

Who belongs in Jerusalem?
People ask me all the time about what it’s like to live in Jerusalem. It is a hard place on a day-to-day basis because you really have to work to find people you can relate to. As a white, American, … Continue reading Who belongs in Jerusalem?

Embassy vs. consulate
If you are embarking on travel to Israel, Jerusalem, and the West Bank and you’re politics-averse…then maybe consider changing plans. Or buying earplugs or one of those sleep face-masks. It is a place where politics is life. The impact of … Continue reading Embassy vs. consulate

Travel writing on the Middle East
I once reported and wrote a story about street musicians in Jerusalem for a publication based in the Middle East that publishes in English. Not one word in the story had anything to do with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The street … Continue reading Travel writing on the Middle East

Jerusalem: Why Bother?
People are always asking me what the big deal about Jerusalem is. I always ask them how long they have to talk about it. Jerusalem is one of those places that is like no other place, and the only way … Continue reading Jerusalem: Why Bother?

Open House Jerusalem Offers Glimpse at Old and New of Ancient City
As Open House Worldwide continues to roll through some of the most dramatic cities on the planet (everywhere from Dublin to Athens to New York), one of its 31 locations not to be missed is Open House Jerusalem. Founded in … Continue reading Open House Jerusalem Offers Glimpse at Old and New of Ancient City

Israeli Food for the Holidays
As the Jewish holidays approach in September and October, so does one of the busiest tourist periods of the entire year. Here are a few pointers on food if it’s your first time to Israel: Just go with it. Whatever … Continue reading Israeli Food for the Holidays

Lod’s Spectacular Ancient Roman Mosaic
If you’re driving between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, the perfect place to stop off for an hour of spectacular mosaic viewing is Lod. The Roman mosaic in Lod was discovered in 1996 and in a country full of mosaics, this … Continue reading Lod’s Spectacular Ancient Roman Mosaic

Christian Tourists to the Holy Land to Top 2 Million in 2013
As reported in the Algemeiner: Christian tourists to the Holy Land are expected to reach a record 2 million in 2013, up sharply from the 1.18 million recorded in 2012, the Israeli Tourism Ministry said on Monday. At end-October, according … Continue reading Christian Tourists to the Holy Land to Top 2 Million in 2013

Tours to Bethlehem and Jericho
If you are in Israel or the West Bank and want to get to Bethlehem or Jericho for a day trip, paying for a guided tour is highly advised, rather than trying to figure it out for yourself. Here are … Continue reading Tours to Bethlehem and Jericho

The Truth About Bethlehem
It’s not quite the holiday season yet, but if you plan on visiting Bethlehem for Christmas, there are a few things to be aware of. If you’re visiting from a foreign country, or are not familiar with Bethlehem, this will … Continue reading The Truth About Bethlehem