EL AL | Atmosphere

Issue 291 | March 2025

Exploring Haifa With its rich history, beautiful sites and attractions, gorgeous blue sea, colorful markets and exciting culinary scene, Haifa is the ideal destination for a fun and exciting city getaway

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Flying on a 737 or 777 aircraft? Switch your mobile device to ight mode, select the EL AL network, and scan the QR code or open your browser and enter: wi .elal.com to enjoy hundreds of movies, TV shows, music and games on your personal device. Further details on page 38

Exceeding Expectations on Every Front Mivne continues its strong business momentum this year. Despite challenging times, we are accelerating our activities and are proud to lead 3 impressive

mega-projects in Israel's most sought-after prime locations.

Herzliya

Tel Aviv

Kfar Saba

In-flight I Issue 291 I March 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

Israel’s beautiful north is awake again after more than a year of war, and almost no tourists or visitors. Our heartfelt recommendation this month is to head over to the region’s capital, gorgeous Haifa, to support local businesses, forced to stay shut for so long, and to savor its wonderful vibrancy. The effervescence of its culinary scene, the quality of its hotels, historical sites, museums, markets, hidden corners, and breathtaking beaches, are a promise of endless excitement and discovery. We spent 48 glorious hours there, and on our article (p.14) you’ll be able to get a success achieved by an Israeli can help bridge advocacy gaps and foster human connection. French photographer Raphaël Perez has been shining a light on the successes of Israeli jazz artists who perform on stages across the world to adoring fans, yet still receive limited taste of what the city has to offer. During these difficult times, every

global recognition. His IsraeliJazz Project aims to correct this, by spotlighting their achievements, notably via the recent publication of a magnificent book, “IsraeliJazz, the blend of blends”, that tells the story of Israeli jazz and of its luminaries. You can read all about it in this issue, as well as order the book and donate to the project. Also this month: an overview of the main cultural events to look out for, a taste of some of Tel Aviv’s best Asian eateries, five Israeli designers creating contemporary Judaica objects, a look at some of the tech novelties showcased at the recent Las Vegas trade show, and more. And after more than 500 days since the start of the war – we continue to pray for the wellbeing of those still held captive in Gaza, and for their swift return. In the hope for good news, I wish you a pleasant read and a peaceful flight. Nava Marton

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

For information regarding advertising opportunities Please contact

Mr. Liad Elhadad at TEL: 052-3449838 Liad_e@rge.co.il

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

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

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In-flight I Issue 291 I March 2025

Contents

35 36 News 38 In-flight Entertainment 40 New Movies 42 Kids - Movies & TV 43 Top 6 44 In-flight Internet Access

45 Meet the Crew 46 Destination Map 49 Fleet

24 Israel, land of jazz The IsraeliJazz Project tells the epic story of Israeli jazz Lifestyle 26 Food 5 new East Asian restaurants to try out in Tel Aviv 30 Design Israeli creators are excitingly reshaping the world of Judaica

See the Sights 14 Discover Haifa’s rich history, sites and attractions, colorful markets and exciting culinary scene Magazine 22 Healing History Rabbi Sacks’ framework for Jewish-Christian reconciliation

Check-in 6

Travel News March Highlights 8 What’s on Our Radar This Month Local Events 10 Our Guide 6 tips for a fun and productive workation 12 Flight Essentials for your next trip

Business 32 Technology The best of CES 2025

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In collaboration with

Check-in I Travel News & Updates

March Highlights

by Ofer Yair

Architectural modeling

Photo: Mike Yudin

Photo: courtesy of Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab

Terminal 3 at Ben Gurion is set for a serious upgrade | The Israel Airports Authority (IAA) has issued two tenders to expand Terminal 3, which include upgrades to border control areas, security screening zones and the construction of a new entry gate for arriving passengers. The duty-free food court will also be expanded. A new structure, called “Tel Aviv Gate” will span 2,000 sqm, and provide entry for passengers arriving by bus, replacing current airplane jetways. The new gate will offer quicker access to border control and baggage collection. The IAA announced that the upgrades aim to improve operational capabilities, reduce waiting times, and streamline passenger flow. New border control zones will spread across four floors to accommodate additional hand baggage screening stations and upgraded technology. Construction will begin later this year, and is expected to take about two and a half years.

Major achievement for Abraham Tel Aviv | Abraham Tel Aviv has won Best Extra Large Hostel in Asia at the 2025 Hoscars, the awards given out by the leading global hosteling online travel agent Hostelworld. Other category winners include leading hostels in Shanghai and Koh Samui. “This award, especially at such a difficult time for the Israeli tourism industry, shows our social activism-based tourism model works”, said Abraham Hostels CEO Gilad Shaulof. “We’re proof it’s possible to combine business success with social commitment”. One example of the Abraham Group’s social endeavors is the mental health initiative they launched last year in cooperation with the Gvanim Association called the “Abraham Tent Program”, for young Israelis grappling with trauma and ongoing grief in the wake of October 7.

Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab: Dubai’s ultra luxury resort opens this month | Reservations are now open at Dubai’s new ultra-luxury resort, Jumeirah Al Arab, located to the east of the iconic Burj Al Arab Hotel, and set to open on March 14 th . Shaped like an immense super-yacht, its 386 rooms and suites, 4 penthouses, and 83 luxury hotel apartment suites have been crafted by the world’s leading interior designers. Guests will be able to enjoy a three-story spa with a dedicated female-only floor, a 20-metre indoor pool, a collection of 10 restaurants and bars, a private marina, and more. From Dhs 4,587 a night (around NIS 4,500).

5 new Isrotel hotels opening this year Israeli hotel chain Isrotel has announced plans for major expansion during 2025, with five new hotels set to open, at an investment of NIS 1 billion. With the addition of the new hotels, the chain will have a total of 28 hotels across the country. New hotels include: the Gymnasia Hotel on Tel Aviv’s Montefiore Street, the Ayelet Hotel in Kibbutz Ayelet Hashachar in the Upper Galilee, the Daroma Hotel in Mitzpeh Ramon – formerly the Pundak Ramon, and comprehensively renovated, the 44-luxury suite Kayma Hotel in the Dead Sea, and the Dizengoff 99 Hotel in Tel Aviv, located at one of the White City’s most legendary addresses, with 122 rooms, a business lounge, and a rooftop pool overlooking the city. Isrotel’s sister company Aluma, will also be opening its third Athens location, the Adia Hotel.

Hotel Kayma I Illustration by Peri Engineers

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ATMOSPHERE MARCH 2025

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Check-in I Local Events I March 2025 I Nava Marton

What’s On Our Radar This Month

Riki Gal I Photo: Ilan Besor

Festival The Woman Festival 2025 | Holon To mark International Women’s Day (March 8 th ), the Holon Cultural Center is this month hosting its annual festival of female art and cultural creation. Premiere film screenings, live shows, lectures, plays, roundtables, workshops, and special evenings with some of the most influential women in Israel, will be held at the Holon Theater and the Mediatheque. The program includes a concert with Riki Gal who is celebrating 55 years of music, Orna Banai’s new stand-up show, a Margol concert, an evening of conversation with Michal Ansky, Hana Laszlo, and Maya Dagan, and a special tribute concert to Edith Piaf with singer Tilda Rejwan. March 3-8, mediatheque.org.il/ women2025

Photo: Pini Hamou

Concert A journey back in time to the beginnings of Sephardi music – the Israeli Andalusian Orchestra Ashdod | Across Israel The Israeli Andalusian Orchestra Ashdod is celebrating 30 years of activity with a special series of concerts dedicated to Persian music. Four leading Persian music artists - internationally renowned tar player Sahba Motallebi and fellow tar player Reza Mohsenipour, both Iranian, will be gracing Israeli stages together with Liraz Charhi, an Israeli singer of Persian heritage, and Nissim Lugasi, an Israeli master in Persian and Ottoman singing. (Artistic director: Elad Levi, conductor: Roï Azulay). March 10 th to April 1 st , across Israel, andalusit.co.il Exhibition

“Alma Mater” | The Israel Museum, Jerusalem An immersive, multisensorial experience, “Alma Mater” is a sound installation by artist and musician Yuval Avital that draws on thousands of hours of traditional chants, whispers, and tales by women from diverse cultures and time periods, merging archival recordings and sounds from nature with cutting-edge technology, video, and artistic lighting to create an original piece. The work embodies the nurturing spirit of the Great Mother archetype, creating a metaphorical womb of reconnection and healing, with sound emanating from 100 speakers placed inside concrete and ceramic jugs or hanging from the ceiling, and video installations of soft, floaty dancing. (Curator: Talia Amar, technical programming, synchronization, and installation in collaboration with the OFFBiT Collective, Beer Sheva). Until June 2025, imj.org.il

Yuval Avital © Alma Mater I Photo by Enzo Mologni

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Aviv Geffen I Photo: Alon Levin

Music The Red Sea Guitar Festival | Eilat For three whole days, the 6 th edition of the Red Sea Guitar Festival will light up Eilat with a bonanza of live shows by some of Israel’s biggest musical artists. Among the A-listers on the roster are Aviv Geffen, Eviatar Banai, Danny Sanderson, Lola Marsh, Ninet Tayeb, and more. After the shows, midnight jams will take place at the Jasper 08 cocktail bar at the Isrotel Agamim Hotel until the small hours of the night. Isrotel, the festival’s official partner, offers package deals that include a hotel stay and tickets and passes to the shows. March 20-22, redseaguitarfestival.co.il

Exhibition “If I were a body” | The Petach Tikva Museum of Art The Petach Tikva Museum of Art has opened the season with six new exhibitions. The main one is a group exhibition entitled “If I were a body” on the theme of the fragility of the human form and its physicality within the world - all at once a body that is fragmentary and whole, public and private, present in the here and now, but also inhabited by the memory of things past. The exhibition presents drawings, installations, sculptures, and video art by a variety of artists including Igael Tumarkin, Sigalit Landau, Alex Kremer and Merav Maroody. Sculptor Ofer Lalush’s monumental sculptures from his “Atalya” series, presented here for the first time in Israel in its entirety, will be installed outside the museum. Considered the pinnacle of Lalush’s artistic output of the last ten years, the sculpted figures possess a fascinating everyman quality that is all at once archaic and futuristic. (Curator: Irena Gordon). Until June 28 th , petachtikvamuseum.com Artwork by Merav Maroody

