nation / By Maya Cohen

“The first time I performed at Madison Square Garden I didn’t really know much about its history. I knew it was famous but what I was excited about was playing for our fans in America”, says singer songwriter Ishay Ribo, just before he sets off for New York for a special show, a year after performing there for the first time. “When we decided to play at MSG, there was an element of risk to it”, he explains, “we had built a complex set and as the management and staff there have their own way of doing things, for a second we were worried we weren’t going to be able to work it out. But in the end, everything came together, and we felt as though some miracle from above had taken place. In the end, it’s a matter of faith. Not everything depends on me and that’s ok”. Not just a show – a calling And now you’ll be back on that stage, but nothing is really the same. A year has passed and we are living in a completely different reality, in total chaos. “Absolutely. Everything is different and we even pondered whether to even hold the show altogether. But then we thought that performing there now has even greater importance. There have been a

lot of protests against Jews in the world these past months so if we have the opportunity to bring Jews together, be them religious or secular, we can’t let it pass by. I felt the same sense of calling when I played with Omer Adam at the big pro-Israel Washington rally in front of 300 thousand Jews who had come to show support for Israel. We only did a few songs, but we realized how meaningful it was to be there. In Israel things are clear to us”, says Ribo, “we know who the enemy is. But overseas things can get muddled. The terrible situation in Israel has made us feel even more aware of our attachment to our home. But I feel that many diaspora Jews are having to rethink what they see as their home right now”. Ribo goes on to tell me about a show he did at Harvard University in front of Jewish students who had experienced the many pro-Palestine protests on campus. “We wanted to lift their spirits and show them support. That’s when I realized the importance of connecting with Jews

in the diaspora. For me, it’s a major career peak. Especially having the honor of hosting Idan Raichel and Eviatar Banai on stage. This show has a “calling” aspect to it. This is a critical year, and everyone has to do their part. Just as we went to sing for the soldiers and the wounded, we have an opportunity to lift the spirits of Jews living in America. This isn’t just about personal success – this is also about national pride”. Music, faith, and everything in between Ribo (35) is married to Yael with whom he has five children. Born in Marseille, he made Aliyah with his family, settling first in Kfar Adumim, then in Tel Zion. Nowadays he lives in Jerusalem. He served in the army in a religious framework and participated in a few shows with the rabbinical army band. He began writing and recording songs at 13 and later wrote songs for other artists. In 2014 he launched his first album to great success. Since October 7, like many other

"This show has a “calling” aspect to it. This is a critical year, and everyone has to do their part. Just as we went to sing for the soldiers and the wounded, we have an opportunity to lift the spirits of Jews living in America"

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Magazine I Interview

Israeli artists, Ribo has become aware of the new layers of meaning that Israeli music has taken, and the special place it occupies in the lives of many Israelis. Israeli artists have taken on a new role since October 7. Do you realize the power your music has to comfort, strengthen, and lift people’s spirits? “I felt it in the first days after the monstrous attacks”, says Ribo, “I’ll never forget it. We performed at an army base on Friday and the soldiers were crying. The music was like a healing balm. We played at more than 100 army bases across the country for months on end. We showed our soldiers how much we love and support them. Andrey Kozlov, one of the rescued hostages, said that the song that kept his spirit strong in Gaza was “Haboker Yaale”. We invited him to our show and I realized the power music has to release all the emotions locked up in someone’s heart”. Ribo is an Orthodox Jew, but his audience is not necessarily so. His shows are a bridge between different societal groups and offer an opportunity to bring people together at a time when the country is torn What makes you sad? “That we still have hostages in Gaza and that we still haven’t learned that we have to be united right now, and in general”. What makes you laugh? “My sweet little kids Halel and Noam”. What relaxes you? “Shabbat” What do people not know about you? “Honestly I don’t know. I feel I’m rather an open book”. What makes you happy? “I will be happy, like all Am Israel, when the hostages, the soldiers, and displaced families will be back in their homes, amen”. Our quick questionnaire What makes you angry? “Intolerance”.

Photos: Tamar Hanan

and divided. “I belong to Am Israel and Am Israel belongs to me”, he sings in one of his songs. Your audience isn’t necessarily religious. Your faith-based lyrics attract secular and religious fans alike. How do you do it? “I live an Orthodox life, but I am not in a bubble. Thanks to my music I have met people of every kind. I live in Jerusalem, in a more Orthodox area, but I also work in Tel Aviv. My manager isn’t religious, and we have a deep bond. Maybe the emphasis should be on building a bridge between secular and religious. I see it a lot at my shows: in the audience there are Haredi Jews from Mea

Shearim as well as secular Israelis. Music connects people through emotion. I find it amazing, and it keeps me optimistic. More so than when I watch the news”. You’ll be launching a new album soon. To what extent will the events of this past year be present in the lyrics? “I haven’t had a new album out in a few years now, so there’ll be new songs as well as old ones. I’m eager to get it out there and see how it’s received. Some songs were written after October 7, others before but my songs have always been faith-based so the spiritual aspect has definitely been reinforced with added layers of meaning “. ˆ

