EL AL | Atmosphere

Issue 287 | November 2024

Israel in the fall From a sunset walk along the beach, a wine tasting session in the heart of the Judean Hills, to a lakeside picnic in the middle of a Ramat Gan park: autumn is the ideal time of year to enjoy the rich diversity of Israel’s myriad landscapes

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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 36

In-flight I Issue 287 I November 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

Tel Dor National Park I Photo: Sarit Palachi Miara, courtesy of Israel Nature and Parks Authority

Editor’s Letter

Fall is the season that invites us to reconnect with ourselves and with nature. In this issue you’ll find a series of fun ideas for what to see and do in Israel this time of year - a sunset walk along the country’s most scenic beach, a wine tasting tour in the Judean Hills, or perhaps a day trip exploring ancient burial tombs in the heart of a residential Ramat Aviv neighborhood. You’ll also find a fascinating interview with bassist Avishai Cohen, one of the most revered jazz musicians working today. He’ll be performing this month at the Red Sea Jazz Festival in Eilat. And as always, our magazine contains a selection of the month’s main cultural highlights, travel tips and recommendations, including the lowdown on all the new hotel restaurants that recently opened in Tel Aviv. Our main interview this month is with Montana Tucker, a Jewish-American

actress, singer, and social media influencer who became one of the most prominent pro-Israel advocates on TikTok. Since October 7 2023, she has transformed her platform of 14 million followers into a pro-Israel advocacy space, raising awareness about the situation in Israel. Her documentary, “The Children of October 7”, compiles the testimonies of several children survivors of the Hamas attacks, and is set to be broadcast on television channels across the world. We talked with her about her deep commitment to the State of Israel and her pledge to do everything she can to fight for the release of the hostages. We join her in calling for the release of the hostages - our thoughts are with them and their families, as we pray for their return.

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

For information regarding advertising opportunities Please contact

I wish you a pleasant read and a peaceful flight, Nava Marton

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 287 I November 2024

Contents

33 34 News 36 In-flight Entertainment 38 New Movies 40 Kids - Movies & TV 41 Top 6 42 In-flight Internet Access

22 All that jazz

An overview of the Red Sea Jazz Festival’s main events, and our interview with Avishai Cohen, one of Israel’s greatest jazz musicians, who will be performing at the festival this month Lifestyle 26 Food 5 new Tel Aviv hotel restaurants to look out for

43 Meet the Crew 44 Destination Map 47 Fleet

Business 30 Technology

How to safeguard your digital assets when traveling abroad

Check-in 6 Travel News November Highlights 8 What’s on Our Radar This Month Local Events 10 Our Guide How to make sure your luggage never gets lost 12 Flight Essentials for your next trip

See the Sights 14 Discover Israel in the fall: 7 fun and relaxing places to explore this season Magazine 18 “I feel the need to show the world what really happened” Our interview with Jewish American social media star Montana Tucker, who talks about her deep commitment to the Jewish People and to the State of Israel

Photo: Orit Pnini

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In collaboration with

Check-in I Travel News & Updates

November Highlights

Photo: Asaf Karela

Photo: PR

A new hotel inaugurated in Mitzpe Ramon |

The world’s 50 best hotels | The Capella Bangkok was declared the world’s best hotel at last month’s London award ceremony. The Capella didn’t have the easiest of beginnings as it opened in 2020, in the first year of the global pandemic. But just four years later, this sanctuary overlooking the Chao Phraya River has taken the top spot in the second edition of the World’s 50 Best Hotels list. “When you come to Bangkok, it can be crazy and chaotic, but when you arrive at the Capella, you’re in this little moment of Zen: the sanctuary, the garden with beautiful trees full of birds”, said the judges explaining their choice. “The hotel’s 101 rooms are exceptionally spacious, but its villas are the real jewel of the crown, each possessing its own private garden, pool and Jacuzzi”.

A new audio guidance system at Ben Gurion airport Last month, a new audio guidance system called «Step-Hear» was installed at Ben Gurion airport. The system was conceived by the «Mehalev Center for Quality of Life and Accessibility», based on innovative Israeli technology, developed to make buildings and public spaces accessible for people with blindness or visual impairment, with the help of voice guidance for orientation. In terminals 1 and 3, 12 Step-Hear «audio-signs» have been installed, each at a strategic area such as the information point, bathrooms, main entrance, check-in and security check desks. The system connects to a free app that once installed on your phone, automatically activates voice instructions, making it safer and more comfortable for people with visual impairment to move across the airport.