Dance Godani & Foniadakis, the Kamea Dance Company | The Suzanne Dellal Centre, Tel Aviv

“Godani & Foniadakis” is a veritable international summit meeting between two acclaimed choreographers, Jacopo Godani and Andonis Foniadakis, who both emerged from the school of Maurice Béjart. Godani’s creation, for which he has also designed the costumes and lighting, skillfully plays the body as a multi-part instrument, challenging classical ballet through its own abstract language. Original music by Ulrich Müller. Foniadakis’ piece, “Kosmos”, is an intense work that challenges the limits of physicality and athleticism, fusing modern dance with entranced club dancing and mind-blowing physical acrobatics. (Artistic director: Tamir Ginz). March 6-8 at the Suzanne Dellal Centre, May 11 th at the Megiddo Cultural Centre, May 14 th in Beer Sheva; kameadance.com

Photo: Kfir Bolotin

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Check-in I Our Guide

How to take your work on vacation with you: 6 tips for a fun and productive workation

Working remotely has become increasingly popular amongst professionals these past years, ushering in the new travel trend of workations, whereby business is unabashedly mixed with pleasure. Here are our tips and suggestions for how to balance out the fun with discipline and productivity during your holiday abroad / By Lihi Ron

01 Choose the right destination. Consider factors such as noise levels and whether you’re able to work in bustling environments such as busy cafés or not. If you need complete quiet, a small village in the countryside might suit you better than an ultra-vibrant metropolis, abuzz with human interaction. 02 Set up a productive workspace . Even if you’re on holiday, it’s important to create a space where you have everything you need to get your work done, with reliable access to electricity, Internet, and good lighting. Remember to pack all the equipment you need, including your laptop, phone, chargers, etc. Don’t forget to back up your digital files, (as we sometimes do at home), to avoid potential data loss. 03 Accommodation and cost of living. Workations can end up being a costly affair if your accommodation set up doesn’t include a comfortable workspace for you to use. Without it, you may need to spend lengthy amounts of time in cafés or coworking spaces that don’t necessarily come cheap. When planning your travel budget, consider accommodation costs, food costs,

as well as museum entrances, transport, shopping, etc. 04 Divide your work and leisure time. Not keeping them separate tends to decrease performance in both. Set time windows during the day exclusively dedicated to work, so that outside of them, you are able to have fun and relax. However, stay flexible and be open to change – sometimes things don’t go according to plan so it’s important to be able to adapt to circumstances. 05 Stay connected (but not too connected). Workationing

does imply you’re still technically “on the job” but do let your coworkers and/or clients know that you’re away so they’re aware of the situation. Carve out time for responding to emails and taking important calls, so that you can switch off during your time off. 06 Make the most of your time off. In between time windows dedicated to work, make sure you explore your destination to the full – go to great restaurants, take in the atmosphere, enjoy every second so that you feel you made the most of your trip.

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Check-in I Checklist

Flight Essentials for your next trip

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Pack-It waterproof jacket , lightweight, packs away into stuff sack for convenient carrying, taped seams for complete waterproof protection, adjustable shock cord hood, multiple pockets, NIS 219, available online via outdoorrevolution.co.il

Tote bag by New Era, NIS 299.90, available in stores and online via neweracap.co.il

Kenneth Cole faux leather duffle bag, NIS 299.90, available at Mashbir stores

Zojirushi insulated food jar, 0.52l capacity, NIS 199, available at outdoor gear stores

Insulated stainless steel thermal sports bottle by Soltam, double wall ensures beverages stay hot or cold for several hours, attached paracord strap for easy carrying, comes in different colors and designs, 500ml and 650ml, NIS 64.50 and NIS 84.50, available at Soltam stores and online via soltam.co.il

Samsonite Ecodiver 2-wheel foldable duffle, 4 different sizes of wheeled luggage, particularly suitable for sports and snowsports gear, made with Recyclex™ textiles with a water repellent coating, NIS 1,100, available exclusively at Samsonite stores and online via samsonite.co.il

Hoodies shoulder bag, NIS 59.90, available at all Hoodies stores and online via hoodies.co.il

Photos: PR, Haim Cohen, Yonathan Levy

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See the Sights I Eat, Travel, Enjoy

Back in Haifa: 48 fun-packed hours in the beautiful harbor city of the north

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After more than year of constant rocket attacks, Haifa is experiencing a post-ceasefire boom. Its rich history, plethora of sites and attractions, gorgeous blue sea, colorful markets, vibrant nightlife, and exciting culinary scene, make it the ideal destination for a weekend of fun and exploration / By Nava Marton

