Geography

Israel is located in the south-west of Asia, on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean coastline is the territory of the country is 230 km. Located on the borders of three continents, in the north of Israel is bordered by Lebanon in the north-east - with Syria in the east - with Jordan, in the south-west - with Egypt. In the south of the country has access to the Red Sea, to the east of the country are the Dead Sea and the Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Galilee.
 
The length of the state from north to south and 470 km from east to west at its widest point - 135 km. The total length of the borders of Israel - 1125 km.

The area within the borders of Israel and the cease-fire lines, including the Palestinian Authority, is 27.8 thousand km ², of which 6.22 km ² thousand fall to Judea, Samaria and the Gaza Strip, won by Israel during the 1967 war

Despite its history that spans more than four thousand years, the official status of the State of Israel was only May 14, 1948 - the day of the proclamation of the Declaration of Independence.

Climate

Israel's climate - subtropical, Mediterranean type, relatively humid in the north, semi-arid and arid in the south. Average January temperatures range from -6 to +18 C, in July - from 24 to 30 C, but the same temperature due to the difference in the humidity of air in different parts of the country is perceived differently. Annual precipitation is 100 to 800 mm per year, mostly in winter (November to March). Most rain falls usually in December-February.
Summers are long (April to October), hot and dry. In Eilat warm during the year (from April to October, the average temperature is about 26 C), while in the north and in the mountains, cool enough. In the summer of the Arabian and the Sinai desert winds blow hot dry up the "ball" and "khamsin" and frequent invasion of wet winter and warm air masses from the Mediterranean.

Capital

The capital of Israel - the ancient city of Jerusalem. According to the story, King David built Jerusalem and declared it the capital of his kingdom around 3 thousand years ago, and since then Jerusalem remained the capital of the Jewish state, until it was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD. Jewish people regained its independence in 1948 with the foundation of Israel, whose capital was again proclaimed Jerusalem. In Jerusalem, concentrated all symbols of state sovereignty of Israel: there is the residence of the President, the Knesset, the Government and the Supreme Court.

Jerusalem - the only city in the world, with more than seventy titles. In the heart of Jerusalem's Old City is surrounded by a wall and divided into four quarters: Jewish, Armenian, Christian and Muslim. Surrounded by walls are the main shrine of the three religions: Wailing Wall (Jewish shrine), the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Christian) and the Dome of the Rock on the Temple Mount (Muslim). Around the Western Wall are other important places for the Jews: the Western Wall Tunnels, the unique Davidson Center, the Jewish Quarter to the famous Tower of David and Cardo, proudly towering over the walls in all its glory.

Language

Israel - a multilingual country. Besides the two official languages - Hebrew and Arabic - are also common English, Russian, Spanish, French, Italian and Yiddish.
 
Currency

The official currency of Israel - New Shekel (NIS). One Dollar = 100 agorot, singular - "Agora." Now in Israel in circulation are banknotes of 200, 100, 50 and 20 shekels, coins of 1, 5 and 10 shekels, and 50, 20, 10 and 5 agorot.

The importation of foreign and local currency is unlimited. Currency can be exchanged at banks and specialized exchange offices. In many shopping malls and hotels are accepted hard currency (U.S. dollars are preferred.) The change in this may issue in shekels. In most stores, on the street, in transport and in the markets can only pay shekels.

Most banks are open from Sunday to Thursday from 8.30 am to 12.00 pm and on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday from 16.00 to 18.00. On the eve of major Jewish holidays, banks are open from 8.30 to 12.00. During holidays, most banks closed.

Credit cards are the world's leading payment systems are accepted almost everywhere. There is also widespread ATMs. Traveller's checks can be cashed in the departments of foreign exchange banks.

Time zone

Israel Local Time +2 GMT, coincides with the Kiev time.

Population

According to the Central Bureau of Statistics of Israel's 2010 population is 7,695,000 people. Of these, 5.802 million (75.4%) - the Jewish population, 1.573 million (20.5%) - the Arabs (including Muslim Arabs - Palestinians, Bedouins, Arab Christians) and 320 million (4.2 %) - Druze, Circassians (Circassians) and other minorities.

Religion

Today in Israel peacefully coexist three religions: Judaism, Islam and Christianity, whose shrines are located throughout the country. About 62% of Israel's population profess Judaism, over 13% of the population - Islam, about 5% of Israelis - Christianity, the other 20% - other faiths. Israelis are very religious people, and to preserve their traditions. When visiting holy places in Israel, wear a hat, it is forbidden to bare arms and legs.

Political Structure

According to its polity Israel - a parliamentary democracy with independent systems of the legislative, executive and judicial power. At the head of the country is the President, the legislative body is the Knesset (Parliament), executive and administrative - the government, the justice system are vessels, control over the actions of the government to exercise the State Comptroller.

