EL AL | Atmosphere

Issue 290 | February 2025

Rediscovering the South Now’s the perfect time to head south and rediscover its beautiful communities, glorious fauna and flora, and spectacular landscapes, bedecked with red anemones, now in full bloom

14 P.

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 34

EVEN IN SUCH A YEAR MIVNE TRIUMPHS Look at the strength of this natio n , and you will see us . Even in a challenging year like this, we push forward with new projects, from the north to the south, and continue to expand into new areas of activity. This is our victory. All of Israel is Mivne.

HaSolelim

Kfar Saba

Herzliya

In-flight I Issue 290 I February 2025

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

Since October 7 2023, each one of my monthly letters here has ended with a prayer for the return of the hostages. As I write these words, and at least until our magazine goes to print, seven more Israeli hostages have been returned to their families within the framework of the current deal. There truly are no words to express the wave of emotion and joy that washed over each and everyone of us, seeing them finally be reunited with their loved ones - but also of sadness at the thought of those who still remain in captivity. So, this time, my letter opens with a prayer for the wellbeing of the remaining hostages and a call for their swift release. With cautious optimism, we keep on going, holding on to our everyday routines and little pleasures, as we navigate these so very difficult times. This month, we head south to show

solidarity with the communities and tourism professionals of the Hof Ashkelon Regional Council. There are so many fascinating places to explore, so much heritage, culture, gastronomy, fauna and flora to marvel at - and alas, so many personal stories from that monstrous October day to bear witness to. And of course, the glorious red Negev anemones are now in full bloom - a truly unmissable sight. Also in this issue: Israel’s most romantic destinations according to AI, our selection of cultural recommendations, an overview of some of the best eateries in Emek Yizrael, tips for budding start uppers, and more. I wish you a pleasant read and a peaceful flight, as we pray for more good news in the weeks to come. 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.

3

ATMOSPHERE FEBRUARY 2025

In-flight I Issue 290 I February 2025

Contents

31 32 News 34 In-flight Entertainment 36 New Movies 38 Kids - Movies & TV 39 Top 6 40 In-flight Internet Access 41 Meet the Crew 42 Destination Map 45 Fleet

Magazine 22 The Matmid Frequent Flyer Program Everything you need to know about ELALFly+ Benefits Collection 24 From Brooklyn to Be’er Sheva Jewish National Fund-USA volunteers help rebuild Israel Lifestyle 26 Food 5 great restaurants to check out in Emek Yizrael

See the Sights 14 Discover

Check-in 6 Travel News February Highlights 8 What’s on Our Radar This Month Local Events 10 Our Guide 5 digital tools for planning the perfect trip 12 Flight Essentials for your next trip

The people and places of Israel’s beautiful south, it’s spectacular landscapes and fascinating history 20 Explore 10 of Israel’s most romantic destinations according to A I

Business 28 Start-ups

10 tips for creating a successful start-up

4

ATMOSPHERE FEBRUARY 2025

In collaboration with

Check-in I Travel News & Updates

February Highlights

Photo: Asaf Kliger

Architectural modeling by

Mochly Eldar – Architects

Photo: Meidad Goren

A new passenger terminal in the Port of Haifa | The Haifa District Planning and Construction Committee, chaired by Ruth Shortz, has approved construction of an international passenger terminal building at Haifa Port, notably for cruise ships, able to serve 6,500 passengers at a time, with a total area of ​19,000 sqm. It will be located at Hangars 8 and 9 - the first constructions built by the British in 1932-33 in the area, used, among other things, as transit warehouses for the export of oranges in the 30s. These hangars symbolize the first stage in the development of the modern Port of Haifa, which was the main entrance gate to the country in the years following the establishment of the State of Israel.

New projects in the Negev | Two new tourism projects were

Sweden’s Icehotel reopens its doors |

inaugurated last month in the Negev: the new Negev Birdwatching Center in Sde Boker, and a new desert promenade at the Tzinim Cliffs Nature Reserve. At a cost of NIS 24,5 million, both projects highlight the region’s commitment to the deep-rooted connection between the inhabitants of the Negev, its fauna and flora, and the local tourism industry. Minister of Tourism Israel Katz, Director General of the Ministry of Tourism Dani Shahar, director of the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, Raya Shourki, and director of the Dead Sea Preservation Government Company, Shimi Daniel, were all present at the project inaugurations.

The unique Icehotel in the small village of Jukkasjärvi in Arctic Sweden, is celebrating 35 years of existence. Israeli photographer Asaf Kliger is one of the hotel’s two resident wedding photographers, and one of the artists showcasing works at the hotel’s art exhibition, which according to CEO Marie Herrey, “includes many works of dazzling beauty and emotion”. Six weeks and 500 tons of ice (harvested from the Torne River) were required to rebuild the hotel this year, as well as enough “snis” (a mix of snow and ice) to fill 10 Olympic-sized swimming pools. 12 suites, with a private sauna each, have been built in total, with prices ranging between NIS 2,100 and NIS 3,700 a night.

Explora Journeys to host F1 racing fans at the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix | MSC Cruises’ luxury cruise ship company Explora Journeys has announced that its new ship Explora II will be docked in Monaco’s famous Port Hercule during this year’s Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco, offering a prime position throughout race week. Guests will be able to enjoy the Formula 1 experience just 492 feet from the racetrack and immerse themselves in the excitement of Formula 1, while enjoying European luxury and comfort. Onboard, guests can make use of 11 culinary experiences, unlimited premium beverages, high-speed Wi-Fi via Starlink connectivity, entertainment, and wellness. First of several cruise programs: May 21-26; embarkation and disembarkation in Monte Carlo, Monaco; 5 nights and 6 days in the heart of Monaco during the Formula 1 Grand Prix.

