Israel The Land Of Milk & Honey

Israel is the Jewish Promised Land. This is where Prophet Mohammed stopped on his Night Journey and ascended to Heaven, and this is the land of Jesus. Muslim and Christian pilgrims are drawn here by the conviction - �this is where it happened�.

Major wars have raged here throughout the centuries- the Israelites and Canaanites, the Jews and Romans, the Muslims and Crusaders, the Turks and British, and now the Israelis and the Palestinians.

The current political situation not withstanding, normal life goes on and visitors - both pilgrims and tourists continue to throng this beautiful, biblical land of historical importance.

Everywhere you travel in Israel, you will find friendly, English-speaking people. Though spring, when the almond trees start to bloom, may be the nicest time to visit, summer, for worshippers of the sun, may be just perfect.

Jerusalem is probably one of the most fascinating cities of the world, as well as one of the most beautiful. In Hebrew it is called Yerushalayim meaning City of Peace and in Arabic El Khudz � the Holy.

Tel Aviv at first glance might disappoint, but given a little time, it starts to work its magic on you, much like Bombay. The city boasts a large collection of cafes, bars and restaurants, which do attract the international traveller, in addition to the vast beaches, markets, parks, museums and galleries.

From the upper reaches of the Golan Heights down to the Galilee, to the quaint towns of Tiberias and Nazareth, the entire country seems like it has stood still in time; you actually start to dig into your mind, trying to recall history and what you learned in school.

Israel can give you goose pimples!

PHOTOGRAPHS BY FARZANA CONTRACTOR