The Crusaders
The Crusaders' mark on the Holy Land is clearly visible across Israel's landscape, despite the fact that it's been almost a thousand years since they first came to the Holy Land. There are dozens of Crusader sites that can be visited by tourists and more than 1200 places of Crusader significance that have been positively identified.

Biblical Places and People
As you travel the length and breadth of Israel - almost anywhere you go - you're bound to find a place that has some biblical significance. Aphek, Mt. Tabor, and the Valley of Elah are just some of the places you can visit. Walk in the footsteps of The Philistines and Israelites, David and Goliath, Deborah and Barak, and The Midianites. Visit the site where the Israelites suffered one of their greatest defeats, the loss of The Ark of the Covenant.

Wide Open Spaces
Take in some of Israel's wide open spaces. Whether you want to learn about plants in Biblical and Talmudic times, visit a bird observatory, tour the manicured grounds of botanical gardens or visit Israel's newest National Park, this issue offers a variety of ideas for enjoying the outdoors.

The Pioneers
They came from abroad to build a new life, in a far away land. Most of them were educated and had no experience in hard physical labor or farming. They battled the harships, drained swamps, built roads and laid the foundations for numerous organizations that shaped the new Jewish homeland in the years to come.

Fun for Kids & Their Families in Israel
Read about a variety of fun and educational tourist attractions with your children/grandchildren in mind. Find out where you can learn about silk and honey production from biblical to modern times. Visit a monkey park, a place with thousands of birds, a carnivorous plant nursery and a park where kids can play in an orange grove. Or, walk the streets of the capital city, in search of lions!

Sculpture, Arts & Crafts
Environmental sculptures, Jewish Italian art, reviving the art of Jewish papercuts and a twice weekly art & craft fair are just some of the items featured in the current issue.

A Culinary Exploration of Israel
In culinary terms, Israel offers an extremely varied selection. With people from over 80 countries, it is truly a culinary and ethnic melting pot. Don't pass up the opportunity to sample some of the different foods and rich flavors offered by Israel's diverse culinary background, on your next trip.

The Israeli Wine Revolution
Israel is a country steeped in the traditions of winemaking. There are 145 wineries in Israel (some producing as few as 600 bottles and some up to 13 million annually), including an ever increasing number of boutique wineries. Numerous wineries are open to the public and offer wine-tastings.

Bauhaus Architecture in Tel Aviv
Whether you call it Bauhaus or International Style architecture, Tel Aviv is still the only city in the world that houses such a large collection of buildings designed in this style. It evolved in Germany in the 1920's, came to an abrupt end (in Germany) with the Nazi's rise to power and continued to develop in the U.S. and elsewhere. In Tel Aviv of the 1930's, Bauhaus architecture flourished, as is evidenced by many of the wonderful buildings that line the city's streets.

Beyond the Sea of Galilee (Lake Kinneret)
On the way to the Sea of Galilee, there are numerous wonderful places to stop. Here, we feature just a few of them. You may wish to combine these places with those featured in our March 2000 issue.

Rehovot and Vicinity
Rehovot is a world-renowned scientific hub not usually associated with tourism. Whether you want to visit a former clandestine munition factory, the house of the first president of Israel, explore an outdoor science garden or spend a day at the beach, this area has a lot to offer that will be both educational and fun.

The Olive Culture of the Holy Land -
Celebrating the Olive Harvest. The olive tree has been a symbol of hope, beauty, peace and fertility. From biblical to modern times the people of the land of Israel have had a long association with the olive tree, its fruit, and the oil extracted from it.

Best of Gems Collection -
One-year Anniversary Issue
We spotlight Israel's lesser known Gems, great places and people. Whether you're interested in the history of Israel, art and museums, archaeology, special events, national parks, or holy sites, you are bound to find something of interest in our off the beaten path Gems. Sign up to receive a free subscription via email and the most current issue will be sent to you at the end of every month.

The Judean Hills
Only a short ride from Jerusalem, spend a day trip in the beautiful countryside. Where, music, caves, theology, sculpture, archaeological replicas and ancient agricultural methods provide much enjoyment in natural surroundings. Beit Shemesh and Beit Jamal, Ein Karem, and Sataf are just some of the wonders that await you.

Acre - a 4,000 Year Old City
Step back in time as you walk this ancient port city. The city is the former capital of the Crusader kingdom and the birthplace of the Bahai religion. A Hospitaller Castle, Templar tunnel and the largest prison during the British Mandate (now a museum) can all be found here.

Remembering the Baron and his Father - Zichron Ya'acov.
It was one of the first settlements and its new inhabitants, pioneers of the First Aliyah weathered many hardships. Today it is thriving town, with the rare combination of being set on a mountain, but close to the sea.

Just Jerusalem - On the Seam.
In honor of Jerusalem Day (June 2nd this year) we are dedicating this issue to Jerusalem and the 'seam' within the city. Visit a number of attractions on the seam that separates the old from the new, the west from the east.

Israel's Independence and Memorial Days.
Shaar Ha-gai, The Church of the Ark, the village of Abu Gosh, the Deer Monument and MilitaryCemetery in Kibbutz Kiryat Anavim are just a few of sites located in area that played a crucial role in the battle of the road to Jerusalem during the War of Independence.

The Beit Shean and Jezreel Valleys.

Enjoy the splendor of nature, hike, have a picnic or simply drive along a scenic road. Sites of many biblical era triumphs and defeats come to life in this region where the Stockade and Tower settlements began. See where Israel's first king, Saul and his sons died, where Gideon administered the water test. Enjoy an Australian park, or visit a kibbutz that has an art museum, a petting zoo a great coffee shop and an antiques store.

Ideas for Planning a Bar/Bat Mitzvah in Israel.
If you've ever considered planning a Bar/Bat Mitzvah in Israel or taking your son or daughter on a special trip to Israel, read this issue of Gems in Israel. Learn about beautiful, inspiring places and a special competition just for Bnei Mitzvot.

Haifa - A City of Beauty and Coexistence.
Whether you like the beach, want to have a great picnic in the forests of the Carmel or take in some of Haifa's many sites, don't overlook this city. While many of its attractions are less well known, it really does have a lot to offer.

Year 2000 Events - Special Edition.
An issue that will continually be updated throughout the year with information about events in Israel during the year 2000. If you, or someone you know is planning a trip to Israel during the coming year, don't pass this up.

Explore Tel Aviv's small Museums.
From the place where Israeli independence was declared, the homes of a former Prime Minister and a national poet, to museums dedicated to some of Israel's best artists and pre-state underground defense forces.

Zippori - The Ornament of all of Galilee.
Only four miles from Nazareth lies the ancient city of Zippori. It features beautiful mosaics and an elaborate ancient reservoir. Primarily a Jewish city, it became the seat of a Christian bishopric in the 5th century CE. And here, on a hilltop there is a church and a watchtower in memory of Anne and Joachim, the parents of Mary, Mother of Jesus.

The Tower of David Museum of the History of Jerusalem and a special invitation from the Mayor of Jerusalem.