Haifa had been practically empty of tourists and visitors since the start of the war, but since the ceasefire last November, people are once again making their way up north to enjoy the city’s myriad charms. Eager to visit the brand new Maccabi Haifa FC museum and wander once again through the city’s beloved neighborhoods, we headed over for a weekend of fun. An interactive experience | The Maccabi Haifa FC Museum After many years of planning, and an investment of millions of shekels, the Maccabi Haifa FC Museum was recently inaugurated at Haifa’s Sammy Ofer Stadium, instantly becoming a place of pilgrimage for all Maccabi Haifa fans, though anyone who loves soccer will love this place. Spread across 1,000 sqm, it takes you on a journey back in time, retelling the club’s story since its formation in 1913, showcasing memorabilia along the way. There are interactive games and displays, and VR stations that take you inside the team’s bus, allowing you to get a glimpse of things from the player’s perspective. All texts are presented in three languages: Hebrew, Arabic, and English, and visitors also have the option to combine their visit with that of the Sammy Ofer Stadium, a fascinating one-hour visit that takes you onto the pitch, into the changing rooms, VIP rooms, etc. Prior booking required. mhaifafc.com/museum, haifa-stadium.co.il

The Maccabi Haifa FC Museum I Photo: Mariano Maimudes

The Fan Zone I Photo: Micha Brikman

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See the Sights I Eat, Travel, Enjoy

Lunch in a sketch | The Sketch café and gelateria The Sketch café, right by the stadium, is designed like the pages of a comic book, with every square inch of its walls, ceiling, and furniture – bathroom included – having been sketched on with markers, according to the digital design of illustrator Tamir Alahinay. The design of the entrance floor, where the gelateria is located, has an Italian theme, while the gallery floor an airport one, with four seats even made to resemble business class plane seats. But Sketch isn’t just about the charming design gimmick, it’s also a fantastic place to eat, with an Italian menu that offers pizzas, (including a surprising knafeh pizza), pastas, salads, and more. Everything is homemade, including the gelato, and based on quality ingredients. Kosher but open on Saturdays. @sketch_haifa

The Kedem Hotel I Photos: Simplex 360

Food, art, and everything in between | Talpiot Market Talpiot Market is located inside a historic structure built in 1940. Its distinctive Bauhaus design and cultural significance have placed it on the list of buildings set for conservation. Entirely covered with glass bricks, its main hall is surrounded by galleries flooded with natural light, and as far as the eye can see there are colorful market stalls bursting with fresh produce. Outside, along Sirkin st. and Luntz st., there are street food stalls selling every kind of food imaginable, from the simplest to the most refined. Don’t miss a visit to Sirkin st. n°21, where among other exciting things, you’ll find a fantastic little tacos place on the lower floor, a vintage

The Kedem Hotel A pampering spa break We spent our first night at the Kedem Hotel in nearby Tirat HaCarmel, a twenty minutes’ drive from Haifa. Like many other hotels across Israel, Kedem hosted war evacuees over many months, before returning to once again welcoming guests and travelers (who must be at least 16). A veritable oasis of peace and tranquility, Kedem is also a wellness center with a heated covered pool, a spa, a sauna (wet and dry), a Turkish hammam, a gym, and 61 large, elegantly designed rooms. The spa offers a rich selection of treatments as well as yoga and meditation classes, detox workshops, and more - entrance to the spa and the booking of treatments is open to non-hotel guests as well. In the summer, the pool opens onto the spectacular landscape, and there are fantastic hiking trails like the Oranit caves and Ein Kedem spring to explore nearby. kedemhotel.com

SKETCH I Photos: Micha Brikman

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See the Sights I Eat, Travel, Enjoy

shop on the first, as well as artists’ studios of various kinds. On the rooftop, there’s a plant nursery and a bar with a beautiful balcony overlooking the city. From up above | An experiential ride on the Rakavlit cable car The Rakavlit cable car connects the HaMifratz Central Bus Station with the University of Haifa, at the top of Mount Carmel, for a total distance of 4.6 kilometers and a travel time of 20 minutes. As you ride up, the city spectacularly reveals itself to you from up above. At the University, you can walk along the suspended bridge near the station before going up to the 30 th floor of the university’s Eshkol Tower which

The Rakavlit cable car

has an impressive observation balcony. Eshkol Tower is also home to the Hecht Museum, a must-visit for archeology buffs. (Entrance is free). A one-way Rakvalit ride is NIS 6. Note that the Rakvalit is not the old tourist cable car that connects Bat Galim with the Stella Maris neighborhood – itself also an exciting ride. Art and food tours | Haifa City Makers Food tours are a great way to get to know a city’s culinary scene. Local guides are founts of knowledge about the best places to eat at and discover, but if you prefer to wander around at your own pace, like us on this occasion, local tour guide company Haifa City Makers have created what they call the “Bakers tour”. A QR code system gives you information about the Ir-HaTachtit neighborhood’s best food spots and allows you to pick six samples to taste (served as a take-away meal). Some of the places may not be open in the evening, so be aware that the tour is best enjoyed in the morning and the afternoon. Another great “Makers” tour is their artists tour, also in the Ir-HaTachtit. Jewelry designer Liat Waldman

