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ABA IMA travel We craft immersive, meaningful experiences in Israel for travelers. Together we design journeys that resonate.

Ronen brings global insight and storytelling after years in the israeli high tech scean Ofra shapes unforgettable moments with her expertise.

Listen to this story that tells you exactly what being "Israeli" is all about.I was leading a group last week on one of ...
13/02/2026

Listen to this story that tells you exactly what being "Israeli" is all about.
I was leading a group last week on one of those gray, rainy winter days. As we were walking, I noticed a tourist family looking completely defeated. They were standing in a massive puddle, the wind had just flipped their umbrella inside out, and their toddler was having a full blown meltdown because his ice cream ,yes, he insisted on ice cream in February, had just slid off the cone and into the mud.
The mom looked like she was about two seconds away from crying right there with him.
In almost any other city in the world, people would have kept their heads down, stayed under their own umbrellas, and hurried past the "noisy tourists."
But this is Israel.
Out of nowhere, a local dad, balancing his own stroller and a bag of groceries stops right next to them. Without missing a beat, he reaches into his bag, pulls out a warm, fresh pastry he’d clearly just bought at the bakery, and hands it to the kid with a wink. He looks at the tourist dad, gives him that "Achi (brother), I’ve been there" nod, and says: "Relax. It's just rain. There’s a hot coffee place right around the corner that’ll fix everything."
The tourist stood there, holding a warm pastry, looking totally stunned. He watched the local guy walk away into the rain like it was nothing. They didn't even know each other's names, and they’ll probably never meet again.
But that’s the thing about visiting here. You don’t come to Israel just for the ancient stones or the scenery. You come here to find out that even on a cold, rainy day, you’re never really a stranger. You’re family.
Come visit. We’ve got a warm spot (and plenty of pastries) waiting for you.

There is something so special about taking a group of your best friends to the Old City and realizing that for them, it ...
10/02/2026

There is something so special about taking a group of your best friends to the Old City and realizing that for them, it feels like the very first time. That sensitive, wide eyed excitement is contagious, and honestly, it made me fall in love with these alleys all over again.
We kicked off the day at the Notre Dame de Jérusalem rooftop. Standing there, looking out over the golden domes and ancient walls, is the best way to get your heart racing before diving into the maze of the Muslim and Christian Quarters.
From that height, we went deep into the history, walking the Via Dolorosa and stopping at the different stations until we reached the Custodia di Terra Santa. We managed to catch a Mass there, it’s one of those moments where the world just slows down and everything feels peaceful.
By then, we had definitely worked up an appetite, so we headed straight to Lina for a legendary lunch. A table full of their famous hummus is the ultimate fuel for an Old City trek. After our savory fix, we kept the momentum going at the Austrian Hospice for that famous Apple Strudel, catching a little Viennese elegance in the heart of the Middle East is always a good idea.
We wrapped up this perfect day at Shawar, sipping hot tea and nibbling on cookies as the sun began to set. It was the perfect sweet ending to a day full of old stories and new memories.

In such tours I’m always reminded that Jerusalem isn’t just a city, it’s a feeling. Seeing it through the eyes of our friends reminded me that no matter how many times you visit, there’s always a "first time" magic waiting around the corner.

17 years. Zero possessions. One incredible soul.Meet Jacob, known to many as Carl James Joseph. Originally from Detroit,...
08/02/2026

17 years. Zero possessions. One incredible soul.

Meet Jacob, known to many as Carl James Joseph. Originally from Detroit, Carl’s spiritual journey began in the U.S. back in the 90s, eventually leading him to the heart of Jerusalem’s Old City.
For the last 17 years, he has lived a life of ultimate simplicity. Without a home or worldly possessions, he walks these ancient streets barefoot, dedicated to a life of prayer and connection. He is a living reminder that Jerusalem isn't just a city on a map or sites it’s a place that strips away the noise of the modern world and touches the spirit.
When walking in Jerusalem you never know who you’ll encounter or what life changing story you’ll hear around the next stone corner.
Ready to find your own story? The Old City is waiting for you.

The other day I was standing on the rooftop of Notre Dame in Jerusalem, looking at the view that’s been the center of th...
06/02/2026

The other day I was standing on the rooftop of Notre Dame in Jerusalem, looking at the view that’s been the center of the world for a few thousand years.
An American guy was standing next to me. He looked like an experienced traveler, not particularly religious, but someone deeply interested in the holy sites the Old City holds. He mentioned he’d been here a few times, I don’t know if his visits were related to his work, and mentioned that every visit he tries a little harder to figure this land out.
He approached me with a question he mentioned he’d asked before in past visits. His question was: "What’s the secret? How does this place stay exactly the same for so long?"
I looked at him and answered: "It’s easy to explain. In Jerusalem, if you try to move one stone, a war might break out. So we keep it original to stay out of trouble."
He just nodded and said: "Fair enough. She is perfect just the way she is.”

It’s to say that Jerusalem is The world’s most beautiful standoff. Come see it for yourself.