The new Beit Ramona hospitality complex has recently been inaugurated in Mitzpe Ramon. Located in the former Selina Hotel premises, it offers the most spectacular views of the surrounding landscape, as it is situated right next to the Ramon Crater Visitors’ Center and next to the Bereshit Hotel. Beit Ramona is spread across four adjacent spaces - a restaurant and pita bar, a coffee kiosk, and a piazza area where events take place every week. The ambitious project is led by three young entrepreneurs: Guy Heinan, formerly one of the owners and leaders of the Tel Aviv ‘Nox’ group, Dan Weinberg, former co-CEO of Bluestone Live Nation and real estate developer, and Yoel Piotro, who decided to invest in the project out of Zionism and desire to support the State of Israel. Also part of the project are entrepreneur Sami Alkrinawi, and JNF-USA who are very active in pushing forward renewal projects across Israel.

A new installation at the Israel Aquarium | At the end of an intensive restoration process of about a year and a half, the Israel Aquarium in Jerusalem has proudly presented its new installation: for the first time in Israel, visitors are able to discover the skeleton of a whale, weighing 750 kg. The skeleton hangs in the air in such a way that makes it possible to see each and every bone, meticulously reassembled over the course of the restoration process. The display system required hours of consultations with experts in Israel and abroad. Every bone was scanned using 3D technology and the entire skeleton is anchored to the ceiling thanks to thin stainless steel cables capable of holding extremely heavy weights.

Photo: Tal Shiboli, courtesy of the Israel Aquarium

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When the Stars Align For the fourth year in a row, EL AL has been recognized as a Five-Star Global Airline by the prestigious APEX organization, based on passenger flight experience feedback. We owe this achievement to you and remain committed to delivering exceptional service, making you feel at home every time you fly with EL AL!

Check-in I Local Events I November 2024 I Nava Marton

What’s On Our Radar This Month

Exhibition | “06:29 – from darkness to light”

The Museum of Tolerance, Jerusalem An interactive exhibition that looks back on the events of October 7, curated by Malchi Shem Tov, father of Omer Shem Tov who was kidnapped by Hamas and is still held captive in Gaza. At the heart of the exhibition are testimonies from brave women from different corners of Israeli society, sharing their personal experiences from October 7, a day which began at 06:29am and hasn’t ended since. In the first exhibition space, 20 life-size LED screens are placed against a dark, somber background. Another space is dedicated to the harrowing images captured by the lens of photojournalist Ziv Koren, and yet another, is a space dedicated to coming out of the darkness and into the light of hope. Here, thousands of illuminated paper notes hang on the walls, each note containing the words left by people who saw and experienced the exhibition. All the texts included in the exhibition are displayed in Hebrew, English, and Arabic. Throughout November, motj.org.il

Photo: Tal Shahar

Exhibition | Work off Art – Not your ordinary day at the office Tel Aviv A new pop-up art exhibition by curator Yaara Sachs opens this month in Tel Aviv. The show explores the concept of the traditional office and workspace on the premises of a former factory in the heart of the city. 27 offices and industrial spaces, and 18 walls have been turned into spectacular works of art, courtesy of 43 artists and creators. The whole space - walls, furniture, floors - serves as a blank canvas for the artists. Among the works are giant frescoes, cars transformed into artwork, a giant kinetic keyboard hovering above ground, taking over people’s personal space, a room in which visitors are swept into the sand of a VR hourglass, and much more. The “Work Off Art” exhibition is held in the former Tara factory in Tel Aviv’s Yigal Alon street. Throughout November, work-off-art.com

Artwork by Monkey RMG

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Pop-up exhibition | Artworks from the Israel

Museum collections displayed along Tel Aviv’s Red Line stations A pop-up exhibition has been on display at the Shaul Hamelech and Allenby Red Line light rail stations with a selection of replicas of masterpieces from the collections of Jerusalem’s Israel Museum. The exhibition is open to the public during light rail operating hours, from 05:40am to 01:00am (travel ticket must be validated). Among the artwork replicas on show: Picasso’s “Woman with necklace of gems“ and Warhol’s “Chelsea 4 Series”. Artworks by Israeli artists include a portrait of Avraham Shlonsky by David Tartakover, and a photo of Itzhak Danziger’s famous sculpture “Nimrod“. Until May 2025

Komradin I Photo: Yossi Zwcker

Music | The International Oud Festival Jerusalem

Jerusalem’s International Oud Festival is celebrating its 25 th edition this year with a rich program that includes original productions, new album launches, and recitals given by major international artists. The festival is rooted in the many cultures and sounds of the Levant, and its spirit this year, as war rages, is that of hope - hope for the future, for coexistence, for music to be shared and enjoyed by all peoples, a hope that stems in the belief that music has the power to heal the heart of each individual, and of society as a whole. Opening the festival is Israeli band Hadag Nahash with a new and original musical reinterpretation of the Book of Psalms, mixing hip-hop, electro, punk, and Mediterranean sounds. The festival shows will take place across the city, at the Confederation House, the Jerusalem Theatre, the National Library, the Mazkeka, and the Yellow Submarine jazz club. November 21-30, confederationhouse.org

