EL AL | Atmosphere

Issue 296 | AUGUST 2025

Summer in Israel From surfing in an artificial lagoon in the heart of the city, to family adventures in the Galilee, and bathing in streams in beautiful nature reserves - beat the heat with our selection of summer activities

12 P.

Flying on a 737 or 777 aircraft? Switch your mobile device to flight mode, select the EL AL network, and scan the QR code or open your browser and enter: wifi.elal.com to enjoy hundreds of movies, TV shows, music and games on your personal device. Further details on page 48

It would be easier to say which types of real estate we're not involved in. Yet.

Israel's most diversified real estate group

* 9212 mivnegroup.co.il

Industrial | Residential | Offices | Rental Housing Student Dormitories | Shopping centers

In-flight I Issue 296 I August 2025

Publisher

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

Photo: Ariela Aflalo

Editor’s Letter

With summer in full swing and heat waves becoming increasingly frequent, including in Israel, what better way to fight the intense temperatures than to head over to one of the Holy Land’s wonderful water-based destinations. In this issue you’ll find a compilation of our favorite water-based activities to enjoy during the summer holidays, from surfing the waves of an artificial surf lagoon in the heart of Tel Aviv, to splashing about in a gigantic waterpark, to adrenaline-boosting tornado speedboat tours, kayaking on a beautiful lake, or spending a day at one of Israel’s beautiful beaches or natural springs. Another way to escape the heat is to head north, where the air is cooler. The Kfar Giladi Hotel, nestled among the Galilee forests, offers family package deals that combine a pampering hospitality experience with a wide range of exciting activities, treks, and tours, including a visit down a weapons cache tunnel from the times of the British Mandate and nighttime lantern-lit forest treks. The hotel is located nearby many gorgeous nature reserves and waterholes, making it no less than the ideal destination this time of year.

As always during the summer months, festivals and happenings take place across the country, including the Tel Aviv Dance Festival, Jerusalem’s Hutzot Hayotzer Arts and Crafts Fair, the Animix comics festival at the Tel Aviv Cinematheque, and more. Check out our events section for an overview of the main ones to look out for. Another fun thing to do with the kids this month is spend an afternoon in one of the country’s numerous air-conditioned museums that offer many children’s activities. (See our recommendations All that remains for me to do now, is to wish you a wonderful summer, full of relaxation and family fun - though without ever forgetting our brothers and sisters still held captive in Gaza, as we ceaselessly continue to pray for their release. Wishing you a pleasant read and a peaceful flight, Nava Marton @navamarton I Nava@atmospheres.co.il on p.28). And also this month: a selection of our favorite Israeli pizzerias, north to south.

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

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.

For Tefillat HaDerech enter the entertainment system > Traditional > Tefillat HaDerech

3

ATMOSPHERE AUGUST 2025

In-flight I Issue 296 I August 2025

Contents

45 46 EL AL News 48 In-flight Entertainment 50 New Movies 52 Kids - Movies & TV 53 Top 6 54 In-flight Internet Access

55 Meet the Crew 56 Destination Map 59 Fleet

Magazine 28 Keeping cool and cultured 5 air-conditioned museums to enjoy with the kids Lifestyle 36 Food 5 Israeli pizzerias to enjoy this summer 38 Design 5 Israeli designers who masterfully incorporate embroidery into their art 40 Fashion Beachside style Business 42 Technology All the new tech gadgets you need to know about

Photos: Haim Yosef

A Minecraft Movie

See the Sights 12 Explore Fun water-based activities to beat the summer heat 20 Discover A pampering guest experience, fascinating history, and beautiful landscapes await you at the newly renovated Kfar Giladi Hotel in the Galilee

Check-in 6

Travel News August Highlights 8 What’s on Our Radar This Month Local Events 10 Our Guide 8 tips to save money on food while traveling

The Legend of Ochi

Thunderbolts

4

ATMOSPHERE AUGUST 2025

In collaboration with

Check-in I Travel News & Updates

August Highlights

Photo: Maria Efthymiou

Imaging: Feigin Architects

Imaging: Miloslavsky Architects

Montfort Lake gets a makeover | The Israel Land Authority (ILA) is opening three tenders for the development of the Montfort Lake area in Ma’alot Tarshiha. The first tender focuses on a commercial complex along the main waterfall area and includes five plots of land of approximately 3,750 sqm. The complex is intended for a variety of commercial uses, including restaurants, shops, and entertainment hubs. The second tender includes three plots of land for hotels on the southern side of the lake covering over 4,200 sqm, with the possibility of building up to 72 hotel rooms. The third tender is for the construction of a hotel of up to 67 rooms. In addition, a tender has been opened for the creation of adventure parks including for paintballing, go karting, boating, and more.

A new Israeli-owned hotel opens in Cyprus | Hotel chain Israel Canada is opening a new kosher resort in Paphos, Cyprus. Owned by Rami Levy Real Estate and a group of other investors, erected at an investment of NIS 80 thousand, the resort was planned and designed by a Cypriot architect together with the Brown Hotels design team. The resort counts 87 rooms, including suites with private pool. The 1000 sqm spa has a body and beauty center, two saunas, Jacuzzi showers, an indoor pool, and a gym. There also are three outdoor pools, a children’s pool, a synagogue, a kids’ club, a conference room, huge lawns for weddings and events, and more.

