Bible Land Flights offers a high quality sightseeing experience for the discerning traveller.   It provides a bird's-eye-view of Israel, emphasizing the geographical and historical contexts of the magnificent archaeological sites where Biblical events took place, ranging through the pre-historic, Canaanite, Israelite, Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Crusader periods.

May 16-28, 2010

Full Itinerary & Application can be viewed & downloaded at: www.israeltour.com/rmiller.php

Sunday, May 16 USA Departure

Monday, 17 May - When You Come Into the Land (Deut 26:1)

Mid-afternoon arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport, to be met and assisted by your ITC representative - Ascent to Jerusalem Gaze upon the Old City of Jerusalem from the Haas Promenade, as did Abraham at the dawn of Jewish history; take in the breathtaking view Hotel check-in and welcome dinner Overnight: King Solomon Hotel, Jerusalem

Tuesday, 18 May - Jerusalem of Old

Enter the Old City of Jerusalem for the first time and stop for prayer and reflection at the Kotel. In the Kotel Tunnels, walk alongside the massive foundation stones of the Western Wall. Explore the Southern Wall Excavations and take a virtual, computerized "walk" through the ancient Temple Mount at the Davidson Center. Travel through many centuries as you encounter the Jewish Quarter, including time for lunch (on one's own) in the Cardo. Return to the hotel to rest and prepare for the evening's program. Early evening: Shavuot evening services at a choice of local synagogues (suggestions, directions to be provided) Festive holiday dinner at the hotel. Evening: Participate in a choice of engaging Torah study programs (in English) at a variety of wonderful Jerusalem venues Very early (Wednesday) morning: Join with thousands of others as they walk through the streets of Jerusalem in the ancient tradition of Jewish holiday pilgrimage to the Temple Mount. Then, at dawn, take part in egalitarian Shavuot services at Robinson's Arch (the "Masorti Kotel") Walk back to the hotel for (Wednesday) breakfast followed by time to catch up on well-deserved sleep! Overnight: King Solomon Hotel, Jerusalem

Wednesday, 19 May - Shavuot in Jerusalem

Early afternoon wake-up - Sumptuous Shavuot lunch buffet at the hotel Late afternoon walking tour to Montefiore's Windmill and through the Yemine Moshe Neighborhood; continue to Ketef Hinom to view the site of one of the most ancient archeological discoveries in Jerusalem Havdalah under the stars with Rabbi Miller Free evening in Jerusalem Overnight: King Solomon Hotel, Jerusalem

Thursday, 20 May - Making a Difference

Stumble across many authentic archeological finds in a hands-on dig through archeological matter that has been dumped into Emek Tzurim from under the Temple Mount. Visit the new state-of-the-art Memorial Museum, Children's Memorial, and Valley of the Communities at Yad Vashem Take in a truly enjoyable multi-media presentation about the life of the Father of Modern Zionism at the newly opened Herzl Museum Visit colorful, bustling Mahaneh Yehuda open-air market as Jerusalem prepares for Shabbat. Evening: Attend The Night Spectacular, the fabulous new sound and light show at the Tower of David Museum. Free time for dinner (on one's own) in the new Mamilla Mall. Overnight: King Solomon Hotel, Jerusalem

Friday, 21 May - Freedom Fighters or Fanatics?

Early departure for the Dead Sea Region Ascend Masada by cable car for a tour of this magnificent excavation and a discussion of the terrible dilemma faced by its Jewish population during Roman times. Enjoy a walk through the beautiful Ein Gedi Nature Reserve and review the biblical story of kings David and Saul "on site" Stop for a dip in the amazing Dead Sea Return to Jerusalem to prepare for Shabbat Kabbalat Shabbat as a group overlooking the Old City or at a choice of neighborhood synagogues (suggestions,  irections to be provided) Shabbat dinner at the hotel Overnight: King Solomon Hotel, Jerusalem