(@liatwaldman_jewelrydesign) and content creator Shiri Wizner (@hey.fa.it) take you on a tour of artists’ studios to see local designers, ceramicists, jewelry makers, etc., hard at work. haifacitymakers.com Hanamal 24 | A taste of Lyon in the port of Haifa Haifa’s Hanamal 24 restaurant has long become a fine dining institution. After sixteen years in the Ir-HaTachtit, it is now located in the Hadar neighborhood inside a beautifully restored historic building, where the new boutique hotel “Liberté”, is set to open later this year. At Hanamal 24, chef Ran Rosh, graduate of the Paul Bocuse Institute in Lyon, France’s capital of gastronomy, offers a deliciously creative menu that combines the local ingredients, spices, and flavors of his childhood, spent in this very neighborhood, with French technique and know how. Dishes include: cream of onion soup with truffle foam, entrecôte with bordelaise sauce, rainbow carrots and mashed potatoes, and an incredible “Haifa-style” sous vide chicken schnitzel with potato and mustard cream. The wine and cocktail menu is just as rich and

Talpiot Market I Photo: Nava Marton

Food tour I Photo: Nava Marton

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See the Sights I Eat, Travel, Enjoy

A night with history The Colony Hotel Haifa

We spent our second night at the Colony Hotel Haifa, located in the heart of the German Colony inside a beautiful building built in 1905 by the Templars, at the foot of the Bahá’í Gardens. Until 1978, the hotel functioned under the name of the Appinger Hotel, named after the German family that founded the hotel which has a such a rich history, that the more you read about it, the more intensely you feel its influence on the place’s unique atmosphere. There are 40 rooms in total, some with a balcony overlooking Ben Gurion blvd. and the Bahá’í Gardens. The design has a distinct 20 th century elegance to it, with vintage objects and sleek wooden furniture and banisters across the hotel. The dining room, the very same one in which guests dined in 115 years ago, has a wide balcony that looks out onto the city. In the mornings, there’s a rich kosher breakfast buffet (also open to non-hotel guests), and in the evenings, guests can enjoy the hotel bar located in the beautiful inner garden. From the rooftop, you’ll be able to admire views of the Bahá’í Gardens on the one side, and of the port of Haifa on the other. colony-hotel.co.il

Hanamal 24 I Photo: Anatoly Michaelo

The flea market I Photo: Nava Marton

Wadi Nisnas market I Photo: Nava Marton

enticing. The three dining areas: lounge bar, inner gallery (where art exhibitions will take place in the future), and solarium, all exude the restaurant’s unique blend of classic French hospitality and Haifan warmth. The impeccable white tablecloths and beautiful stone walls add to the ambiance’s understated elegance. hanamal24.co.il Exploring the city’s Markets | The flea market and Wadi Nisnas The flea market in Haifa is considered one of Israel most authentic, with its myriad vintage stores, street food, and colorful atmosphere. The market is open Sunday to Friday from 8am to 3pm, and on Saturdays, from 6am to 3pm, vendors from across the region come to sell their goods. Wadi Nisnas is a such a special place, still managing to retain the authentic charm of a close-knit,

Arab-Israeli neighborhood, though there are new modern buildings as well, with street art and colorful graffiti. But above all else, Wadi Nisnas possesses a truly inspiring spirit of coexistence.

The Colony Hotel I Photo: Izik Binyonski

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Magazine I An interfaith dialogue

Healing History: Rabbi Sacks’ framework for Jewish-Christian reconciliation In an era of global religious tensions, Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks emerged as a visionary voice advocating for meaningful interfaith dialogue while celebrating the unique contributions of Judaism and Christianity to modern civilization / By Rabbi Elie Mischel

Among the great thinkers of our time, Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks stood apart in his ability to bridge the historical divide between Judaism and Christianity. His bold vision showed how the great faiths could stay true to their beliefs while finding common ground in today’s world. At the heart of Rabbi Sacks’ vision lies a profound understanding of what both traditions share: belief in a personal God. “The God of Aristotle is a concept, the God of Abraham is a person to whom we can say ‘Thou,’” Sacks explained, drawing a crucial distinction between philosophical abstraction and lived faith. The transformation of Jewish Christian relations in the post Holocaust era represents what Sacks calls “one of the most interesting phenomena in civilization”. This shift from historical suspicion to friendship hasn’t occurred by minimizing differences but through developing deep mutual respect. During his tenure as Chief Rabbi of Britain and the Commonwealth, Sacks demonstrated this principle through his close personal friendships with Anglican and Catholic leaders. Looking toward the future, Sacks envisioned a vital shared mission for Jews and Christians: defending the Judeo-Christian ethic in an increasingly secular age. Today, organizations like Israel365 are actively carrying forward this vision, building meaningful bridges between

Front row left to right: Jonathan Cain (Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of Journey), Pastor Paula White (Head of White House Faith Office), Rabbi Tuly Weisz (Founder of Israel365); Back row: Israel365 Team I Photo: courtesy of Israel365

Jewish and Christian communities while maintaining strong support for the State of Israel. The organization’s recognition at the Knesset’s “Voices of Iron Ceremony” in January 2024, where founder Rabbi Tuly Weisz was honored for rallying Christian support during the Israel-Hamas War, exemplifies how Rabbi Sacks’ framework continues to inspire practical action. As Sacks powerfully articulated, “power is a zero-sum game. The more I share power, the less power I have. Influence is a non-zero game... the more I share those things, the more I have”. Through advocacy

work such as Keep God’s Land and Israel365 Action, its slate in the World Zionist Congress, Israel365 embodies Rabbi Sacks’ vision by strengthening Israel through building bridges between Jews, Christians, and all who share their faith-based values. Rabbi Elie Mischel is the Director of Education at Israel365, which strengthens Israel by building bridges between Jews and Christians. ■

To learn more about Israel365 visit Israel365.com or scan the QR code.