Photo: PR

Cinema | TLVFest – the 19 th Tel Aviv International LGBTQ+ Film Festival Cinematheque Tel Aviv 18 Israeli feature films and over 60 shorts will be shown over the course of the 19 th Tel Aviv International LGBTQ+ Film Festival taking place this month, along with screenings of international films, most of which aren’t distributed in Israel. Aside from film screenings, numerous workshops and roundtables are set to be held, as well as events marking a year since the October 7 attacks, such as the screening of the 2014 film “Marzipan flowers“, by Be’eri-born filmmaker Adam Kalderon whose mother Rotem was murdered in Be’eri on October 7. All proceeds from the screening will go to the rebuilding of Kibbutz Be’eri. Until November 10 th , tlvfest.com

From the movie “Marzipan Flowers” I Photo: Itay Gross

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Check-in I Our Guide

Stress-free travel: how to make sure your luggage never gets lost Few things are more disheartening than discovering your luggage is nowhere to be found as you arrive at your destination after a long flight. The desperate race to retrieve it can truly ruin a vacation, but just a few simple steps can help prevent such a thing from occurring / By Lihi Ron

01 Check-in early. The same way you make sure you have enough time for duty free shopping and a bite to eat before your flight, your luggage needs time to get itself labeled, scanned, and safely transferred onto the plane. Check-in online and get to the airport three hours before take-off, as it gives ground crew more time to take care of luggage and reduces the possibility for it getting lost. 02 Make sure your luggage is identifiable. Personalize your luggage with stickers and tags to make it stand out. Luggage that’s red, pink, or orange is always going to be the easiest to identify. Pro tip: take a picture of your luggage – it will help identify it if need be.

03 Use a Bluetooth tracker. It might not prevent airlines from losing your luggage, but if your suitcase does get lost, it’ll help locate it. All you need is an iPhone (AirTag), or a Samsung device (Smart Tag), or a universal tag (like Tile) and the corresponding app, and you’ll be updated on your luggage’s location a few minutes after touchdown. 04 Get rid of old tags. Not only are old tags with personal information not helpful in case of loss, they may also cause confusion in identifying your luggage on your current flight. Also, make sure your suitcase doesn’t have any old barcodes on it. A Canadian TikToker made a video explaining they can be scanned by mistake and get your luggage sent off to the wrong place.

05 Update the information on your luggage tag. The best way to keep your luggage safe is to keep it with you on the plane. But of course, bigger suitcases need to be checked. Make sure all your luggage has a tag with all your information on it, including your phone number, and even include an information tag inside your suitcase as it can be helpful in case it gets opened. 06 Choose direct flights. It may not always be possible, but if the option exists, choose a direct flight. This way, your luggage won’t be transferred between planes and the potential for it getting lost on the way is reduced. If it isn’t an option, opt for a long layover to ensure there’s more time for your luggage to be correctly processed between flights.

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Check-in I Checklist

Flight Essentials for your next trip

Lollip – stories everywhere you go The digital collection of Lollip stories is great for keeping kids busy on long flights. Children’s writer Ron Steinberg has created a character that mediates between the children’s world and the adult world, with storylines that touch upon subjects such as loneliness, fear, love, brushing your teeth, and more. All the stories develop a message of tolerance and mutual respect. They are available online via the Lollip website, where you’ll also find podcasts, videos, and other children’s activities. The website is easy to use, and content can be viewed and listened to on your phone, tablet, or computer, at any given time. Price: NIS 19 per story kit (digital book, video, and podcast) lollip.co.il

Miu Miu sunglasses, NIS 1,429, available at select eyewear stores

Tipaten cellphone and laptop stand, NIS 149, available at all Gentleman stores and online via gentleman.co.il

Women’s sandals by Willow for comfort while traveling, water-resistant, shock-absorbent foam footbed for extra softness and comfort, flexible rubber sole, and elevated heel to reduce load on calf and Achilles tendon, NIS 179, available at outdoor gear stores and online via outdoorrevolution.co.il

Lowe Alpine 32-liter daypack, ventilated back system, two stretch mesh side pockets, three internal compartments, laptop sleeve, NIS 314, available online via kalgav.co.il

A skirt from the capsule collection designed by Ilanit Levy for Golbary, NIS 249.90, golbary.co.il

Givony toiletry bag, NIS 349, available at all Gentleman stores and online via gentleman.co.il

Kérastase hair care collection sets: Chroma Absolu, the ultimate color care solution, Blond Absolu for achieving ideal blonding, and Chronologiste, enriched with hyaluronic acid. Each set includes three 45-80ml travel-sized products - shampoo, conditioner, and serum - perfect for maintaining your haircare routine while traveling. NIS 127.90-196, available at authorized hair salons across Israel

