EL AL | Atmosphere

Issue 293 | MAY 2025

Explore Jerusalem Jerusalem Day is the perfect occasion to head over for a day of fun and exploration in our beautiful capital and its surrounding area - visit breathtaking sites and enjoy delicious food and excellent wine

14 P.

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 46

In-flight I Issue 293 I May 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

Photo by Albatross

Editor’s Letter

To mark this month’s Jerusalem Day, we’ve prepared two special overviews full of ideas for what to see and do in our beautiful capital and around it, including a visit to Herodium Park, King Herod’s ancient palace and fortress - and the place he chose to be buried in. Herodium is an architectural wonder and the site of incredible archeological findings. Just outside the city, lies the regional council of Mateh Yehuda, particularly well-known for its wine industry. And indeed, as you travel through its picturesque winding roads, endless vineyards, agricultural fields, forests and hills, you’ll be able to enjoy a range of attractions, as well as delicious food and excellent wine (see p14 and p18). This month is also the month in which the Eurovision Song Contest will be taking place in Basel, Switzerland (semi-finals: May 13 and 15, final: May 17). EL AL is the official carrier of the Israeli delegation headed by Israel’s candidate Yuval

Raphael. Rapahel is a survivor of the October 7 Nova Festival massacre. In a special interview with her, she told us about how singing became part of her journey to healing, how her life almost ended inside the attacked shelter in Kibbutz Be’eri, and her excitement at being chosen to represent her country at this year’s Eurovision. And also this month: a taste of some of Israel’s newest hotel restaurants, a look at some of the country’s most striking design talents ahead of Tel Aviv’s Freshpaint Art & Design Fair (see p.38), and as always, an overview of the month’s cultural highlights and events, as well as our monthly guides, recommendations, and more. And of course, as ever, we continue to pray for the release of those still held hostage in Gaza.

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

For information regarding advertising opportunities Please contact

Wishing you a pleasant read and a peaceful flight, Nava Marton

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

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

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

3

ATMOSPHERE MAY 2025

In-flight I Issue 293 I May 2025

Contents

43 44 News 46 In-flight Entertainment

48 New Movies 50 New content + Kids Movies 51 Top 6 52 In-flight Internet Access 53 Meet the Crew 54 Destination Map 57 Fleet

Magazine 26 Her Song

A special interview with Yuval Raphael, a survivor of the October 7 Nova Festival massacre, and Israel’s representive in the Eurovision Song Contest taking place this month in Basel, Switzerland 30 Circle of Impact Discover how you can be part of Israel’s economic revival 32 Israel from above An interview in 7 photos Lifestyle 34 Food 5 new hotel restaurants to try out this season 38 Design A look at 5 local design talents showcasing their work at this month’s Freshpaint Art & Design Fair

Photo by Vangelis Kyris

Captain America: Brave New World

See the Sights 14 Explore

Check-in 6 Travel News May Highlights 8 What’s on Our Radar This Month Local Events 10 Our Guide 7 tips for a successful home swap 12 Flight Essentials for your next trip

Fun and interesting things to do in our beautiful capital to mark Jerusalem Day 18 Discover Mateh Yehuda’s endless vineyards, gorgeous landscapes, fascinating archeological sites, and myriad attractions

Companion

La La Land

4

ATMOSPHERE MAY 2025 2025

In collaboration with

Check-in I Travel News & Updates

May Highlights

Hotel Cramim I

Photo: PR

Photo: Ori Ackerman

Photo: Itzik Ben Dov, KKL-JNF

The Israel National Trail celebrates its 30 th anniversary with an upgrade | Last month, a ceremony marking the Israel National Trail’s 30 th anniversary and the start of upgrade works, took place in Latrun. The “Shvil”, as it is called in Hebrew, extends from Mount Hermon in the north, to the Red Sea in the south, spanning 1,100km. The upgrade works aim to improve its physical, informative, and virtual infrastructure, and will be undertaken at an overall cost of NIS 30.6 million. An extra 14km between Shoham Forest and Tel Afek were recently marked and added to the Shvil by the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel.

New promenade inaugurated in Haifa | The new Hulda Promenade in Haifa’s Bat Galim neighborhood was recently inaugurated, named in honor of Hulda Gurevitch, a beloved Haifa resident known for her charitable works. The promenade facilities include a pedestrian trail, a cycling trail, shaded seating areas, LED lighting, and observation decks looking out over the hills of the Galilee and Haifa Bay. A small 50m bridge directly connecting the promenade to the nearby Navy Headquarters has been erected to ensure uninterrupted passage. Benches, drinking fountains, trash cans, and security cameras have been placed all along the promenade.

Isrotel named a 2025 Traveller Review Award winner | The Isrotel hotel chain has been named a Booking.com 2025 Traveller Review Award winner, obtaining an average review score of 8.6 across its overall locations. Its four most prominent locations have obtained the chain’s highest review scores, namely: 9.1 for Isrotel Mitzpe Hayamim, 9 for Isrotel Nevo Dead Sea, 9 for Isrotel Beresheet, and 8.9 for Isrotel Cramim. The Traveller Review Awards honor leading global travel booking platform Booking.com’s travel partners based on verified customer reviews, according to specific parameters, including quality of service, cleanliness, comfort, and overall experience. The Traveller Review Awards are considered to be among the travel industry’s most prestigious, celebrating hospitality excellence across the globe.