Photo: PR

6

ATMOSPHERE FEBRUARY 2025

Sky High Excellence 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 February 2025 I Nava Marton

What’s On Our Radar This Month

Rachel Shapira I Photo: Moshe Shay

Festival | The Winter Sounds Festival Tel Aviv Culture Center The seventh edition of the Tel Aviv Winter Sounds Festival marks the 67 th anniversary of the city’s culture center with a weekend filled with music in the spirit of Valentine’s Day. A tribute show to singer and composer Danny Sanderson will be opening the festival, with the participation of some of Israel’s most renowned artists, including Berry Sakharof, Hadag Nahash, Maor Cohen, Mazzy Cohen, etc., and a tribute concert to the songs of Rachel Shapira with the Israel Chamber Orchestra and other artists will close it. Other shows include an evening with Keren Peles, who will be hosting Shalom Hanoch, a tribute show to the songs of Naomi Shemer, and more. Festivalgoers will also be able to visit the center’s photography exhibition, where photos of its most important moments are on show. February 12-15, hatarbut.co.il

Photo: Oren Alon

Sport | The Dead Sea Marathon 2025 The Dead Sea, Ein Bokek

The fifth edition of the Tamar Regional Council’s Dead Sea Marathon will be taking place this month in Ein Bokek. The highlight of the race is a run towards the center of sea on the border embankment of the Dead Sea Works that surrounds the southern part of the Dead Sea. Only once a year do the security forces permit use of the dikes for sporting purposes and this gives the runners the opportunity to discover breathtaking views that so far have only been observed by employees of the Dead Sea factories or security personnel. The race begins on Friday at 06:15am at Ein Bokek Beach, and 8,000 runners are expected to participate (including IDF soldiers and reservists). Six different courses are available, from the 5km race to the 50km ultramarathon. Accommodation packages at attractive prices are available for

runners and their families. February 7, deadsea.run/en/

Live show | CandeLive Hangar 11, Tel Aviv

The trend that swept the world is coming to Israel for the first time this month, with some of the country’s most beloved artists performing to the shimmering light of 7,000 LED candles, including Amir Dadon, Shlomi Shabat, Rami Kleinstein, Asaf Avidan, Avraham Tal, Marina Maximilian, and more. CandelLive promises a musical experience like no other, in a romantic and unforgettable atmosphere. Throughout February, tickets via to-mix.co.il

Shlomi Shabat I Photo: Orit Pnini

8

ATMOSPHERE FEBRUARY 2025

Yehuda Poliker I Photo: Lior Keter

Over the years, the Lashon Rishon Hebrew Language Conference has become the most important Hebrew language conference in the world, attracting thousands of participants. This year, it will be held in collaboration with the Academy of the Hebrew Language, with the aim to reinforce the connection between the Hebrew language and the general public. The theme this year is “simple words”, with beloved public figures and artists invited to talk about their favorite Hebrew words. Among the conference events are an evening with singer Yehuda Poliker, another with linguist Ruvik Conference | The 18 th Annual Hebrew Language Conference - Lashon Rishon Rishon LeZion Center for the Performing Arts

Photo: Tal Shochat, courtesy of the Israel Museum

Exhibition | Lucid Dreams The Israel Museum, Jerusalem

Celebrating the centenary of André Breton’s 1924 “Manifesto of Surrealism” and inspired by his Dream Object, Lucid Dreams leads you through a long corridor to multiple “compartments” of the unconscious. These rooms echo the complexity of the human mind and the multifaceted nature of thoughts, emotions, and memories. The exhibition counts 180 works, from ancient headrests, illuminated Jewish, Islamic, and Christian manuscripts, Chinese dream stones and Japanese Zen prints, together with works in a range of mediums by artists from the last three centuries, from Goya’s powerful Sleep of Reason through Surrealist visions to contemporary international and Israeli creations. All of these, express humanity’s shared, never-ending desire to touch the dream and interpret it. (Curator: Dr Adina Kamien). Until June, imj.org.il/en/

Rosenthal, and more. February 3-5, htrl.co.il

Music | The Red Sea Winter Jazz Festival Eilat

The winter edition of Eilat’s beloved jazz festival takes place this month with a plethora of live shows, concerts, and performances, including a special tribute show to Dubi Lenz, the festival’s legendary artistic director who sadly passed away in 2023. Among the artists performing at the festival this year are Miri Mesika, Avishai Cohen, Ehud Banai, TamaRadah, and more. For three whole days, this uniqu jazz celebration will fill Eilat with wonderful sounds until the wee hours, with live shows, jam sessions, masterclasses, and more. During the day, festivalgoers will be able to enjoy the beautiful Eilat winter sun, the spectacular mountain and sea views, as well as the multitude of attractions to be found in Israel’s tourism city - all part of the special accommodation packages offered by Isrotel, the festival’s official partner. February 20-22, redseajazz.co.il