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Magazine I Music

Many Israeli jazz musicians perform on stages across the world to crowds of admiring fans, but somehow their success remains little known. French photographer Raphaël Perez has set out to correct this state of affairs: the IsraeliJazz Project he launched shines a light on these exceptional jazz artists, notably via the new luxurious coffee table book, “IsraeliJazz, the blend of blends”, which tells the epic story of Israeli jazz Israel, land of jazz

Photos: Raphaël Perez

Amit Friedman

Deborah Benasouli

Daphna Levy

Launched by French photographer Raphaël Perez in 2018, the IsraeliJazz Project aims to tell the story of how jazz music arrived in Israel and its development until today. Perez has met with the musicians featured in the book countless times, as well as with educators, promoters, directors of festivals and jazz clubs, and ministerial representatives. After five exhibitions and innumerable conferences, he has now collected all his extensive accumulated work into a luxurious 288-page book with texts in English and French, entitled “IsraeliJazz, the blend of blends”, which tells this epic story. Through his photos,

Perez profiles 92 musicians, detailing each of their biographies as he goes along. Four chapters precede the presentation of the 92 musicians: the history of jazz in Israel, the educational system, the jazz venues and festivals, and the Big Bang since the 1990s. Lee Caplan, a professor of musicology from New Jersey, and Yair Dagan, an Israeli jazz specialist, participated in the research. A blend of pure American jazz with Middle Eastern sounds The book recounts how jazz arrived in Mandatory Palestine with the

British troops and the American olim who introduced young local musicians to it in the 1950s. Notably, Mel Keller and Zvi Keren who arrived from the USA in 1951 and were the pioneers of this movement. Keren laid the foundations of the educational system and Keller established the first live sessions in Tel Aviv, the Friday Afternoons at ZOA House. They were aided in their task when American jazz stars added Israel to their European tours. Then the first jazz clubs opened in the main cities, the most famous being the Barbarim in Tel Aviv, which delighted fans from 1966

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Roni Iwryn

Anat Fort

until its closure in 1979. In the 70s, many young Israelis went to study in America, at the great East Coast schools (Berklee in Boston, the New School and Julliard in New York), becoming qualified musicians and teachers upon their return. In 1985, a group of them created the Rimon School, a school that is still today considered a program of musical excellence. The IDF also played a part in the formation of young musicians, as detailed in the book in the chapter devoted to the educational system. The 80s saw the creation of festivals, particularly the Red Sea Jazz Festival in Eilat (1987). Launched on the initiative of Dan Gottfried, it is the largest in the country and attracts vast crowds and many international artists, with two annual editions.

The 90s gave rise to the Big Bang of Israeli jazz. It began with four young musicians who decided to try their luck in New York. In 1992, Avishai Cohen and Omer Avital (both bassists), Avi Lebovich (a trombonist) and Amos Hoffman (a guitarist/oudist) didn’t yet know they were the pioneers of a very large-scale movement. At the cost of significant efforts to integrate the New York jazz system and achieve recognition, they became, in Israel, role models for the younger generations - and 35 years later, the trend has not slowed down, with nearly 200 Israeli jazz artists now living in New York. This story is one of a great human adventure, one that has spread across the world, opening new musical perspectives, bridging together ancestral cultures, both

religious and secular, and mixing it all with jazz, a genre invented by freed black people, that Israeli musicians used to build bridges between their own cultural heritage with that of neighboring countries. This book tells a story of passion, transmission, solidarity, and perseverance, through beautiful photographs that lay bare the breath, the tension, the strength, and fragility of these incredible artists. A publication of unique content and of the highest quality. israelijazz.com/en/book

Raphaël Perez: “The music they produce is a blend of pure American jazz with Middle Eastern sounds, bridging the gap between modern music and traditional tunes”

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Lifestyle I Food

From a little neighborhood ramen joint to an intimate Osaka-style bar, through Korean street food, fiery Thai, and Japanese fast-food, the flavors of the Far East are taking over Tel Aviv, quenching the White City’s thirst for all things sweet-and-sour. Here are five places to go whenever the umami craving hits / By Sharon Ben-David Flavors of the Far East: 5 new East Asian restaurants to try out in Tel Aviv

Photo: Amir Menahem

JMT Korean street food bursting with color and flavor In recent years, Korean culture has taken the world by storm, what with the global success of Netflix hit show “Squid Game”, K-pop music, and Korean cosmetics. Of course, Korean food has made no exception to the trend, including in Tel Aviv, where a Korean street food eatery has recently opened its doors. Indeed, JMT (short for Jon Mattaeng which means “tasty as hell” in Korean slang) serves up steaming bowls of bibimbap (rice fried in sesame oil, with vegetables, protein of choice, fried egg, and chili sauce), gimbap (Korean sushi), and of course, kimchi, Korea’s iconic spicy pickled cabbage condiment. The JMT menu has been expertly crafted to suit the Western palate, and includes such favorites as Korean pancakes, Korean fries with stringy cheese, and American ice cream with cornflakes and spicy caramel sauce. Consider yourself warned: your taste buds are in for a serious treat. jmtlv.co.il