A new hotel set to open in Regba | Authorities have approved a plan to build a new hotel in Moshav Regba in the Western Galilee. The hotel will count 185 rooms and be erected near historical sites that include remains from the Crusader period, as well as those of the Arab village of Al-Samaria which will be preserved and integrated into the hotel complex. The complex will cover over 7 acres of land and include a commercial space and archeological sites open to the public, with 17,000 sqm allocated to the hotel area, 2,500 sqm to the archeological site, and 8,800 sqm to the commercial zone.

A new extreme park set to open on the roof of Bloomfield Stadium |

The new SkyField Park, built on the roof of Tel Aviv’s Bloomfield Stadium, is expected to be the biggest in Israel. Launching this month and operated by OPA!, the park is expected to provide an unparalleled level of experiential rides and obstacle courses. Thrill-seekers aged 12 and above, will be able to enjoy dozens of extreme experiences, including bungee jumping from the highest point on the stadium roof towards the center of the football field, swinging from suspended cables at a height of 35 meters above the football field, an obstacle course called “Via Ferrata” (“iron road” in Italian), consisting of five walking trails, some in the open air, some covered; similar to ski trails, they are marked according to difficulty level, and while the most extreme integrate ladders and ropes, others are accessible to people with disabilities. There are three types of ticketing systems according to the level of extreme challenge you choose. The park also has its own snack bar and buffet, as well as an OPA! merch store. opa.world/hp

Photo: Matan Tzinamon

6

ATMOSPHERE AUGUST 2025

a glimpse into the multicultural and fascinating realm of fantasy and dreams , celebrating 100 years of the surrealist movement

guy zagursky, step by step, 2006–7, wood, neon, glass, mirror, the brandes family art collection, tel aviv. photo © the israel museum, jerusalem

studio guy saggee

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

What’s On Our Radar This Month

Circus Festival The Forest Circus | The Jerusalem Botanical Gardens Spectacular circus performances, workshops, interactive activities, music shows, and a sea of colorful flowers, await audiences at the Jerusalem Botanical Gardens this month. Visitors of all ages will delight in the wonderful clowns and performers of the Circus Monkeys Company, and if they wish to, they may take part in circus and acrobatics workshops. One of the festival highlights is an acrobatic show from a 70m structure. In the evenings the festival will be hosting special light and sound shows and interactive installations, as well as a (kosher) food festival. August 4-31, forestcircus.co.il

Photo: Anne-Sylvie Bonnet

Dance Tel Aviv Dance Festival 2025 | Suzanne Dellal Centre, Tel Aviv This year, the Tel Aviv Dance Festival is dedicated to the memory of Yair Vardi, the festival’s founder, and head of the Suzanne Dellal Centre for over thirty years. For ten whole days, twenty different shows, including seven Israeli premieres, guest performances by two international artists, outdoor performances, and open rehearsals, will light up the stages and gardens of the Suzanne Dellal Centre. Special film screenings are also among the festival highlights, and some of the events will be admission-free. The festival will be focusing this year on the local scene, at a time when artists and creators are having to grapple with intense turbulence and uncertainty. Shows include: “Mid-War Dance Moves” by choreographers Yossi Berg and Oded Graf, “Four Fathers”, by choreographer and dancer Michal Samama and an ensemble of dancers, “Camera Obscura” by dancer and

choreographer Adi Boutrous, and more. August 6-16, telavivdance.suzannedellal.org.il

Photo: Pyromania

Nature Festival Arava Nights | The Central Arava Regional Council Throughout August, the Arava Nights Festival invites nature and music-lovers to enjoy the beauty of the desert, participate in stargazing nights, observe nocturnal fauna in its natural habitat, go for night swims in the pool, take part in creative workshops, and see live performances by leading Israeli artists. Events begin at sunset and last all night long, until the first shimmering rays of light appear at sunrise. Until August 27 th , aravanights.co.il

Photo: Gil Peer-Nitzan

8

ATMOSPHERE AUGUST 2025

Belu-Simion Fainaru is an Israeli sculptor, installation artist and curator, and the winner of the 2025 Israel Prize for Design and Interdisciplinary Art. He is known for his powerful and symbolic visual language that explores contrasts and contradictions, reflecting on the difficulties of living in Israel, and on the notions of uprootedness, belonging, sanity, and memory. This new exhibition presents a wall installation of images of masks hanging alongside video works, drawings, and collages. Masks have been used in human societies since the times of the Ancients, both as ritual vehicles and as a means of attaining mental and physical transformation. Through a dialogue with the masks of Marcel Janco, one of the founders of the Dada Exhibition Face to Face – One Thing After Another | The Janco Dada Museum, Ein Hod Comics Festival Animix 2025 | The Tel Aviv Cinematheque This five-day celebration of comics, zines, animation, and illustration, with dozens of creators taking part, is chockfull of events, movie screenings, workshops, roundtables, exhibitions and more. The festival is also host to the “Asif” comics competition for Israeli and international creators. Events include: the Yakir Awards ceremony, this year crowning the work of comics duo Nir and Gali, leading creators in the world of Israeli animation, screenings of dozens of animated movies from around the world, both for adults and children, screenings of experimental animated movies, and an evening