Shabbat, 22 May - Shabbat in Jerusalem - Parashat Naso

Shabbat services at the synagogue of your choice Sumptuous Shabbat lunch buffet at the hotel Shabbat walking tour into Old City. Visit the Tower of David Museum for a wonderful presentation of the history of the city. Continue the walk through the colorful quarters of Jerusalem's Old City including a visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and the Coptic Village Havdalah with Rabbi Miller Free evening out on the town in JerusalemOvernight: King Solomon Hotel, Jerusalem

Sunday, 23 May - The Jordan River Valley

Visit Lifeline for the Old, a moving crafts workshop that employs Jerusalemelderly. Enjoy shopping for unique hand-crafted Judaica items in their store. We depart Jerusalem and travel north along Israel's border with Jordan Group may split: Tour the remarkable excavation of the ancient Roman city of Beit Shean, including a magnificent Cardo, Roman baths, many residences, and amphitheatre OR Swim in the wondrous natural pools at Sachne,fed by underground springs (towel needed) Continue north for hotel check-in and dinner Overnight: Kibbutz Hagoshrim Hotel, Galilee

Monday, 24 May - In the Footsteps of Defenders and Pioneers

Ascend the Golan Heights and gaze down over the Galilee from Tel Faher,as the Syrians once did; enter former Syrian bunkers and learn how master spy, Eli Cohen, revealed their secrets; discuss the geopolitics of the region Take a nature walk through the scenic Saluki Springs and see ruins of both a Hasmonean village and a Syrian army encampment; dip your toes in cool natural waters. Visit Gamla, called the "Masada of the North," and learn about its valiant story; take in beautiful views and the spectacle of eagles swooping in to roost. Visit the charming new artist village at Moshav Aniam on the Golan Heights, followed by dinner there at the lovely Suzanna Bistro (steak) Overnight: Kibbutz Hagoshrim Hotel, Galilee \

Tuesday, 25 May - In the Footsteps of Sages and Mystics

Explore the magnificently excavated ancient city of Tzippori, home to Rabbi Judah the Prince; discover ancient beauty and evidence of a community in which Jews and Romans coexisted peacefully Tour the synagogues,  courtyards, and shops of the mystical city of Tzefat. Meet with a Tzefat kabbalistic artist in his gallery to explore Jewish mysticism through the prism of his creations. Enjoy a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Kinneret (from Ginnosar) Free evening on the Tiberias promenade. Overnight: Kibbutz Hagoshrim Hotel, Galilee

Wednesday, 26 May - Israeli Communities

Bid farewell to the eastern Galilee as we plant a tree in Israeli soil in honor or in memory of a loved one. Please choose one for the group: Visit our Partnership 2000 Region in the Central Galilee and spend some time this morning with our Israeli peers; lunch in our partnership region and lunch to be arranged by P2K); OR Visit the cultural museum of Kfar Kama, home to Israel's Circassian community; learn about their unique customs and traditions and taste some of their special foods Walk through the fascinating, ancient, underground Roman water system at Alona Park near Binyamina (strap-on water shoes, small towel needed) Enjoy a tour and taste the fruits of the region in the form of award-winning wines at the lovely Tishbi Winery Continue south for hotel check-in, followed by a free evening in Tel Aviv. Overnight: Dan Panorama Hotel, Tel Aviv

Thursday, 27 May - The Modern Hebrew State

At Independence Hall, relive Ben Gurion's moving declaration of the State Enjoy an impressive presentation of the amazing achievements of the Palmach at the multi-media Palmach Museum (if available) Give something of yourself to Israel as you take part in the mitzvah of "leket" and harvest crops to be distributed to the poor at Table to Table Return to the hotel to freshen up, pack Delicious farewell dinner at Maganda Yemenite Restaurant Depart for the airport

Friday, 28 May - A Temporary Departure

Return to the USA

Begin planning your next Israel trip with Rabbi Miller and ITC Tours!

