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Israel
The state of Israel, an independent nation in the Middle East, is located between the eastern shores of the Mediterranean Sea and the head of the Gulf of Aqaba. Israel was established on May 14, 1948 as a Jewish state. Famous for its religious treasures, its dozens of archeological and natural sites, Israel offers a unique experience to the visitor. Land of contrasts, Israel combines the modernity of brand-new cosmopolitan cities such as Tel Aviv or Haifa to the serenity and timelessness of the historical sites.
Haifa
Although it does not appear in the Bible, Haifa is mentioned in the Talmudic literature as a well-established Jewish community. Remains from the Stone Age to the Ottoman period were found within the city limits. During the Middle Age, the Jewish settlement in Haifa grew into a shipping centre. During the 12th and 13th centuries, the Crusaders and the Mameluks conquered the city. In 1750, the Bedouin Dahar-el-Omar, destroyed, then rebuilt and fortified the city. From 1775 to World War One, Haifa was under Turkish control. The British evacuated the city in 1948. Today, Haifa is Israels major port and an important centre for industry and trade. Haifa spreads over the slopes of the Mount Carmel which offers breathtaking views of the city and the bay. The city is divided into four majors areas : the old neighbourhood of Hadar Hacarmel, the residential area of the Mount Carmel, the lower city with the port and the beach, and the bay area.
For more information : www.pmo.gov.il |