Teva Naot slip-ons, Stockton model with adjustable strap for good grip and support and big fashion-statement buckle, NIS 479, available at all Teva Naot stores and online via tevanaot.co.il

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

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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

Israel in the fall: 7 day trips to welcome the autumn leaves Israel’s landscapes are never more beautiful than in the autumntime, when the weather is cool and the air is crisp. Recharge your batteries this season, with a walk along Tel Dor Beach, a lakeside picnic in the park, or a wine tasting experience in the Judean Hills – there’s so much to discover and enjoy / By Ariela Aflalo

01 Magical landscapes Tel Dor National Park

The Tel Dor coastal strip covers 4.5 km of land, from Nachsholim Beach to Habonim Beach, and has been declared a national reserve due to its unique marine life, grottos, geysers, seashell-encrusted bays, sand dunes, and microecosystems. It is a unique site with breathtaking views, nature, landscapes, and heritage. An ancient port city, Tel Dor offers many interesting perspectives – the beautiful sea, dotted with inlets and bays, the kurkar (calcareous sandstone) ridge visitors can ascend to discover its exceptional botanical diversity, and the profusion of fascinating archeological remains. Nowadays, the bay of Tel Dor is dotted with little fishing boats that belong to the nearby village of Fureidis, that add to the oh so very picturesque atmosphere. The park is easily accessible, and with its many benches and seating areas, it offers visitors the perfect setting for a day out with friends and family. parks.orgs.il 02 A bike ride around Ein Kobi Begin Park in the Judean Hills Begin Park, named after Menahem

Tel Dor National Park I Photo: Sarit Palachi Miara, courtesy of the Israel Nature and Parks Authority

The Tel Dor ridge trail I Photo: Hagay Dvir, courtesy of the Israel Nature and Parks Authority

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underground pool covered by a stone structure from where the water keeps flowing until it reaches the external pool. A 5 km KKL-JNF cycling trail has recently been built here (marked green and indicating difficulty levels), and is due to eventually connect to the Israel National Bike Trail. kkl-jnf.org.il 03 From tacos to croissants Mashav Foodtrucks The Mashav Foodtrucks complex is an outdoor food court off Route 1, the main Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway, across from the Shoresh exit. It offers an eclectic and fun collection of food and drink options, including pizza, tacos, nachos, burgers and fries, asado, artisan beer, wine, cocktails, and more. The jewel of the crown though has got to be renowned pastry chef Oren Hayu’s coffee truck, with its top-rate cakes and baked goods, such as the unmissable fresh herbs brioche, poppy seed chausson, salted croissant bagel, aka “cragel”, and endless selection of delicious sandwiches, salads, and more. Sun-Thu: 8am-10pm, Fri: 8am-4pm mashav-foodtrucks.co.il

Ein Kobi, Begin Park I Photo: Lior Abulafia, Go Camping

The bike track at Begin Park I Photo: Yair Aronshtam, KKL

Begin, Israel’s sixth prime minister, covers around 8,000 dunams of land in the heart of the Judean Hills. It constitutes a veritable green lung in the center of the country. The park is characterized by mountains that ascend to a height of more than 700 meters above sea level, and within its confines, there are planted forests and natural woodlands, archaeological sites, scenic lookouts,

orchards, small mountain springs, birdwatching decks, and numerous campsites built around said springs,

Ein Kobi being one of them. The Ein Kobi campsite has a

recreation area with picnic tables and a drinking fountain, but its real treasure is of course its natural spring, one of the most beautiful in the area. The water flows through a 12-meter tunnel into a large

Mashav Foodtrucks I Photos: Ariela Aflalo

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05 Lakeside picnics in the park Ramat Gan National Park

Ramat Gan National Park is the first urban park to have been established in Israel. It is located next to the city’s safari and natural history museum and offers a wide range of activities. It has a central lake with a shaded seating area and an area for sunbathing in the summertime. In the fall, a special sound and light installation is projected in the evenings, made with 272 LED luminaires and 100 dancing water jets that change colors in tune with the music. The show takes place from Sunday to Thursday between 7pm and 10pm, every hour on the hour. Recently, the park has undergone upgrade works, and new pedal boats have been brought in. It’s easily accessible, has wonderful trees, vast lawns, flower beds everywhere, and comfortable seating areas, perfect for an afternoon picnic by the lake, and for those with little kids, the park also has numerous playgrounds, a skatepark, gym equipment, a beach volley court,

The Castel Winery I Photos: Elad Brami

Ben Zaken was encouraged to keep going. In 2013, he was awarded the highest French civilian award, the “Légion d’honneur”, for his pioneering contribution to winemaking in Israel and the world, and recently, the Domaine du Castel was given a four-star ranking (the highest) by the Hugh Johnson Pocket Wine Book for 2025. The winery regularly organizes vineyard tours and wine tastings, which make for the most magical day trips. castel.co.il