Photo: Yaakov Blumental Wabi Delicious Japanese fast food

Israeli chef Dean Shoshani has devoted the last years to studying the flavors and techniques of Japanese cuisine, practicing broth-making and soft-egg boiling for months on end in his little Tel Aviv kitchen. At his new Japanese fast-food eatery, Wabi, he shares the result of his extensive training with the many Japanese food fans in Tel Aviv, and the response has been incredible, with people lining up at his door day in day out. Just like in Japan, there’s a digital self-ordering kiosk, and plates of gyozas, soba noodle salads, yakisoba pans (a soba noodle white roll sandwich), and more, glide towards you along a conveyor belt. Wabi’s thrilling success proves once again that umami has definitively entered the Israeli culinary lexicon. wabi_sabi

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Lifestyle I Food

Saka Ba An intimate Osaka-style bar

In the heart of Tel Aviv’s Levinsky Market neighborhood lies a bona fide Japanese izakaya, one of those intimate little bars Japanese professionals go to after work, to destress and drink saké to their hearts’ content. Saka Ba is the brainchild of friends and business partners Asaf Menachem (owner of Japanese restaurant Mententen), and Japanese chef Masaya, originally from Osaka. Inspired by the flavors of Masaya’s hometown, together they have crafted a menu that includes gyozas, sushi, sashimi, korokke (Japanese croquettes), and more, served alongside exquisite saké, shochu (a distilled spirit made from plums or sweet potato), and choya (plum liqueur). And smokers will be happy to know that just like in Osaka, Saka Ba has its own indoor transparent smoking cabin for them to use. @saka_ba_tlv

Photo: Afik Gabay Koko Neko

Photo: Assaf Karela Kuntai Spicy Thai with a Mediterranean twist Chefs Tomas Zohar and Yossi Shitrit met on reality TV show “Masterchef”. Now, a few years along the way, they’ve joined forces and opened their own Thai foodbar together. Kuntai is all about the spice and the flavor, with Thai classics given a punchy Tel Aviv twist. Dishes include spicy beef and cucumber salad, Isan-style beef tartare, and no less than five versions of som tam salad. The delicious cocktails pair up perfectly with the food, cooling the palate down so that you keep on ordering more and more, to your taste buds’ total delight. @kuntai_tlv

A love for Japan, a passion for ramen Together with Japanese cook Misato Bachar who moved to Israel twelve years ago, restaurateur Dudi Afriat (who also owns the La Tigre pizzeria) has opened this cozy little ramen bar in the heart of Florentin. The menu also includes gyozas, soba noodle salads, and more, but do make sure you leave enough space for dessert - the pillowy pancakes with chocolate and matcha sauce and strawberries and cream are utterly divine and look exactly like the Japanese desserts you see on social media. As you sip on your warm or cold saké or your yuzu cocktail, for one sweet hour, you could almost imagine you were lost in Tokyo. @koko_neko_tlv

Photo: Amir Menahem

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Lifestyle I Design

Contemporary design is permeating into the usually more conservative realm of Judaica, producing thrilling new interpretations of Jewish ceremonial objects. From 3D-printed clay candlesticks to innovative Kiddush cup designs, Israeli creators are excitingly reshaping the world of Judaica / By Adi Fogel Hollander Between sacred and profane C’s Jonathan Chechick

A Shenkar College and Politecnico di Milano graduate, designer Jonathan Chechik is the founder and owner of his brand, C’s. His creations all share a minimalistic aesthetic, and are made with natural materials such as stone, marble, glass and wood. One of his most recent creations is a “Hai” pendant, designed in the wake of October 7 as a good luck charm to keep close to the heart. Its unconventional proportions intend to convey a sense of weight and stability. The pendant comes in solid silver or pure gold, and has a pleasant presence to it, with a more modern abstract design. @cs_cuffs cscuffs.com

Photos: Natasha Zeriker

Hadar Hadar Slassi

For designer Hadar Slassi, Judaism has always been a source of inspiration, and already during her studies, she found herself exploring thoughts and ideas originating in Jewish philosophy. The possibility of creating Judaica items that combine the values of tradition with contemporary design is at the heart of her Judaica brand. Her designs aspire to be a bridge between past and present, unite generations, and instill beauty and elegance into the sacred everyday Jewish rituals. Her “Sphera” collection includes a Natla, a Mayim Achronim, and a Havdala set, all spherically shaped in an elegant minimalist design with a smooth, matte finish. The spheric shape of the designs symbolizes infinity, eternity and perfection. The objects are made using classic goldsmithing techniques, with materials such as copper, brass, and silver. Slassi has also recently created a colorful collection in earthen tones with a finish that evokes ceramics and porcelain. @ha.da.r ha-dar.com