For information and application forms, please contact ITC Tours: 800-247-7235 Or Rabbi Jason Miller: 248-535-7090 or rabbi@tchiyah.org

Jerusalem (CNN) -- Archaeologists in Israel say they have discovered the remains of a home from the time of Jesus in the heart of Nazareth.The Israeli Antiquities Authority said the find "sheds light on the way of life at the time of Jesus" in the Jewish settlement of Nazareth, where Christians believe Jesus grew up.The find marks the first time researchers have uncovered the remains of a home in Nazareth from that time period, the Israeli Antiquities Authority said in a statement."The building that we found is small and modest and it is most likely typical of the dwellings in Nazareth in that period," Yardenna Alexandre, excavation director for the authority, said in the statement.

"Until now a number of tombs from the time of Jesus were found in Nazareth; however, no settlement remains have been discovered that are attributed to this period."Christians believe that Mary, the mother of Jesus, lived in Nazareth with her husband, Joseph. They believe Mary was in Nazareth when the angel Gabriel revealed that Mary would give birth to the son of God, a baby to be named Jesus.A number of burial caves that date to the early Roman period also were discovered close to the inhabited area during the excavations, the authority said.The discovery was made in the modern city of Nazareth during an excavation in advance of construction of the International Marian Center of Nazareth, which will illustrate the life of Mary.An association in Nazareth plans to conserve and display the home's remains in the center. It will be built next to the Church of the Annunciation, which stands on the spot where Catholics believe Mary once lived.

The Church of the Annunciation is in the heart of Nazareth, above an older church and atop the ruins of a church from the Byzantine period.In the middle of these churches is a cave that was believed in antiquity to be the home of Jesus' family. Researchers found storage pits and cisterns in the compound of the Church of the Annunciation, many of which date to the time of Jesus, Israeli archaeologists said. In the excavation, a large, broad wall that dates to the 15th century was exposed. It was constructed on top of and used the walls of an ancient building, the statement said.

This earlier building -- the one that dates to the time of Jesus -- consisted of two rooms and a courtyard in which a rock-hewn cistern collected rainwater. Few artifacts were recovered from inside the building -- mostly fragments of pottery vessels from the first and second centuries.Also, researchers found several fragments of chalk vessels, which were used by Jews in this period because such vessels were not susceptible to becoming ritually unclean, researchers said.Another hewn pit, whose entrance was apparently camouflaged, was excavated and a few pottery fragments from the early Roman period were found inside it."Based on other excavations that I conducted in other villages in the region, this pit was probably hewn as part of the preparations by the Jews to protect themselves during the great revolt against the Romans in [A.D.] 67," Alexandre said.

Condé Nast readers in the United States have placed the Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea and Mövenpick Resort Petra in the top ten best resorts in the Middle East.Earlier in the year readers of Condé Nast Traveller United Kingdom voted Zara Spa at Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea as global overall winner of the Destination Spa category.

• Arrive in Israel to be met and assisted at Ben Gurion Airport by your ITC representative
• Our tour begins this morning as we depart the airport for Israel’s north (today’s program depends on arrival time of group flight)
• At Kibbutz Ein Shemer, enjoy hands-on group activities that simulate the life of Israel’s early kibbutz pioneers, such as baking bread in their original wood-burning oven, pitching a tent, building a mosaic floor, and solving early kibbutz members’ dilemmas
• Meet members of Israel’s Druze community in Dalyat al Karmel, shop in their colorful market, hear about their fierce patriotism, and enjoy their warm hospitality for lunch
• Continue to Tiberias for hotel check-in and rest
• Delicious Shabbat dinner at the hotel
• Overnight: Tiberias

• Morning at leisure
• Shabbat lunch at the hotel
• Walk to Dona Gracia House to become acquainted with the fascinating life of this 16^th century Jewish heroine and Tiberias financial leader, via dramatic story-telling and an opportunity to try on period clothing
• Evening: Spend some time soaking in the hot springs of Hammei Teveria, an ancient Roman spa
• Overnight: Tiberias

