Israel 2005Israel 200557655765ישראל ישראל

About once a year, I travel About once a year, I travel ten time zones to spend a few ten time zones to spend a few

weeks in the hospital at weeks in the hospital at Nahariya, Israel.Nahariya, Israel.

I make rounds with residents, I make rounds with residents, practice my Hebrew, do a practice my Hebrew, do a

little touring, and in general little touring, and in general have a great time.have a great time.

The entrance to the city of Nahariya.

Nahariya is a tourist town. Later in the evening, business will improve for this man. Now, he can relax.

The Ga’aton is a canal that runs through the main street

and occasionally floods with winter rains.

Once a year is the Hebrew Book Week.

Little stands sprout up all over.

If flags are a measure of patriotism, then Israel is an If flags are a measure of patriotism, then Israel is an

unusually patriotic country.unusually patriotic country.

The withdrawal from Gaza arouses much interest.This sign says “Jews don’t expel Jews”

Tefila

I don’t do this regularly. Whether that’s good or bad depends on your point of view.

Terrorism?Terrorism?

Americans often hesitate to visit Israel Americans often hesitate to visit Israel because they fear a terrorist attack. But because they fear a terrorist attack. But people living normal, quiet lives do not make people living normal, quiet lives do not make the news shows. Personally, I feel as safe the news shows. Personally, I feel as safe there as in the USA.there as in the USA.

Security is a concern, and places are Security is a concern, and places are guarded.guarded.

They check when you go into a store, not when you leave.

Festivals on the beach are common in Nahariya.

Two years ago, guards stood at the entrances.

They aren’t needed now.

Holocaust memorials are everywhere.

“To the Memory of the Martyrs of

terrorism who died in Nahariya”

The Beit Holim (Hospital) of The Beit Holim (Hospital) of the Western Galileethe Western Galilee

The main entrance.

Mi’yun (Emergency Room)

Not surprisingly, this is Ma’chon HaLev the Cardiac Institute

Modern equipment doesn’t always work. Dimitry here, with a Yiddish pun, calls it ‘my enemy.’

The residents need coffee to start the day as much as I do.

Ivona Horn is the director of the ward. An immigrant from Poland, she tries to ‘polish’ her English.

Eli Hazani, the head of medicine, says Ivona’s English is already Polish enough.

Tsvi Zaks from America.

AKKOAKKO - - עכועכו• Akko is an ancient port city with a Akko is an ancient port city with a

mixed Arab Jewish population. It mixed Arab Jewish population. It boasts some wonderful restaurants boasts some wonderful restaurants along the walls of the old Crusader along the walls of the old Crusader forts.forts.

If an Arab family invites you for dinner, bring yourappetite and forget your diet.

Arab hospitality is legendary for a good reason.

The Marina with the ancient fort in the background.

A friend of mine, Joel Chezar, owns part of a sailboat.

A friend, Joel Chezar, is part owner . of a sailboat

• And he’s happy to take visitors for a sail.

And he’s happy to take visitors for a sail.

HAIFA - HAIFA - חיפהחיפה• Haifa is one of Israel’s most active ports,

and a major population center.

• Like Aco, the city has a mixed population of Arabs and Jews.

• The Bahai religion is headquartered here.

The Bihai gardens are nothing short of exquisite.

The Gulf of Haifa.

Mosque towers seen through the arch of an ancient church.

JERUSALEM - ירושליםJerusalem is both the political and the spiritual capitol of Israel.The ‘New City’ is modern, and the ‘Old City’ looks, in part, like the 18th century.Arabs live in the East and Jews live in the West of the city. Whether the city will end up being split in two is a major question.

Yad v’Shem is the Holocaust Memorial Museum,and is essential for any visitor to Jerusalem.

Partisans’ monument.

Garden of the Righteous Gentiles.

Hills of Jerusalem – the new city(from Yad v’Shem)

He’s an 84 year old Holocaust survivor who says, “Life is wonderful since I’ve found Viagra.”

Old city walls

Wall of the Old City near Yaffa Gate.

Old City inside Yaffa Gate

Old City inside the Yaffa Gate.

Cardo

The Cardo (remains of an ancient Roman market.)

Flags in the Kotel Plaza

The Western Wall (Kotel)

But all vacations must come to an end.