Visa regime

On February 9, 2011 came into force an agreement on visa-free regime (type B2 visas) between Israel and Ukraine. Visit Israel without a visa can every Ukrainian provided such objectives of the trip as a guest, tourist, business, or for recovery. In Israel without a visa Citizens of Ukraine can be no more than 90 days in a semester. On arrival in Israel of foreign Ukrainian passport is stamped on arrival. Additional money for the stamp are not charged.

Visa-free travel is not a guarantee of entry into Israel, as the final decision to accept this Israeli border police. Every citizen of Ukraine to enter the State of Israel will have to confirm the purpose of their visit to the country.

In order to avoid problems at border control in Israel, it is recommended to bring the same documents that were previously required for a visa (this is not the rule, and only the tips). Optionally, these documents you will need when crossing the border, but better safe than sorry.

Free entry to Israel acts only in the presence of national foreign passports of citizens of Ukraine. Those citizens of Ukraine, who, instead of a national passport travel document for travel abroad, still have to apply for an entry visa to Israel. For example, for children's travel documents blue require a visa to enter Israel.

NOT required to issue a visa the child if:
1. If the child is recorded in the national foreign passport of a parent.
2. If a child has a national passport.

NOTE: Validity of passport should end no earlier than 6 months from the date of entry into the State of Israel.

Customs regulations

Import and export of currency is unlimited. At the entrance you can exchange currency for the required number of shekels, since only they have to pay for the internal circulation in the street markets, markets, transport, etc. Customs Service Israel maintains strict control over smuggling of antiquities and works of art, computer media and weapons.

Transport

Buses in Israel - the main form of public transport. Bus lines connect almost all towns, and in all the major cities there are any intercity buses. Ticket price for long-distance bus lines depends on the distance, the cost of travel by intercity lines defined in law.

Israel Railways is well developed. Valid w / w line run through densely populated coastal, northern, central and some southern parts of the country. On many routes used decker carriages. The ticket is bought not by train, and from point to point. At the same time, you can freely change from train to train in the direction of the paid. Rail transport bus rapid and more severe following schedule. The disadvantage of this mode of transport - a small number of stops and their distance from the city center. The fare on the train is often higher than the cost of a similar bus trip. Unlike buses, trains do not reach the most northern Israel (Galilee, Golan Heights) and the southernmost (Eilat). Machines to check w / a set of tickets at the entrance and at the exit from the station, so do not throw away the ticket to exit the station.

Minibus taxis operating in Israel, mostly in very busy lines and it can not carry the entire route of the corresponding flight bus. The fare to the taxi is lower than on the bus. In addition, the speed of the bus through the city above, and to the destination on the bus to get there quicker. However, the value set so that the tickets for the bus are economically profitable. So it makes sense to use the bus in case you need to make up to 10 trips (otherwise it is better to buy a profitable bus pass for 11 trips), or if you are late.

Taxis in Israel work in all areas of the country and are used within the city as well as on long-distance routes. This is the only mode of transport that runs on most of the country on Saturday and public holidays (except Yom Kippur). For service at night (from 21.00 to 5.30), as well as on Saturdays and holidays, will be charged a supplement of 25%. All intercity taxis have meters, which should always be included at the time of boarding passengers.

International air passengers are carried out mainly through the Airport. David Ben-Gurion in Lod, and through the airport of Eilat - Ovda. A small portion of international flights through the airport is Haifa. Airport near Tel Aviv - "Sde Dov" serves domestic flights (Eilat), and the airport to Jerusalem in 2000 is not used.

Shops

Shopping hours and institutions: Sunday-Thursday 8:30-13:00 and 16:00-19:00, Friday and eve of holidays 9:00-13:00. Markets are closed at night. Religious holidays affect the trade institutions. Trade stops before the Jewish holidays and there is no public holidays. Retail, Muslim-owned, closed on Fridays, and "Christian" - on Sundays.

You can pay for purchases in the local currency or in the undercarriage currency (dollar and euro). Tourists who make a purchase of over $ 100 (including VAT - 16.6%) in the shops - the VAT refund program participants registered with the Ministry of Tourism of Israel are entitled to a refund of value added tax. In these stores have a special pointer. Upon completion of purchase to verify the receipt of a special check for VAT refund, which contain all the information, including information about buying and buyer. Receipt and the product should be placed in the bag and seal it in the store. On arrival at the Airport. Ben-Gurion University, or any other point of exit from Israel to come to the department, "Shange place», which will need to show a passport, airline tickets or other travel, goods bought and check. Employee department will open the package, check the contents, sign the receipt and return you to VAT in any currency minus the fee. VAT refunds are not subject to the following products: food, beverages, tobacco, electronics, cameras, film and other equipment for filming.

