EL AL | Atmosphere

Issue 298 | October 2025

Rediscovering Israel’s beautiful south The south and its myriad kibbutzim, vineyards, wineries, and landscapes – now’s the time to head over and support its residents, enjoy good food and fine wine, and bear witness to so many inspiring stories

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In-flight I Issue 298 I October 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 Shutterstock

Photo: Ariela Aflalo

Editor’s Letter

VP of Marketing, Trade and Sales Yaniv Ofir Senior Sales Manager Liad Elhadad

Two years since October 7. As the editor of a lifestyle magazine, spending my time on matters relating to holidays and good food has often provided me with a much-needed dose of escapism during these difficult times, though often tinged with a sense of guilt, as well as the realization of what truly matters in life. These past two years, our magazine has served as a platform for the incredible people who advocate for Israel and for those who keep the Israeli tourism industry alive. This month, to mark this grave anniversary, we’ve chosen to return to the kibbutzim of the Gaza Envelope and to the city of Sderot and reconnect with those still recovering from the trauma and loss and show them our full support and solidarity. We met wonderful, inspiring people, full of optimism and love for their homeland and fellow human beings. Many wineries and restaurants have opened and reopened in the region in the past months, and in this issue, you’ll find our selection of some of the most notable, as well as the inspiring stories behind them. We warmly recommend you

make your way to this part of the country and see with your own eyes the beauty of the landscapes, and taste the exceptional food and wine produced there. It’s a great way to contribute to the region’s recovery. The city of Sderot, which suffered heavy losses on October 7, has many unique points of interest, including a new visitors’ center, impressive lookout points, a myriad heritage and memorial sites, and an incredible abundance of street food eateries of cuisines from all over the world. And also in this issue, as always, you’ll find our selection of the month’s most anticipated cultural events, travel news and updates, a taste of some of the country’s best new boulangeries and patisseries, our selection of tech novelties to look out for, and more. As always, we continue to pray for the return of the hostages, and for the safety of our soldiers. Wishing you a pleasant read, a peaceful flight, and Happy Holidays. Nava Marton @nava.marton I nava@atmospheres.co.il

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

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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.

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In-flight I Issue 298 I October 2025

Contents

41 42 EL AL News 44 In-flight Entertainment 46 New Movies 48 Kids - Movies & TV 49 Top 6 50 In-flight Internet Access 51 Meet the Crew 52 Destination Map 55 Fleet

Photo: Talia Ohayon, Sderot Tourism

Photo: Dani Notz

Lifestyle 30 Food

5 new boulangeries and patisseries you need to know about 34 Design Up-and-coming: 5 Shenkar College graduation projects that caught our eye Business 38 Technology Our selection of tech novelties from the annual Berlin IFA technology fair

Photo: Guy Tsemah

Ballerina: from The World Of John Wick

See the Sights 14 Explore As we mark two years since October 7, now’s the time to visit the cities and kibbutzim of the Gaza Envelope, discover its beautiful landscapes, vibrant food and wine scene, and show solidarity with its people 22 Discover Enjoy a day trip in the city of Sderot, learn about its history, discover its exciting culinary scene, and bear witness to powerful stories of resilience

Check-in 6 Travel News October Highlights 8 What’s on Our Radar This Month Local Events 10 Our Guide 5 tips for an eco-friendly vacation 12 Flight Essentials for your next trip

Worth the Wait

Smurfs

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In collaboration with

Check-in I Travel News & Updates

October Highlights

Photo: Eilat PR

Photo: Amir Buchnik

Photo: Shy Rosenzweig, The Israel Nature and Parks Authority

Night tours in the Golan Heights | Visitors are invited to experience the beauty of the Golan Heights after dark, with these special new nighttime guided tours in Ein Keshatot. Along the tour, visual elements are projected onto the walls of the ancient synagogue, telling the story of this historical site, and a short animation movie depicting the life of the Jewish community in the ancient village is screened, allowing visitors to travel back in time and learn about the way wine, oil, and textiles, were made here in the 6 th century, during the Mishnah and Talmud periods. These new tours create a new and unconventional multi-sensory experience that deepens the connection to the site’s heritage and history.

New free attractions at the Eilat Terminal Park |

Nahal Arugot reopens | The Nature and Parks Authority has reopened hiking trails in Nahal Arugot after a period of extensive rehabilitation works. The Ein Gedi Nature Reserve was severely damaged by a flooding episode in May of this year. In July, the Authority partially reopened the short trail, but now finally the rest of the trails, including those leading to the upper pools, have all been reopened. Apart from all the Nahal Arugot trails, visitors can now also enjoy the accessible Nahal David trail that leads to the first (Olympic) pool from the ancient synagogue in Ein Gedi. Other trails in the reserve are still closed for continued rehabilitation works.

