Israel’s Ministry of Tourism recently hosted 160 tourism delegates from around the world to deliver the message that even with the recent issues in Gaza, Israel is dynamic, compelling and definitely “open for business” from worldwide tourism. The Tourism Ministry’s effort to get this message across to its tourism industry invitees was remarkable.
Of the 160 international invitees, there were 32 of us in the U.S. delegation. Russia was next, with 20 delegates, followed by delegates from all of the E.U. countries, England, Brazil, Argentina, Australia, Japan, South Korea and China. It was a truly major international promotional effort by the government of Israel. Our contingent arrived three days after the brokered ceasefire – cessation by the terrorists of firing rockets from Gaza into Israel and of Israeli return fire. The Israeli army, including tens of thousands of reservists, was still poised at the border, not knowing whether the cease-fire would hold. I expected a palpable air of tension would hover over the
country.
Rather, that evening, we were en route to the gorgeous Tel Aviv Opera House for a sold-out performance of Alban Berg’s “Wozzeck,” featuring native Israeli performers and visiting European artists. We drove through streets full of sizzle and energy – cafes were packed, people everywhere – life, ongoing normal life. Welcome to Israel!
The next day, Friday, the Ministry provided a car and driver for me to enable me to reach our contingent’s next stop prior to the early winter onset of Shabbat. Where else but in Israel is special arrangement made by a government ministry to accommodate one observant Jew! The day was a bright and sunny 70 degrees when my driver pulled up to the hotel entrance at noon for the three-hour drive to the Dead Sea resort town of Ein Bokek. He stuck out his hand: “Hello. My name is Zvika Abramovicz.”
As we drove, this large, soft-spoken man and I talked about current events. I asked whether he felt the troops should have gone into Gaza. When he briefly glanced at me before replying, I saw a look of great sadness. “As a young man of 20, I fought in the Sinai campaign in the 1973 war. I was in the Armored Corps. My tank received a direct hit. I was gravely wounded, spent a year in hospitals. I was permanently disabled because of my wounds. In answer to your question, once a cease-fire was achieved I absolutely agree with the government’s decision not to send the boys in. Unless absolutely necessary, no boys sent to war to die; no boys sent to war to be injured.”
I was moved to silence by the words of this strong man who has endured a lifetime of pain. As we approached Jerusalem on the high-speed road from Tel Aviv, we by-passed the center of the city and got on the highway to the Jericho junction and on to the Dead Sea. “Over there,” he said pointing to the left, “you can see the rooftops of Ramallah.” With glowing pride he pointed toward the opposite hillside: “Over here are some of our new satellite-towns being built ringing Jerusalem Ramat Shlomo, Maale Adumim.”
A thrilling feeling of pride rose within me as I felt the emotion in the voice of this man who had sacrificed so much to witness the present reality of the State of Israel. A few minutes previously, we had passed the exit that leads to the village of Anathoth, birthplace of the prophet Jeremiah. Indeed, according to Jeremiah’s
words, the displaced remnant had truly returned to Zion and, before my eyes, were building up the Land. During those three hours spent talking a bond developed between us. Upon arrival at my Dead Sea hotel, we shook hands and then, instinctively, gave each other the kind of warm hug that brothers give to one another. I was so moved but, after all, wasn’t this family!
Ein Bokek is a beautiful, palm-fringed seaside town with several spectacular resorts. It is a perfect location to enjoy floating in the salt-laden Dead Sea, to enjoy the relaxing swimming pool and spa amenities, and to use as an excursion base for nearby sites. Nearby is the ancient mountain-top fortress of Masada, the national reserve of Ein Gedi, the ancient Biblical site where David hid from the wrath of King Saul and Ahava’s Dead Sea factory and on-site store.
Our contingent ended our Israel stay with a visit to Jerusalem. Prior to the reservist Gaza call-up, I had made plans to meet my Israeli tourism counterpart, who is also a reservist Israel Defense Forces lieutenant colonel, for lunch. A week before my scheduled departure to Israel, incoming rockets from Gaza increased to the point I was concerned my friend would be called up to active duty. I wrote him a few words: “If you’re called up for duty, may you go safely and may you return safely. IDF, as always, but especially this Shabbat, will be in my prayers … My ticket for Israel was issued today.” That night, he was ordered to report to the front. I expected I
would not be seeing him in Jerusalem.
A day before my departure to Israel, upon news of the ceasefire, I received the following email from him: “Thank you again for your concern. It warms my heart to know that in some remote place in the other side of the world, one Jew is praying for his fellow Jew to return home safely. This is definitely one of the reasons that our people stood still against all sorts of evil we faced during our long history. Thank you for that. I look forward to seeing you.” “I look forward to seeing you!” I was delighted we would, after all, see each other for lunch. And indeed we did, at a subterranean lunch spot just outside Jaffa Gate, entry point to the walled Old City. I asked him the same question that I had asked Zvika Abramovicz several days earlier, ‘Should the troops have gone into Gaza?”
He did not hesitate in his reply, “Yes, we should have gone in and finished the job.” “But,” I asked, remembering Zvika’s words, “what about the resulting casualties?”
“We needed to finish the job. My troops wanted to go. They were trained to go, and they were ready to go. It will only become more difficult next time,” he responded, with complete certainty in his voice, befitting the absolute confidence of a commander of troops.
Two Zionists, Zvika and my lunch companion. Two brave warriors in battle. Even now, I think of the contrasting words of both. Both, of course, are right.
Daily life does go on. Here’s a sample of tourism options:
• A fun new cycling tour in Tel Aviv – for the young and the youngat- heart and families with children – includes the beautiful Tel Aviv beaches, trendy and quaint Neve
Tzedek quarter, and the architecturally significant Tel Aviv White City. The three-hour tour departs daily at 9:30 am and 2:30 pm year-round, excluding rainy days, Saturdays and Yom Kippur.
• There is great excitement in Jerusalem and internationally about the special exhibit that opened Feb. 12 at the Israel Museum: Herod the Great: The King’s Final Journey.
The Israel Museum, an architectural gem itself, invites viewers to take a walk through time to learn more about the man responsible for building Masada, Caesarea, the Second Temple and many other stunning archeological sites. The show features a replica of the newly discovered burial chamber where one of the great builders of ancient times was laid to rest. For lovers of history and archeology this exhibit runs through Oct. 5.
During my week visit, I saw that Israel is open for businesses open for international tourists, open for discovery. Its combination of ancient treasures and modern pleasures is breathtaking in its scope and variety. And the people you meet and speak with there will retain a spot in your thoughts and a special place in your
heart.
Scottsdale resident Murray Rosenbaum is a veteran tourism-industry professional and a contracts attorney. His travel articles have appeared in the Boston Globe, San Francisco Chronicle, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Milwaukee Journal. He can be reached at mrosenbaum1@cox.net.
For those contemplating a visit to Israel, visit goisrael.com for tips and planning help
