Pilgrimage to the Holy Land

Viewed from above, Israel appears as a beautiful oasis in the middle of a vast, arid desert. To the north, east, and south, this Jewish state borders the Muslim countries of Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Egypt. Meanwhile, to the west lies the Mediterranean Sea with its golden sands and blue waters. Israel is both peaceful and beautiful, yet also fraught with religious conflicts and dangers.

Visiting the city of Jerusalem

Jerusalem is the largest city in Israel, over 5000 years old, located in the heart of the Jewish state. The city has a population of approximately 650,000 and is the eternal capital of Israel. Jewish people make up about 70% of the population. In Jerusalem, you can visit the Mount Olives, a sacred site where Jesus prayed for the last time before being betrayed to the Romans by Judas.

Furthermore, the Wailing Wall is a sacred destination for Jewish people. It is so named because, during the Jewish exile and when they were forbidden from entering Jerusalem, they were only allowed to enter the wall area once a year to mourn the painful fate of their people. Jewish people revere this place because it is the only remaining part of a historical monument and a source of pride for them. Every year, thousands of tourists from all over the world visit the wall to see it and pray.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is also a must-see destination if you visit Jerusalem. This is where Jesus was crucified and buried. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre also houses the stone believed to be where Saint Joseph placed Jesus' body before burial. Over the years, the cold stone has become fragrant with the scent of roses, as Christian believers often sprinkle perfume on it. Visitors often press their handkerchiefs against the stone to retain the scent of Jesus.

Discover Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv is also a high-tech industrial center, considered the second Silicon Valley after Santa Clara in the US, and consistently ranks among the top 10 cities with the most beautiful beaches in the world. You certainly can't miss the long stretches of beautiful beaches with crystal-clear waters characteristic of the Mediterranean. Famous beaches in Tel Aviv include Gordon-Frishman, Hof Hatzuk, Metzitzim, and Atzmout.

Furthermore, Tel Aviv is often described as the place where visitors can transition from day to night more quickly and enjoyably than anywhere else in the Mediterranean. Some of the most popular bars in Tel Aviv include Sumarame – a place to admire the magnificent city skyline; Kuli Alma – a place to drink and watch fantastic art videos; and Clara Beach – a place to enjoy a lively beach party.

Visit the Dead Sea

Located between the borders of Israel, Palestine, and Jordan, the Dead Sea is the lowest point on land, with water flowing in but not out. According to the Bible, it is called the Dead Sea because the most sinful lands and cities in history would be destroyed and submerged in its deepest parts. In the Hila language, the Dead Sea is also known as the Salt Sea because its salt content is nine times higher than other seas. The surface of the Dead Sea has a salt content of 300%, while the bottom has a salt content of 332%. Notably, the natural healing waters along the shoreline, combined with the black mud beneath, offer health benefits and provide an ideal beauty experience.

Furthermore, since ancient Egypt, many products from the Dead Sea have been imported, such as aromatic resins used in embalming techniques, and potassium used as fertilizer. Herbs from the Dead Sea are used in perfumes and expensive medicines. These resources are considered the "gold" of the Dead Sea and are the subject of intense competition among major powers in the Middle East.

Bao Khuyen