Eilat’s Terminal Park invites visitors to enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities, all entirely for free, including juggling workshops, meditation sessions, yoga classes, salsa dancing, an escape room, a headphone tour with the Elad Theater, an acrobatics show, photography workshops, live shows, film screenings on a giant screen, and much more. At the end of last month, the park also launched a pop-up exhibition called Vertigo Lights, by artist Einat Steckler - a multi-sensory experience inspired by the world of aviation and travel. In a semi-dark space, thousands of colorful plastic bottles hang from above creating movement, light, and spectacular reflections. A special kaleidoscope invites visitors to discover endless worlds of colors and shapes.

No more passport stamps in Europe | As of this month, 29 European countries are ditching passport stamps in favor of the new automated Entry/Exit System (EES). Many countries around the world have already ditched passports stamps, including the UK, Hong Kong, Argentina, the US (partially), and more. In Israel, Israeli residents no longer get their passport stamped, but instead receive a transit approval slip issued through a facial recognition scan. It’s important to note that the passport itself is still very much in use and need, and only with it will it be possible to issue entry permits to countries. The new stamp-ditching countries include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Switzerland, and more.

Photo: Shutterstock

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

What’s On Our Radar This Month

Eviatar Banai I Photo: Noga Sharabani

Israeli Music The Tamar Festival | The Dead Sea This year, the Tamar Festival

celebrates 25 years of live music in the heart of the desert, with four days of live shows by leading Israeli artists in the spirit of celebrating the here and now, and the joy of music. The impressive lineup includes such names as Ehud Banai, Omer Adam, Idan Amedi, Zehava Ben, Ninet Tayeb, Mercedes Band, and more. Festivalgoers are in for a musical experience like no other, with intimate sunset shows and performances that will electrify the desert skies. October 8-12, tamarfestival.com

Photo: Tony Mercer

Performing Arts Swan Lake on Ice | The Israeli Opera, Tel Aviv

Fourteen tons of real ice will cover the stage of the Israeli Opera on the occasion of the series of performances by the Imperial Theatre Ice Skating Stars UK, who are coming to Israel with their show, Swan Lake on Ice. Twenty four ice-skating dancers will perform Tony Mercer’s immersive choreography created for Tchaikovsky’s wonderful music. This production of the famous ballet offers a new prologue introducing a human dimension to the story of the princess who was transformed into a swan by an evil sorcerer. A dazzling

artistic experience for the whole family. October 24-29, kupat.co.il, israel-opera.co.il

Exhibition Worth the Wait | The Eretz Israel Museum MUZA, Tel Aviv

This exhibition places the experience of waiting at its center. Through contemporary artworks, fascinating exhibits from the museum’s collections, and activity stations, it invites the audience - children (from the age of five) and adults - to reflect anew on an intermediate state - between present and future, between what already exists and what has not yet come to be. According to curators Mor Haimovitz and Noga Shai-Shreberk, the idea for the exhibition was born from the experience of waiting that we have all had over the past two years - for the release of the hostages, as well as for the return of better days. The exhibition features ancient fertility figurines, grain amulets, old letters and antique vessel jars from the museum’s collection, alongside contemporary works including Vered Nissim’s “LOVE Selfie”, a video work by Mark Formanek, and original artworks. Until September 1 st 2026, eretzmuseum.org.il

"The daily postcard" by Zeev (Shoshke) Engelmayer

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For its fifth edition, the Green Festival this year includes more than 50 events, activities, and tours in the spirit of environmental sustainability and community, all entirely for free. This festival gives a platform to organizations, projects and residents who take care of nature inside the city. The events will be taking place in many different locations across the city, each one offering a different type of activity according to the location. Some of the activities include clay sculpting, sewing workshops, a second-hand clothes fair, a “food rescue” stall, kids’ activities, music performances, JNF workshops, guided tours of Jerusalem’s gardens, and more. All activities are suitable for people of all ages and from all communities. October 8-10, festivalyarok.org Sustainability and Community The Green Festival | Jerusalem

Photo: Dror Gil

Dance The Karmiel Festival | Karmiel

Israel’s biggest annual dance festival is this year expected to welcome a quarter of a million dancers from Israel and around the world, all of them artists and creators with a personal connection to the events of October 7 - some are residents of the south, others survivors, and some have been impacted for afar by the stories of heroism, bereavement, and rebirth. Main events include: an opening performance about the strengthening of the Jewish People in the wake of October 7 featuring Avraham Tal, Daniel Weiss, and Orna and Moshe Datz; a sunrise performance with Israeli rapper Tuna, a dance performance by American dancer and choreographer Maria Caruso, and a closing show with Neta Barzilai and Teapacks. October 8-10, karmielfestival.co.il