Photo: Tal Brushel

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Photo: Studio Armadillo

Armadillo Anat Stein and Hadas Kruk

Arik Weiss Arik Weiss is a designer and

The Armadillo Industrial Design Studio was founded more than 20 years ago by Hadas Kruk and Anat Stein, two talented, secular women who together design modern Judaica items. Both share a fascination for Jewish culture and traditions, and aspire to create objects that express a connection to the universal values of humanity, joy, love, and hope. Their creations are made using a variety of materials, with an emphasis placed on ceramics. Their latest collection includes items made with 3D clay printing technology, a resolutely refreshing way to reimagine the world of Judaica. @aramadillo_ judaica_lovers studioarmadaillo.com

multidisciplinary artist who lives and creates in his home in Kfar Adumim. His conceptual art draws its content from Judaism, with his works often dealing with the relationship between Man and his God, the physical and the spiritual, the temporal and the infinite. Weiss’ work has been shown in exhibitions in Israel and abroad, including his Judaica designs, which blend sacredness with humor. He works using various techniques and materials and creates Judaica designs for the Israel Museum, including mezuzahs, candlesticks, menorahs and more. Among his designs are a a silver Kiddush cup shaped like a disposable cup, and a Havdalah set that divides into three parts. @ariekw99 arikweiss.shop

Photos: Guy Rashkovan

Yahalomis Tal and Roy Yahalomis The Yahalomis Studio was established in 2014 by husband-and-wife duo Tal and Roy Yahalomis, who together design and create handmade ceramic items. One of the materials they work with is basalt clay that is extracted from the basalt rocks found in the north of Israel. Their designs are characterized by precise, meticulous finishes and special attention to the smallest details. In their Judaica section, you’ll find beautiful mezuzah cases, candle holders, Kiddush cups, Passover plates, menorahs, etc., as well as their latest creation - a Star of David, which comes in a variety of colors and finishes, and a discreet wall hook at the back. @yahalomis yahalomis.com

Arik Weiss I Photos: Dan Lev

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Business I Technology

The best of CES 2025: the products to look forward to this year The annual January Las Vegas electronics trade show has once again proven to be a powerful platform for the tech world, showcasing a dazzling array of new products. Unsurprisingly, AI was the star of the show, with plenty of autonomous vehicles, smart home solutions, and personal gadgets set to hit markets in the coming months. Here are our CES highlights / By Guy Shahar

| AI is here to stay

Unsurprisingly, AI was everywhere at this year’s CES. Big companies like Nvidia, LG, Samsung and TCL all introduced new AI-augmented everyday products. Next generation televisions for example, offer better voice recognition, better content adaptation to suit viewer preferences, better image and sound quality, and better smart home system control. Not necessarily unheard-of innovations, but the AI is better and more deeply embedded in the technology. Maybe TVs will soon be able to create

content on the spot, according to the viewer’s preference?! Japanese company Jizai presented its new general-purpose AI robot Mi Mo that looks like a cross between a spider, a table, a lamp, and a stool. Mi-Mo is able to communicate in a friendly and natural way with a child in several languages. But the robot that got the most attention was Roborock’s new robotic vacuum cleaner that comes with a foldable mechanical arm able to move obstacles like socks or toys out of the way and go on vacuuming.

| A laptop display that extends at the press of a button The Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable may first look like an ordinary 14-inch laptop, but at the press of a button, its OLED display becomes a 16.7-inch vertical screen. Not only does this provide extra display space, it also allows you to get closer (if not all the way) to having the top of the screen just above eye level so you don’t have to strain your neck and shoulders to look down at it.

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| Next-generation eyewear Worldwide AR leader Xreal is launching its new pair of smart glasses, the Xreal One Pro. Elegantly designed, offering a higher quality screen in a tinier package, its X1 chip and micro-OLED display can simulate an ultrawide panel, thus increasing vision span. Its Xreal Eye camera is able to take pictures from the precise angle of the user’s eyes. Expected price: around $600.

| Israeli companies that specialize in automotive technology

Israeli company Innoviz introduced its next-generation automotive grade LiDAR sensors with superior object detection that can know even better than the driver if someone is coming from behind a corner. AUO presented its latest microLED

automotive technology, the Virtual Sky Canopy, which transforms the sunscreen and windows of a car into large immersive transparent displays. Imagine a long car drive with the kids, but with a virtual sky full of fireworks, or an AR aquarium for them to enjoy.

From fluffy robots to electric rollerblades

than look incredibly cute and a few basic movements. The Kirin Electric Salt Spoon for its part, can make low-sodium food taste saltier without adding extra salt. How? By sending an electric current through the spoon to your tongue. It may sound a bit scary like that, but the current is very weak and merely serves to draw sodium ions from the food to the taste buds to increase the perceived salty flavor and help you consume less salt. Currently available in Japan, it costs $125 and is set to launch in other countries in the coming months. Electric personal transport aficionados are going to love the Atmos Gear Electric Skates, the

first electric rollerblades. Capable of reaching a speed of 25km/h and covering up to 26km per single full charge, they don’t come cheap - € 770 – but not only do they look cool, they’re also a super fun way to get to work.

Of course, CES wouldn’t be CES without all sorts of weird and funny gadgets to discover. Mirumi, for instance, is a little sloth/koala bear robot that latches onto your bag and doesn’t do much other

Photos: PR

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