04 The first boutique winery in the Judean Hills Domaine du Castel

Wine was being made in the Judean Hills as far back as in Biblical times. Today, they are home to dozens of wineries. The vineyards here, all part of the Mateh Yehuda district, have even earned the right to use the EU’s “appellation d’origine” label on their wine bottles, which certifies the geographic area in which the fruit was grown, and indicates the wine meets certain production requirements. Domaine du Castel was the first boutique winery to be founded in Mateh Yehuda. It was established in 1988 by Eli Ben Zaken who planted his vineyard next to his home in Ramat Raziel, thus becoming the first person to revive the region’s ancient winemaking tradition. The first wine he produced was well received, even obtaining the compliments of Sotheby’s wine department, and

mini-pitches, and more. ramat-gan.muni.il/parks

Ramat Gan National Park I Photo: Oren Alon & Ilan Spira

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06 A new city orchard The MUZA Eretz Israel Museum, Tel Aviv The MUZA Eretz Israel Museum’s new orchard is a delightful new green lung in the heart of the city. Inaugurated this summer, it sprawls across 90 dunams of land along the museum’s western side and offers not only charming green expanses, but archeological installations as well, including the reconstruction of an ancient oil press. A new Jewish culture and folklore center has also been inaugurated inside the historical building, that underwent a thorough restoration process. Now, it showcases Judaica objects, as well as ethnographic and folkloric artefacts. Visitors will also have the pleasure of exploring the museum’s planetarium, fruit trees, lawns, shaded seating areas, and simply have the opportunity to get some rest from the hustle and bustle of the city. Entrance is free. Open from 8am to 6pm, eretzmuseum.org.il

The MUZA Eretz Israel Museum’s new orchard I Photo: Dana Kopel

locals and visitors alike. In the spring, gorgeous irises, anemones, and daisies bedeck the whole area. The caves were discovered in 1951, completely by chance, when rail track works were being undertaken. The place is also known as the Glilot ecopark and offers a 1.5km walking trail which crosses Nahal Ahiya, one of the Hayarkon River’s tributary streams. Entrance is open 24/7 from Drezner street, near the Broshim campus. ˆ

07 Ancient caves and blossoming greenery The Afeka caves in Ramat Aviv Gimel Behind the luxury apartment buildings of Ramat Aviv Gimel lies an incredible archeological site. Indeed, in the heart of this residential area, ancient Byzantine burial caves, surrounded by greenery, have long been delighting

The Afeka caves I Photos: Neta Eastrik

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Magazine I Interview

Since the events of October 7, Jewish-American social media star Montana Tucker has been using her platform of 14 million followers to advocate for Israel. Last month she finished making a documentary in Israel called “The Children of October 7”. We talked with her about her deep commitment to the Jewish community and to the State of Israel, the hate she receives online for it, and her emotional meeting with the children of the communities in southern Israel near the Gaza border / By Nava Marton what really happened and to make sure the world never forgets” “I feel the need to show the world

18 ATMOSPHERE NOVEMBER 2024 OCTOBER 2024

Montana Tucker (31), Jewish-American social media star with about 14 million followers across various platforms, has become one of the most prominent influencers on TikTok, mainly thanks to her viral dance routines with unexpected guests. But beyond the social media persona, Tucker is also an actress, a singer, and prolific content creator. Since the tragic events of October 7, she has turned her digital platform into a space for pro-Israel advocacy, raising awareness especially about the plight of those kidnapped and held captive in Gaza. Her appearance on the red carpet at the Grammy Awards was particularly memorable, as she arrived wearing a dress adorned with a massive yellow ribbon and the words “Bring them home“ written on it. Last September, Tucker was in Israel to make a documentary called “The Children of October 7“ (production: Kastina Communications), which documents the stories of children from the communities of the Gaza border who survived the massacre (see insert). She made the film pro bono and even requested all profits Screenshots from her Instagram @montanatucker

What was the most significant moment for you during your visits to Israel? “I believe every single trip to Israel has been significant and impactful. Throughout all the heartache and all the sadness, there’s also still so much pride in Israel. That pride is something I think people who’ve never been to Israel or have never met an Israeli won’t understand. I met with injured soldiers at the Sheba Medical Center, who were ready to go back and fight for their country and its people”. How do you deal with the negativity and criticism you get online because of your stance on the subject? “Posting about my stance for Israel and just being Jewish in general comes with a lot of hate, death threats, criticism on social media, and in real life. It’s something I grew up with, having two Holocaust survivor grandparents. I heard their stories my whole life and couldn’t understand how human beings could really do that. But then, you cut to today, and it’s all happening again all these years later. Social media is a whole 19 ATMOSPHERE NOVEMBER 2024

be donated to the associations involved in caring for the victims of the attacks. In a special interview from her home in Florida, Tucker told us about the work she does advocating for Israel and about her feelings after making the documentary, which is set to be broadcast on TV networks across the world. What drove you to come to Israel so quickly after the events of October 7? “After the events of October 7 (2023), I felt like my entire world stopped. I couldn’t do anything. I built my social platforms on dancing, on singing, on making people happy. But after October 7, I felt that I had to switch everything around and do everything that I could to share what was really going on in Israel. I knew there was so much denial going around, that I had to also physically go to Israel and be on the ground, do everything I could to show my followers from around the world that THIS is real and THIS is really happening. I felt the need to make sure that the world NEVER FORGETS and that they know that this is REAL”.