• Tour the synagogues, courtyards, and shops of the mystical city of Tzefat
• Travel to the Golan Heights by jeep, off the beaten track, and stop to gaze down over the Galilee as the Syrians once did
• Ascend to the peak of Har Bental, where you can enter army bunkers and take in a panoramic view at the crossroads of three countries; discuss the significance of the Golan Height in today’s geo-political reality
• Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Kinneret and a delicious lakeshore dinner at Decks Steak Restaurant
• Overnight: Tiberias

• Travel south, along Israel’s border with Jordan
• Stop at the ancient Beit Alpha Synagogue to examine its striking mosaic floor; enjoy a short, amusing film about plans to renovate this ancient synagogue two millennia ago

• Tour the remarkable excavation of the ancient Roman city of Beit Shean, including a magnificent Cardo, Roman baths, residences, and amphitheatre
• Continue south for the ascent to Jerusalem
• Take in a breathtaking view of the Old City of Jerusalem
• Hotel check-in
• Moving Passover Seder and sumptuous seder feast at the hotel
• Overnight: Jerusalem

• Walk into the Old City, as our ancestors did for the three pilgrimage festivals. Visit the Kotel, where the ancient Temple once stood and the holiest site to Judaism today
• Continue our walking tour through the Jewish quarter, the colorful Arab shuk (market) and the Old City’s Christian, Armenian, and Moslem Quarters
• Free time to rest and swim
• Afternoon walking tour to Nahlaot, one of Jerusalem’s first neighborhoods outside of the city walls
• Free evening to enjoy Jerusalem night life
• Overnight: Jerusalem

• Walk alongside the Kotel’s massive foundation stones in the Kotel Tunnels

• Tour the Southern Wall Excavations and experience a multi-media, virtual tour of the ancient Temple at the Davidson Center
• Free time for lunch and shopping in the Jewish quarter
• Learn about Jerusalem of King David’s time in David’s City and enjoy sloshing through Hezekiah’s water tunnel (strap-on water shoes, flashlight, and shorts needed)
• Dinner at Jerusalem Restaurant
• Overnight: Jerusalem

• At the “Dig for a Day” program at Beit Guvrin, uncover actual artifacts as you participate in an ongoing archeological dig. Spelunking (cave crawling) also available for the adventurous
• Proceed to Tel Aviv
• At Independence Hall, relive Ben Gurion’s moving declaration of the State
• Enjoy an impressive presentation of the amazing achievements of the Palmach at the new multi-media Palmach Museum(if available)
• Delicious dinner in Tel Aviv
• Overnight: Jerusalem

• Walk through the beautiful Ein Gedi nature reserve and learn the stories of kings David and Saul that took place there
• Join with thousands of others welcoming the Sabbath at the Western Wall
• Delicious Shabbat dinner at the hotel
• Overnight: Jerusalem

• Visit the wonderful Jerusalem Museum and at the Tower of David for a fascinating overview of the history of Jerusalem
• Take a walking tour through Ketef Hinom, Mishkenot She’ananim, and Yemin Moshe – historic neighborhoods near our hotel
• Shabbat lunch at the hotel
• Shabbat rest or time to explore the city on your own
• Evening: Attend The Night Spectacular, the fabulous newsound and light showat the Tower of David Museum
• Overnight: Jerusalem

• Visit the new, state-of-the-art Memorial Museum at Yad Vashem (age 12 and over only). Walk through the haunting Valley of the Communities and participate in a moving “Yizkor” service; alternative, interactive tour available for younger children on site

• Take in a truly enjoyable multi-media presentation about the life of the Father of Modern Zionism at the newly-opened Herzl Museum
• Visit the colorful, bustling Machaneh Yehuda open-air market as Jerusalem prepares for the Festival

• Delicious holiday dinner at the hotel
• Overnight: Jerusalem

• Day at leisure to rest and explore Jerusalem on one’s own
• Optional: Visit the new Shrine of the Book, the Second Temple Model of Jerusalem, the Weisbord Pavillion (modern art), and the Children's Wing and the Billy Rose Sculpture Garden at the Israel Museum
• Depart for the airport

• Return to the USA
• Begin planning your next Israel trip with ITC Tours!