Avishai Cohen I Photo: Daniella Feijoo

9

ATMOSPHERE FEBRUARY 2025

Check-in I Our Guide

A tap and a swipe away: 5 digital tools to plan the perfect trip Technology offers so many fun and innovative ways to help you go about your travel plans in the most personalized and cost-effective way, while expanding your horizons – here are 5 recommendations of some of the most useful and original / By Liat Mofaz Milchen

01 Accommodation Instead of wasting time searching for a good hotel at a price that’ll fit your budget, try booking the hotel you really want to stay at a few

restaurants that serve high-quality three-course meals at a reasonable price. Bib Gourmand restaurants offer fine-dining experiences at affordable prices, making it possible to get a taste of exceptional gastronomy without spending a fortune, so make sure you check their list out. 03 Experiences Instead of focusing on most well-known tourist sites, try exploring other experiential activities, such as cooking classes, local festivals, or hiking trails. Use websites such as peek.com – a platform for activities and special experiences to choose from according to location. 04 Wonders of the world Atlas Obscura is a global community of explorers and

travelers with a database of stories about the world’s hidden gems, such as the secret apartment at the top of the Eiffel Tower, an island ruled by cats, or incredible foods, like the fruit that tastes like chocolate pudding, or a spicy chutney made of red ants. Even if you’re not planning a trip, it’s always fun to check out the website’s rec of the day. (atlasobscura.com) 05 Luxury Digital concierges like Black Tomato or LUXE City Guides are absolute musts for those with a penchant for traveling in style. They’ll help you plan your trip according to your specific needs and desires, thanks to their exclusive intel on events, restaurants, and private tours.

hours before you get to your destination. HotelTonight is a same-day booking app that

inventories all the empty hotel rooms available on the day of your search. With it, you can book first-rate rooms last-minute, at surprisingly good rates. You can also use it during your trip and switch hotels, in case a room somewhere you never thought you’d be able to afford, is suddenly available at a reduced price. 02 Gastronomy The Michelin Guide has created a special label called Bib Gourmand that recognizes

10 ATMOSPHERE FEBRUARY 2025

ISRAEL AIRLINES

Thinking About Your Next Flight? Exclusively on the EL AL website and app Book your flight today and enjoy all the advantages that will make your reservation safer, more convenient and worthwhile

0% FEES

A credit voucher in case of cancellation

Purchases without handling fees

Online ticket changes

48 hours reservation hold

Onboard aircraft with WIFI service, browsing on elal.com is possible without purchasing a WIFI plan subject to the terms and conditions on the EL AL website

Check-in I Checklist

Flight Essentials for your next trip

Intuition Disposable Razors , the built-in moisturizing bar softens your skin as the 4-blade razor with pivoting head, hugs the contours of your legs and body for exceptional closeness and comfort. Intuition razors lather and shave in one easy step, while also giving you the portability and convenience of a disposable. NIS 36.90 for a 2-blade pack, available in pharmacies across Israel

Bollé ski goggles , trendy design, unisex, photochromic lens for excellent visibility and 100% UV protection, adapts to any light condition, ensuring precise visual acuity whatever the weather, NIS 1700-2500, available at select eyewear stores

Avoria backpack by Marco Polo, 30L, water- repellant breathable material, ergonomic, 5 inner compartments including a laptop sleeve for devices of up to 15.6”, special strap for attaching to suitcase or trolley, NIS 219, available online via kalgav.co.il

Slippers and pajamas, Afrodita – from the winter collection which includes pajamas made of the softest materials and the warmest slippers, NIS 134.50 (pajamas), NIS 49.90 (slippers), available at Afrodita stores and online via afrodita.co.il

Casio Pro Trek wristwatch, robust sports watch particularly suitable as a reliable timepiece for hiking and mountain sports, features include an altimeter, barometer, thermometer and digital compass, insensitive to temperature and water resistant up to 100 meters- deep. Comes in two designs: robust resin case with a resin strap and stainless-steel resin case with glowing carbon- resin strap. NIS 1,961, available at select watch stores and online via the importer’s website casio.t-and-i.co.il

Baby hat and socks, Decathlon, fleece hat, NIS 49, warm socks, NIS 29, available at Decathlon stores and online via decathlon.co.il

Highland snow jacket by Salomon, robust 10k /10k fabric that repels wintry gusts, soft stretch fabric offering total freedom of movement, insulated, lightweight (850gr), 2 zipped chest pockets, inner mesh pocket for goggles, inner media pocket with headphone insert, NIS 1,399, available online via outdoorrevolution.co.il

Photos: PR, Yogev Meir and Adva Dror

12 ATMOSPHERE FEBRUARY 2025

See the Sights I Eat, Travel, Enjoy

Follow the heart: enjoy the beauty of Israel’s south and help it rebuild Since October 7, Israel’s south is no longer merely one of the country’s most fascinating and beautiful regions, it is also a symbol of Israeli resilience. We went back to the beloved communities and cities of the Hof Ashkelon Regional Council, and discovered places, people, and glorious fauna and flora, all blossoming back to life / By Ariela Aflalo

Since the start of the war, the Israeli public has shown immeasurable solidarity to the inhabitants of the south, forced to leave their homes and close businesses in the wake of the monstrous October 7 attacks. Now, as some begin to return home, it is paramount we keep on supporting them. MetGo (Metro Negev) and Tav 8, are two initiatives aimed at doing exactly that, in the Ashkelon coastal area and the Western Negev. MetGo is a tourism and leisure app that provides information about Northern Negev tourist sites, and Tav 8 helps

businesses in the Gaza Envelope by selling gift tokens to be redeemed in local businesses only. Thanks to this precious support, tourists have started to come back to visit the region, and new businesses have opened, in unison with the Negev red anemones, in full bloom this month.