SRF PARK TLV - one of the biggest surfing lagoons in the world The new SRF PARK TLV surf complex opened last month in Tel Aviv. Its wave pool is the size of three football fields, built at an investment of approx. NIS 170 million. The pool is divided into two 14.5 thousand m 3 sections, each producing 25 types of waves at a rate of up to 700 waves per hour, from gentle rollers for beginners to more challenging breaks for more experienced surfers. The complex was built by Wavegarden, a leading global wave technology company that has built nine other surfing lagoons around the world. The complex will be open every day from 6am to 11pm, with a capacity of up to 80-90 surfers at a time. Daily schedules will announce in advance which type of waves will be available and at what time, so that people can come at the time that suits their surfing level. Surf lessons will be given and surfing equipment will be available for rent. The complex also has a dining area, lounge areas, large lawns and a wellness area with yoga, Pilates, meditation, ice baths and more. srfparktlv.co.il

Photo: Noam Eshel

6

ATMOSPHERE MAY 2025

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

What’s On Our Radar This Month

Exhibition Vangelis Kyris: Light & Thread | MUZA - Eretz Israel Museum, Tel Aviv

Vangelis Kyris, an Athens-born photographer specializing in fashion, portrait and art photography brings to life MUZA’s collection of Jewish traditional clothing items through a series of over one hundred dramatic photographs printed onto large stretches of cotton, upon which he has created details of delicate gold, metal and cotton embroidery that reconstruct ancient traditions. The collection features complete outfits, alongside headdresses, jewelry, and prayer shawls from the 18 th -20 th centuries from Jewish communities around the world, including Bukhara, Iraq, Iran, Yemen, Poland, etc. The connection between photography and embroidery creates an innovative dialogue between art and traditional crafts, and a harmonious interplay of colors, shapes, symbols, and textures. (Curator: Raz Samira). Until November 30 th , eretzmuseum.org.il/en

Photo by Vangelis Kyris

Environmental art “50 degrees in the shade” | Dizengoff Center, Tel Aviv

Thirteen large-scale installations, video works, and animated films are currently on display in Tel Aviv’s Dizengoff Center on the occasion of the second edition of its environmental art biennale. Works include a giant egg made of cardboard and paper extracted from the packaging of motorcycles imported from Italy, a kinetic sculpture about the gradual disappearance of bees, and a series of animation works projected onto a 4.5m screen. The creators taking part come from various domains, including art, architecture, design, video and sound art, and more, who all work using both natural materials and end devices. Thought provoking and inspiring, the works on show will hopefully galvanize visitors into taking action on environmental matters. Workshops, lectures, and roundtables are also set to be held during the biennale which is a Dizengoff Center initiative, curated by Nava Benny. Entrance in free. Until June 13 th

Artwork by Tamar Nix I Photo: Guy Hamoy

8

ATMOSPHERE MAY 2025

Anu Museum of the Jewish People I Photo: PR

Art International Museum Day 2025 | Across Israel

Once again this year, dozens of museums, from the north to the south, will open their doors to the public free of charge for International Museum Day. In addition, the museums will host special tours and guided activities, gallery talks, creative workshops for children, and more, inspired by this year’s theme: “The future of museums in an era of changing communities”. This special day offers visitors the opportunity to explore a wide range of museum content, including science, art, archaeology, design, history, and culture, through exhibitions and displays. Among the museums opening their doors this year are: the Israel Museum, Haifa Museum of Art, the Muza - Eretz Israel Museum, Tel Aviv Museum of Art, Steinhardt Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Islamic Art, the Wilfrid Israel Museum, the Tikotin Museum of Japanese Art, the Hermann Struck Museum, the National Maritime Museum, and many more. The full list of museums will be updated closer to the event date on the Israeli Museums Association website. May 15, icom.org.il Cinema | Docaviv Film Festival 2025 More than 100 premieres of

Chen Zimbalista I Photo: Alexander HanIn

Music The Ein Karem Music Festival | Jerusalem Under the leadership of percussionist Chen Zimbalista, the Ein Karem Music Festival celebrates music, multiculturalism, and unique collaborations with three days of concerts with Christian, Muslim, and Jewish musicians from Israel and Austria. Jazz, classical, and world music are all part of the program, and all events take place inside Ein Karem’s Yochanan B’Hareem Monastery, with stages set across its beautiful grounds, including in the orchard, chapel, and central courtyard. The concert lineup includes: “Ne me quitte pas”, an evening with Maya Belsitzman (cello and voice), Matan Ephrat (percussions), and the Zimbalista Music Factory, “Nur”, with opera singer Nur Darwish, singing works by Bach, as well as classic Arabic music, together with Chen Zimbalista and his ensemble, and more. May 29-3, zimbalistamf.com

documentary films from Israel and across the world, 36 new and original Israeli films, a series of experiential events, roundtables with leading creatives, industry events, special screenings, and a competition with awards and grants of a combined value of up to NIS 400 thousand – all of this and more will be taking place at this year’s Docaviv Film Festival. The festival will open with the film “Holding Liat” by American director Brandon Kramer, which won Best Documentary at this year’s Berlinale. The movie documents the ordeal faced by the family of Liat Atzili who was abducted by Hamas on October 7 and released