Illustration by Nir and Gali

Illustration by Bill Plympton

with legendary animator Bill Plympton, one of the most influential animators working today. August 5-9, animix.co.il

Idan Amedi I Photo: Tamar Hanan

Art Fair The Hutzot HaYotzer Arts and Crafts Festival | The Sultan’s Pool, Jerusalem Jerusalem’s annual arts and crafts festival is back, centering this year around the image of the tree - a symbol of rootedness, community, and renewal. A “Tree of Life” will be erected, and dozens of artworks and performances will be presented, all focusing on the power of regrowth and renewal, and an initiative for the restoration of burned forests in the Jerusalem region will be launched. Visitors will be able to discover 80 arts and crafts stalls with paintings, ceramic works, jewelry, Judaica items, toys, and more, as well as enjoy the festival’s many (kosher) food stalls, as well as take part in creative workshops, and of course, delight in the many music shows lined up, including by Aviv Gefen, Shlomi Shabat, Ehud Banai, Miri Mesika, Yehuda Poliker, Idan Amedi, and more. August 4-16, artfair-jer.com

Photo: Belu-Simion Fainaru

movement, Fainaru creates a visual expression of anxiety and tension - between certainty and uncertainty, the seen and the unseen, fear and

the ability to overcome. Until October 1 st 2025, jancodada.co.il

9

ATMOSPHERE AUGUST 2025

Check-in I Our Guide

Eat well, pay less: 8 tips to save money on food while traveling Reducing food expenses while traveling can make a big difference to your overall budget and just as importantly – it can lead you to explore local gastronomy in a more authentic way. Here are a few nuggets of advice to help you manage food costs when abroad, and discover local flavors along the way / By Nava Marton

01 Visit local markets. Local farmers’ markets and urban food courts are always exciting culinary hotspots, and, in most cases, they offer cheaper meal options than any restaurant. You can buy fresh fruit and veg, bread, cheese, pastries, and even prepared food at great prices. They’re also great places to go to engage with people and discover the local culture. 02 Lunch deals. Many high-end restaurants, especially in big cities, offer business lunch menus at significantly lower prices than the evening menu, but with the same level of quality of food and hospitality. Lunch deals are a great opportunity to enjoy high level gastronomy without breaking the bank. 03 Cook your own meals. You may well be on vacation, and don’t necessarily feel like cooking, but if you’re staying at an Airbnb apartment, taking advantage of the facilities to prepare at least a few meals can save you a lot of money - especially if you’re traveling for a long period of time. Find the nearest supermarket, stock up on groceries and fix yourself a quick meal. You’ll be surprised how fun the experience can be, aside from saving you money. 04 Use the Too Good To Go app. Designed to prevent

06 Have a hearty breakfast at the hotel . If breakfast is included in your accommodation price, take full advantage of it. Having a satisfying breakfast can keep you going for a while and save you from having to buy pastries and coffee at cafés. 07 Have a picnic. Enjoying a picnic in a beautiful park is such a great way to enjoy the landscape, as well as save money. 08 Pack some snacks from home. A few light snacks, energy bars, or dried fruit from home will spare you from having to buy expensive snacks at touristy places in case of any sudden hunger pangs.

food waste, this app is active in 19 countries across Europe, North America and in Australia. Users are invited to purchase “surprise bags” of unsold food from local businesses at significantly discounted prices. It’s such a great way to sample a range of local foods, as well as support small businesses. Too Good To Go isn’t available everywhere, so when you arrive at your destination, check to see if it’s active in the area. 05 Pack a reusable water bottle. Buying little plastic water bottles throughout your trip is bad for the environment and bad for your wallet. Pack a reusable water bottle with you and fill it up as you go along.

10 ATMOSPHERE AUGUST 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.

See the Sights I Eat, Travel, Enjoy

9

water-based activities to beat

the summer heat

From surfing in an artificial lagoon in the heart of Tel Aviv to splashing about in waterparks across the country and going on tornado speedboats tours - here are 10 fun-packed ideas for day trips and outings to fend off the scorching summer heat / By Ariela Aflalo

Yamit 2000 I Photo: Snap!

01 Surfing the waves in the heart of the city SRF Park TLV, Tel Aviv The SRF Park TLV is a huge artificial lagoon surfing complex. The size of about three soccer fields, it is located inside Tel Aviv’s Menachem Begin Park, and is divided into two wave pools, each containing 14.5 thousand m 3 of water. An advanced technological system produces and creates 25 types of waves at a rate of up to

700 waves per hour of varying heights and speeds. The park also has a Billabong store and a wellness wing, offering yoga, Pilates, and mindfulness meditation classes, as well as health, lifestyle, and fitness workshops. Visitors, whether here to surf or not, can enjoy coffee, pastries, stone oven baked pizzas, cocktails, beer, and more, at the Dorian Café that overlooks the lagoon. Entrance to the park is free for non-surfers.