Photo: Tom Weintraub Louk

Jazz The International Jaffa Jazz Festival | ZOA, Tel Aviv

This important festival, which operates as a non-profit initiative, has over the years, hosted more than a hundred leading jazz artists from around the world, and has been a stage for many hundreds of Israeli jazz musicians. This year marks a decade of artistic programing. Eight leading jazz artists from France, Italy, Poland, Spain, Finland, Austria, Zimbabwe and Germany have agreed to come to

Israel during these challenging times and join over 40 Israeli musicians for a 3-day celebration of live music and creativity. This year the festival pays tribute to the world’s greatest folk singers, including Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Mercedes Sosa, and more. The program also includes a special tribute concert to singer-songwriter Hanan Yovel. October 9-11, hotjazz.co.il

Arno Hass I Photo: Dani Notz

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Check-in I Our Guide

Sustainable travel: 5 tips for an eco-friendly vacation

Tourism is a huge economic and employment engine, but it is also responsible for a lot of environmental damage - from greenhouse gas emissions to large-scale water and energy consumption, and major disruption to the local population. Such major issues can leave you feeling overwhelmed, but we can make a difference. Here are 5 small choices that can make a big difference while holidaying abroad / By Inbal Cabiri

01 Choosing your hotel. People often choose their hotel according to what kind of pool it has or the breakfast buffet, but have you ever asked yourself what impact the hotel you choose to stay at has on responsible for what is known as “tourism leakage”, which means the money you spend in the hotel doesn’t benefit the local economy, but rather simply expands the chain’s profit. Staying in a locally-owned hotel reduces tourism leakage and contributes to the local economy. Also, staying at a hotel that has easy access to public transport will not only help you spend less, but also allow you to use less taxis and therefore contribute less to greenhouse gas emissions. 02 Disposing of trash. Reusable water bottles and eating utensils, as well as canvas shopping bags are crucial items to significantly reduce the amount of waste you generate. All you have to do is remember to put them in your suitcase, and by doing so, you’ll have saved both money, and waste. Recycling is common practice in many countries around the world. Make sure you pay attention to the color-codes of each type of bin (paper, plastic, glass, etc.) when you the local community? Many international hotel chains are

Photo: Shutterstock

dispose of waste. Walking over to the correct bin may take an extra few minutes, but it makes a huge difference to the environment. 03 Public transport. Using public transport to get around will not only save you a lot of money, it also gives you the opportunity to experience your destination in a much more authentic way. Also, many cities offer the possibility to easily rent bikes, another great way of discovering a new city. 04 Food. Use apps like Too Good To Go or Karma, which allow you to purchase unsold food from local businesses at reduced prices at the end of the day.

Not only does it rescue great food, it’s also a great way of spending less. Go to local markets and local businesses – it contributes to the local economy and unlocks greener supply chains. 05 Social sustainability. Sustainable travel isn’t only about plastic usage and waste management. It’s about considering the social impact of your holiday on local communities. The idea behind it is to try and leave the place you’re visiting in a better state than how you found it. Be mindful of where you’re making purchases and try to support local cultural life by visiting little galleries or going on guided tours led by locals.

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Judy ChiCago:

What if Women Ruled the WoRld?

Special Project —> Tel Aviv Museumof Art Tue, Thu 10:00—21:00 / Wed 10:00—18:00 / Fri 10:00—14:00 / Sat 10:00—18:00 / tamuseum.org.il Judy Chicago, 2023, photo © Chicago Woodman LLC; Donald Woodman/Artists Rights Society, New York Studio Ayal Zakin

PARTICIPATORY QUILT Judy Chicago (b. 1939), one of the most influential contemporary artists and a pioneer of feminist art, creates—with Nadya Tolokonnikova (Pussy Riot)—a physical and digital quilt woven from responses to the question: What if women ruled the world? The work urges us to reimagine the structures that shape our lives, inviting us to add our own voice to it.

The exhibition and project are presented as part of a collaboration between the Nassima Landau Art Foundation and the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, in association with DMINTI and through the generous support of Alan and Caroline Howard.