Rovina’s Legacy I Photo: Merlin Yaron

54 days later. The Israeli film lineup includes: “Rovina’s Legacy”, about legendary theatre actress Hanna Rovina and her daughter Ilana, and “Girl, Woman”, by Ella Armony, daughter of singer Dafna Armony. May 22-31, docaviv.co.il

9

ATMOSPHERE MAY 2025

Check-in I Our Guide

Make yourself at home: 7 tips for a successful home swap Home swapping is a great way to travel the world and enjoy your destination in the most authentic way - and at a lesser cost. So how do you do it? Here are a few practical tips for planning a safe and successful home swapping experience / By Lihi Ron

expectations must be managed; so, make sure you discuss rules, requirements, needs, and preferences ahead of time. Ask all the questions you may have, be specific about dates, number of people, cleaning, pet care, car use, etc. 05 Get your home ready. A home swap is the perfect opportunity for giving your home a thorough clean. Ensure bills have been taken care of and check that everything works. Prepare a detailed manual with instructions, Wi-Fi passwords, etc. 06 Insurance. This is such an important part of the process. Ensure both sides are adequately covered in case of any unexpected issues in either home. This will give you the peace of mind necessary to enjoy your holiday without any needless worry. 07 A little something extra. Leaving your home swapping partners a handwritten welcome note with personal recommendations of favorite cafés, or even a care package with a selection of typical foods, are two lovely ways of making them feel at home, and instantly motivated to care for your home as though it were their own.

01 Early and precise planning. To find the right match, start planning way ahead of your trip. To find a home that fits your requirements, check Facebook groups and home swapping platforms like homeexchange.org. 02 Verifying the other home-owner’s profile. Once you’ve found the right house, fully vet and verify the home’s owner and check the precise terms of the exchange agreement. Make sure the house fits your needs, such as number of rooms, location, proximity to public transport, parking, restaurants, attractions, etc., and

check if the owner has any specific rules and conditions. 03 Have a profile that inspires trust. Your own profile is also going to be probed and verified, so make sure you have one that’s convincing, and that inspires trust and approachability. Also, it’s important to add pictures and good quality video of your home and surrounding neighborhood. 04 Manage expectations. Communication between both parties needs to be based on

trust and understanding - and perhaps even more importantly,

10 ATMOSPHERE MAY 2025

Self-Service Options - Easy, Quick, And Convenient! Manage Your Bookings Without Needing A Customer Service Representative: Change your flight (date, destination, departure time) Request a credit voucher and check your voucher balance Cancel your flight and receive a refund Earn points for past flights for Frequent Flyer Program members Order a special meal For more information, visit elal.com or the EL AL app. Subject to the terms and conditions on the EL AL website.

Check-in I Checklist

Flight Essentials for your next trip

Running to new heights Whether you run marathons or simply enjoy daily jogs, the new Novablast TM 5 by Asics are absolute must-haves. Their lightweight FF BLAST™ MAX foam, breathable mesh upper, and trampoline-inspired outsole offer supreme comfort and energy return, generating 8.5% more bounce compared to the previous model. The jacquard mesh boosts breathability, keeping your feet cool and comfortable. Taking inspiration from the SUPERBLAST™ footwear line, the tongue construction on the NOVABLAST™ 5 shoe, mirrors the same gusseted wing construction to help create a secure lockdown and instill confidence during workouts. The inclusion of a pod-like groove in the forefoot improves springy sensation, enabling runners to feel propelled forward with each step. Incredibly lightweight (225g for the women’s model, 255g for the men’s), they offer an unparalleled level of comfort - enough to get anyone hooked on running. Price: NIS 690, available at Asics stores at the Tel Aviv Port, the TLV mall, the Haifa mall, select sportswear stores, and online via originals.co.il

Crossbody Rollink phone case with adjustable shoulder strap, made of shock absorbing EVA rigid foam, keeps phone, money, and passport safe, practical, compact, waterproof, perfect for traveling, comes in 7 colors and 2 sizes: L (10x18cm), and XL (12x20cm), NIS 99-119, available online via rollink.co.il, and at select stores

17L hydration backpack with 3L water bladder by Loon, soft and lightweight mesh design on the back, and adjustable shoulder straps to maximize breathability and effectively absorb sweat, ample storage room, 7 easy-access compartments, comes in turquoise, navy blue, gray and black, one year warranty, NIS 295, available online via outdoorrevolution.co.il

Portable telescopic stool, adjustable to 12 different heights, compact, collapsible, quick to open, load capacity reaches 150kg, 1 year warranty, comes in gray, yellow, and black, NIS 145, available online via outdoorrevolution.co.il

Folding picnic blanket by Lou Martin via Naaman. Part of Australian designer homeware brand Maxwell&Williams’s Uplift collection, designed by indigenous artist Lou Martin, the blanket is 150/200cm, and made of lightweight, durable, recycled PET plastic. Generously sized, waterproof backing for outdoor use, easy to clean, NIS 162 (when bought in tandem with another item from the collection), available at Naaman stores

Kenneth Cole backpack with laptop sleeve and separate padded tablet pocket, adjustable padded backpack straps, water bottle pocket, NIS 839.90, available at Hamashbir stores and online via 365mashbir.co.il

Cavalli polyester toiletry bag with side carry handles, outer pocket with zipper, 2 interior slip pockets, NIS 149, available at Hamashbir stores and online via 365mashbir.co.il