Surfing prices vary according to type of wave session. srfparktlv.co.il 02 Extreme waterpark fun Waterparks in Holon, Shefayim, and Tel Aviv Typhoons, monsoons, kamikazes, anacondas, and crazy cones: these are but a few of the extreme slides and rides to be found and enjoyed across Israel’s many waterparks. Here are three of the biggest and most recommended: Yamit 2000, Holon - This immense 17-acre waterpark is both an open-air slide park and an indoor complex with slides, water rides, a wave pool and a spa Jacuzzi that’s open year-round. There’s also a kids’ zone, an Olympic-size pool, and sports fields. world offers 31 surf lanes across 8 complexes, as well as a food court, vast lawns, and shaded seating areas. There are dozens of extreme rides and slides, as well as a wave pool, a toddlers’ pool with 140 water jets, and more. Shefayim Waterpark, Kibbutz Shefayim - Israel’s very first waterpark, this 15-acre water

SRF Park TLV I Photos: Amit Shastovich; from the right (by drone): Uri Magnus

12 ATMOSPHERE AUGUST 2025

Agam Nitzanim I Photo: Lior Aboulafia, Kinderland

Teddy Park, Jerusalem - The Teddy Park fountains have long been a beloved go-to summer spot for heat-stricken Jerusalemites. The central fountain has 256 water jets, and in the evenings, the jets light up and change colors to beats of music. Ramat Gan National Park - The park’s central fountain, with its water jets and sprinklers, offers endless fun and splashing about. In the evenings, here too, it turns into an impressive light and color show. Gan B’Ivrit Park, Rishon LeZion - Dedicated to the Hebrew language, Gan B’Ivrit has a path lined with flowers arranged to form the Hebrew alphabet, as well as a word maze, and a fountain with a wading

Meymadion, Tel Aviv - This sprawling 25-acre park is located in the Ganei Yehoshua complex and includes a giant water world, as well as vast green lawns and shaded seating areas. The slalom slide is the star of the show here, with its three different challenge courses and lighting effects. 03 Splashing about in fountains and water jets Water fountains across the country Free, refreshing, and fun, water fountains offer much-needed urban respite from the heat, as well as endless fun for the kids. Here are some of our favorite:

pool and sprinklers with floating letters with which you can create words in the water. 04 Swimming in a lake in a beautiful natural reserve Agam Nitzanim 1.5 kilometers-long and 150 meters wide, this lagoon-like lake offers fertile ground for lush vegetation. The thickets of reeds and the willows lining the lake have created little islands inhabited by birds, waterfowl, and fish. Fishermen, hikers, and picnickers abound, relaxing under the shade of the beautiful sycamore trees. Indeed, the lake has become a much-loved spot, with hammocks, sunbeds, and mats scattered all

Teddy Park, Jerusalem I Photo: Shutterstock

Ramat Gan National Park I Photo: Ariela Aflalo

13

ATMOSPHERE AUGUST 2025

See the Sights I Eat, Travel, Enjoy

around. Visitors can go kayaking or sailing on the lake, as well as enjoy a coffee or a cocktail and a bite to eat at the food truck, “Olives”, nestled amongst the olive trees by the water. Entrance is free, though the beach is not declared, and bathing is under the sole responsibility of the bather. agam-nitzanim.co.il 05 One of Israel’s most beautiful beaches Neve Yam One of the most beautiful beaches of the Carmel shoreline, Neve Yam is wide and spacious, but it also has a shallow lagoon with geysers erupting from the rocks within its perimeter, as well as delightful little nooks and caves. The declared beach is prohibited for overnight stays, but a short walk south will lead you to another beautiful beach that looks just like a Sinai beach, and you can plant a tent for the night there. Neve Yam has lifeguard services, deck chairs, showers, toilets, changing rooms and a charming rusty old fishing boat called “Elisheva” that

Aqua Kef, Tiberias I Photo: Oshri Vizman

Neve Yam I Photo: Ariela Aflalo

washed ashore, earning the beach its nickname of “Ship Beach”. 06 Take a refreshing dip in a natural spring Emek HaMaayanot There are over 40 natural springs across Emek HaMaayanot Park in the Beit She’an Valley. The park extends across almost 2000 acres of land, full of streams, ponds, and gorgeous springs. All of them have been arranged for bathing. Cars are not allowed inside the park, but there are walking paths and cycling lanes, and there are ecofriendly vehicles rentable at the entrance to the park. You can spend a whole day here, exploring Gan Hashlosha, Nahal HaKibbutzim, Ein Shokek and all the other wonderful waterholes, as well as Tel Sokha, with its three-story

concrete tower, built in 1939 as a post to defend Kibbutz Nir David, that offers spectacular views. 07 Giant floating inflatables Aqua Kef, Ganim Beach, Tiberias Aqua Kef is a floating waterpark on the Sea of Galilee. Fenced off by buoys and divided into three areas according to challenge level. The waterpark has trampolines, springboards, an obstacle bridge, a climbing wall, ladders and slides leading straight into the water, as well as floating go-karts to cruise down an adrenaline-pumping racetrack, kayak water gun battles, and more. There’s also a bathing beach with lawns, showers and a (kosher) snack bar, as well as an amphibious bar with shaded