Magazine I Interview

Montana Tucker with the children who survived the attacks, while filming the documentary, “The Children of October 7” I Photos: Orit Pnini

saw this on TikTok, but thank you for educating me’. Then they go and share with their friends and family. So yes, it comes with a lot of criticism, but I never respond to a negative comment, I just continue to educate”. Only the truth will prevail In the face of the deniers and the ignorant, Tucker ceaselessly uploads content that educates and advocates for Israel. She goes out into the streets and talks to people, speaks at conferences, and shares videos with her millions of followers. “I am not a huge fan of the word ‘influencer’ but I think by being an ‘influencer’, the main thing is you’re supposed to ‘influence’. I’m so grateful that I built my platform of 14 million followers, but it does come with a huge responsibility. People literally say what happened on October 7 was justified, or people literally say that the rapes didn’t happen or that the kidnappings didn’t happen. That’s why I do everything I can to share the hostages’ stories, and to share the reality of Israel, so people can see/ hear it directly. Hey, I was there with my own two feet, with my own two eyes and ears, seeing everything, hearing everything. I’m always trying to unite all religions, all races, all sexual orientations, all walks of life. That’s always been what I’ve wanted to do with my platforms, even when it was just through music and dance. I wish that others would

follow this model of standing up for what is right and use their voices”. What was the most significant experience you had while filming the documentary, “The children of October 7”? “I met with children from the ages of 11 to 17 and every single one had the most heartbreaking, but heroic story. Some of their parents are still in captivity or some of them lost one or both their parents and loved ones who were murdered and tortured which they themselves, had to witness. And yet they still just want peace. They just want to live a normal life, be like normal children. They just want love. I will never forget their faces. I will never forget their stories. And I hope that by people watching my videos, and the documentary, that they will be just as impacted as I was”. What would you like to say to Am Israel and to the world? “I think we all need to stand strong and be proud to be Jewish and to stand for Israel no matter what and we need to UNITE and come together. Also, we need to try to have conversations with people that might not agree with us. We need to try to do everything we can to let people know that this is just standing for humanity. This is standing truly for what is right against terrorists. That’s why I’m continuing to go back to Israel as much as I can and to call for the release of the hostages and not stop until they are all home”. ˆ

other war. You just see how much hate people have inside of them, but you also see that this is not new. It’s always been there…. Anti-Zionism. There is also such a misconception about what Zionism really means. That’s why I keep posting and keep doing everything I can to combat that. Maybe it’s not as fast as we want, it’s not as great as we want, but when I do these videos in public where I go on the street and I hold up signs and have conversations with real people, I end up really having meaningful conversations, and perspectives can be changed. They say, ‘you know what, I didn’t really know that. I just Schwartz, and directed by Asaf Becker. The film was made possible thanks to a generous contribution from Jonathan Barsade and the AID Coalition and with the assistance of the National Public Diplomacy Directorate. “The Children of October 7” The documentary film “The Children of October 7“ tells the story of five children who survived the terrible massacre. This film will serve as a testimony for future generations, as it documents in real time, first hand testimonies of children who experienced horrors and at the same time demonstrated unimaginable resilience and ability to recover. Some of the interviews will be uploaded onto social media platforms. The 30-minute documentary, produced by Kastina Communications, is intended for an international audience, and will be marketed for viewing on television networks around the world. The movie is produced by Kastina Communications, Meny Aviram, Zameret Alexandrony, Mor Tregger & Eytan

20 ATMOSPHERE NOVEMBER 2024

Magazine I Music

The Red Sea Jazz Festival is back with its 37 th edition, chock-full of shows, concerts, and events. Star bassist Avishai Cohen, one of Israel’s greatest jazz artists, will be at the festival, performing tracks from his new album “Brightlight”. We sat down with him to discuss the new album, his musical approach, and the festival’s cultural significance / By Ariel Kars All that jazz