Check-in I Checklist

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Travel neck pillow - soft and comfy, comes in a range of colors and prints, NIS 20.90, available at all Max Stock stores

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Adrun Trail Grip running shoes – lightweight, high and extremely flexible sole, removable insole for stable support even in challenging conditions, H width fitting for extra space, anatomical support, and optimal fit. Comes in a range of colors and designs, for men and women, NIS 399, available at all Blue Heart stores and online via blueheart.co.il

Salomon X-Ultra 360 Edge Gtx hiking shoes – technological design providing improved grip on all terrains, increased stability and flexibility, foot support, and water resistance, NIS 799, available online via salomonsports.co.il

Photos: PR

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Ruth PatiR:

motheRland

Closing soon —> Tel Aviv Museumof Art Tue, Thu 10:00—21:00 / Wed 10:00—18:00 / Fri 10:00—14:00 / Sat 10:00—18:00 / tamuseum.org.il Ruth Patir, Intake , 2024, video, 3 min, video still courtesy of the artist and Braverman Gallery, Tel Aviv Studio Ayal Zakin

Seize the last chance to see Ruth Patir’s exhibition, which tackles charged issues related to the female experience, fertility, and free choice. Created for the Israeli Pavilion at the Venice Biennale, it remained closed yet garnered significant international attention. The exhibition was ranked first in ARTnews magazine׳s list of Defining Art Events of 2024.

See the Sights I Eat, Travel, Enjoy

As we mark two years since October 7, life in the Gaza Envelope is blossoming anew – its many wineries have reopened, and its restaurants are welcoming diners once again. A visit to the northern Negev, especially during these times, is not only an expression of solidarity with its inhabitants, but also a wonderful opportunity to enjoy beautiful landscapes and delicious food and wine / By Ariela Aflalo Colors of the south: a weekend of discovery in the towns and kibbutzim of the Gaza Envelope

The Negev wine industry is a relatively new one, dating back about 30 years. It has been gaining traction in the past 10 years, now becoming a regional driving force - in great part thanks to the Merage Foundation Israel, a private philanthropic organization founded by David and Laura Merage, and inspired by the vision of David Ben Gurion. The foundation backs pioneering and groundbreaking initiatives geared towards the development of the Negev region into a leading international destination. To this end, the couple have established

the Negev Wineries Club in 2020, which includes over 50 wineries and vineyards. More and more vineyards are being planted, and there are many wonderful wineries to explore across the region, their founders deeply inspired by that same pioneering spirit, bearing yet more meaning since October 7. The Pauker Winery Kibbutz Nir Oz Gal Pauker (25) is the grandson of Gideon Pauker z”l, one of the founders of Kibbutz Nir Oz. Gideon spent 40 years dreaming of planting

a vineyard in the kibbutz. Encouraged by his fellow kibbutz residents and friends Gadi Mozes z”l, Chaim Peri z”l, and Yoram Metzger z”l, he finally did so in 2006, producing his first bottles of wine two years later. October 7 came just as that year’s grape harvest was being processed. Pauker was killed on that day, Metzger and Peri were kidnapped and killed in captivity, and Mozes was kidnapped and released following 482 days of captivity in Gaza. After his grandfather’s death, and aided by his father Raz, Gal began working in the vineyard, planting more vines,

The Pauker vineyard - Kibbutz Nir Oz

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and later founding the family winery in honor of his grandfather. In the past year, the Pauker Winery has produced 3,500 bottles of red, 2,000 of white, and 1,000 of rosé from the harvest of 2024. There’s a delightful seating area at the front of the winery where visitors can participate in wine tasting sessions. This month, on the 16 th , the Pauker family will also be launching the “Gideon Vineyard” in Moshav Ein HaBesor, where they will be selling their wine. When: Fri: 10:30-14:30, by appointment during the week. pauker.co.il The Oren Winery Meshek Stern, Netiv Ha’asara Mali and Eyal Stern had always dreamed of planting a vineyard on their land in Moshav Netiv Ha’asara. In May 2023 they finally did it, and together with Oren, Eyal’s brother, they began producing their own wine and beer. On October 7, Oren ran out to protect the moshav and was killed. Eyal was drafted as a reservist and part of the vineyard was burned. Mali and the family were displaced over a long period of time, until eventually returning home. In March of this year, the family decided to found a winery as a symbol of rebuilding and resilience. The Sterns offer guided tours of their vineyard and brewery, on which they recount their story and celebrate the life of their beloved brother Oren z”l, before inviting participants to enjoy a cheese, beer, and wine tasting session in the winery courtyard. When: Fri-Sat: 10:00-17:00, by appointment during the week. oren_winery Argaman - wine club Kibbutz Nir Am Kibbutz Nir Am is a charming place, with pastoral B&Bs, a special water museum, a beautiful pool, a