Emek HaMaayanot I Photo: Ariela Aflalo

14 ATMOSPHERE AUGUST 2025

See the Sights I Eat, Travel, Enjoy

seating areas overlooking the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights, serving cocktails, beer, soft drinks, and more, in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. aquakef.com 08 Pools and waterfalls Alumot Dam, the Jordan Valley Built in the 1940s to pump water for agriculture, Alumot Dam was left unused for years. It was eventually taken down and now been replaced with a new, more modern dam that allows for the control and regulation of water levels downstream. Recently inaugurated, the new dam has become a must-see spot among hikers and visitors. A panoramic promenade has been built along the shoreline with charming little seating areas (without shading), and in the water, tiered pools creating waterfalls and cascades have been created, acting as a sort of ladder for the fish to assist them on their way upstream. In principle, bathing isn’t prohibited, but be aware that there are no lifeguard services and that the water flowing south beyond the bridge is treated wastewater that is not suitable for bathing in. Bring a parasol and water-friendly shoes – there are rocks at the bottom of the pools. (Enter “Alumot Dam” in your Waze app for directions). 09 Hovering above the water Tornado speedboat tours, Rosh Hanikra Thrill-seekers are going to love these tornado speedboats that sail at 60 km/h. Recommended for ages 5 and up, these tornado tours sail across the lagoons of Achziv, stop at the lookout spots in front of Nahlieli and Shahaf islands - marine nature reserves where birds and waterfowl nest (and to

Alumot Dam I Photo: courtesy of the Kinneret Drainage Authority

Tornado speedboat tours I Photo: Amikam Horesh,Ozrot Hagalil

which entry is prohibited) - as well as on “Table Island”, which in the 1980s was nicknamed “Love Island” due to the lively parties that’d be held there. From there, the tour continues towards the white cliffs of Rosh Hanikra that merge with the turquoise

waters of the sea, making for the most spectacular views. Tours depart from the Putsker Sailing Club in Nahariya, or from the Sea Trek Achziv Sailing Club in Rosh Hanikra. putsker.co.il, trek-yam.co.il, rosh hanikra.com ■

16 ATMOSPHERE AUGUST 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

See the Sights I Eat, Travel, Enjoy

The Kfar Giladi Hotel in the Galilee offers a unique blend of pampering hospitality, fascinating history, and the chance to deeply connect with the beautiful landscapes all around. Recently launched family package deals present the perfect opportunity to head north, and explore Israel’s rich historical, cultural, and culinary history / By Ariela Aflalo An experiential holiday in Kfar Giladi: heritage sites and breathtaking landscapes

October 7 caught the Kfar Giladi Hotel in the midst of a sweeping refurbishment project. The ensuing war forced it to remain closed for many months. Finally, it was able to reopen last March, and guests have been flocking over from all over the country ever since. The hotel is located in the northern part of Kibbutz Kfar Giladi, along the Naftali Mountain Ridge that looks out onto the impressive landscapes of the Upper Galilee, the Golan Heights, Mount Hermon, the Hula Valley, Metula, and on clear days, as far as the Lebanese border. Established in 1916, the kibbutz is home to numerous historical sites, including from the days of the Irgun and Ha Shomer militia groups, and Yosef Trumpeldor and his comrades. At the Kfar Giladi Hotel, there’s a strong

Photo: Ariela Aflalo

20 ATMOSPHERE AUGUST 2025

Beautifully designed rooms I Photo: PR

The Kfar Giladi Hotel I Photo: PR

sense of respect and nostalgia for the kibbutz’s early history, which adds deep meaning to the guest experience here, rendering it all the more memorable. Luxury pampering: the Kfar Giladi Hotel Nestled among the beautiful Galilean forests, with vast lawns and blossoming flowerbeds all around, this longstanding holiday resort has 158 rooms and suites in total, all entirely refurbished. It is divided between a central 5-story building and several 2-story structures that have large family suites and rooms with private garden. The hotel’s new and spacious lobby includes an adjacent cocktail bar, and there are two swimming pools, one outdoors, open in summer and spring, and the other indoors, heated, and open year-round. There’s also a gym and a spa with a sauna and treatment rooms. The children’s club is exceptional - with kids invited to enjoy PlayStation, Nintendo and Xbox stations, nighttime swimming sessions, lantern-lit forest tours, and underground tunnel explorations à la Indiana Jones. The hotel restaurant has also undergone a deep renovation and acquired a

new menu, concocted under the direction of hotel chef Ilan Asraf and in collaboration with chef and culinary consultant Aviv Moshe, with dishes based on locally-sourced produce. The hotel buffet is a thrilling parade of dishes, and includes meats and fish grilled on the spot in front of diners, and taboon-baked pizzas and pastries. The hotel reopening coincided with the launch of a new tourist center in the kibbutz, where visitors can learn more about the history, food, and culture of this oh so special part of Israel. As part of the new launch, family package deals that include excursions and visits to major heritage sites in the area, are available throughout the summer. Here are some of its highlights: Food & Culture Where there were once rows of chicken coops, now stands a charming succession of boutiques, galleries, Pilates studios, a craft brewery, a café, a pizzeria, a cactus nursery, and more. Here are some of our favorites: Tzafra Ceramics – Ceramics artist Tzafra Porat opens her studio-gallery to visitors, where she also sells her beautiful creations (@tzafra.ceramics)

