In 1986, after a series of dry winters caused the waters of the Sea of Galilee to recede, two fishermen brothers from Nof Ginosar discovered the hull of a first-century ancient boat mired in the mud of the lakebed. Some might say it was meant to be found. Either way, it was one of the...Read More

There are many stories which connect to the walls of Jerusalem, but it is the story of its gates which holds particular significance. And while the gates in biblical times were in slightly different locations, the present gates offer passage into the four quarters of the city are part of walls which were built in...Read More

Divers’ discoveries include gold ring with green gemstone carved with Christian image of the ‘Good Shepherd’ – an early depiction of Jesus – and carved image of ‘David’s Harp’. Marine archaeologists diving off the coast of Caesarea have discovered a number of ancient artifacts in recent months, including some dating back to the third century,...Read More

They shall build houses and inhabit them; They shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit. Isaiah 65:21 The people of Israel have been making wine for centuries—even as early as the time of Noah, where the Bible says he planted a vineyard and enjoyed its fruits (Genesis 9:20). Winemaking is referenced throughout the New Testament...Read More

What better way to celebrate the miracle of Jesus’ birth than to spend Christmas where He was born … in Israel! In a country where only 2.5% of the population identifies as Christian, Christmas still is a popular holiday across Israel, and is openly celebrated in many cities and towns. And if you need extra...Read More

Israel is renowned for many things, and arguably one of its most notable is its olive oil. Israel’s olive trees have dominated its landscape for centuries … perhaps millennia. According to estimates, of the 800 million olive trees worldwide, 93% grow in the Mediterranean region. A major cash crop, olive plantations comprise approximately 85,000 acres...Read More

Rana Fahoum, the Muslim CEO of the multicultural Christian YMCA, says it felt awesome to welcome the public back to this beloved annual event. “It felt awesome,” said Rana Fahoum, CEO of the Jerusalem International YMCA, the morning after at least 1,500 people watched the Christmas tree lighting on the regal building’s front lawn. “Last...Read More

In the far northwestern tip of Israel’s Western Galilee region, along the Mediterranean coastline, visitors will encounter the jagged white cliffs and clear turquoise waters of Rosh Hanikra. Long a favorite among tourists, Rosh Hanikra’s most notable features are the network of caves and grottoes carved into its white cliffs battered for centuries by the...Read More

Hanukkah, also known as the “Festival of Lights,” is a very special time of year for Jewish people in Israel and all over the world. The holiday originated over 2,000 years ago, when the Jewish people were ruled by the oppressive Syrian king Antiochus, who looted and desecrated the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem, outlawed the...Read More

Near the Old City of Jerusalem, in the foothills of the Mount of Olives, is the 20-mile long Kidron Valley. Also known as the biblical King’s Valley—derived from its location just east of the palace in the City of David— the Kidron Valley is mentioned multiple times throughout scripture, and has seen plenty of foot...Read More