Your friends in Israel

17/07/2025

Sachlav is one of the most unique and delicious Israeli desserts you can ever find. While it’s not as popular as dishes like Hummus of Falafel, with a thick, creamy texture, a variety of topping options, and a perfect temperature for cold winter days, it’s not hard to see what has made it one of the must-try dishes in Israel, perfect for dessert lovers who are looking for some comfort food. Here is everything you should know about the mouthwatering Sachlav, the ideal dish to try for those looking for an epic culinary experience in Israel.

Do you like Sachlev? we have a great recipe in the first comment!

16/07/2025

Ein Akev

Nothing beats Ein Akev, It never disappoints us. Even when everywhere else is dry in the hot summer, you’ll always find cool, refreshing water there. This time, we chose to hike to Ein Akev via Ma’aleh Divshon — it was a challenge!
But if you’re already making your way up, don’t miss the Bedouin hospitality tent. Majdalin will gladly host you and share some fascinating stories.

Ein Akev, located just south of Sde Boker, is a layered spring, which fills a round pool with cold, fresh water. The water actually springs from the top of the waterfall and falls directly into the pool. As a pretty deep pool, the locals who visit here usually enjoy repeatedly jumping in and out of the stunning spring.

24/06/2025

🇮🇱 Ceasefire announced - Am Israel Standing Tall 🇮🇱

After 12 intense days, a ceasefire between Israel and Iran has taken hold.
And once again, Israel didn’t just defend itself — it led with strength, clarity, and purpose.

🔵 Our technology protected millions.
🔵 Our strategy reshaped global perception.
🔵 Our unity reminded the world who we are.

We showed that Israel is not just a country under threat — it’s a nation of visionaries, pioneers, and believers in a better future.

From Tel Aviv startups to the hills of Jerusalem, from IDF precision to everyday resilience — this is the real Israel.

Peace is never simple. But hope? That’s something we never lose.

💙 🇮🇱 💙 Show your support — write Am Israel Chai in the comments!

Enjoy the best of Israel! From the cool streets of Tel Aviv to the historic depths of Jerusalem. From the sunny shores of Eilat to the scenic views of Haifa —Israel is an amazing destination with historical and religious landmarks and some of the finest weather globally!

29/05/2025

Today we went to visit the graves of David and Paula Ben-Gurion. A simple stone marker, lending a humble yet profound air, stands amid saltbush shrubs and protected desert flora, telling the story of a couple who embraced the Zionist ideal until the very end.

David Ben-Gurion—the man who vowed “to settle the people on the soil of their ancestors”—chose this spot in his final years to live out part of that dream: to develop the Negev, sustain life in what once was wilderness, and watch the desert become home. Today, as we grapple with environmental challenges and seek to revive the values of true leadership, this gravesite reminds us that vision can drive real change: just as the desert—and our nation—can bloom with compassion, innovation, and responsibility for generations to come.

22/05/2025

Israel’s Ultimate Food Bucket List! Feel free to add more recommendations in the comments below.

Thanks to an incredible mix of cultures and traditions from around the globe, Israel is a true culinary paradise. From hearty stews to vibrant street food, these are the four must-try main dishes you simply can’t miss:

Sabich
A Saturday-morning favorite born in Ramat Gan, Sabich layers fried eggplant, hard-boiled egg, fresh salad and tangy sauces inside a warm pita.

Falafel
Israel’s classic: crispy chickpea fritters spiced with parsley and cumin. Found on every corner, it’s a budget-friendly staple that never disappoints.

Chamin
A traditional overnight stew of beans, meat and egg, Chamin is the comforting heart of Israeli weekend tables. Seek it out in family homes or select restaurants (try Penguin in Nahariya on Saturdays).

Hummus
The most Israeli dish together with falafel, you can find Hummus, made of chickpeas with Tahini and spices, anywhere in Israel: in restaurants, supermarkets, and also in many houses that prepare homemade hummus.

Challah
A beautifully braided egg-enriched bread, challah is central to Shabbat Friday dinners. Look for freshly baked loaves in every bakery on Friday mornings—it’s the perfect centerpiece for your table.

Shakshuka
A wonderful dish of poached eggs with tomato sauce, rich seasoning, and other vegetables, which has become one of the most popular breakfast dishes in Israel. You can find shakshuka in most cafes in the country, usually only for breakfast.

Mixed Jerusalem Grill
If you are in Jerusalem – make sure not the miss the Jerusalem mixed Grill, one of the best kinds of Israeli food, that you can only find in Jerusalem. The Mixed Jerusalem Grill is made up of a variety of grilled meats, including chicken hearts, spleens, and liver mixed with bits of lamb, all grilled together with lots of spices that create strong, Israeli flavors.

Jahnun
Yemeni cuisine brought a lot of popular dishes to Israel, with probably the most popular one being the Jahnun, a layered pastry that is cooked overnight and has a slightly sweet taste. Jahnun. is traditionally made from Friday night to Saturday mornings and is served with tomato paste, a hard-boiled egg, and a lot of spicy sauce. You can find it in many stalls on the side of main roads, that serve this unique and pleasing dish.