Eilat is Israel's southernmost city, a busy port as well as a popular resort, located at the northern tip of the Red Sea, on the Gulf of Eilat. Home to 46,900 people,^[1] the city is part of the Southern Negev Desert, at the southern end of the Arava. The city is adjacent to the Egyptian village of Taba, to the south, and the Jordanian port city of Aqaba, to the east.

Eilat's arid desert climate is moderated by proximity to a warm sea. Temperatures often exceed 40 °C (104 °F) in summer, and 18 °C (64 °F) in winter, while water temperatures range between 20 and 26 °C (68-79 °F). The city's beaches, nightlife and desert landscapes make it a popular destination for domestic and international tourism.

Archaeology and history in the region

Despite harsh conditions, the region supported large populations as far back as 8,000 BCE. Beginning in 1861 ancient sites have been recorded throughout the region, but to date only around 7% of the area has undergone a detailed archaeological survey with around 1500 ancient sites recorded in a 1,200-square-kilometre (460 sq mi) area. In contrast to the gaps found in settlement periods in the neighbouring Negev Highlands and Sinai, these sites show continuous settlement for the past 10,000 years.

The geology and landscape are varied: igneous and metamorphic rocks, sandstone and limestone; mountains up to 892 metres (2,930 ft) above sea level; broad valleys such as the Arava, and seashore on the Gulf of Aquaba. With an annual average rainfall of 28 millimetres (1.1 in) and summer temperatures of 40 °C (104 °F) and higher, water resources and vegetation are limited.

"The main elements that influenced the region's history were the copper resources and other minerals, the ancient international roads that crossed the area, and its geopolitical and strategic position. These resulted in a settlement density that defies the environmental conditions."^[2]

Early settlement

The original settlement was probably Elat ^[3] at the northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba.^[4] Elat is mentioned in antiquity as a major trading partner with Elim, Thebes Red Sea Port as early as the Twelfth dynasty of Egypt.^[5] Trade between Elim and Elat furnished Frankincense, and Myrrh, brought up from Ethiopia and Punt; Bitumen and Natron, from the Dead Sea, finely woven Linenfrom Byblos, copper amulets from Timnah, all as mentioned in the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea. Elat which is now on the border with Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia was anciently on the border of the states of Edom, and Midian and the tribal territory of the Rephidim the indigenous inhabitants of the Sinai. The commercial port city and copper based industrial center were maintained by Egypt in antiquity until rebuilt by Solomon.

Archaeological excavations uncovered impressive prehistoric tombs dating to the 7th millennium BCE at the western edge of Eilat, while nearby copper workings and mining operations at Timna Valley are the oldest on earth. Ancient Egyptian records also document the extensive and lucrative mining operations and trade across the Red Sea with Egypt starting as early as the Fourth dynasty of Egypt.

Biblical era

Eilat is first mentioned in the Bible in the Book of Exodus in the stations. The first six stations of the Exodus are in Egypt. The 7th is the crossing of the Red Sea and The 9th-13th are in and around Elat after they have left Egypt and crossed the Red Sea. Station 12 refers to a dozen campsites in and around Timna in Modern Israel near Elat.

When King David conquered Edom, which up to then had been a common border of Edom and Midian, he took over Eilat, the border city shared by them as well. In Kings 2 14:21-22: "And all the people of Judah took Azariah, who was sixteen years old, and made him king in the room of his father Amaziah. He built Elath, and restored it to Judah, after that the king slept among his fathers." And again in Kings 2 16:6: "At that time Rezin king of Aram recovered Elath to Aram, and drove the Jews from Elath; and the Edomites came to Elath, and dwelt there, unto this day".

During the Roman period a road was built to link the area with the Nabataean city of Petra (modern-day Jordan). The remains of a large copper smelting and trading community which flourished during the Ummayad Period (700-900 CE) were also found between what is now Eilat's industrial zone and nearby Kibbutz Eilot.