Kibbutz Nir Oz

Gal Pauker - Pauker Winery I On the right: The Oren Winery, Netiv Ha'asara

The Oren Winery - Meshek Stern Netiv Ha'asara

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Photos: Ariela Aflalo

See the Sights I Eat, Travel, Enjoy

legendary pub, and as of recently, a wine tasting club. On October 7, thanks to the incredible wits and bravery of Inbal Lieberman, the kibbutz’s day-to-day security coordinator, the terrorists did not penetrate. The wine tasting club belongs to Inbal’s father, Ofer Lieberman, also the kibbutz’s agricultural manager, who founded this special space in the spirit of resilience. It is not a wine bar in the usual sense, but rather a wine club where Ofer invites people to taste his collection of favorite wines, alongside cheeses from the Be’eri Dairy, as well as homemade pizzas. When: Thur: 19:00-24:00, Fri-Sat: 11:00-17:00, by appointment during the week. habsor.co.il Geula Bar A coffee and wine cart in Moshav Tekuma The Geula Bar coffee cart belongs to two reservist brothers and their partners. The cart is positioned so that it looks out onto the gorgeous views of their family vineyard. The menu includes excellent sandwiches, cheese platters, top-notch coffee, delicious cakes and baked goods, as well as savory finger food made from top-quality locally sourced ingredients – and their very own homemade chocolate milk the kids go wild for. When: Mon-Tur: 08:30-15:00, Fri: 08:00-13:00 geula_bar10 Be’eri Dairy Kibbutz Be’eri The Be’eri Dairy suffered immense losses on October 7. Manager Dror Or was killed and his body kidnapped to Gaza. His wife Yonat (owner of a boutique carpentry

Kibbutz Nir Am - The Argaman wine club I Photo: Ariela Aflalo

The Geula Bar - Moshav Tekuma I Photo: Dvorin PR

shop) was also killed, and their children Alma and Noam were

The Be'eri Dairy - Kibbutz Be'eri I Photo: Ariela Aflalo

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See the Sights I Eat, Travel, Enjoy

Spotlight: The Esrim Park, Moshav Netiv Ha’asara: this is a tribute garden commemorating the 20 moshav residents who were killed on October 7. Twenty ancient olive trees have been planted here, aside the biggest and tallest Israeli flag in the country. The Ayuna Carpentry – Kibbutz Be’eri : founded by Yonat Or who was murdered in Kibbutz Be’eri on October 7, this boutique carpentry offers beautiful pieces of wooden furniture. Most of the items were collected over the years by Yonat herself, who had studied painting and furniture restoration. Today, her children manage the shop in honor of their beloved mother. (ayuna.co.il)

The Esrim Park - Moshav Netiv Ha'asara I Photo: Ariela Aflalo

Rony's Greenhouse - Thai food in Moshav Ein HaBesor I Photo: Ariela Aflalo

Rony’s Greenhouse Thai food in Moshav Ein HaBesor Noy and Eitan Nakar farm land in Moshav Ein HaBesor where they employ Thai workers. In their greenhouse, they grow vegetables, fruits, and herbs with which Noy, who is herself from Thailand, prepares authentic Thai food. Together, the couple opened a Thai eatery in the courtyard next to their greenhouse a few years back, and as soon as it was up and running people came flocking over to enjoy the delicious bowls of flavorful Pad Thai, Pad Kra Pao, papaya salad, and more, Noy so masterfully prepares. Some say this spot is one of the ten best Thai restaurants in Israel. On

kidnapped into Gaza before later being released. Dror’s two business partners, Dagan Peleg and Yaakov Banakot survived the attack. Founded by the three friends and partners in 1991, the Be’eri Dairy has been producing quality cow’s milk cheeses for over 30 years, hard and semi-hard. The two surviving partners continued to sell their cheeses throughout the war and have recently got back to producing new wheels of cheese. They’re also getting ready to launch a new dairy complex as a tribute to Dror, who dreamed of doing so, located right beside pastry chef Yaki Sagi’s shop and Tom Carbone’s winery. beeridairy.co.il

Rony's Greenhouse - Thai food

October 7, the restaurant became a battlefield and was completely destroyed. Now, it has been rebuilt and it is back to welcoming diners from all over the country who come to enjoy the superb food and support these precious local businesses that are so vital to the region’s social fabric. When: Mon-Fri: 12:00-16:00, 18:00-22:00, Sat: 12:00-22:00 ronyracing2 ˆ