October 7 happened, and life stopped. A little over a year later, some of the moshav residents have returned to their homes, and the visitors’ center has reopened, though now the tours, alas, also include chilling personal accounts from that terrible day. The tour begins at the observation terrace, from where you can see the sea, the vegetable greenhouses, beautiful green fields, the chimneys of Ashkelon, and Gaza as well. It’s hard to remain indifferent, realizing how close you are to it. The tour continues at the border wall, that rises to a height of 8,5m. The same wall that was supposed to protect the moshav. To soften the wall’s hard gray concrete look, visitors are invited to leave messages on pebbles and stick them on to create a huge “peace” mosaic. At the foot of the wall, the highest and largest flag in the country is hoisted, and next to it, a garden of 20 ancient olive trees with deep roots, was planted in memory of the 20 people who were murdered here on October 7. Entrance to the moshav and guided tours upon prior appointment, netiv10.co.il

Moshav Netiv HaAsara | Guided tours imbued with history

Just before the war, a new visitors’ center had been inaugurated in the moshav of Netiv HaAsara. Then

The observation terrace in Netiv HaAsara

14 ATMOSPHERE FEBRUARY 2025

Beit Alami, Kibbutz Zikim

The view from the roof of Beit Alami overlooking the kibbutz and Zikim Beach Zikim Beach

winery is once again open to visitors for tours and wine tastings that include many local wines, including a special bottle of wine and a beer that both commemorate Oren. meshek_stern Beit Alami, Kibbutz Zikim | Wine and heritage Beit Alami was established in 1920 as the summer home of the Hafez Al Alami family, who lived in Jerusalem. The house was abandoned in 1947, and two years later, Kibbutz Zikim was founded, with Beit Alami becoming the kibbutz’s community house. It was subsequently used as a refectory, a nursery and a clinic, until it was abandoned again. In 2019,

after renovation works, it became a visitors’ center, and last month, a new wine bar was inaugurated within its walls, under the helm of Chef Johnny Ben Tal who has managed to craft an exceptional wine tasting menu filled with excellent local wines and delicious food. Tue-Sat: 10am-4pm, special gastronomy nights on Thursdays. alami_house Zikim Beach | A picnic by the sea After the deadly battle that took place on Zikim Beach on October 7, it was decided that everything that remained on the beach would be destroyed and rebuilt. Zikim is

Meshek Stern, Netiv HaAsara | Wine tastings and vineyard tours Mali and Eyal Stern’s love of wine and wineries led them to found their own winery, together with Eyal’s brother Oren and the help of Pepe, the winemaker at the winery in Or HaNer, the nearby kibbutz. In May 2023, they planted three dunams of vines on their family farm. Then October 7 happened, and Oren died defending the moshav. Eyal was drafted for reserve duty, some of the vines completely burned down, and Mali was evacuated with the couple’s children, away from the moshav. Now, finally, they have returned, and the

15

ATMOSPHERE FEBRUARY 2025

Photos: Ariela Aflalo

See the Sights I Eat, Travel, Enjoy

considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Israel, positioned near a nature reserve and the golden Ashdod sand dunes. Even in wintertime, visitors flock here to take long walks along the beach, or enjoy family picnics by the sea, both in the name of hope and in memory of the fallen, for whom a commemorative space has been erected on the beach itself. Caravaggio restaurant, Kokhav Michael | Italian food, Negev style Named after the great Italian Master, this Italian eatery was established in Moshav Kokhav Michael. The restaurant specializes in taboon baked focaccias and pizzas, though the menu includes many more dishes, such as grilled mushrooms, beetroot ravioli, hamburgers, grilled fish, risotto, and more. The portions are big, the service is generous, and the prices more than fair. On Fridays, a morning buffet is Coast Regional Council are taking part in the festival with a variety of family-orientated activities, alongside the festival’s main events, which include the traditional KKL-JNF Anemone Walk and Race for the return of the hostages. Throughout February Darom in the Heart After a year’s hiatus, the Gaza Envelope’s beloved annual Darom Adom festival will take place this month in a unique format, in solidarity and coordination with the families of the hostages and the missing. It aims to strengthen the people of the south, support local tourism businesses, and reinforce the urgent call for the release of the hostages. Tourist industry professionals from the Ashkelon

The Darom Adom festival’s annual Anemone Race I Photo: Rafi Babayan

The huge “peace” mosaic in Netiv HaAsara

The Meshek Stern Winery

Photos: Ariela Aflalo

16 ATMOSPHERE FEBRUARY 2025

See the Sights I Eat, Travel, Enjoy

Anemones in Nahal Shikma

Photos: Ariela Aflalo

Hadas Karmazina, Talmei Yaffe

Caravaggio restaurant I Photo: Gali Margalit for spotit.co.il

served, from 9am to 2pm, and the restaurant bakery prepares cakes, focaccias, and loaves of bread and challah you can buy and take home. caravaggio.co.il Karmazina, Talmei Yaffe | Beer tastings and consciousness workshops Hadas Karmazina is a widow and mother of three combat soldiers. Despite all the stress she has been under this past year, she manages to stay admirably optimistic, with a passion for life that remains intact.

