Jets roar overhead on their way to Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, and dishes clang in the background as we record from the Ofaimme Organic Farm Cafe. In this episode, we highlight "Jerusalem Design Week" taking place at the historic Hansen House, which this year explores the theme of "The Ark" and the foundations upon we wish to build the future, once the waters recede.

In this episode of Yalla Israel, we take a step back and reflect on the year since October 7; the horror of that day, the shock, the response from Israel and the world, the Israeli resilience, and hope for a better and more secure future.

In this episode, we introduce our listeners to another one of our favorite off the beaten track sites, Khirbet Qeiyafa. This gem, hidden in the majestic foothills of Jerusalem along the Valley of Elah where King David slew Goliath, is chock full of history, archaeology and beauty. Do not miss it!

Everything changed after October 7, including and perhaps especially tourism. In this episode, find out what visits to Israel are like during these days of war; what you can see, where you can visit, what you can experience, can tour, and how things have transformed for tour guides.

Since October 7, all eyes have been on Gaza on Israel's southern border and not so much on Israel's northern border with Lebanon where rockets, anti-tank missiles and explosive laden drones have relentlessly been launched by Hezbollah into Israel. In this episode, we focus on Israel's evacuation zone in the north where over 80,000 citizens have been displaced from their homes and where industry, businesses, farms and many of the most popular tourist and recreational sites have been closed for the last 7 months with no resolution in sight.

There is never a bad time to visit the Holy Land, but beware, the summers are "Africa Hot!" In this episode, learn tips for staying cool and enjoying the land flowing with "Milk and Honey' all year round, even (especially) in summertime!

In this 4th and final episode about Israel's wine, we finally sample and introduce our listeners to a variety of Israeli wines selected by our special guest and resident wine merchant, Evyatar Cohen. Lechaim!

Our 4 part series featuring Israel wine continues with special guest and vintner, Evyatar Cohen. This 3rd part of the series focuses on the revival of the Israel's wine industry. Wine production in Israel was mostly suspended for more than a 1000 years during centuries of Muslim rule because alcohol consumption is prohibited by Islamic law. In this episode, hear about the rebirth of Israeli wine in modern times.