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Informative Content

Rehabilitation in Israel: Rebuilding Life

reintegrate into everyday life. Each year, Reuth TLV Rehabilitation Hospital helps thousands of Israelis regain optimal function and quality of life. Its rehabilitation process involves a multidisciplinary team providing complete care to patients and families, including specialists in rehabilitation medicine, nursing, allied health therapies, mental health, and social work. Their shared mission: to restore independence and hope. The hospital’s teams treat Israel’s most complex cases including victims of traffic accidents, stroke patients, those requiring respiratory rehabilitation and long-term ventilation, and people with severe brain injuries. The hospital includes 355 beds as well as Israel’s largest center of outpatient rehabilitation clinics and day programs. At this moment in Israel’s history, rehabilitation has become more critical than ever. Increased life expectancy brings with it rising rates of stroke, falls, joint replacement surgeries, and chronic illness. Alongside this, a new generation of young soldiers and civilians - injured on October 7th and the subsequent war -require long and intensive physical and psychological rehabilitation. In response to these challenges, Reuth is now planning a new rehabilitation campus, which will be the largest of its kind in Israel. The hospital is slated for construction near the Tel Aviv seafront, at the former site of the Sde Dov airport, and is expected to open by 2032. The vision is transformative: expanded inpatient and day hospital services, advanced clinics, a trauma center, hydrotherapy, sports medicine, imaging, and an innovation and research hub. This new campus will establish Reuth as a national center of excellence in rehabilitation, a place where patients like A., and 10,000 more, take step after step on their journey to rebuild life.

Imaging: MYS Architects

his quality of life. One of the most important things for him was simply knowing he was not alone. “When you come to the center, you know there’s someone who cares about you.” A.’s journey is one among many. Since October 7th, Israel’s healthcare system has faced an unprecedented challenge: thousands of people wounded in body and soul, with needs and hardships on a scale the country has never seen before. These figures reveal a national emergency: in today’s Israel, rehabilitation is a vital lifeline. For decades, Israel has excelled in saving lives. Its trauma units, surgeons, and emergency teams are among the best in the world. But survival is only the first step. Without rehabilitation - physical and emotional - many cannot return to functional independence or The vision is transformative: expanded inpatient and day hospital services, advanced clinics, a trauma center, hydrotherapy, sports medicine, imaging, and an innovation and research hub

When A., a 20-year-old soldier, was injured during his service in the Iron Swords War, he thought physical recovery would be the hardest part, until he began coping with symptoms of post-trauma: flashbacks, sleepless nights, and a growing sense of loneliness and detachment. “I felt like I wasn’t myself anymore, like I didn’t recognize who I was,” he recalls. At the Trauma Center at Reuth TLV Rehabilitation Hospital, A. began his journey of change. Through a personalized program that combines body, mind, and spirit - including psychological and psychiatric care, rehabilitation medicine, physiotherapy, acupuncture, occupational therapy, biofeedback, horticultural therapy, and music therapy - he regained physical and emotional function and improved

For more information go to www.reuth.org.il or email reuth@reuth.org.il

Photo: Ziv Koren

See the Sights I Eat, Travel, Enjoy

Right on the border with the Gaza Strip, Sderot is a city built on the strength and resilience of its people. Once a development town, it is now one of the south’s most important points of interest. The launch of its new visitors’ center and the reopening of its most beloved café-patisserie offer the perfect opportunity to head over and explore this unique city of the south / By Ariela Aflalo Sderot, city of hope

The Sderot Lookout, Kobe’s Hill I Photo: Talia Ohayon, Sderot Tourism

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“Before October 7, we were a popular tourist destination,” says Chen Cohen, Sderot’s tourism coordinator, and it still is, as delegations from Israel and the world come by the droves to express solidarity with a population that was so savagely hit. “Our story didn’t begin on October 7”, says Cohen. “Our city is built on the strength of its founders and inhabitants, who for decades have had to live in the shadow of incessant rocket attacks”. These days, there are daily guided tours of the destruction sites of October 7, led by soldiers, police personnel, and residents. Visitors can bear witness and hear testimonies and accounts of the extraordinary bravery deployed by the people of Sderot on that day. The visitors’ center: Hope and resilience A new visitors’ center was recently inaugurated, where the documentary “Sderot of Hope” is screened for visitors to learn about the long history of rocket attacks the city has suffered over the years. The exhibition area presents all sorts of personal belongings that tell the story of what unfolded that day, and another documentary is screened throughout the day with October 7 survivor testimonies. A piece of history: The Founders and Heritage House Inaugurated before the war, the Founders House celebrates the founders of city, people who came to Israel and at first lived in transit camps before being moved to housing estates, and eventually creating a city full of opportunity and dynamism. The exhibition spaces are full of fascinating documents, touch screen displays with music, blasting songs by some of the famous bands the city gave to the world, such as Teapacks and Knesiyat Hasechel. When: Sun-Fri: upon prior appointment Lookout points: The Sderot Lookout, Kobe’s Hill Officially called the Sderot Lookout, this lookout point is known as Kobe’s Hill, in honor of former chief-of-staff Kobe Harosh. The hill offers a 360° view stretching across the Gaza Strip to the south, the sea to the west, and as far as Ashdod to the north. A monument commemorating the heroic battle that took place here during Operation