The Darb el Hajj or "Pilgrim's Road", from Africa through Egypt to Mecca, passed out of Sinai from the west at Eilat before skirting the sea and continuing south into Arabia.

Formation of the State of Israel

The area of Eilat was designated as part of the Jewish state in the 1947 UN Partition Plan. During the War of Independence an old Ottoman police station, called Umm Rashrash in Arabic, was taken without a fight on March 10, 1949 as part of Operation Ovda, in which both the Negev and Golani Brigades participated. (Only one of Umm Rashrash 's mud-brick buildings remains standing, in its own park.) Having forgotten to bring an Israeli flag with them, the Negev Brigade soldiers improvised and raised the "Ink Flag" in order to claim for Israel the area upon which Eilat would be constructed.

Growth

Begun as a military outpost, Eilat quickly grew as the area's resources were surveyed and developed. The Timna Copper Mines were opened and a port constructed, the Eilat Ashkelon Pipeline laid, and tourists began visiting. The Port of Eilat became vital to the fledgling country's development.

After the 1948 Arab-Israeli War all Arab nations maintained a state of hostility with Israel, blocking all land routes; Israel's access to and trade with the rest of the world was maintained by air and sea alone. Further, Egypt denied passage through the Suez Canal to Israeli-registered ships or to any ship carrying cargo to or from Israeli ports. This made Eilat and its sea port crucial to Israel's communications, commerce and trade with Africa and Asia, and for oil imports. Without recourse to a port on the Red Sea Israel would have been unable to develop its diplomatic, cultural and trade ties beyond the Mediterranean basin and Europe.

Such a situation took place in 1956 and again in 1967, when Egypt's closure of the Straits of Tiran to Israeli shipping effectively blockaded the port of Eilat. In 1956 this led to Israel's participation in the Sinai Campaign along with the U.K. and France, and in 1967 was cited by Israel as an additional casus belli leading to the outbreak of the Six-Day War.

In the 1970s tourism became increasingly important to the city's economy as other industries shut down or were drastically reduced. Today tourism is the city's major source of income.

Despite the rise in world terrorism Eilat has been relatively safe, averaging 2-3 incidents per decade for the past 30 years. The last attack, the Eilat bakery bombing, took place in a residential neighborhood of Eilat in January 2007.

Eilat, Israel as seen across the gulf from Aqaba, Jordan.

Open borders

Following peace treaties signed with Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994, Eilat's borders with its neighbors were finally opened. In 2007, over 200 Sudanese refugees from Egypt who arrived in Israel illegally on foot were given work and allowed to stay in Eilat, despite the fact that Sudan is technically still at war with Israel.^[6][7][8] Eilat's population includes a large number of foreign workers, estimated at over 10,000, working as caregivers, hotel workers and in the construction trades.

Eilat became a free trade zone in 1985.^[9]

Haifa

Haifa - A city where sea touches mountain

Contents

• General Information
• History
• The Carmel Park
• The Bahais
• Other sites

General Information

Haifa, or in it's hebrew name Hefa, is a principal seaport city, in the north of Israel. It lies on the Mediterranean Sea, at the point where it touches the Carmel Mountain.

With a population of about 250,000, Haifa is the third largest city of israel, and site to the technical institue - The Technion(1924), and the Haifa University(1963).

Although an industrial city, Haifa and its near surroundings has many interesting touristical sites, including the Carmel National Park, museums, a zoo, gardens, churches, monasterys and other religious sites. Among the latters, one has to mention the Bahai World Center, which include, also, the persian garden and the newly opened hugh hanged gardens. Naturally, Haifa has also some beautiful beaches.