A beermaking aficionado, she now produces eight different types of homemade beer and conducts beermaking workshops in the backyard of her beautiful home. She also leads cooking classes in which she teaches how to cook with beer, as well as consciousness workshops. Karmazina believes her vocation in life is to spread as much love and light as possible and travels the country with her beer kegs and enthusiasm in tow, conducting tastings and workshops in as many places as possible.

karmazina.co.il Anemones in Nahal Shikma | Day trip

The beautiful Nahal Shikma KKL-JNF trail stretches along 60 km, starting at the Pura Reserve and ending at Zikim Beach. The white dirt road is accessible to all vehicles and allows for interesting stops along the way. The trail passes through fields, forests, orchards, majestic sycamore trees, water springs and sand dunes - and of course, spectacular red anemones in full bloom, as far as the eye can see. eyarok.org.il ■

18 ATMOSPHERE FEBRUARY 2025

See the Sights I Valentine’s Day Special

Where’s the romance? Here are 10 of Israel’s most romantic destinations according to AI We all have our own specific notion of what destination may be romantic or not, so to mark Valentine’s Day, we turned to AI to see what it had to say on the matter, and discovered that all AI platforms agree about which Israeli destinations are the most romantic – here are AI’s 10 favorite romantic spots / By Nava Marton 03

Jerusalem Getting lost in the alleyways of the Old City, discovering the city’s most beautiful neighborhoods, marveling at the incredible views – Israel’s capital city offers many romantic experiences.

01

04

Makhtesh Ramon There’s nothing quite like

Ein Gedi A beautiful oasis with waterfalls, natural springs, and walking trails - perfect for a romantic walk with your beloved. experiencing Makhtesh Ramon with your valentine, as you wander across the mesmerizing crater together, gaze at the stars, and admire the magic of nature in unison.

Tel Aviv The city that never sleeps is rich with romantic little corners to enjoy with your better half - restaurants, bars, the beautiful promenade, markets and neighborhoods full of history and mystique.

02

20 ATMOSPHERE FEBRUARY 2025

05

The Golan Heights and the Galilee The north of Israel, which has always been a favorite destination for romantic getaways, is gradually rebuilding. Head north to enjoy this eminently romantic part of the country.

07

Haifa Israel’s northern metropolis opens its gates once again after more than a year of war, with its breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea, and its majestic Bahá’í Gardens, filled with romantic secret corners to discover à deux.

Safed Drenched in history and mysticism, Safed is set in the dense deep pine forests of the Upper Galilee. With its spectacular views, ancient synagogues, art galleries, and secret spots, romance is in every corner.

06

08 09 10

Hula Valley For the nature-lovers among you, this is the place to go if a hike with your partner is your thing. There’s beauty in every corner and gorgeous fauna and flora to marvel at.

The Carmel Forests The beautiful Mount Carmel forests are sometimes referred to as “Little Switzerland”, with their green expanses and peaceful landscapes - ideal for a romantic picnic or hike.

Akhziv Beach With its magical bays, crystal-clear waters, and impressive cliffs, Akhziv is the ideal setting for a romantic sunset picnic.

21

ATMOSPHERE FEBRUARY 2025

Magazine I EL AL’s Matmid Frequent Flyer Program

Premier members holding a FLY CARD or EXECUTIVE members will enjoy additional benefits alongside the existing ones, with the flexibility to select perks tailored to their personal preferences EL AL’s Matmid Frequent Flyer Program Introduces the ELALFly+ Benefits Collection

The Matmid Frequent Flyer Program, with approximately 3.1 million members and 420,000 FLY CARD credit cards, developed this benefits collection in response to customer feedback and the unique needs of its frequent flyers. Estimated to be worth millions of shekels, ELALFly+ reflects a commitment to providing personalized value and world class service. To shed light on the new initiative, Ronen Galperin, CEO of the Matmid Frequent Flyer Program and FLY CARD, answers key questions about ELALFly+, its eligibility criteria, and the perks it offers. Who is eligible for ELALFly+ benefits? Eligibility is for our Gold, Platinum, and Top Platinum members who also hold a FLY CARD or EXECUTIVE members. Members must meet the following criteria within the 12 months leading up to their status renewal or upgrade date: 1. Earn the required number of Diamonds. 2. Complete at least four flight segments with EL AL. It’s important to note that ELALFly+ is offered exclusively to FLY CARD holders or EXECUTIVE members and

is provided in addition to the existing benefits for each membership tier. What benefits are included in the ELALFly+ collection? The ELALFly+ benefits collection includes, among other things, 50% discount on a pair of flight tickets (excluding taxes, levies, fees and surcharges), tens of thousands of Matmid points, discounts on bonus tickets, EXTRAS benefits for free upgrades (subject to availability), additional guest entries to our King David Lounge, which will soon undergo significant renovations to further enhance the hospitality experience, Business Wi-Fi packages, additional baggage, and more. Altogether, these benefits represent millions of shekels in value and reflect our dedication to providing unmatched rewards to our Premier members. When will ELALFly+ benefits become available? The launch date is April 1, 2025. Eligible members who renew or upgrade their membership status on or after this date, and meet all necessary criteria, will be able to select benefits from the ELALFly+ collection. These perks are designed to complement