Yesterday’s visit to the Old City of Jerusalem had several highlights, but one specific destination stood out. We headed...
04/02/2026

Yesterday’s visit to the Old City of Jerusalem had several highlights, but one specific destination stood out. We headed to a small doorway that holds a Guinness World Record and a story that makes most family trees look like a lonely cactus.
Razzouk Tattoo is far from your average studio. It is a 700-year-old legacy that proves some people take "keeping it in the family" very seriously. While most family traditions involve a secret recipe or a vintage watch, the Razzouk family has spent 28 generations perfecting the art of the needle. Their story began in Egypt in the year 1300, eventually finding its permanent home in Jerusalem during the mid 17th century.
As the sole custodians of the historic Pilgrimage Tattoos, they offer a souvenir that lasts significantly longer than a tourist t-shirt.
Standing in their studio feels like witnessing a bridge between ancient heritage and modern technology. It is a reminder that in Israel, even an afternoon appointment can be layered with seven centuries of history.
If you are looking for a way to remember your trip that 28 generations would approve of, this is the place. After 700 years of tradition, it’s hard to find a more authentic way to take a piece of Jerusalem home with you.

When I stand on the Tel Aviv beach today, watching the sunset, it’s hard to imagine that these same waters were once the...
28/01/2026

When I stand on the Tel Aviv beach today, watching the sunset, it’s hard to imagine that these same waters were once the stage for a tragedy that nearly tore us apart before we truly began. To truly understand Israel today,our passion, our politics, and our unbreakable bond,you have to understand the Altalena Affair.
It was in that moment in time that the new born was put to the test.
It was June 1948. We were a newborn nation fighting for survival against five invading armies. A ship called the Altalena approached the shore, carrying much-needed arms and fighters for the Irgun (Etzel). But inside the government, a storm was brewing over authority.
David Ben-Gurion, our first Prime Minister, stood firm on a principle that defines us to this day: "Statehood means one army, one law." He viewed the ship’s independent arrival as a threat to national sovereignty and gave the order to stop it at all costs. On the beach, a young commander named Yitzhak Rabin was tasked with carrying out those heavy orders.
As the ship reached Tel Aviv, the leader of the Irgun, Menachem Begin, boarded the vessel to oversee the landing. It was then that the unthinkable happened: shells were fired, the ship caught fire, and Jewish blood was spilled by Jewish hands.
This moment became the foundational rift between the Israeli Right and Left. It was the birth of a political divide that still vibrates in our news cycles and dinner table arguments today, in 2026.
Yet, as the smoke rose, it was Menachem Begin’s response that prevented a total collapse. Despite the fire and the fury, he ordered his men not to fire back, famously declaring: "Never a civil war." He chose the survival of the state over the justice of his cause.

You might wonder why I’m sharing such a painful memory while inviting you to visit Israel. It’s because the Altalena is the mirror of the Israeli soul.
When you walk the streets of Israel today, you’ll see a people who argue loudly and feel deeply. That’s because the ghosts of 1948 are still with us,we all feel a fierce, personal ownership over this tiny country. But just like in 1948, we are a people who, at the end of the day, choose to remain one family.
So next time you’re in Tel Aviv, take a moment at the Altalena Memorial. Look at the waves and realize: Israel isn't just a destination on a map. It’s a living miracle built on the hardest choices imaginable, held together by a promise to never turn on one another.

The Soul of the City: Why the Red Victory Matters?After 13 long years, the Tel Aviv Derby finally returned to its rightf...
27/01/2026

The Soul of the City: Why the Red Victory Matters?

After 13 long years, the Tel Aviv Derby finally returned to its rightful color. But for those of us who bleed red, this wasn’t just a break in a winning streak. It was a reminder that in this city, some things are deeper than a scoreboard.
To understand the Tel Aviv Derby, you have to understand the friction that built Israel. It’s the classic clash: the "Yellow" establishment versus the "Red" workers. Maccabi was always the winning machine, the organized power. Hapoel? We were the soul, the poets, the rebels, and the labor unions.
There’s a reason why the cultural giants of Israel,the people who wrote the soundtrack of the country were almost always found in the red stands. Think of the late Arik Einstein, the ultimate voice of Israel. For him and many others, Hapoel wasn't just a club, it was an identity rooted in a simpler, more idealistic Tel Aviv.
Being a Hapoel fan is essentially a philosophical choice. It’s about choosing the underdog and the romantic struggle over corporate efficiency. In a world that’s becoming increasingly shiny and commercial, Hapoel remains a gritty relic of the old, bohemian Tel Aviv,the city of small cafes, socialist roots, and uncompromising passion.
This is exactly why the Derby is the ultimate mirror of Israeli society. It’s not just a game, it’s a living map of our divisions, our history, and our fierce loyalties. When you see the intensity of the Derby, you’re seeing the heart of Israel, a place where even a football match is a battle for the soul of the collective.
Winning after 13 years feels like a victory for that spirit. It’s a nod to the artists and thinkers who saw beauty in the struggle, and a reminder that even in modern, fast-paced Israel, the romanticists can still come out on top. Today, the city doesn't just feel red—it feels like it found its pulse again.

Yalla Hapoel!!