Haifa at night

History

Haifa appears in written documents since the second century A.C. Known sages are mentioned in jewish scripts. It was inhabited with a big jewish community, that earned it's living also from fishing seashells for crimson industry.
Notwithstanding persecution of the christian rule, jewish population remained in Haifa during bizantine era.
During early arab period, Haifa was a seaport city, that served the Galilee population. Around 1100 it served as the jewish center of the country.
At the end of early arab period it was a fortified city protected mainly by jews.
When the crusadors arrived at Haifa, they offered the jews to convert to christianity and save their lives and property. After their refusal, a battle developed, and after 25 days of fighting, the city was taken and the jewish community slaughtered. The crusadors accepted the tradition of the holliness of the Elija Cave and the mountain above it, and this was the background of the foundation of the Carmelite order here in 1156.
In 1256 Haifa was destroyed by moslems, and after the fall of Acre, in 1291, was abandoned, and stayed a small village.
At the early ottoman period, Haifa contained a small seaport. At this time it was a base for maltese pirates, until it was annexed to the boundary of Sidon, and protected with towers armed with canons.
In the middle of 18th century, the protection of the area was given to Taher El-Omar. In order to protect it easier, he destroyes Haifa in 1761 and built it anew in the narrow place between Mt. Carmel and the sea. The new city was surrounded with walls.
Around 1755 the Turks ended El-Omar's rule, and ruled in Haifa till WWI, except in two short period when it was occupied by Napoleon(1799) and Ibrahim Peha(1831). From 1761 to 1821, Haifa's population grew from 250 to 2500.
In 1868 came the german Templers, which built a settlement now known as The German Village ("Hamoshava Hagermanit"). They built many industrial plants and stores. Using violence and Germany's political power, they managed to take hold of most of the Carmelite's lands.
A turn in the history of Haifa arrived in 1905, after the laying of the Higazic rail road, that with its port made it a center through which moved pilgrims to Mekka and crops to be exported through the seaport.
At that time jews from europe settled here, and the jewish population started growing and contributed to the development of the city. After WWI and the establishment of the british mandate, the city renewed its development, and new jewish neighbourhoods were erected. During this time many factories were built, including The Oil refinement facilities. The Technion was opened in 1923, and a new rail road line was inaugurated.
This development was again interrupted by WWII, after which Haifa became a center of the struggle against british policy restricting the development of the jewish population and the immigration of holocaust survivors.
At the end of british mandate and the break of israeli independence war, Haifa's population consisted of 146,000 inhabitants, of which about 80,000 were jews.
After a heavy battle, jewish forces managed to conquer the city. As ordered by Arab Mufti, most of the arabs fled, hoping to return with the armies of arab countries, as promised to them by arab leadership. Only about 3,000 arabs stayed.
After the establishment of The State of Israel, Haifa became the gate for jewish immigration, and strengthened its position as the urban center of the north of israel.
 

The Carmel Park

The Carmel Park, that borders the city of Haifa is one of the largest parks in Israel. It contains mainly evergreen Mediterranean forest plants e.g. pines, cypresses, oaks etc. The abundance of vegetation can exist thanks to the comfortable climate: the average amount of rain exceeds 600mm all over the carmel, and can reach 800-900mm at the most rainy place. Due to proximity to sea, it is not characterised by low temperatures, usual on mountainous areas, but enjoyes average temperatures of 19C.
It serves as a popular camping site, and is ideal for walks, especially at spring time (feb.-apr.) when it is abundant with flowers.
The Hai-Bar is a wild animals reserve inside the park. It is destined to host animals formerly living in mediterranean woods and were extincted, in order to allow them to reproduce, later to be released in the area of the reserve.
 

The bahais

The bahaism is a religion founded in 1863 by the persian religious leader Mirza Husayn, later known as Bahaullah. Although it has centers all over the world, Haifa serves as the world's center of this religion. The remains of the Bab - the prophet of Bahaism, executed in persia in 1850, were moved here in the beginning of the 20th century.
The Bahai Temple, stands inside a well groomed garden. in front of the golden domed temple, stands a greek styled building that serves as an archive and museum for bahaism.
Recently, the new grand hanged gardens were opened to the public, and should be a major tourist attraction.