Example of how ELALFly+ works in practice:

the existing tier-specific benefits, ensuring members continue to enjoy their familiar advantages while accessing new, customized options. The ELALFly+ benefits collection will launch on April 1, 2025. A full list of benefits can be found on the EL AL website. Terms and conditions apply. Subject to the new Diamonds Program. can look forward to a more personalized, rewarding, and elevated travel experience. EL AL remains committed to recognizing and valuing its loyal members through innovative and customer-focused initiatives. A Platinum member who has accumulated 15,000 Diamonds during the 12 months prior to the date of status retention or upgrade and meets the other eligibility criteria on that date will be entitled to up to two benefits of their choice from the following options: 20,000 Matmid points, two guest entries to the King David Lounge, two EXTRAS SPACE benefits, two EXTRAS benefits for additional baggage, EL AL Protect, and Wi-Fi Business packages. Each benefit has a different value, and some benefits may be equivalent to more than one benefit. With ELALFly+ Premier members

Ronen Galperin, CEO of the Matmid Frequent Flyer Program and FLY CARD: "It’s important to note that ELALFly+ is offered exclusively to FLY CARD holders or EXECUTIVE members and is provided in addition to the existing benefits for each membership tier"

22 ATMOSPHERE FEBRUARY 2025 Photo: Ohad Romano

EL AL's Premier members get much more!

A new world of personalized benefits For details

Starting April 1, 2025, for Gold members and above who are EXECUTIVE members or FLY CARD holders, subject to the full terms and conditions on EL AL's website

Magazine I Supporting Israel

From Brooklyn to Be'er Sheva: Volunteers Rebuild Israel "If my Holocaust survivor grandparents could come to pre-state Israel in ‘46 and fight, I think I can pick some onions for a day", says Tori Lynn Leibovic, who came to Israel with Jewish National Fund-USA / By Stefan Oberman

tour guide and protected by an armed security guard. Asked if she had any reservations before coming to Israel, Leibovic explained, “if my Holocaust survivor grandparents could come to pre state Israel in ‘46 and fight in the Haganah (the precursor to the Israel Defense Forces), I think I can pick some onions for a day”. She added, “there’s only so much you can see regarding the situation in Israel on social media. You have to come here and be on the ground seeing the realities for yourself. I live in a part of Brooklyn where I’m surrounded by anti-Israel people all day long. It’s important that I can bear testimony to what really happened here on October 7 amidst the unrelenting disinformation campaigns”. Weeklong and day-only volunteer trips are available. ■ For more information, visit our website at jnf.org/volunteeril, call 877.563.8687 or email travel@jnf.org.

Jewish National Fund-USA volunteers pick eggplant in the north of Israel

Thousands of Americans are reassuring the people of Israel that they are not alone by volunteering in the country’s north and south. One organization spearheading volunteer missions to Israel is Jewish National Fund-USA, which has sent over 4,000 volunteers since October 7. “It has been 15 years since I last came to Israel”, says mission participant Tori Lynn Leibovic, 31, from Brooklyn, New York. “I learned about Israel’s history and wars at my Jewish Day School; however, I never really ‘felt it’ until October 7 following painting buildings, constructing outdoor furniture, cleaning up parks and playgrounds, cooking food for soldiers, picking fruit and vegetables, packing care packages for people in hospitals and soldiers, and much more. Jewish National Fund-USA is working with over 17 communities Hamas’ unprecedented attack against Israeli communities”. Volunteer activities include

in Israel’s south – more than any other organization – to help bring displaced residents home. “Mission participants should be prepared to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty”, says Northern California Jewish National Fund-USA Director, Martha Kariv, who led a July volunteer mission. “Volunteers also visit the site of the NOVA music festival massacre and plant trees”. The missions have attracted participants ranging in age from 18 to 93. They are led by a professional

Jewish National Fund-USA volunteer helps repair the communities in the south

Volunteer Tori Lynn Leibovic picks eggplant in the north of Israel

24 ATMOSPHERE FEBRUARY 2025

7KLV ,V 7KH /DVW &DOO 7R $VVLVW +RORFDXVW 6XUYLYRUV (YHQ LQ WKHVH FKDOOHQJLQJ WLPHV (/ $/ FRQWLQXHV WR VXSSRUW +RORFDXVW VXUYLYRUV WKURXJK WKH )RXQGDWLRQ IRU WKH :HOIDUH RI +RORFDXVW 9LFWLPV DQG FDOOV RQ \RX WR GRQDWH DQG YROXQWHHU IRU WKHLU VDNH

)RU PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ DQG WR GRQDWH N VKRD RUJ

Lifestyle I Food

Emek Yizrael’s culinary scene is thriving, with bucolic little cafés, quality steakhouses, and top-notch eateries dotting the enchanting valley. Head over there this season to admire its blossoming landscapes and gastronomical charms / By Sharon Ben-David 5 great restaurants to check out in Emek Yizrael

Rancho Menis A coffee truck in the countryside The story of Rancho Menis begins 45 years ago, when Danny Menis, an Argentine who made Aliyah, founded a horse-riding school in lovely, pastoral Moshav Tzippori. His son Doron has followed in his father’s horse-riding footsteps and teaches Olympic English riding and therapeutic riding at the ranch. Wishing to raise awareness about the riding school’s many sports and educational activities, he opened a coffee truck hoping to draw in more people to the area – and that he did. Indeed, while children take part in their “baby Gaucho” classes, their parents while away the time enjoying the truck’s delicious coffee, sandwiches, pastries, quiches, salads, toasts, and more. After coffee, it’s always a great idea to visit the nearby Tzippori National Park, where ancient Roman mosaics and vestiges of an ancient synagogue have been uncovered. ranchom.co.il

