Israel Tours - Food for Thought

Israel Tours - Food for Thought Tailor made travel experience for corporates and families in Israel with licensed tour guide, leaving something to think about and a taste for more.
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20/03/2026

A few things prompted this post. Of course the reality we are living through. Secondly the haphazard rollercoaster weather we are experiencing. Third the headline I just read in Haaretz with the crazy fact that Israel was just ranked 8th on the Index of World Happiness.

Sunny and Cool with a Chance of Missiles
Your Daily Forecast — Brought to you by the Israel Meteorological & Existential Services

Hello fellow countrymen! Here’s what to expect for the weekend ahead.

We’re starting off with a pleasant 22 degrees and light coastal breezes, perfect for your morning coffee on the mirpeset (balcony) — though do keep one eye on the sky, as we’re tracking a moderate chance of incoming projectiles from the north, south, and possibly from all directions. As always, conditions may change without notice.

By midday, tensions in the upper atmosphere are expected to peak, with a sharp dip in regional stability and scattered outbursts of existential uncertainty. Don’t let that spoil your plans.

This evening brings a classic rollercoaster pattern — warm camaraderie at the family dinner table, possibly a quick sojourn in the safe-room, shelter or underground parking lot, a brief spike in anxiety around the 8 o’clock news, followed by a surprisingly rapid return to normal. Possibly drinking and maybe even some dancing.

Looking ahead to the weekend ahead, totally unpredictable. As usual.
Dress in layers. Stay hydrated, be vigilant, Stay safe out there. Hug the people near you.

And now, a word from our sponsors at the Global Happiness Index, who would like to remind you that Israel has just been ranked the 8th Happiest Country in the World — a finding that continues to baffle meteorologists, therapists, and basically everyone who has ever watched the Israeli news.

And as always —

Am Yisrael Chai. ☀️

I have just spent the past four days with a couple from Australia. We toured Jerusalem and travelled through the north, ...
27/02/2026

I have just spent the past four days with a couple from Australia. We toured Jerusalem and travelled through the north, the landscape unbelievably lush and green, dotted with stunning bursts of color in all directions. 🌸

The tension and uncertainty with Iran lingered quietly in the background, almost palpable at times, but even this couldn’t overshadow the simple beauty and calm of being out in nature together. A comment was made that they never remembered Israel being so beautiful. Indeed!!

The sites we visited and the walks we did were noticeably quiet and crowd free — a gift in terms of having space and experiencing the serenity of nature, even if it’s also a poignant reminder of the state of tourism right now.

Shabbat shel Shalom (peaceful Shabbat) to everyone.

Despite the cold, rain and severe weather warnings, I spent the day in the Gaza Envelope with a wonderful group from Aus...
13/01/2026

Despite the cold, rain and severe weather warnings, I spent the day in the Gaza Envelope with a wonderful group from Australia, bearing witness to the atrocities of October 7. The weather was bleak, matching the heaviness in our hearts. Standing at the "Path to Peace" Wall at Netiv Ha’asara, the word "Peace" felt more like a question mark than a statement.
However, as we ended the day at the Nova Festival site, and after listening to a powerful testimony from a brave survivor, the sun forced its way out. The clouds parted, and a magnificent rainbow appeared. It was a moment of pure clarity: Darkness may cover the land, but it cannot stop the light. A testament to our resilience, hope, and strength.

For the past two years, spotting tourists in Israel—especially Jerusalem—has been like playing Where’s Waldo. 😄Today, on...
24/12/2025

For the past two years, spotting tourists in Israel—especially Jerusalem—has been like playing Where’s Waldo. 😄
Today, on my first Jerusalem Old City tour in ages, I told my tourists to blend into the artist’s impression of the Roman Cardo—just to keep the Waldo theme alive. Can you even spot them?
Then I ran into three South African tour guide friends and one tour-guide cousin, each with a group. Coincidence? I think (hope) not.
Maybe this is the start of brighter days for Israeli tourism.
Come visit—I’m waiting for you!

