ISRAEL : A LOVE STORY

I have been lucky to visit Israel three times so far in 2018 and more importantly to be present there on 1 Tishrei 5779..the beginning of the Jewish New Year. Here is a photographic homage to this vibrant, innovative country, one of the more advanced countries in the world, despite the fact that the modern state of Israel is only 70 years old. Democracy, Nationalism, Desire to serve people as well as the world in general all are present. In this technological world, regardless of which part of the world you live in, you are either using some Israeli technology or innovation. Try to boycott Israeli inventions, and you would be living in the 19th Century!
here is a list of Israeli innovations!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Israeli_inventions_and_discoveries
It felt so good to be in Israel. I begin to understand some of the Israeli characteristics and behaviour, in the context of where they are and where they came from.
Unlike what you read in some of the newspapers, the interactions with Arabs living in Israel were pleasant and in Haifa you feel safer than you would in many American Cities!

 The Chances are that you would arrive in Tel Aviv around midnight or later. Interesting to watch the arrival information: many flights from Russia, Ukraine, Eastern Europe along with Turkey and Greece. (my flight from Athens to Tel Aviv was just one hour and half)

 I was waiting at the Arrivals area for a couple of hours before I caught a train to Haifa. It was very interesting to watch who was coming to Israel: Jews and Non-Jews alike. There is an increase in tourism from Asia, I could see Chinese, Indian and Korean tourists. Hainan Airlines just introduced the first non stop flight between Israel and China

 Israeli breakfasts come with a variety of salads and of course, it is all the food that I like.

A visit to Technion University which is like Harvard and MIT combined me of what I already believed in: Israel IS the start up nation and the hub of innovation for the ENTIRE world. A brief discussion with a Professor of Food Technology gave me some ideas of how to help the Native Americans with their Nutrition.

 Fresh fruits and vegetables are available fairly easily so most of the food consumed are freshly prepared.

 At every meal there would be fruits and vegetables and of course, most of the fruits and vegetables are seasonal and grown in Israel

 Right on the beach there are restaurants, very busy with people just shooting breeze (like the americans would say). Reminded me very much of St Kilda and Acland street.

 as usual, lots of vegetables and this one has a little bit more european orientation than the middle eastern one.

 Pita is so common here that all supermarkets are overflowing with them.

One of the many, many services to the older people is free gifts of newspapers to them at Petrol Stations. I am impressed with the medical care (which is free) to the population especially the older people. 

 abundant local vegetables, being prepared into special dishes for Rosh Hashonnah.

It was good to take advantage of pomegranates and in the arab quarter, one could drink freshly squeezed juice. It felt good after a nice falafel sandwich.

 How could one not be happy? 

 How do they do it ?

 There are lots of Arab restaurants, which is good as Jewish Restaurants are closed on Jewish Holidays and the place was full of regulars enjoying the Israeli cuisine

Haifa with its hilly geography is a good place to watch the sunsets over the mediterranean.

 The Israeli population is generally very health conscious. The beach is never far away and fully taken advantage of. there are herbs and spices galore available. Quite a few places to buy organic food supplies.

 Israel has culinary contributions from all parts of the world. Morocco and Tunisia has heavily contributed to the Israeli cuisine such as the one above, a fish dish influenced by Morocco.
Shakshuka influenced by Tunisian cuisine is now a staple breakfast dish in Israel and it is the face of Israeli cuisine in other countries

 You can see some of the dishes for the New Year Feast.

 My younger brother is an artist-chef and this is his preparation of a fruit place

 part of the cookbook library of my brother..He is a serious student of cooking 

 It was nice to see guava, made me think of my Isla Rica, Cuba.

 To introduce good foods to his children, my brother makes dishes such as above to which children are attracted. I did not see many Israeli children drinking coca-cola or eating french fries.

From Mount Carmel, one can have a bird's eye view of the bustling city of Haifa dn also what was its historic centre. Akko is in the distance and over the hills lie Syria and Lebanon to the North

 Who has the best Falafel in Wadi Nisnas? Of Course, Georg! The medical students at Technion even gave him a plaque

 George's Falafel has been around. The owner, behind, bought it from the founder and now runs it with the help of his sons.Very busy at any time of the day 

 A very tasty lamb dish influenced by Moroccan Jews

 These falafels are more than a meal. There is an Israeli Falafel joint in Marais in Paris, always with a line, with Israeli ambiance 

 Old fashioned barber shops always attract me .. reminded me of the ones in Old Habana.

Michelle Falafel is just across the street from George's, also equally busy. Next time, would taste falafel here and give you the verdict. 

So a stay in Israel is good for your body, your soul, your mind and needless to stay your stomach.

and you would say as you go back to your countries

The Future is HERE