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Magazine I Culture

Reality creating art

Since the start of the war, the art world in Israel has been trying to create art that touches upon the painful realities that have erupted. “Our wish is to deal with reality - but from a distance. To let art do what it does so well: create a space where complexity, reflectiveness, layered thought, and imagination can coexist”, say Itay Mautner and Michal Vaknin, the artistic directors of the Israel Festival, one of the country’s most important cultural events, taking place this month. “We’ve been working with artists and creators from the communities of the explosions, and a sound installation made with the remnants of fallen rockets / By Maya Cohen This year’s Israel Festival is for the first time leaving the confines of the capital and being held in the cities and communities of the Western Negev – Sderot, Ofakim, and Kibbutz Dorot, offering visitors the chance to discover a series of events and art shows with fascinating perspectives on the current chaos, including a dance piece inspired by the echoing “booms” of bomb

Western Negev as well as with well known names from the Israeli art world to create an artistic program that deals with the catastrophe that happened and is still happening. The works that were selected as part of the program bring questions to the surface, study them, process them, and offer different readings of the aching reality. It is a reflection of our desire to see a new reality emerge, one that is good and kind with every person that lives here”, say Mautner and Vaknin. Among the festival events and shows: | One Day Audience and performers together on stage This original production involves numerous participants - musicians, actors, dancers, and more, all meeting on the main stage of the Jerusalem Theatre for one whole day. The audience is invited to come on stage and take part, doing away with the traditional separation between audience and performer. This offers an opportunity to reflect on how and when “togetherness” is a source of strength, and when it is but a thin veil hiding deep cracks and divides. Music People The soundtrack of our times Music People is a social and musical hub created by Israeli musicians inspired by U2 singer Bono’s words on October 8 th , when he dedicated his show to the victims of the Nova festival

massacre: “we sing for them, the music people”, he said. The Music People venture was born as a space for gifted musicians from the areas most hit by the war, north and south, to come together and make music. In collaboration with the Israel Festival, a special musical evening will see young artists grace the stage together with some of their inspirations – beloved artists such as Berry Sakharof, Marina Maximilian, Alma Gov, Alon Eder, etc. Together they’ll perform both original material by the young musicians, alongside the familiar hits of the more experienced artists. More Than One Song “One song”, the excellent podcast produced by Kan, the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation, transforms into a stage show with eight musicians, exciting live performances, and rare archival clips, woven into one special stage adaption. Shout Aloud 24 years after the release of singer songwriter Dikla’s legendary album “Love Music”, and choreographer Yasmeen Godder’s show “Hall”, in which Dikla performed live with her song “Good morning”, the two artists meet on stage once again. Godder has created an enthralling new dance piece for eight female dancers in which Dikla performs her entire album live in a contemporary musical arrangement. “Shout Aloud” explores the notions of intimacy, relationships, loneliness, and social norms.

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7 Boom A dance piece by Liat Dror Since October 7 (and long before that), dancer, choreographer, and Sderot resident Liat Dror has been hearing the “booms” from the bombs on both sides of the Gaza border. They have become the soundtrack of the lives of the inhabitants of Sderot. When it was deemed possible to return to the city, Dror began working on a choreography that explores the notion of instability, of unsure movement, a lack of a physical center, personal and national. Windless A sound installation by Yaniv Shenzer For many months now, artist Yaniv Shenzer has been collecting remnants of rockets fired at Israel and transforming them into wind chimes with which he created a unique sound installation. The festival opens on September 10 th at the Adama dance studio Sderot with a three-stage program including Yaniv Shenzer’s sound installation, Liat Dror’s piece “7 Boom”, and a performance by “Hayelala”. September 10-27, israel-festival.org from a distance. To let art do what it does so well: create a space where complexity, reflectiveness, layered thought, and imagination can coexist" Itay Mautner and Michal Vaknin, the artistic directors of the Israel Festival: "Our wish is to deal with reality - but

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1. Itay Mautner and Michal Vaknin / Photo: Yair Meyuhas 2. Dikla and Yasmeen Godder - Love Music (Now!) / Photo: Brigit Hupfeld 3. Liat Dror - 7 Boom I Photo: Shani Cohen 4. Eviatar Banai - One Day / Photo: Tamar Hanan 5. Music People - Carolina / Photo: Gabriel Baharlia 6. Windless - a sound installation by Yaniv Shenzer / Photo: Yair Meyuhas

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ATMOSPHERE SEPTEMBER 2024

Lifestyle I A Weekend Away

Photo: Amit Geron

Wine for the soul: 24 glorious hours at the Bat Shlomo Farmhouse Six elegant suites, a beautiful infinity pool surrounded by lush greenery, unforgettable farm-to-table dining, and bottles upon bottles of exquisite wine, produced onsite by Bat Shlomo Vineyards: the Farmhouse takes you on a luxury culinary journey steeped in history, love of land, of wine, of food - and of life itself / By Nava Marton