Link

In Israel, the tourists can use either roaming in Ukraine, ordered by contacting your mobile phone company or to acquire an Israeli SIM Card in numerous kiosks and mobile phone cards. Telephone service in the hotel paid. Israel is also very common Internet connection, which can be either free or available for a fee.

Electricity

Electrical supply - 230V, frequency - 50 Hz. Plugs and sockets used the European model. Sockets are three jacks. You can connect both plugs with three, and two bars. Modern outlet adapted for use and obsolete (Type H), and advanced (type C) forks. The design of the wall outlet and a small difference of nominal voltage allows use of appliances, which were brought from the post-Soviet space.

Tip

Israel is considered more correct expression of gratitude: service personnel in the hotel - $ 1 a day, the tour guide - $ 2 a day, the driver - $ 1 a day. The restaurant tip is 10-12% of the total bill.
Holidays and observances in Israel


Jewish holidays, rooted in ancient times, deeply influences all aspects of national, social and political life. In Israel, live on the lunar calendar, and holidays here every year to change their number. Day off in Israel - Saturday - the Sabbath. On Shabbat does not work most of the public institutions - shops, banks, etc., as well as public transport, except taxis. Week in Israel begins with Sunday.

March.
Purim. Holiday in memory of the miraculous escape of the Jews in the Persian kingdom more than 2,400 years ago, during the reign of King Ahasuerus (Xerxes), known from the word "pur", which means "fate."

April.
Passover or Easter - the most ancient of Jewish holidays, it is associated with one of the most important events in Jewish history - with the Exodus from slavery in Egypt about 3,300 years ago, in 2448 on the Jewish calendar. During Passover, to be added to the usual rules of kashrut specific prohibitions related to leaven (chametz). All the days of the holiday is not only forbidden, but also own "chametz" in any form. In the hotels during the festival you will not find alcohol, made from cereals and bakery products.

May.
Holocaust Day (Yom HaShoah) - a national day of mourning in Israel and abroad, established by the Knesset in 1951. The day on which the world remembers the Jews who were victims of Nazism during World War II.

Remembrance Day (Yom Zikaron) - Memorial Day services to Israel's security and the victims of terror, the Israeli national holiday. Memorial Day is celebrated 4 Iyar on the Jewish calendar. Always followed Israel's Independence Day, which is celebrated on 5 Iyar. Both days can change your date a day earlier, on 3rd and 4th of Iyar, respectively, if the 5 Iyar falls on a Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath. On this day commemorating IDF soldiers who fell in the Arab-Israeli conflict or the line of duty, police officers, and representatives of other security services.

Independence Day (Yom Ha'atzmaut) - the main national holiday in Israel. May 14, 1948 (5 Iyar on the Jewish calendar), the day when the deadline for the British Mandate, David Ben-Gurion at a meeting at the Tel Aviv Museum read the Declaration of Independence of the new state, got its official name - Medinat Yisrael (the State of Israel). In Israel, the holiday is celebrated the ceremonial reception at times military parades and mass celebrations.

June.
Shavuot - the holiday of the Torah (the moral law) to free the Jewish people. This day is a weekend in Israel. According to legend, on this day Moses received the tablets from Mount Sinai with the Ten Commandments of the Covenant. Festive meal on Shavuot always includes milk and flour foods such as cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese pancakes, pies, cakes, gingerbread and honey, dumplings, cakes or pancakes with cheese.

August
9 Av - a national day of mourning for the Jewish people - the day destroyed the First and Second Temple in Jerusalem. On this day, do not eat, do not drink, do not wear leather shoes. Lent begins with the 8 pm accident a few minutes before sunset and ends when the stars appeared in the sky the evening of the 9th of Av.

September.
Rosh Hashanah - the Jewish national holiday celebrates the creation of the world, it symbolizes the beginning of a new year, and the completion of the outgoing year. Is celebrated for two days of the entire population of Israel.

October.
Judgment Day (Yom Kippur), the tenth day of the Jewish new year - the day of redemption, and the Supreme Court. This is the only day in the year when the Torah instructs the person not to engage in anything other than the analysis of their actions and thoughts. On the eve of Yom Kippur is eaten "sharing a meal," after which the outcome until the Day of Judgment - a strict fast. Synagogues filled with people: come, even those who have not been there for a year, will be closed all institutions and enterprises, not working transport, radio and television.

Sukkot begins on the 15th day of the year (15 Tishrei) and lasts seven days, this is the time when farmers, completing the harvest, can relax before the first rains. Sukkot in Israel (as well as the other pilgrimage festivals - Passover and Shavuot) is celebrated one day. After the first day of celebration comes the so-called poluprazdniki: pupils and students are not learning, and in enterprises and institutions adopted or take leave or work half a day.

Simchat Torah - "the joy of the Torah", a Jewish holiday celebrated immediately after Sukkot. This day ends with the annual cycle of Torah reading and immediately starts a new one.