12 ATMOSPHERE MAY 2025

See the Sights I Eat, Travel, Enjoy

Jerusalem Day: 5 ideas for what to see & do on a day trip to the capital From a visit to the ancient sites and landmarks of the Old City to a refreshing dip in a natural spring, or a walk along the country’s longest suspension bridge, and more – here are five recommendations for fun and interesting things to do in the capital to mark Jerusalem Day which takes place this year on May 25 th / By Nava Marton and Ariela Aflalo

The Ancient City Gate I Photo by Itamar Grinberg

01 | A journey through time The Ancient City Gate After three years of extensive

of this unique site. Visitors will also be able to admire the Byzantine Madaba mosaic map, an exhibition about the Ottoman wall gates, and an audiovisual tribute to the central column that once stood here, from which distances to other cities were measured, and which was the source of the Arabic name for Damascus Gate, “Bab al-Amud”, or Gate of the Column. The Ancient City Gate, fee and prior booking required, pami.co.il 02 | Between heaven and earth The longest suspension bridge in Israel Jerusalem’s recently inaugurated

renovations, the Ancient City Gate, uncovered beneath Damascus Gate, was inaugurated last February. The site dates back to the 2 nd century CE, when Jerusalem was under Roman rule - a tragic time in the history of the Jewish People, when Emperor Hadrian decided to build a Roman city, Aelia Capitolina, on the ruins of Jerusalem. The site, now referred to as the “Ancient City Gate”, first opened to the public in the 1980s, and now has a visitors’ center where an impressive light and sound installation tells the story

The Ancient City Gate I Photo by Pami

suspension bridge stretches to a length of no less than 202 meters, thereby breaking the previous Israeli record of 80 meters for the suspension bridge in Nahal HaBesor. Located in the Jerusalem Walls National Park, the bridge connects the Hinnom Valley and Mount Zion, 30 meters above ground, so it’s by no means for the faint of heart - indeed children under the age of 14 are required to be accompanied by an

14 ATMOSPHERE MAY 2025

adult. Those who do decide to brave the heights will be rewarded with a truly unique view of the city and surrounding landscape – it’s almost as if you were floating in the air. In the evening, the bridge lights up to stunning effect. Open all week from 8am to 10pm, entrance is free 03 | A visit to Herodium Park King Herod’s royal fortress Adam Ackerman, an expert of the city of Jerusalem, organizes guided tours of the ancient park of Herodium, a unique historical, archeological, and architectural marvel. About 15km south of Jerusalem, lies Herodium, a fascinating archaeological site and architectural wonder that holds stories of personal and historical significance - from the reign of King Herod and the 2 nd century exploits of Bar Kokhba, to the tragic death of Prof. Ehud Netzer, the discoverer of King Herod’s tomb, in 2010. “Herodium was Herod’s personal palace and fortress, and the place he chose to be buried in. It’s one of the most ancient and fascinating sites in Israel”, says Ackerman. “In recent years, many new archeological discoveries have been made here, including a

The suspension bridge in the Hinnom Valley I Photo: Arnon Bossani

beautiful guest room with fresco paintings, the royal entrance gate, a theater, the king’s personal vineyard, a cache of weapons believed to have been those of Bar Kokhba and his men, and more. Prof. Ehud Netzer was an Israeli archeologist who spent 30 years studying and excavating Herodium. In 2007 he discovered Herod’s sarcophagus and mausoleum. In 2010, Prof. Netzer sadly came to his death on the very site of these discoveries, after a terrible fall above the theater he had uncovered. Herod created Herodium to be his own personal oasis, with a giant swimming pool surrounded by a vast garden, two

Roman baths, a six km aqueduct, etc. A visit to this extraordinary site offers an opportunity to walk through amazing archeological findings and admire the breathtaking, 758m above sea level hilltop views. Herodium is as archeologically rich as Masada, another of King’s Herod’s architectural feats, and constitutes an absolute must-visit. On May 17 th and 26 th , Adam Ackerman will be leading tours, starting with a gathering at his home in Ein Karem. A tour for Shabbat observers will take place on May 9 th . For further information, and for booking a tour, look for Adam Ackerman on Google.

Herodium Park (on the left): The restored model of the Mausoleum I Photos: Adam Ackerman

15

ATMOSPHERE MAY 2025

See the Sights I Eat, Travel, Enjoy

The National Library I Photo by Albatross

The National Library I Photo: Rami Cohen

04 | Discovering cultural treasures The National Library Even if ancient books aren’t exactly your thing, the new National Library is well-worth a visit. CNN went as far as to declare it one of the ten most beautiful buildings in the world. From the outside, the structure looks like an open book, and it sprawls across eleven floors of halls and galleries, including a giant three-story reading hall that meanders around the central open space. Each floor has numerous reading stands and hundreds of shelves laden with centuries-old books, manuscripts, photographic albums, archival documents, and more. Permanent and temporary exhibitions, interactive installations, and events are regularly organized, and robots positioned throughout the library help you find whatever you’re looking for. Guided tours are available daily, and we recommend ending your visit with a walk around the beautiful gardens and enjoying a coffee in the adjacent café. It’s important to note that the library is child-friendly and regularly

organizes story time afternoons, as well as children’s plays and events. nli.org.il/en 05 | Refreshing natural springs Ein Sajma and Dubek’s Pool The Ein Sajma, or Ein Yitzhak, natural spring is located inside the Gush Etzion area and was refurbished in memory of Dr Yitzhak Weinstock who was killed in a terrorist attack. The spring is surrounded by shaded picnic tables. A few meters away, visitors can enjoy the 1.5m deep

pool called “Dubek’s Pool”, built in memory of Dov Weinstock who everybody called “Dubek”. Dubek led field expeditions across the area and was an important figure among Gush Etzion youths. After his death, this pool was built in his memory, filled by the waters of the adjacent Ein Yitzhak spring. A new asphalt road has recently been built here for easy access by all vehicles, and the Gush Etzion bike trail also passes through here, including a 35km singletrack. ˆ