Avishai Cohen I Photo: Itay Kadosh

compositions. The standout pieces on this

energetic new album have got to be the title track “Brightlight” with its groovy bass solo, and a fantastic fast-tempoed “Summertime”. Summertime is a soft lullaby. Why the fast tempo? “I started playing this a few years ago and liked it. The song’s lyrics are kind of heavy, so there needs to be some lightness”, says Cohen. “It’s not like I can do “Summertime” better than Louis Armstrong or Ella Fitzgerald, but I wanted to do something original. I’ve been getting great reactions to this Afro-Caribbean rhythm”. Cohen (54) has performed at the festival many times and was even artistic director for three years. He’s been going to the festival since the 80’s. “As a young man, the festival was a revolution. It was almost magical getting to see legendary musicians on stage here in Israel. My friends and I got to see incredible music live on stage. Kudos to Danny Gottfried (pianist and one of Israel’s first jazz players – A.K.) who made the festival what it is”. “As artistic director, it was interesting discovering the managerial side of things”, he says. “The Red Sea Jazz

The Avishai Cohen Trio I Photo: @Shamrockraver

Last year the Red Sea Jazz Festival was canceled when the war broke out. But its 37 th edition will definitely be taking place this year, under the artistic direction of Yossi Fine. The program includes a rich selection of original productions, album launches, collaboration projects, and special shows. Among the artists performing this year is Avishai Cohen, one of the greatest double bassists of our time,

and one of the most internationally renowned Israeli jazz musicians, who has been performing around the world for over 25 years. Cohen is a bassist, composer, singer, and arranger who interlaces music genres, traditions, cultures, languages, and styles. With his trio - Roni Kaspi on drums and Guy Moskovich on the piano – he’ll be performing tracks from his latest album “Brightlight”, as well as earlier

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Magazine I Music

Hadag Nahash I Photo: Ohad Romano Yoni Rechter I Photo: Yossi Zwecker

Mark Eliyahu I Photo: Carlos Yanez

Under the sign of renewal The Red Sea Jazz Festival is this year presenting a series of fascinating shows and events, including: a Weather Report tribute concert with Yossi Fine and the Supergroup, a Marina Maximilian and Noga Erez original production, Eli Degibri, Yoni Rechter and Rona Kenan, Omri Mor with the Jerusalem Orchestra East West, Mark

be performing with his trio on December 24 th with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. The show, called “Two roses”, will include contemporary jazz compositions and some of Cohen’s original arrangements to Hebrew and Ladino songs. With the orchestra adding an extra layer to Cohen’s signature sound, the result promises to be a powerful and intimate musical experience. ˆ Eliyahu hosting Berry Sakharof and Daniel Zamir, and the list goes on. During the festival, a photo exhibition of works by photographer Yossi Zwecker will be open to the public. And like every year, the traditional jam session will take place at the Agamim hotel. November 14-16, Port of Eilat, redseajazz.co.il

The Jerusalem Orchestra East West I Photo: Tal Shahar

Festival has succeeded in building its brand over the years, in Israel and abroad”. Cohen isn’t just a first-class bassist, he’s also an exceptionally gifted singer. His rendition of “Morenica” an old Ladino song known in Hebrew as “Shharhoret” (which I recommend you check out on YouTube – A.K.) is truly beautiful. “Morenica is a song I’ve known since childhood. My mother used to sing it when she was cooking or making art. There are melodies that cross cultures and “Morenica” is one of them. We’ll be playing it at the festival”. You often play with young musicians like the members of your trio, Roni Kaspi and Guy Moskovich. “I’m constantly meeting young

musicians and getting inspired by them. Of course, they know practicing is important to become a good musician, but there’s nothing like acquiring experience playing live. And staying humble. Without humility you can’t progress. Jazz is a music genre that developed among a certain type of people, musicians who liked challenging themselves, who always kept their hearts and ears open. Free spirits who had the courage to explore”, he says. “These were special people, virtuosos. The greatest jazz players are the best musicians, just like classical musicians were in the past”. Aside from his show at the Red Sea Jazz Festival, Cohen will

24 ATMOSPHERE NOVEMBER 2024

Lifestyle I Food

5

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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The Rothschild 48 Brasserie / R48 Hotel & Garden The Rothschild 48 Brasserie, led by Ruthie Brudo - head and beating heart of the immensely successful hospitality group R2M - is located at the entrance of the R48 Hotel & Garden. The interior design seamlessly follows the architectural style of the building, characterized by clean, elegant lines. The menu offers French inspired dishes, with the emphasis placed on quality and freshness of ingredients. If I had to recommend but one single dish here, it would be the hamburger in wine – one of Brudo’s iconic dishes, present on her menus since 1995, rightfully acquiring legendary status in the Tel Aviv culinary world. r48.co.il