An upgraded menu I Photo: Ariela Aflalo

The pool I Photo: PR

Beit Rishonim I Photo: PR

21

ATMOSPHERE AUGUST 2025

See the Sights I Eat, Travel, Enjoy

Ronex – Glasses collector and aficionado Roni Dori welcomes visitors into her gallery where her collection is on display. Items include vintage glasses made in the kibbutz itself where there used to be a glasses factory, other vintage glasses acquired by Dori on her travels across Israel and the world, and new colorful pairs of her own design, alongside vintage jewelry, bags, and accessories (ronidorironex.com). Cookia Bashvil – A charming little kibbutz café serving delicious cakes, great coffee, and excellent pizzas (@cookia_bashvil). Udiz - A family-run craft brewery producing fantastic unfiltered, unpasteurized beer made using water that comes from melted snow. Visitors are invited to enjoy the beer, alongside sushi and gyozas in the brewery’s adjacent bar and beer garden (udiz.co.il).

The weapons cache in Kibbutz Kfar Giladi I Photo: Ariela Aflalo

Sfarim Bahatzer : This bookshop was established 18 years ago by kibbutz members. Its shelves are lined with over 20,000 books (including second-hand ones) as well as over 3,000 records. Tel: 052-3939911 Guided Excursions There’s a wide range of guided tours and visits to choose form in the package deal. Most include explorations of sites crucial to the history of Israel and the first Zionist settlers, including an underground Haganah weapons cache you can descend to and see artifacts and weapons from those times. Other excursions include an evening lantern-lit tour of the kibbutz and places where heroic actions were carried out by the Jewish militia groups operating against the British Mandate, as well as a visit to the kibbutz cow sheds and to its petting farm where there are rabbits, goats, and other animals children can approach and feed. Nature reserves and gorgeous landscapes There’s a dazzling abundance of streams and natural springs in the Upper Galilee, of which the Hatzbani, Banias and Dan streams are the main ones. A

section of the landscape through which all three flow is under the stewardship of the Nature and Parks Authority which has created accessible and well-maintained nature reserves along the riverbanks. The Snir Reserve – the enchanting Snir stream flows through waterfalls, wading pools, gorgeous panoramic lookout spots, a birdwatching hideout, and a picnic zone. A lovely spot. The Banias Reserve – here, a trail leads you down to the reserve’s central point of interest: an 80m-long suspension bridge that allows direct access to the spectacular Banias Waterfall. The bridge “hangs” above the water along the stream and the narrow canyon that lies between the enormous basalt cliffs, trees, and dense vegetation all around. The Tel Dan Reserve – a heavenly natural spring nestled among thickets of vegetation and sky high trees. This reserve also includes a fascinating heritage site commemorating a famous battle that took place here, as well as archeological remains from 5,000 years ago and the times of the

Udiz - beer and sushi I Photo: Asaf Levi

Canaanites. parks.org.il ■

The “chicken coop” road I Photo: Ariela Aflalo

22 ATMOSPHERE AUGUST 2025

One Woman’s Vision Helps Millions

1934, over 300,000 vulnerable youth, including refugees and teens displaced by war, have been supported at Hadassah’s youth villages.

Saving Children from an Epidemic

In the early 1900s, tens of thousands of children in pre-state Israel were going blind. The disease was trachoma. In 1912, an extraordinary woman named Henrietta Szold from Baltimore brought American Jewish women together to make an impact. This was the beginning of Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America. Hadassah not only helped eradicate the disease but helped pioneer a national healthcare system that set the standard for medical excellence and innovation.

Building Israel’s Health Infrastructure Hadassah was instrumental in creating Israel’s healthcare infrastructure even before the State was formed. Hadassah Medical Organization, established in 1918, built hospitals, clinics and medical training facilities, and opened its two major medical centers in Jerusalem—Hadassah Mt. Scopus in 1939 and Hadassah Ein Kerem in 1961. Today, these world-renowned hospitals treat over 1 million patients a year.

Rescuing Children Since the Holocaust In the 1930s and ’40s, European children needed to be saved from the horrors of the Holocaust. Henrietta Szold and the women of Hadassah successfully helped rescue approximately 13,000 Jewish children and gave them homes, medical care and the love they needed to lead meaningful lives. Since

Pioneering Medical Treatments Hadassah hospitals are the birthplace of firsts: first-in-the-world stem-cell therapy and robotic surgery breakthroughs; Israel’s first artificial heart transplant, bone marrow transplant registry, AI-driven IVF techniques to improve implantation results, proton therapy to more precisely target cancer tumors and more. Hadassah Medical Organization also engages in international collaborations sharing medical research, training, treatments and humanitarian efforts. These medical milestones restore lives, reunite families and enable healthy futures.

Advancing the Future of Medicine At Hadassah hospitals, we’re applying revolutionary medical solutions to save lives every day. For one man with stage four melanoma, an individually tailored breakthrough vaccine gave him a new life. For a woman suffering from debilitating MS, a cutting-edge stem cell treatment enabled her to walk again. For millions of others treated at Hadassah hospitals, supported at our Youth Aliyah villages or touched by our work in the US, our impact—thanks to Henrietta Szold’s vision—has been truly lifechanging.