The Ein Sajma pool I Photo by Gush Etzion tourism board

16 ATMOSPHERE MAY 2025

Plan your next trip to ISRAEL with Hadassah

Experience Israel. With us. Bring friends. Bring family. go.hadassah.org/comehome-elal No one knows Israel like we do. Get to know Israel intimately, with the inside knowledge that only our more than 100-year connection to the land can offer. At Hadassah, we love Israel. Come share the love.

SCAN TO LEARN MORE.

HADASSAH, THE WOMEN’S ZIONIST ORGANIZATION OF AMERICA, INC. ©2025 Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc. Hadassah®, the H logo, and Hadassah the Power of Women Who Do are registered trademarks of Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc.

See the Sights I Eat, Travel, Enjoy

Through fields and vineyards: a spring day out in Mateh Yehuda With its winding side roads, endless vineyards, ancient churches, and amazing archeological sites, Mateh Yehuda is the perfect destination for a day out in the sun, as spring colors everything green, and the wildflowers are in bloom. There are so many sites and attractions to explore, and delicious food and drink to enjoy. Here are a few of our favorite / By Ariela Aflalo

The Mateh Yehuda Regional Council is part of the District of Jerusalem

and comprises 64 moshavim, kibbutzim, Arab villages, rural

settlements, and one Arab-Jewish village. Its name stems from the Bible, where it is said that its territory was part of the land allotted to the Tribe of Judah (Yehuda).

Tel Sokho I Photo: courtesy of Mateh Yehuda Tourism

צילום: באדיבות תיירות מטה יהודה I תל שוכה

18 ATMOSPHERE MAY 2025

The Kadma Winery I Photos: Ariela Aflalo

Wine has been produced here for over 3,000 years. Indeed, remains of ancient winepresses and wine amphoras have been uncovered here under every hill. The area’s terroir has been deemed especially good for winegrowing, and there are hundreds of vineyards across the region, which counts over 50 boutique wineries that together form Israel’s only official wine route. The region is also the only one in the country to have its own EU-approved “appellation”, granting wineries the possibility to add the “Yehuda” “appellation” label to their bottles. And beyond its exceptional wine, Mateh Yehuda offers a myriad more things to explore and discover. Eretz Tova, Kfar Uriah Mini-golf and coffee Mini-golf and events location, Eretz Tova is a beautiful place to start your day. Owners Eitan and Yoel Lombard, father and son, have recently inaugurated a café inside their beautiful sage garden that looks out over the Judean Hills. The café offers quality coffee, delicious baked goods, sandwiches, taboon baked pizzas, and salads. While you enjoy your coffee, the kids can have fun playing mini-golf and run around in the garden. From time to time,

The Sphera Winery, Givat Yeshayahu I Photo: Ilan Nachum

Eretz Tova, Kfar Uriah - mini-golf and farm cafe I Photos: Eitan Lombard, Mateh Yehuda Tourism

19

ATMOSPHERE MAY 2025

See the Sights I Eat, Travel, Enjoy

the road. (Sun-Thur, 11am-4pm, Fri Sat, from 10am) kadma-wine.co.il The Adullam-France Park Archeological remains and flowers in bloom This sprawling park spreads across 50km 2 and features major archeological sites form the Second Temple period, as well as hiking and biking trails. Two of the most interesting sites are Hurvat Ethri and Hurvat Madras. The Ethri site includes remains of an ancient synagogue, winepress, water wells, and tunnels that you can explore with the help of a flashlight. At the Madras site, you can see a spectacular mosaic and the remains of a 6 th -century Byzantine church, as well as those of an impressive 10m columbarium, a dove-breeding stone tower, and over twenty underground tunnels and passages. The park looks out onto the breathtaking landscapes of the Elah Valley and the Judean Foothills, which include Tel Sokho, where gorgeous purple lupine flowers blossom all through spring, in a carpet of yellow daisies, mustard flowers, poppies, and more - the perfect setting for an alfresco picnic. tour-yehuda.org.il Mush-Room Gourmet mushrooms in Moshav Tzafririm Husband and wife duo Gal and Roni Gabay established their one-of a-kind gourmet mushroom farm in picturesque Moshav Tzafririm five years ago. Here, a whole range of specialty mushrooms, such as lion’s mane, black pearl, pink and yellow oyster, and lilac oysterling, are cultivated year round. These mushrooms are not only spectacularly beautiful to look at, but they’re also considered to be superfoods with exceptional