The art of hospitality Wurtman didn’t content himself with merely planting some vines. He wanted to build something that would speak of love of land and offer its guests respite from the tumult of everyday life. He bought one of the moshav’s historic villas, spent almost ten years restoring it according to all the rigorous conservation requirements with the help of architects Arnon Nir and Ishay Breslauer from AR Studio, and founded the Farmhouse. The current structure, with its internal courtyard, faithfully replicates the original one, notably thanks to the use of the original caliche stone

Behind every good wine, there’s an even better story. That of Moshav Bat Shlomo begins in 1889, on a small piece of land bought by the Baron de Rothschild on the southern slopes of Mount Carmel. The Baron named the moshav after his mother, Baroness Betty, daughter of Salomon (Shlomo) Mayer von Rothschild. Fourteen years ago, hi-tech entrepreneur Elie Wurtman decided to revive the Baron’s pioneering spirit and heritage, plant new vines, and found Bat Shlomo Vineyards with winemaker Ari Erle who learned his trade in some of the most prestigious Napa Valley vineyards.

and wood beams, to which new materials were added. The end result is an architectural wonder that blends superbly with the landscape. The suites and communal areas are designed in warm earth-to- sky tones with touches of color, and wood and leather furniture that bestows a sense of cozy homeliness. Beautiful pieces of contemporary art, made by leading Israeli artists, can be found in each suite and across the whole villa. The art collection, curated by Yifat Gurion, includes sculptures, paintings, textile works, and photographs. They all focus

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The wine tasting room I Photo: Amit Geron

Photo: Galit Sabag

Wine, Zionism, and everything in between The Farmhouse also organizes guided tours of the vineyards where guests get a chance to hear the story of how founder Elie Wurtman made his dream come true, drawing inspiration from the Zionist pioneers. Working in the vineyards, are students of the “Regavim” educational agricultural program, whose goal is to strengthen the next generation’s bond with the land and inspire it to take up the reins and keep agricultural traditions going. The current head vigneron Or Shrir is a “Regavim” graduate.

Photo: Amit Geron

Photo: Tami Sela

on geographical landscapes from the times of the Zionist pioneers till today, and confer a sense of elegance and prestige, immediately catching the eye as you step in. The inviting infinity pool with its lovely little seating areas is located between the villa and the orchard, but for those looking to be a tad more active during their stay, there are guided walking tours on offer, as well as a variety of workshops and sports activities. Also, a wine garden was recently inaugurated, between the vineyards and the orchard – perfect for enjoying a glass of wine and a tabun-baked pizza made by head chef Daniel Misan. From farm to table, from vineyard to glass And since the subject of food has been broached, it might be time to talk about the star of

the show here: the wine tasting room and farm-to-table dining experience. Fresh herb bread, kalamata olive butter, seabass with layered ratatouille, are but a few of the delights on the fish and dairy- based menu, with the ingredients all sourced from a local organic farm and local producers. And of course, everything is paired with delicious Bat Shlomo wines. But our first encounter with the wine during our stay, took place in the wine tasting room. The first thing you notice here is the giant, 5-meters-tall artwork by artist Ayala Zur. After a short explanation about the artwork, we sat down and prepared our palates for the ride they were about to go on with the Bat Shlomo whites, rosés, and reds, some having received international recognition, including high marks from renowned wine critic Robert

Parker. In between wines, we tried to take in the information about the specificities of each wine lovingly

given to us by the wonderful sommelier and villa manager, Vadim Toran. In 2023, the Farmhouse was

selected by travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler as one of the most recommended places to stay at, and Time Out magazine named it one of Israel’s unmissable hotels - and once you come here, you can definitely see why. A stay at the Farmhouse is a multisensorial experience, a meeting between past and present, agricultural heritage and modern entrepreneurship – and all with lashings of wine. ˆ

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Lifestyle I Food

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new Tel Aviv hotel restaurants to look out for

Like many luxury hotels around the world, Israeli hotels have clocked on to the advantage of having their own gourmet restaurant, one that not only offers fantastic culinary experiences to hotel guests, but also to diners from outside. Japanese fusion, kosher open-flame BBQ pits, rooftop lounge bar delights, and modern brasserie casual dining – here are 5 exciting new hotel restaurants to try out this season / By Sharon Ben David

Flame I The Carlton Tel Aviv Hotel Photo: Itiel Zion

Flame, the Carlton’s new open flame meat eatery, was inaugurated in August 2023. It has a traditional Argentinian charcoal “parilla” at the center of the restaurant, with enormous cuts of meat and mouth-watering steaks sizzling away at all hours. When it first opened, foodies flocked over to get

a taste of the new kid on the block, but then October 7 happened, and the owner was drafted as a reservist and the restaurant closed. After a period of uncertainty, it reopened with celebrity chef Oren Assido, winner of reality T.V. show “Game of chefs” heading the kitchen. His own restaurant

had closed after he himself had been drafted, serving four months as a reservist. Assido seems to have blended in perfectly with the Flame’s atmosphere and food philosophy, creating a new menu with North African influences and lots and lots of top-quality meat. carlton.co.il

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