Rooftop 98 I The Mayer House Hotel

Perched high up above the hustle and bustle of Dizengoff high street, Rooftop 98 is a breath of fresh air in the Tel Aviv culinary landscape. Its location, poolside vacation vibe, Caribbean-style cocktails and delicious food, offer welcome respite from the heat and humidity at ground level. Chef Tzvika Strauss has crafted a dynamic and elegant menu that changes daily as it is entirely based on the freshness and availability of quality locally sourced ingredients. Dishes include yellowtail sashimi with avocado, baladi eggplant with maple tahini, leek ravioli with fresh za’atar, and many more delights that exalt local flavors while giving a nod to timeless classics. The drinks menu perfectly completes the experience, with its selection of irresistible ice-cold cocktails and beverages. mayer-house.com

R48 I Photo: Assaf Karela

Rooftop 98 I Photo: Yonatan Ben Haim

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ATMOSPHERE NOVEMBER 2024

Lifestyle I Food

Pardes I The George Tel Aviv

Helmed by experienced and talented chef Barak Aharoni, Pardes is truly the jewel in the crown of the George Tel Aviv, an establishment that functions not only as a hotel, but also as a members’ club with coworking spaces, a health club, etc. The Pardes menu offers reinterpretations of classic Israeli dishes as well as original Aharoni creations. The bridge between tradition and modernity, east and west, is reinforced here by the eclectic wine menu and prompt service. The restaurant’s spectacular décor is the work of designer Lazaro Rosa Violan who created a mesmerizing blend of colors, influences, and motifs that evoke both his birth country of Spain and authentic Israeli art and culture. pardestelaviv.com

Onami I The Hilton Tel Aviv

Onami is a Tel Aviv foodie institution. Its Ha’Arbaa St. establishment is this year celebrating 25 years of activity. Last spring, a kosher sister-Onami opened its doors in the lobby of the Hilton Tel Aviv, on the city’s glamorous seafront HaYarkon St. Chef Roy Sofer, who started his professional life in the kitchens of a Japanese restaurant, was chosen to helm the kitchen here thanks to his expertise in Japanese ingredients and cooking techniques. The menu combines both Onami classics and new creations, offering Tel Aviv kosher keeping gourmets the chance to get a taste of Japan without leaving the country. onami.co.il

Onami I Photo: Nimrod Cohen

Pardes I Photo: Noam Prisman

28 ATMOSPHERE NOVEMBER 2024

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Business I Technology

Keeping your financial tools safe when traveling is essential, particularly when you use your credit card or when using an ATM. Here are a few golden rules that’ll keep your bank account safe and protected / By Guy Shahar How to safeguard your digital assets when traveling abroad

30 ATMOSPHERE NOVEMBER 2024

01\ Use secured credit cards and digital payment methods. One of the safest ways to make payments when you’re traveling, is via credit card. Credit cards often offer additional protections like purchase insurance or the option to cancel suspicious transactions. Digital payment methods such as Apple Pay or Google Wallet are also good options as they encrypt your data which reduces the risk of having your data stolen. 02\ Be vigilant when using an ATM. ATMs can be the targets of “skimmer attacks”, which are when a “skimmer” - a piece of equipment that records someone’s credit card or bank account details – is placed inside the machine incognito. Scammers can also place hidden cameras that directly point towards the keypad and record your PIN code. To avoid the risk of being scammed this way, always prefer an ATM machine that is placed somewhere secure like a bank or a hotel, and not in the street where it’s potentially less safe. Before you insert your card, check for any signs of suspicious activity like a wonky card reader, or anything that looks out of place. If something doesn’t look right about the machine, don’t use it, and if possible, report it. What is more, when inserting your PIN code, make sure to hide the keypad from any cameras. These mere simple steps will keep your data protected from scammers and potential theft.

03\ Get bank account notifications on your phone. To ensure you’re immediately alerted in case of suspicious activity on your bank account, choose to receive notifications on your phone or by email for every transaction on your bank account. This way you’ll know about any potential unauthorized transactions in real time. 04\ Only connect to safe networks. Non-secure WiFi networks can potentially expose your personal data to the risk of being stolen. Safeguard your data by only ever connecting to networks you know to be safe and secure and use a VPN to encrypt your communications. 05\ Keep your credit cards in a safe place. When you’re traveling, it’s important to keep your credit card somewhere no one can get to, like your jacket’s inner pocket for instance. If you know you won’t be needing your

card on a particular day, leave it in the hotel safe. Also, avoid walking around with numerous cards on you, so as to minimize damages in case of loss or theft. 06\ Use strong passwords and 2-factor authentication. Make sure your Internet banking service is protected by strong passwords and 2-factor authentication, which adds an extra layer of protection as it requires additional authentication (such as a code sent to your phone). 07\ Act quickly in case of data theft. If you suspect your credit card details have been stolen, take immediate action. Report the incident to your bank or credit card company so that they can block your card and prevent further transactions. If there’s been unauthorized use of your card, check if your insurance will cover the loss and take action to claim the money back.

Guide cowritten with digital security company ESET

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