The Adullam-France Park I Photo by Mateh Yehuda Tourism

Mush-Room farm I Photo: Mateh Yehuda Tourism

Hiking Trails I Photo by Mateh Yehuda Tourism

meat dishes are served here as well, including Argentinian asado and choripán, a type of grilled chorizo sandwich. (Friday and Saturday, 9am-3pm) eretz-tova.com The Kadma Winery, Kfar Uria Tour and wine tasting Kadma is the only winery in Israel to use an ancient clay cask winemaking technique. Owner Lina Slutzkin, who until 15 years ago worked in high-tech, discovered it on a trip to Georgia, the country of her birth, and where the technique is still in use. After her trip, she decided to leave her job and become a winemaker, adopting

the Georgian winemaking method, by which the wine is fermented underground inside big terracotta vessels that are lined with beeswax, which reduces the oxygen transfer during the long fermentation process. Today, Slutzkin’s winery is a boutique winery in the heart of the Judean Hills, on a site where archeological remains of an ancient winepress were uncovered, adding yet more meaning to the wine produced here. Visits to the winery are led by Slutzkin herself and include a tour of the vineyards and a wine tasting session. Kadma also has a beautiful café with a panoramic view, where you can order a picnic basket to take with you for

20 ATMOSPHERE MAY 2025

traveling the jerusalem–tel aviv train line, . la cin é math è que fran ç aise, paris

chris marker: the lost photographs of israel a world premiere of photographs taken in israel in by the renowned director chris marker, as preparation for his documentary film "description of a struggle." the photographs disappeared, but recently the negatives were discovered in the french cinematheque. new prints of of them can be viewed in the exhibition, alongside marker׳s seminal film. his witty, poetic, and almost prophetic view of the young country remains as incisive today as it was then.

the israel museum –

See the Sights I Eat, Travel, Enjoy

candle-making, were inherently connected”, says Liraz Erez Shragay, an organizational development specialist who fell in love with the world of candle-making. In her studio, which looks out onto a beautiful view, she handcrafts “joon” candles - “joon” meaning “soul” in Farsi - and leads candle-making workshops. @candles_with_joon Baloosha, A taste of the Caucasus in Tzur Hadassah Born in Dagestan, a country at the very north of the Caucasus, Alona Izenberg came to Israel aged 11. Already then, she loved being in the kitchen. Today, her passion for cooking has led her to host special culinary evenings in her home in Tzur Hadassah, where she serves all the dishes of her childhood, such as ushpalau, a rice and meat dish, dolma, stuffed vine leaves, chudu, a sort of stuffed flatbread, and lavash, a typical flatbread eaten across the Caucasus region, as well as dishes of her own invention. Accompanying the food is not only great wine, but also stories and explanations about Caucasian cuisine and Izenberg’s personal journey as a food lover and cook. (Upon reservation). baloosha.co.il ˆ For further information about sites and walking trails in Mateh Yehuda, visit tour-yehuda.org.il will this year be hosting over 30 local winemakers and organizing guided tours of vineyards and wineries, talks, and workshops. Its big opening event will take place in Latrun Park (on May 29 th at 7pm; entrance fee required). May 29 th – June 30 th , m-yehuda.org.il The Mateh Yehuda Wine Festival To mark its 27 th edition, the Mateh Yehuda Wine Festival

Steel metal sculptures, Givat Yeshayahu I Photo: Inbal Rose

Baloosha I Photo: Inbal Uzan

he takes a piece of steel, immerses it into a blazing flame, and with a hammer, in barely a few minutes, creates adorable little heads of horses and other figures. His works include an impressive lampshade composed of dozens of little birds, a series of figures of pregnant women, miniature animals, and more. (Sun Sat, 9am-7pm, upon prior booking). tour-yehuda.org.il Handcrafted soul candles Candle-making workshops in Tzur Hadassah “When I discovered that my birth name of Shragay meant “candle maker” in Aramaic, I put it back on my ID card. It was like the closing of a circle: my roots and my hobby, Candle-making workshop I Photo: PR

nutritional properties. Visitors are invited to tour the various grow rooms and participate in tasting sessions where you get to taste, among other things, lion’s mane schnitzel. The mushrooms are available for purchase. (NIS 30 for a tour, upon prior booking). mush-room.co.il Steel metal sculpting, Givat Yeshayahu The artist’s studio and garden Moshe Katz is a steel metal sculptor that showcases his work across the sprawling garden that leads to his studio. Visitors are invited to explore and discover his impressive body of work, and visit his studio, where he demonstrates how he works:

22 ATMOSPHERE MAY 2025

Informative Content

Carlton Tel Aviv - An Urban Escape by the Sea: Fine Dining, Luxury and Breathtaking Views A five-star hotel on Tel Aviv’s coastline, featuring stylishly renovated rooms, a rooftop pool and jacuzzi with endless sea views, a luxury spa, chef restaurants, a lavish breakfast buffet, and a summer cocktail bar by the waves – all in the heart of the city.