The visitors’ center I Photo: Sderot Tourism

The Founders and Heritage House I Photo: Ariela Aflalo

The Garden of Heroism and Memory I Photo: Sderot Tourism

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ATMOSPHERE OCTOBER 2025

See the Sights I Eat, Travel, Enjoy

Protective Edge was erected a few years ago. Currently, the top of the hill can only be reached on foot, but an elevator is in the process of being built so that everyone can access it. Another important lookout point can be found on the roof of the Hesder Yeshiva, where you can also admire a set of sculptures made out of the remains of Qassam rockets, notably one of a Hannukah menorah. The memorial site: The Garden of Heroism and Memory The city’s first memorial site was built on the ruins of the attacked police station. 31 plaques, corresponding to the number of police officers, soldiers and civilians killed here on that day, bear the names of all the fallen, as well as their respective personal story. Where: 61 Herzl Street. For the kids: The Wishing Garden and the Music Park Sderot has many parks and playgrounds for children to enjoy, all equipped with shelters. The Whishing Garden, also the Chabad House, with its façade an exact replica of the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s house, is a particular favorite. The Music Park covers 10 acres of land and has a lake at its center and lovely seating areas, lawns, walking and cycling paths, slides, and Ninja obstacle courses. Sderot market is a central part of the city - popular, colorful, and authentic. In recent years, it has been extensively renovated, given a covered roof, bathrooms, and new shelters. There’s also a wall covered with street art depicting the market’s founders. Here you can buy fresh fruit and veg that come straight from the orchards, fields and greenhouses of the Negev, cheese and wine from the region’s dairies and wineries, as well as pulses, pickles, olive oils, baked goods, and prepared foods. Among the stalls you’ll also find houseware, clothing, footwear, and cosmetics at reduced prices. Where: Ben Yehuda street When: Sun and Tue: 06:45-14:30 Sderot market: Colorful and vibrant

Sderot Market's street art I Photo: Talia Ohayon, Sderot Tourism

The Music Park I Photo: Talia Ohayon, Sderot Tourism

The Wishing Garden I Photo: Ariela Aflalo

24 ATMOSPHERE OCTOBER 2025

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See the Sights I Eat, Travel, Enjoy

The Oryoss: Local café and patisserie

Pastry chef Or Shukrun is a former army major. A month before the terrorist attack, she had just opened her second café-patisserie location in the city (the first opened two years earlier in Kibbutz Erez, 300 m from the border). During the war, she enlisted in the reserves and the cafés remained closed. But they have now reopened. The balcony of her patisserie looks out onto the police station that was attacked, but the vibrancy of the café has breathed new life into the neighborhood. Don’t miss her flagship dessert, the vanilla and salted caramel mousse with nougat topping and white chocolate medallions. When: Sun-Thu: 9am-3pm, Fri: 9am-2pm @oryosss The containers: The Basel Pub Located near Sderot, Sapir College has greatly contributed to the development of the city, thanks to the influx of students. The area known as the “containers” is a student housing complex, always buzzing with energy and excitement, and as of recently it is the location of a fun new pub called the Basel Pub. Street food paradise: “Bis Sderoti” Sderot is a melting pot of ethnicities and cultures, and thus of cuisines. There’s an abundance of street food stalls all around, serving food of every kind. Pitasabich for instance, is a Moroccan street food place belonging to the family of singer Haim Uliel, member of the band “Sfatayim”. Here, they serve typical Moroccan sandwiches, salads, and fritters, and on Fridays, a schnitzel, matbucha and eggplant pita sandwich. La Burika for its part, serves traditional Tunisian fricasse, burika, and lemon arak to wash it all down. And of course, don’t miss beloved spots Hahumus Shel Hathina , Maafiyat Khouri , Bataboon Sheli , (a Georgian khachapuri place), and more. You can wander freely between stalls, or purchase “Bis Sderoti”, a voucher booklet which includes seven coupons to use across stalls costing NIS 135 to use at your own time and pace. For further information about Sderot, go to: visit-sderot.co.il ˆ

The Containers - Sderot’s student housing complex I Photo: Talia Ohayon, Sderot Tourism

A culinary tour at Pitasabich I Photo: Eden Omami, Sderot Tourism

"Bis Sderoti" - a melting pot of cuisines I Photo: Eden Omami, Sderot Tourism

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Simulations for illustration purposes only

residents' lounge

swimming pool

yoga room

Simulation for illustration purposes only

Simulation for illustration purposes only

Simulation for illustration purposes only

Melach Ha'aretz Jerusalem – a one-of-a-kind residential complex near Kibbutz Ramat Rachel, set against the backdrop of the ancient aqueduct and surrounded by 3.7 acres of lush nature. Defined by gated luxury, the complex offers stylish apartments and premium amenities – including a pool, spa, synagogue, yoga room, and lounge – blending celebrated history with contemporary living, and creating a lifestyle defined by privacy within a close knit community and prestige inside every detail. A warm community for those who know where they are going, while staying rooted in where they came from. (+972) 733 480241