Temerlin Quality steakhouse

This lovely countryside steakhouse is nestled in the lush green fields of Moshav Nahalal, Israel’s first workers’ cooperative agricultural settlement. 100 years ago, the Tamir family (formerly Temerlin), established their farm here, gradually specializing in cattle rearing. Temerlin, the family restaurant, has been operating for three years now, specializing in Black Angus beef. Carnivores from all over the country have been flocking over to get a taste of the exceptional Temerlin steaks, kebabs, ara’is, and many more meaty delights, served aside vegetable sides made with seasonal ingredients. There’s a deli inside the restaurant itself, where you can buy cuts of meat and charcuterie, as well as bottles of wine, sauces, and spices. There’s a bakery as well, that sells sandwiches, cakes, quiches, and bread, with kubaneh, jahnun, and focaccia added to the menu on Saturdays – i.e., everything you need for the ultimate weekend picnic. @_temerlin

26 ATMOSPHERE FEBRUARY 2025

Photos: courtesy of the restaurants

Bella BaEmek A delightful Italian-style meal Bella BaEmek is an absolute favorite among locals. It’s where people come to celebrate birthdays and family events or meet friends for a spontaneous bite to eat and a glass of wine. This Italo-Mediterranean inspired eatery has been serving fish dishes for thirteen years now, as well as pizza, pasta, salads, and more. The owner, Lior Golan, and chef Idan Lifshitz, earned their stripes in various Tel Aviv restaurants, eventually returning home to run a place of their own. The dining room is spacious, pleasant, and simple in its design, the perfect setting for a joyful meal just like in Italy, with beef carpaccio, Yizraeli Caesar salad, fluffy truffle and chestnut gnocchi, pappardelle al ragù, etc. The service is professional, warm, and generous, with the quality of the ingredients shining through in each dish. Open Monday to Saturday. On Friday mornings, the restaurant hosts private events. bellabaemek.co.il

Café Kirshner A delicious spot in Beit Lehem Haglilit The beautiful village of Beit Lehem Haglilit (in English, Bethlehem of Galilee), is one of the most visited parts of the region. On Saturdays, people flock over to admire the ancient Templar sites and explore the village’s beautiful wide streets and many artists’ studios. When hunger strikes, everybody makes their way to the coffee truck in Kirshner farm, a 150-year-old family homestead which serves as a B&B run by Etty Kirshner. Two years ago, her son opened a coffee truck, Café Kirshner, selling coffee, pastries, sandwiches, cakes, and salads – all made by Etty herself. Everything is delicious, especially when savored onsite, surrounded by the gorgeous Emek views, or for the more adventurous, in hidden corners across the valley fields, which Etty will gladly direct you to. @kirshner_cafe

Photo: Nitzan Zohar

Golda Bahazer, Kibbutz Merhavia

A bucolic café imbued with nostalgia Located in what once was Kibbutz Merhavia’s children’s home, the family-owned Golda Bahazer café has become a favorite among locals and visitors, what with its pastoral atmosphere and excellent food. Established by two women born and raised in the kibbutz, the café offers a dairy-based menu with a large selection of breakfast dishes, baked delights (the kubaneh is an absolute must), sandwiches, pizzas, and salads, served against the backdrop of the majestic kibbutz trees. After your meal, do take the time to visit the kibbutz itself, which was one of Israel’s first cooperative agricultural communities, founded in 1929. Guided tours are available, offering a chance to discover the rich history of the early Zionist settlements through the eyes of Golda Meir and other major figures of the time, while visiting current-day artisans’ studios, such as the “Nacca” handmade

cosmetics laboratory. golda-bahazer.com

Photo: David Moyal

27

ATMOSPHERE FEBRUARY 2025

Business I Start-ups

In 1998, Mirabilis, the Israeli company that created the ICQ program, was sold to American giant AOL for $ 400 million, a sum that at the time was unheard of. Yair Goldfinger was one of the company’s founders, along with Yossi Vardi, Arik Vardi, Amnon Amir and Sefi Vigiser. It was and maps out the way to success for budding entrepreneurs / Yoel Tsafrir 10 Yair Goldfinger, cofounder of ICQ and serial investor, shares his insights on the world of Israeli start-ups,

tips for creating a successful start-up

a landmark moment. Goldfinger himself went on to invest in and create many start-ups, meeting both failure and success along the way. Here are some of his main takeaways from his vast experience in the start-up universe, as well as his thoughts on what gets investors to invest in a project.

business. As an entrepreneur, you’re always “selling”, needing to impress - be it investors, clients, or staff. “Unfortunately, it’s not true that the project with the best technology eventually wins over the rest (and I say this as someone who is a tech-guy through and through). A good pitch can be what leads you to success”, he says.