Nestled on Tel Aviv’s beachfront, just steps from the marina and city center, Carlton Tel Aviv is a refined urban oasis combining modern luxury with a five-star hospitality experience on the shores of the Mediterranean. Awarded “Israel’s Leading Hotel” by the World Travel Awards, Carlton Tel Aviv delivers a quintessential local experience – whether you’re looking to relax by the rooftop pool, savor an unforgettable meal with ocean views, or dive into the nonstop rhythm of the city. The hotel features 269 rooms and suites, an executive lounge, a luxurious spa, and one of the best breakfast buffets in town – served with the soothing sound of waves. Renowned architect Oshir Asaban designed the rooms with the building’s original architecture in mind, incorporating exposed concrete as a decorative headboard element. Combined with warm tones and wood finishes, the result is a space that bridges the urban cityscape with the open sea. A seamless blend of urban convenience and vacation luxury The culinary offering is equally impressive: FLAME Art of Grill, led by acclaimed chef Oren Asido, offers a creative, locally inspired menu while enjoying the endless views of the sea. Just steps away, the new Marina Dallal restaurant, set against the backdrop of sailboats, in cooperation with the creators of Dallal Neve Tzedek offers a unique dining experience with a menu inspired by the aromas of both sea and land that enhance every dish. The restaurant is designed in the style of a European Riviera, radiating the color and elegance of a luxurious vacation. Its locally curated wine list features both original and well-known labels, paired with professional service that

Photo by Aya Benezri

Yossi Navi, General Manager of Carlton Tel Aviv: “We don’t just offer a place to stay – we offer a complete resort experience which includes various services, restaurants and bars in and around the hotel”

ensures the perfect harmony between atmosphere and cuisine. During the summer, CONTENTO Carlton’s summer cocktail bar by the waves, opens its doors – the perfect spot to unwind with a refreshing drink and sunset vibes. Located within a

team is fully committed to delivering personalized, unforgettable hospitality. It’s this dedication – along with our culinary excellence, outstanding service, and breathtaking views – that makes Carlton Tel Aviv the perfect choice for your next stay in Tel Aviv.”

10 minute taxi ride from Rothschild Boulevard, Azrieli Center, and the Diamond Exchange District, the hotel is also ideal for business travelers seeking a seamless blend of urban convenience and vacation luxury. “We don’t just offer a place to stay – we offer a complete resort experience which includes various services, restaurants and bars in and around the hotel,” says Yossi Navi, General Manager of Carlton

Marina Dallal restaurant

Tel Aviv. “From the first morning coffee to the pillow you rest your head on at night, our

One of Carlton's renovated rooms

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 Interview

Yuval Raphael, a survivor of the October 7 Nova Festival massacre, will take the stage of the Eurovision Song Contest this month in Basel, Switzerland, for the performance of her life. We sat down with her ahead of her upcoming trip, to talk about healing from trauma, preparing intensively for the contest, calling for the release of the hostages, and about how she isn’t afraid to dream of winning - “that’s what I’m aiming for, that’s what I want, and I’ll give it my all to make it happen” / By Maya Cohen Her song

26 ATMOSPHERE MAY 2025

On May 17 th , Yuval Raphael, winner of reality contest “Hakokhav haba” (Rising Star), will take the stage in Basel, Switzerland – and with the weight of a whole country on her shoulders, she’ll let the music do the talking. She’ll have to have won the second semi-final for that to happen, but considering what a fighter she is (and current betting odds), it seems highly likely she will. Raphael, (24), grew up in a moshav in central Israel. She spent 3 years in Geneva from ages 6 to 9, and then moved back to Israel, settling in Ra’anana. She studied theater and Arabic in high school and after serving in the army, she was enjoying life and making plans for the future. Then came October 7, and Raphael, who had gone with her friends to dance at the Nova Festival, found herself hiding under dead bodies inside the roadside bomb shelter near Kibbutz Be’eri, playing dead, like her father told her to do during that harrowing phone call everybody has since heard. Raphael has been through hell, and as her story was revealed on the musical reality show, she entered the hearts of the Israeli public. This year more than ever, the show was about the music as much as the personal tragedies of each of the contestants. Raphael has also spoken at the UN as part of Israel’s advocacy effort and taken part in world conferences. Each week on the show, she proved her professionalism and talent, bringing the public to tears with exceptional performances. This month, her song will be our song, and the world will

meet her and her heart-wrenching story, her and her incredible talent and voice. Waving the Israeli flag on the biggest stage in the world Since winning the reality contest, Raphael hasn’t stopped training and rehearsing. Her song, New Day Will Rise, was written by Keren Peles. In parallel to the intense rehearsing, she has also been giving interviews to international media outlets, without ever losing track of the fact that beyond the music and the excitement, the most important thing right now is the release of the hostages in Gaza. “I’m so excited. This is a crazy experience”, she says, speaking to us on a day of intense rehearsals. “As the date of the contest approaches, I’m getting more and more excited, and when I’ll be there, I’ll let myself feel it all. Right now, I’m extremely focused on rehearsals, and it’s a lot of hard work”. Tell me about that. What do your days look like right now? “There are all the side things, like interviews, and then there’s the round the clock training and rehearsing. I even sleep with an air purifier so that my vocal cords are humid in the morning, and I take oregano oil tablets to make sure I don’t get sick. I’m also training myself to be ready to sing immediately after a treadmill run to simulate the pulse rate and breathlessness levels I’ll feel on stage in Basel. And all this in parallel to singing lessons five times a week, and rehearsals with Keren

"I love the song so much. From the moment I first heard it I felt it was communicating the message I wanted to express – spreading love and light. That’s how I want to world to see me, from a place of strength as well as softness. With power and with an open heart"