I often tell people that the Old City of Jerusalem is like a never ending book,you can spend a lifetime here and still f...
27/01/2026

I often tell people that the Old City of Jerusalem is like a never ending book,you can spend a lifetime here and still find a page you haven’t read. There are infinite layers to this place, but today I’m thinking about one specific slice of the first century,the drama that unfolded just before the destruction of the Second Temple.
It’s a story with three lead actors caught in a total mess of power, passion, and a very complicated family legacy.
First, there’s Berenice. She wasn't just any princess, she was a descendant of the Hasmoneans (the Maccabees),the legendary dynasty that had once fought for Judea's independence. A political powerhouse in her own right, she managed the unthinkable: a scandalous romance with Titus-the Roman general leading the siege against her own people’s capital.
Then you have her brother, King Agrippa II, also of Hasmonean blood. I often imagine him standing on a platform near the Temple walls, caught in the ultimate middleman nightmare. He was the last of his royal line, trying to talk his people out of a su***de mission while his sister was essentially living in the enemy’s camp.
The ambition was massive. Berenice eventually followed Titus back to Rome, nearly becoming the first Jewish Empress. But Roman politics eventually choked out the romance. Titus was forced to send her away,against his will, and against hers. The Empire won,the relationship didn't.
I like walking these specific streets because it strips away the "ancient history" feel. When you stand here, you realize these weren't just names in a dusty chronicle,they were real people making impossible choices while their world was literally changing forever.
Jerusalem has a million stories like this layered on top of each other. This is just one of them. If you’re into thrillers where the line between history and reality gets blurred, you might want to come and see where the layers begin.

(Image: A scene inspired by Jean-Baptiste Racine’s "Bérénice")

I’ve always found it fascinating that in Israel, your home address is rarely just a location-it’s a history lesson.Take ...
25/01/2026

I’ve always found it fascinating that in Israel, your home address is rarely just a location-it’s a history lesson.
Take the street I live in here in Tel Aviv as an example: Shlomtsiyon HaMalka. To the uninitiated, it’s just a long name on a blue sign. To me, it’s a daily encounter with a Hasmonean Queen who ruled Judea during the Second Temple period. Living here means living on an artery named after a woman who managed to maintain peace and prosperity in this land over 2,100 years ago.
But this isn't just a local quirk. In Israel, naming a street is a conscious act of national storytelling. We rarely use generic markers like "Main Street" or "Oak Road." Instead, we’ve mapped our geography to reflect our identity, and you see it everywhere you turn.
In Tel Aviv, you’ll find Dizengoff, named after the city's first mayor,the man who essentially willed a modern metropolis into existence from shifting sand dunes. Head over to Jerusalem, and you’ll walk down Agripas, named for King Agrippa I, a leader celebrated for his devotion to his people during the Roman era.
This logic follows you into every corner of the country. One street honors a medieval poet from Spain, the next a socialist pioneer from the 1920s, and the third might be named after the "Seven Species" of biblical agriculture or the native flora that defines our landscape. Even international figures who stood by us, from Balfour to Masaryk they and many others have their place on our street corners.
Our way of naming streets is a powerful statement of continuity for a nation that spent two millennia in exile. When we finally returned to these shores, we decided that every street corner should serve as a footnote to our survival. We’ve turned our urban grid into a living archive, ensuring that you can’t even run out for milk without accidentally crossing paths with a prophet, a revolutionary, or a botanist who classified the very hills you’re standing on.
So next time you’re visiting, take a moment to look up. Behind every hard to pronounce name is a story that explains exactly why this country exists. In Israel you’re never just walking through a city here,you’re walking through a biography.

They thought he was a myth, until they flipped over a staircase!!For two thousand years, Pontius Pilate was a ghost. He ...
22/01/2026

They thought he was a myth, until they flipped over a staircase!!

For two thousand years, Pontius Pilate was a ghost. He was the man who changed the course of Western history, yet he left behind no signature and no proof. Was he the conflicted official of the Gospels or the cold-blooded tyrant of the history books? Until 1961, the world had nothing but rumors.
Then, a single stone in Caesarea changed everything.
While renovating the Roman theater, workers flipped over a limestone step and found a name staring back at them in Latin: Pontius Pilatus. It was the archaeological equivalent of a thunderbolt. But the stone did more than just prove he existed; it revealed who he really was.
He wasn't a "Procurator" or a mere bureaucrat. He was a Prefect. That’s military code for a commander with the power of Imperium ,the absolute authority to be judge, jury, and executioner in a single breath.
When you look at the trial of Jesus through this lens, the "rushed" judgment makes perfect sense. This wasn't a legal failure, it was Roman efficiency. Under a system called Cognitio extra ordinem, Pilate didn't need a courtroom or a week of testimony. He sat on his elevated seat, asked his questions, and moved on. To Rome, a charismatic leader with a massive following wasn't a theological puzzle it was a security risk.
History has a way of hiding in plain sight. In Israel, it waits under your feet. You can stand in the very theater in Caesarea where this stone was discovered, or look the original inscription in the eye at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem.
Come see for yourself. In this land, the stones don't just have stories, they have receipts.

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