01 | It’s show business Yair Goldfinger often asks

02 | Partners Creating a start-up is often a sisyphic endeavor. It’s hard to do it alone. Better to partner up - but pick your partners wisely and prefer someone

entrepreneurs: “what market do you think you’re operating in?; they answer “tech, cyber security, etc.”. But the right answer is in fact - show

28 ATMOSPHERE FEBRUARY 2025

to investors. The worst that can happen is you get a “no”, and even then, you can still keep on trying”.

expensive plane tickets or fancy offices, use your money to further your company. Money dries up fast and you don’t want to keep chasing after it. Use the funds that you have with care”. As an investor Goldfinger was the first to invest in Israeli start-up SafeFields, a company that developed a groundbreaking solution to reduce the magnetic fields generated by EVs and hybrids. “EVs and hybrids are the future. SafeFields has come up with a technology that solves a major problem. Also, the founders come from an elite tech unit in the IDF Intelligence Corps and they’ve built an excellent team. They’re financially efficient, focused on developing their product and marketing it, and not on luxury offices and unnecessary spending”. 09 | Don’t give up, but know when to stop “There will be many challenges along the way. Don’t get discouraged. The start-up game is the game of the last man standing”. 10 | Time is the most expensive resource “Not all start-ups are going to succeed. Sometimes you need to acknowledge you’re on a losing horse. Time is precious so don’t waste it on a doomed project”.

05 | Patience and persistence Raising funds requires patience and persistence. It takes time, but once you find the right investor, you realize all your efforts were worth it. And remember, you don’t need dozens of investors – one who believes in your project is enough.

Photo: Muli Safra

you already know. “Partners need to complement each other and have clearly defined roles. From my experience I can say that it’s best not to have more than three founders, otherwise it gets too complicated to take decisions”. expensive plane tickets or fancy offices, use your money to further your company" 03 | Market size When you’re looking for an idea for a start-up, opt for something with big market potential. If you have a great product, a great team - even if your product ends up market leader - if your market’s small your company will remain small. A big market will allow you to grow, even if you’re not market leader. Yair Goldfinger: “Rather than splash out on

06 | Get a mentor “Many entrepreneurs that I meet think the role of an investor is to help run things, but I’m sorry to say, that is not the case”, he explains. “The presence of someone with experience can reassure investors. Pay your mentor with options, as their worth increases according to the success of the company”. 07 | Use your contacts There are many Jews in key roles in the business world. Most will be happy to help out Israelis. “Believe me, almost all the first clients of Israeli start-ups are connected to Jews”, Goldfinger says. “Many successful companies in Israel will be happy to help you – do some networking and reach out to them”.

04 | Don’t be afraid to ask questions “Entrepreneurship calls for

courage and audacity”, he says. “Ask questions, make suggestions to clients and partners, reach out

08 | Spend wisely “Rather than splash out on

29

ATMOSPHERE FEBRUARY 2025

NEWS • IN FLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT • WI-FI • MEET THE CREW • EL AL FLEET • DESTINATIONS MAP

Ovrutzki

Picture a more caring world…

EL AL and Bank Hapoalim are ongoing supporters of ALUT, ALEH and ADI. We invite you to join us and take part in our " Small Change . Big Dreams. " campaign for the benefit of children with disabilities.

Your small change (the unused loose bills and coins from your trip overseas) can grant a multitude of wishes for tens of thousands of children with disabilities. With your help, we can give them hope, empowerment and care. Your donation envelope will be collected during the flight by our EL AL crew. The children of ALUT, ALEH and ADI wish you a pleasant flight and hope that all of your dreams come true.

חלומות גדולים.

הרשת הלאומית לטיפול וקידום ילדים ואנשים עם מוגבלויות The national network for the treatment and advancement of children and people with disabilities ALEH CREATING HOPE

In-flight Entertainment

The entertainment system at the back of your seat Welcome to EL AL

There are touchscreens at the back of each seat on our Boeing 787 aircraft and Boeing 777 upgraded aircraft for maximum comfort and easy access to our content-rich entertainment system

+300 +300 +450 movies hours of TV series & shows music albums, channels & podcasts

Shortcut to the content you liked Once you’ve gained access to our entertainment system, you’ll see different images alternating on the screen. They each represent an item from our content selection. Something caught your eye? Touch the image on the screen and the content you chose will open.

Parental control To limit your children's viewing, enter the system settings > parental control > select the desired viewing classification (Please speak to the crew to disable parental control).

Pick a movie To navigate our TV show and movie selection, use our genre sidebar by tapping the arrow at the bottom of the screen.

Many hours of children's content

Desired viewing classification:

A wide variety of Jewish content

Content suitable for all ages Parental supervision recommended Parental supervision recommended for children under age 13 Recommended for adults over the age of 17 Not Rated

G

PG

PG13

SimpliFly beating the fear of flying

The full "Fly without Fear" course by EL AL captain Alon Pereg is available on the 787 aircraft fleet entertainment system. To Watch go to: Television > Simplify To Listen go to: Listen > Audiobooks > Simplify

Exclusively on EL AL

R

PG13

34 ATMOSPHERE FEBRUARY 2025

Our entertainment system on your personal device in-flight entertainment

Boeing 777 * and 737 aircraft are equipped with a streaming-based entertainment system that offers a vast amount of content for passengers to enjoy during their flight, directly on their personal devices

To access the streaming service on 737 / 777* aircraft:

4

2

3

1

Connect it to the EL AL Wi-Fi network

Scan the QR code or open your browser and enter: wifi.elal.com

Accept Terms of Service

Place your device on airplane mode

Please note: Media content updating occurs during the first week of the month, which might result in some of the content mentioned in the magazine to differ from the flight’s lineup. We appreciate your understanding.

*Pre-upgraded aircraft

35

ATMOSPHERE FEBRUARY 2025