Learn more about Hadassah’s lifechanging work.

Helping Israelis Heal From Trauma The horrific events of October 7, 2023, shattered lives. Today, more than 3 million* Israelis are suffering from trauma— physical, emotional or both. The new Gandel Rehabilitation Center at Hadassah Hospital Mt. Scopus is now Jerusalem’s largest rehabilitation facility, offering integrated, state-of-the-art care for those working to rebuild their lives.

hadassah.org

Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc. ©2025 Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc. Hadassah® and the H logo are registered trademarks of Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc.

*Source: The Times of Israel, February 11, 2025

Informative Content

EZRaider: A High-Voltage Landscape Experience Israeli developers have built an electric off-road vehicle that is revolutionizing the world of adventure tourism. With its lightweight build, powerful motor, and ease of use, the EZRaider allows you to connect with nature in a way no other vehicle can. Get ready for a next-level adventure

Blue Stories Athens, Greece

EZRaider is a revolutionary electric off-road vehicle developed in Israel, originally created for military and security applications. With its unique design, high stability, and powerful yet quiet electric motor, EZRaider quickly proved useful not only for armies, police forces, and municipal services, but also for recreational and tourism purposes. Its lightweight structure, ability to handle rough terrain, and ease of use make it accessible to riders of all ages and experience levels. EZRaider has been adopted by defense and emergency units in Israel and abroad, helping with patrols, rescue missions, and crowd management, especially in areas where conventional vehicles struggle. In recent years, EZRaider has made a strong name for itself in the global adventure tourism industry. In Israel alone, there are over 30 active EZRaider tour locations, including the Negev Desert, the Dead Sea region, Jerusalem, the Sea

of Galilee, the Carmel Mountains, and the Golan Heights. These tours combine adrenaline, nature, and eco consciousness, offering unforgettable experiences for individuals, families, and corporate groups alike. Building on its domestic success, EZRaider has expanded internationally and become an international brand. Guided tours using EZRaider are now operating in Hungary, Greece, Georgia, the Netherlands, Cyprus, Italy, Mauritius, Scotland, Hawaii and the United States. Each location offers a unique setting - from historical landscapes and forests to coastlines and mountains - where riders can safely explore without harming the environment. With growing global demand and the beginning of sales in the United States, EZRaider is not just a product – it is a movement. It represents the future of outdoor mobility: sustainable, exciting, and deeply connected to the landscapes we love to explore.

Voy PRO Budapest, Hungary

Smart-Tour Jerusalem, Israel

DS Raider Ltd. - Kfar Saba, Israel , ezraider.com, Tel/Whatsapp +972-50-373-8182 I Smart-Tour Jerusalem, Israel - smart-tour.co.il, Tel. 02-5618056, Whatsapp 058-6480334 I Blue Stories Athens, Greece - thebluestories.com/ez-raider-city-tour/, Tel/Whatsapp +30-694-400-3007 I Voy PRO Budapest, Hungary - ezraidereu.com/budapest/, Tel/Whatsapp +36-300-99-3099

Magazine I Culture

01 |My First Museum The Petah Tikva Museum of Art “My First Museum” is an experiential exhibition for young children designed across several interactive spaces spread across two galleries, each one offering a different set of experiential games and experiments. Kids get a chance to come face to face with giant anthills, they get to touch a cloud, jump into puddles, meet the moon, and create their own artwork using materials found in nature. For children aged 2 to 6. petachtikvamuseum.com 02 | Tune In The Bloomfield Science Museum, Jerusalem A celebration of science for the whole family, spread across two immersive exhibition zones. “Tune In” focuses on the world of sound, movement, and technology, while “Free to Flow” is about water, as visitors discover, experiment, and even get wet, as they explore canals, dams, water cannons, and more. In addition, during the summer months, the museum will be hosting events and performances for kids, like foam parties and live music shows, so do check their website for more details. mada.org.il 03 |The Clore Garden of Science Museum The Davidson Institute and the Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot This huge park is no ordinary park – it is a unique kind of science museum that allows visitors to touch, experience, and enjoy interactive games and activities about science and technology. Spread across 2,5 acres of land, the Clore Garden covers several exhibition spaces, each one focusing on different scientific fields such as light, flora, fauna, and movement.

My First Museum - The Petah Tikva Museum of Art I Photo: Nadav Cohen-Jonathan

Keeping cool and cultured: 5 air-conditioned museums to enjoy with the kids Tune in - the Bloomfield Science Museum, Jerusalem I Photo: Phelix Rothberg

28 ATMOSPHERE AUGUST 2025

If you’re buying in Eretz Yisroel to give your children a more centered life, give your children a more centered life.

ink bigger. Join a new kind of Neighborhood for Frum families in Eretz Yisroel. A new way of life in Jerusalem’s backyard.