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 also 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. The 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. The 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

Lifestyle I Food

Perfect loaves of sourdough bread, pistachio tartlets with vanilla gelato and pastel-colored macarons – these are but a few of the wonders and delights to be found and devoured in the new boutique boulangeries taking over Israeli highstreets. Here are five of our favorites / By Sharon Ben-David Fresh out of the oven: 5 new boulangeries and patisseries you need to know about

Photo: Haim Yosef

Seniora Bakery | Tel Aviv Shahar Senior and Ariel Zaviv, a baking duo with a passion for sourdough, started out selling their delicious wares in a tiny studio bakery. Pretty soon, people were lining up from dawn till dusk for a chance to taste their perfect loaves, and the need for a more spacious location became urgent. Their new shop, in Tel Aviv’s “Florentin” neighborhood, is a veritable palace of viennoiseries and sourdough breads. The level of technique and culinary excellence is evident in each bite, paralleled only by the attention to detail in the shop’s design and lifestyle collection, which includes shirts, top-quality artisan fermented jams, and more. Seniora Bakery isn’t just another bakery, it’s a celebration of craftsmanship and artisanal excellence in all its forms. @seniora_bakery

Photo: Guy Tsemah

Le Musée Patisserie | Pardes Hanna-Karkur

Pardes Hanna-Karkur’s culinary scene has never been more vibrant than in recent years. Restaurants and wine bars are sprouting everywhere, as well as coffee carts and food trucks of every kind, to the delight of residents and foodies from across the country, who flock over to explore the new abundance of culinary options. New boutique kosher French patisserie “Le Musée” (French for “the museum”), is

helmed by young pastry chef Alon Shaul who is full of passion for his craft. In a small, intimate space, he offers patisseries and baked goods made to the highest level of culinary excellence, including gourmet sandwiches, sweet and savory options, and gluten-free and vegan offerings as well. Le Musée brings Paris to the heart of pastoral Pardes Hanna, and we can’t get enough of it. @lemusee_patisserie

30 ATMOSPHERE OCTOBER 2025

Lifestyle I Food

Photo: David Moyal

Vicino Bakery | Netanya This Italian-Mediterranean bakery is helmed by pastry chef Barak Cohen, renowned for the luxurious cake collection he created for Tel Aviv’s “Magazzino” restaurant. Vicino Bakery is located just outside Italian restaurant “Fratelli”. It started out as a little dessert window, but the success was such, that the venture expanded to becoming a full blown brasserie, with a rich menu of rustic handmade burekas filled with spinach, gorgonzola, and egg,

Dolce Mila | Savyon Chef Jonathan Sharvit, reality T.V. show “Game of Chefs” finalist, officiates in the Tel Aviv suburb of Savyon, where he manages two restaurants, Bistrot Mila, a long standing eatery, a new smoked-meats place called Taurus Smokehouse – and as of recently, a new boutique patisserie and gelateria. Beautifully designed in pastoral elegance, Dolce Mila offers exceptional gelato, as well as top-notch tiramisu, pistachio and red berry tartlets, perfect truffles, excellent coffee, and endlessly more - all served in an atmosphere of pampering warmth. With colorful creativity, Dolce Mila brings a touch of pastry excellence to the heart of Savyon. @dolcemilasavyon of perfect espresso and velvety cake. It’s no wonder word about it is spreading like fresh olive oil atop piping hot focaccia. @fratelli.vicino.il bruschettas of every kind, and many more sweet and savory delights. The dessert window overflows with beautiful cakes, including crack pie, lemon meringue pie, cheesecake, and Sicilian pistachio cake. Vicino is a place to come to forget the hustle and bustle of the world around you, and simply lose yourself in the joy

Photo: Oz Ohayon

Helen | Jerusalem Located a stone’s throw away from Jerusalem’s culinary hub, the Machane Yehuda market, “Helen” is a brand-new family owned kosher French patisserie. The Jorno family made Aliyah from France a few years back, settling in Jerusalem. They quickly opened a boulangerie, “Ma’afe Yehuda”, to great success. Their new venture, a French patisserie, offers exceptional viennoiseries, cakes, and breads, made with meticulous attention to detail. The window is chockfull of elegant tartlets, perfectly formed chouquettes, pastel-colored macarons, and more, all made with quality butter, select flours, and heaps of love and dedication. Helen is the ideal spot to enjoy a coffee and a patisserie, a place where the Western Wall and the Eiffel Tower are never too far from one another. @helenbakers.jr

Photo: Gil Aviram

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