December.
Hanukkah - Jewish holiday candles that are lit in honor of the miracle that occurred at the dedication of the Temple after the victory over the forces of Judah Maccabee armies of King Antiochus in 164 BC. This holiday begins the 25th of the Hebrew month of Kislev and lasts for eight days.

Main Attractions

Israel is not only interesting antiquities and religious shrines. This is a very young, modern, rapidly changing country with a developed tourist infrastructure. Here you will find something and rest for every taste: well-groomed beaches and luxury hotels, scenic reserves, traveling by jeep in the desert Negev, treatment in a unique natural complex of Dead Sea Resorts on Mount Hermon, scuba diving in the deep of the Red Sea and the Mediterranean participation in an archaeological excavation. Everyone finds something different in Israel, and for themselves.

Jerusalem. For Christians, Jerusalem has a very special meaning: it is here that the most dramatic phase of the unfolding life of Jesus Christ: he lived, performed miracles, was crucified and resurrected. In one only Christian quarter is about 40 places of worship (churches, monasteries, and inns for pilgrims). One of the most famous sites of the Christian quarter is the Via Dolorosa - "sorrowful way", which, according to Christian tradition, Jesus was from the judgment seat to Golgotha. Many pilgrims come to Jerusalem to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. To the south-west of the old town is Mount Zion, and on it - Church of the Assumption, in which, according to Christian tradition, Jesus' mother, Mary spent the last night before his death. To the east of the old town is the Mount of Olives, and on it - other important Christian relics and several churches: the Church of the Ascension, Church of the Pater Noster, Dominus Flevita, Church of Mary Magdalene, Gethsemane Church, the Church of Lazarus and the Monastery of Abraham. In the valley of Kidron foot Mount of Olives, in Christian tradition, is the tomb of Mary.

Tel Aviv - the largest industrial and commercial city of the country, a thriving economic and cultural center, and the unofficial capital of Israel. In Tel Aviv, not many ruins, cathedrals, castles, it is only part of the larger city of Tel Aviv-Jaffa. Jaffa - the ancient part of the city, which has a rich history, and kept its biblical flavor. This is where the prophet Jonah sailed his ship in Tarsus, trying in vain to avoid the fulfillment of God's commandments - to go to preach in the vicious city of Nineveh. Miracle Healing Tabitha was committed by the Apostle Paul, when he lived in Jaffa, in the house of Simon the tanner. And according to Greek mythology, the beautiful Andromeda, the daughter of King of Jaffa, he was chained to a cliff near the port in order to sacrifice her sea monster, and rescued her Perseus on his white winged horse. Jaffa has retained its oriental flavor today. In this part of Tel Aviv are also artists village, numerous art galleries, artisan shops, tourist shops, the best fish restaurants and nightclubs.

Haifa - a picturesque town situated on the slopes of the biblical Mount Carmel. It is the third largest city in Israel, and this is one of the rare places of the Holy Land, is not mentioned in the Bible. Haifa is built as if in three levels, the first of which - the beach, the second - in the foothills of the Carmel ridge - Hadar - the central business district and the old residential quarters. The third level - a new quarters climbing up to the top of the ridge, which is located on the top of Carmel Center with the most beautiful houses and luxury hotels.
Mount Carmel, in the gardens of Persia, is the Bahai temple, whose golden dome is a symbol of the city. Baha'i faith, one of the branches of Islam preaches brotherhood, love and charity. Its followers believe that Moses, Jesus, Buddha and Muhammad were sent by God to various parts of the world at different times, and they bring into the World the same philosophy.

Acre - a city of the Crusaders, recently opened to the public after restoration, where it survived the great hall, with powerful arches. Upon entering the room, immediately transported to the times of knights. The same feeling appears when you visit the crypt, a huge hall for receptions and ceremonies. According to legend, there was once a guest of Marco Polo. Mosque of al-Jazari was built on the remains of the Church of the Crusaders. Its walls are decorated with murals, floors are covered with luxurious Persian carpets. Next to the mosque is the tomb of El - Jazar. It stores three hairs from the beard of the Prophet Muhammad.

Safed - the city of artists and musicians. It is also a city synagogues, the ancient capital of the Galilee, located at an altitude of 800 m above sea level. Safed - one of the four holy cities of Judaism and the World Center for Kabbalah.

Eilat - an ancient city, has been around since King Solomon (near the present Eilat for a "King Solomon's Mines" - mine production of copper). Today Eilat - not just Israel's largest port on the Red Sea. This famous resort and tourist center with an international airport. It built the first class hotels and beautiful beaches. Rich underwater world the Gulf of Eilat - a paradise for divers. One of the main attractions of Eilat waters - coral reefs. In addition, Eilat is a zone of free trade. Recently, many new hotels in the style, such as locks to oriental, Thai village, or reminiscent of a tropical garden.