Reflections on Our Shared Jewish History:I have always felt a deep sadness when hearing some Sephardic Jews express tha...
22/11/2025

Reflections on Our Shared Jewish History:
I have always felt a deep sadness when hearing some Sephardic Jews express that the Holocaust “touched them less” or that they felt a disconnect from Yom HaShoah commemorations. Although I must admit, in the past, I also experienced a similar distance regarding the Jewish expulsion from Spain in 1492. My education had not sufficiently conveyed its depth or impact, and because it felt distant from my own family's story, I never fully grasped its significance.
This all changed dramatically following the completion of a study program titled “Jerusalem that was in Spain”, a course for tour guides on Spain and Portugal from a Jewish perspective. I just returned from stage two of the program - a transformative 10-day trip exploring the historical sites of former Jewish communities and other important places in Spain and Portugal. This journey was not just educational; it was also deeply personal.
Through my studies and travels, I’ve come to realize a profound truth: our histories are deeply interconnected. Many Jews who perished in the Holocaust were descendants of those expelled from Spain. After the expulsion, Sephardic Jews spread across the Mediterranean, the Ottoman Empire, North Africa, and eventually into Europe, where their descendants found themselves under N**i occupation.
The Expulsion and the ensuing Inquisition were catastrophic events, denying the entire Jewish community the right to live in their homeland due to their faith. Convert or leave, those were the choices. Even those who converted were subject to scrutiny during the Inquisition, facing constant fear and persecution.
Walking through towns that once thrived with Jewish life—centers of Jewish philosophy, science, and culture—I could feel the weight of history. The tragedy of the expulsion is not just a footnote; it is a chapter of our collective story that resonates with the suffering of the Holocaust. These events are threads woven into the same fabric of Jewish history—shared, interconnected, and inseparable.
This realization brings both sorrow and a deeper sense of unity. The suffering of one part of our people belongs to all of us. From this shared pain, I hope we can learn to treat one another with dignity; to listen, respect, and strive for genuine understanding among all segments of the Jewish community.
If we carry these lessons into our lives today, perhaps we can foster greater compassion, unity, and peace. We are one people, sharing one history and one land.

Personally message me if you are interested in more information and are thinking of maybe making a trip.

Exciting news! With the signing of the ceasefire agreement and the the imminent return of hostages, an expected increase...
11/10/2025

Exciting news! With the signing of the ceasefire agreement and the the imminent return of hostages, an expected increase in flights to Israel, we can hopefully look forward to a boost in tourism. After two very difficult years, it’s time for rebuilding and healing to begin.

I am here to assist, support, and guide anyone planning a trip to Israel. The past two years have added new layers of collective memory, identification, solidarity and discourse, raising difficult questions both within Israel and among Jewish communities worldwide.

Israel finds itself more isolated than ever, and the Jewish world faces its own challenges. Now is the perfect time to plan a trip to Israel—to support the country, revisit familiar places, discover new attractions, meet locals, and explore off-the-beaten/eaten path experiences.

Let’s embark on a journey that leaves us all with Food for Thought!

22/07/2025

Friends,
I’m excited to share some big news! Many of you already know me as a tour guide and educator here in Israel, but I’ve just taken an exciting new step in my journey. I recently completed a fascinating course called “Jerusalem That Was in Spain,” which delves into the rich and tragic Jewish history of Spain and Portugal.
Starting in 2026, I’ll be offering unique tours to both these countries. Together, we’ll uncover the deep Jewish roots of the Iberian Peninsula, while also immersing ourselves in its amazing food, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes.
If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring the hidden Jewish stories of Spain and Portugal (with some great food, wine and stunning scenery along the way!), keep your eyes peeled—more details coming soon! Feel free to reach out to me by PM if you are interested in further details.

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Kokhav Ya'ir
44862

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+972543929212

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