Photo: Shai Franco

27

ATMOSPHERE MAY 2025

Magazine I Interview

she also won the heart of Ido Malka, a fellow contestant and her current partner. Raphael says it helps that they both do the same thing. “He’s very supportive. He knows this world and understands what a crazy time this is. He understands it’s the center of everything right now and is very accepting of it all”, she says. There was a bit of a controversy around the choice of Keren Peles as songwriter for the second year in a row. What did you think about it all? “I love the song so much. From the moment I first heard it I felt it was communicating the message I wanted to express – spreading love and light. That’s how I want to world to see me, from a place of strength as well as softness. With power and with an open heart. I have a great song. All the rest doesn’t concern me. I truly love the song and I love Keren Peles”. Do you already have thoughts about the day after the Eurovision? “I’m here to stay and I want to keep on making music, and maybe pursue other artistic endeavors as well. But right now, the Eurovision is my biggest project and I’m giving it my all. And yet, I’d like to say that the most important thing of all right now, is the release of the hostages, who should have all been released by now. We all need to take action so that they are released. Now”. ˆ Our quick questionnaire What gets on your nerves? “Traffic jams” . What makes you laugh? “Stand-up comedy”.

From the musical reality show “Hakokhav haba", Keshet 12

“I’m here to stay and I want to keep on making music, and maybe pursue other artistic endeavors as well. The Eurovision is now my biggest project and I’m giving it my all and yet, I’d like to say that the most important thing of all right now, is the release of the hostages"

(Peles, writer of the song), and Tomer (Biran, music producer) in the studio”. Have you managed to take a second in the middle of all of this, and digest the experience? “I do a lot of guided imagery”, she laughs. “It can be an emotional thing – imagining yourself enveloped in the Israeli flag, on stage. But then you need to focus, stay locked on your target”. When you entered the contest, did you see yourself getting to the Eurovision? “I always wanted to be a singer and an actress, but I don’t think I ever really gave myself the chance. This year, I decided to give myself the opportunity, and from the minute I entered the show, realizing the winner would get to represent the country at the Eurovision, I was entirely, physically and mentally, geared towards that goal”. Like last year, it’s likely Israel’s representative will face political questioning and hostility, with the rise of antisemitism since October 7. How do you prepare for that?

“You stay focused, and you understand that there are things that you can control and there are things that you can’t. And if you can’t, then there’s no reason to spend energy on it. All my energy is focused on the song and my desire to make my country proud. I have a great team, with Kan’s Israeli deligashion that were there last year, and we’re making sure we’re ready for every scenario”. I ask her if she thinks she’ll win, and in a moment of sincerity, she says she doesn’t look at betting odds, preferring to stay focused, adding: “I intend to win the competition. That’s what I’m aiming for, that’s what I want, and I’ll give it my all to make it happen”. I’m guessing there’s also a lot of pressure. What helps you relax? “My mom. She always keeps me grounded. And there are rehearsals. I believe in ‘practice makes perfect’ – the more you train the less possibility there is for anything to move you away from your center. And I have my team”. When Raphael won the tv contest,

What do you do in your free time? “I like playing tennis”. What would people be surprised to know about you? “That I’m good at impressions”. If you weren’t a singer, what would you be doing? “I can’t imagine such a scenario, but I suppose I’d be an actress”.

28 ATMOSPHERE MAY 2025

Magazine I Circle of Impact | By Stefan Oberman

Small Businesses, Big Dreams: how you can be part of Israel’s economic revival The Western Galilee tourist information center I Photo by the Jewish National Fund-USA

When you fly EL AL, you’re not just traveling; you’re becoming part of a nation’s story. It is a tale of innovation and resilience with just the right amount of “chutzpah”. It is an attitude perhaps best symbolized by Israeli small businesses. Even in the best of times, running a small business is tough. Add to the mix a multifront conflict and a sudden lack of tourists and you have a recipe for disaster. In these trying times, Jewish National Fund-USA has stepped up. Through its Small Business Association, they provide vital assistance, helping businesses stay afloat through networking and shared resources and fostering economic resilience across the nation (jnf.org/wgn). Know that as you explore Israel, every purchase you make from a local artisan, every meal you enjoy at a family-run eatery, and every souvenir you take home contributes to the

nation’s recovery. Over the years, countless Americans have traveled to Israel with Jewish National Fund-USA (jnf.org/travel). Read what one small art gallery owner who was recently visited by a Jewish National Fund-USA tourist group had to say: “It warms my heart so much to meet everyone who comes with such love (forget about sales for a moment) in their eyes and hearts. I don’t have words big enough to express what my heart feels. Thank you is such a small word. May you all, the team, be blessed for the wonderful work you’re doing for all of us, during such a terrible time. May we have easier days ahead and good news”. After your trip, Jewish National Fund USA’s Online Mitzvah Marketplace offers a platform to continue to purchase Israeli goods from small businesses. Explore the diverse offerings at jnf.org/store and bring

a piece of Israel into your home and share the magic of Israeli small businesses with others. Everything Jewish National Fund USA does is focused on attracting 800,000 new residents to Israel’s north and south. In what the organization refers to as its “Circle of Impact”, every program, project, and initiative creates a ripple effect. By supporting small businesses on Israel’s frontiers, you’re helping to create more jobs, more amenities, economic growth, and ultimately, increase the overall quality of life in these regions. Psst – a quick travel tip If you happen to find yourself in the ancient northern city of Acre (Akko), be sure to visit the Western Galilee Tourist Information Center to receive expert local tips on what to see, who to visit, and most importantly, where to eat! Visit westgalil.org.il. ˆ

30 ATMOSPHERE MAY 2025