More space for what matters. ACRES OF OUTDOOR LIVING AND GREENERY LARGE HOMES • SCHOOLS, SHULS, AND SHARED COMMUNITY SPACES • 19 MINUTES TO YERUSHALAYIM

Explore: GIVATHASHALVAH.COM

Inquire: 845.459.5032

Developed by: Brought to Market by:

Magazine I Culture

Exhibits include a bamboo house with spiderwebs that turn into a trampoline, a three-story-tall human skeleton kids can climb onto, and an area for toddlers with all sorts of water-based games. gan-hamada.davidson.org.il 04 | The Steinhardt Museum of Natural History, Ramat Aviv Tel Aviv University’s Steinhardt Museum of Natural History is home to a collection of more than six million scientific items that document the flora and fauna of Israel, as well as taxidermy specimens of animals such as lions and tigers, small birds and even fish. Some of the exhibits are interactive, and some can be touched. Throughout the month of August, the museum will be open seven days a week, and many activities, performances and workshops will be held: the Orna Porat Theater will be presenting its children’s show “Dr Doolittle”, there’ll be a stand-up comedy workshop, and more. smnh.tau.ac.il 05 | The Madatech The Israel National Museum of Science, Technology, and Space, Haifa The Madatech invites visitors of all ages to explore its many interactive exhibits, exhibition spaces, and open-air science garden. Throughout the month of August, its “Space Trail” summer exhibition explores the world of astronauts and spacecrafts, offering the thrilling opportunity to board a space shuttle simulator, experience spectacular panoramic projections from a 13-meter dome satellite model created in collaboration with Astroscale Israel, view a Soyuz return capsule, and leave your footprints on “moon soil”. madatech.org.il ■

The Clore Garden of Science Museum I Photo: Ariela Aflalo

The Steinhardt Museum of Natural History I Photo: Itay Benit

The Madatech I Photo: Nitzan Zohar

30 ATMOSPHERE AUGUST 2025

Simulations for illustration purposes only

Melach Ha'aretz Jerusalem - a unique residential complex combining our celebrated history and a contemporary living experience. Located near Kibbutz Ramat Rachel at the foot of the ancient aqueduct, it is surrounded by nearly 4.7 acres of lush nature. The complex offers a variety of stylish apartments and luxurious facilities such as a unique high-end pool area, spa, synagogue, yoga room, lounge, and more. Become a part of this tight-knit community, tailor made for those who know where they are going but never forget where they came from. WHERE HISTORY MEETS LUXURY

+972 733 480241 CONTACT US

residents' lounge

swimming pool

yoga room

Simulation for illustration purposes only

Simulation for illustration purposes only

Simulation for illustration purposes only

Informative Content

Reuth Rehabilitation Hospital: Leading Israel's Response to Trauma and Forging the Future of Rehabilitation Medicine

As Israel faces an unprecedented wave of trauma among its soldiers and security personnel, Reuth TLV is leading the nation’s response—both on the frontlines of recovery and in building the future of rehabilitation medicine. In the wake of ongoing conflict, Reuth opened its Trauma Clinic, a multidisciplinary center dedicated to rehabilitating soldiers, reservists, and security personnel. Psychiatrist Dr. Miri Kfir, the clinic’s director, has pioneered a comprehensive model of care. “Soldiers are dealing with mental injuries on a scale we’ve never known before,” she explains. “We’ve built a treatment model that combines body, mind, and spirit—tailored in full collaboration with each individual, helping them reconnect with their strengths and support systems so they can grow and return to function.” Patients attend twice a week, receiving a wide range of therapies that blend physical and emotional healing: physiotherapy, occupational therapy, biofeedback, yoga, music therapy, therapeutic gardening, and animal-assisted therapy. These are delivered alongside psychiatric and psychological care, spiritual guidance, and support from rehabilitation

Imaging: MYS Architects

medicine specialists, nurses, and social workers. Family and friends play a crucial role in early detection. “Often, warning signs are first seen at home—mood swings, withdrawal, insomnia, restlessness, or extreme reactions to everyday stimuli,” says Dr. Kfir. “The key is to gently open a door: say, ‘We noticed you’re having a hard time, and we want to help.’ Offering a diagnostic meeting—without pressure—can normalize the experience and lead the way to healing.” Reuth is not stopping with treatment— it is transforming the future of Israeli Reuth is reimagining the future of rehabilitation in Israel. Plans are underway for Israel’s largest and most advanced rehabilitation hospital, to be built in north Tel Aviv in partnership with the Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality and the Tel Aviv Foundation

rehabilitation. Plans are underway for the construction of Israel’s largest and most advanced rehabilitation hospital, to be built in North Tel Aviv. In collaboration with the Tel Aviv Yafo Municipality and the Tel Aviv Foundation, Reuth’s new facility will include 530 inpatient beds, a day hospital serving over 10,000 patients annually, a hydrotherapy pool, imaging center, and R&D hub. The site will also feature green spaces, lounges and terraces for visitors, and over 200- subsidized apartments for low-income seniors, hospital staff, and housing for patient families. Designed by leading architectural firm MYS, the project will be state-of-the art. But most importantly, the 90 years of compassionate care that is Reuth’s signature will be woven into the building blocks on this new campus. For more information about the Trauma Clinic, contact +972 54-3157726 or Reuth.trauma@reuth.org.il

Photo: Ziv Koren