20/05/2025

The best tips for grocery shopping in Israel:

First, you should know the top supermarket chains:

Shufersal: As Israel's largest supermarket chain, Shufersal is Known for its high-quality produce, it offers a premium shopping experience, but it is quite expensive.

Rami Levi: This chain is renowned for its affordability, operating on a high-volume, low-margin model, they offer a wide variety of products at competitive prices.

Carrefour: The European retail giant entered the Israeli market in 2022, bringing a selection of imported goods and competitive pricing.

Tiv Ta'am: Catering to those seeking non-kosher products, Tiv Ta'am is notable for its extensive selection and for remaining open during Shabbat and most Jewish holidays.
Wikipedia

Shopping Tips:

Shabbat Hours: Most supermarkets close from Friday afternoon to Saturday evening. Plan your shopping accordingly, especially in cities like Jerusalem or Tzfat.

Local Markets: Don't miss out on the local markets like Machane Yehuda in Jerusalem or Carmel Market in Tel Aviv for fresh produce and a taste of local life.

18/04/2025

Passover is almost over—a beautiful and meaningful holiday that reminds us of the value of freedom.
But as we mark the end of this festival of liberation, our hearts remain heavy.
Because we can’t truly celebrate freedom while so many are still held captive in Gaza.
We haven’t forgotten them.
We’re waiting for them.
And we won’t stop hoping, praying, and speaking out until they’re home.

20/02/2025

In Gaza, parents brought their children to watch Hamas’s horror show, whistling, applauding, and smiling at the sight of the coffins of an elderly man, a mother, and her two children.

In Israel, teenagers and adults alike stand by the roadsides, holding Israeli flags and embracing one another, bowing their heads in pain and broken hearts as the convoy passes with the coffins of the dead hostages.

That is the entire difference between us.

01/02/2025

Welcome Home, Yarden Bibas💙🤍

Yarden Bibas returned to Israel after e484 days of hell in Gaza. But his homecoming is bittersweet—he returns without his wife Shiri and their young children, Ariel and Kfir, who were also abducted from Nir Oz. The uncertainty surrounding their fate weighs heavily on everyone’s hearts.

Yarden, who was transferred to the Red Cross in Khan Yunis along with Ofer Calderon, was quickly brought to the forward reception point at Re’im, where he was reunited with his father Eli and sister Ofri. Their embrace was filled with overwhelming emotion.

On the helicopter ride to Sheba Medical Center, Yarden held up a sign with a heartfelt message:
“I want to thank the entire people of Israel for your support and help. My family told me how you fought for me. I want to say thank you so much—I truly appreciate it, and I don’t take it for granted.”

01/02/2025

After 484 Days in Hamas Captivity, Ofer Kalderon is Finally Home

Words can hardly describe the wave of relief, gratitude, and raw emotion flooding our hearts this morning. After 484 days in the clutches of Hamas, our own Ofer Kalderon has finally stepped back onto Israeli soil. Alongside fellow hostage Yarden Bibas, Ofer was handed over to Red Cross vehicles in Khan Yunis and then reunited with IDF forces who escorted them to a reception point in Re’im.

Unlike previous transfers marred by chaos and crowds, Ofer and Yarden were able to walk, on their own two feet, to Red Cross vehicles in a relatively calm handover. For all of us who have been anxiously waiting and praying, seeing Ofer standing tall and free is nothing short of a miracle.

But even in this moment of overwhelming relief, our hearts remain heavy with the knowledge that many more still endure captivity and uncertainty, including Keith Sigal—expected to be transferred soon. We cannot lose sight of them. We cannot rest until every single hostage is brought home safely.

We welcome Ofer with open arms, sending love and strength to him, Yarden, and their families as they begin the long road to healing. May this homecoming bring hope and serve as a reminder of our commitment never to abandon those still left behind.

Please continue to keep all of the remaining hostages and their families in your thoughts, prayers, and actions. Let Ofer Kalderon’s return remind us that hope prevails, and together, we must continue to push for the safe return of each and every one.

“One heartbeat, one people—until they’re all home.”

30/01/2025

Arbel Yehud (29) is finally home after 482 days of unimaginable hardship—held captive, alone, and far from everything she knows. Today, she has been safely reunited with her family at Sheba Tel Hashomer Hospital, where loved ones have waited day and night to see her again.

But our hearts remain heavy: her partner, Ariel Konyo, along with his brother David and many more from Nir Oz, are still in captivity. We will not rest until every single one of them is back.

Arbel’s homecoming also carries the weight of profound grief—her brother Dolev was murdered, and her family now faces the complex journey of mourning and healing all at once. While the joy of her release is overwhelming, Arbel needs peace and space to recover from this trauma.

Welcome home, Arbel. Our hearts overflow with gratitude, and we won’t stop until every beloved person finds their way back home.

30/01/2025

The last military observer from Nahal Oz who remained in Hamas captivity, Agam Berger, has been transferred to the Red Cross on her way to Israel 🇮🇱

She was dressed in an IDF uniform and was seen surrounded by Hamas terrorists as she walked out of the rubble.

Soon, she will be handed over to IDF forces, who will take her to the initial reception point near the Gaza border. From there, she will be airlifted by helicopter to hospitals in Israel 🇮🇱

Agam—welcome home, you are safe now ❤️