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Walworth Barbour American International School In Israel School Logo
Walworth Barbour American International School in Israel Logo
Walworth Barbour American International School in Israel Logo

One of the great advantages of working in WBAIS is that it is located in Israel, where history meets e startup-nation and the beautiful natural vistas range from snow on Mt. Hermon to the beautiful warm beaches of Eilat. 

In the slide show below, we will show what you can look forward to -- and bring some first hand knowledge from one of our former teachers, Dr. Christine Wilson, who was interviewed about her stay in Israel and particularly about living in Tel Aviv.

Living in Israel

Culture and Recreation

In Israel, there is no need to give up an interest or hobby just because you are moving from home or another posting. Almost everything is available here including yoga, cooking classes, a myriad of sports, writers workshops, wine tastings, book clubs, choirs, high tech opportunities, religious groups, music, dancing, and night clubs. What you are looking for is probably no more than 20 minutes away.

In Israel, there is no need to give up an interest or hobby just because you are moving from home or another posting. Almost everything is available here including bike riding, yoga, cooking classes, a myriad of sports, writers workshops, wine tastings, book clubs, choirs, high tech opportunities, religious groups, music, dancing, and night clubs. What you are looking for is probably no more than 20 minutes away.

from Christine Wilson (below):
You’ll Love The Welcoming Culture

You’ve probably heard the Hebrew toast L’Chaim, which translates to “To life.” Life in Tel Aviv centers on family, friends, and celebrations. The culture is warm and inviting, and you become part of the family as soon as the introduction is completed.

“On Friday, four of my colleagues and I would bike back from school directly to the beach in Herzliya, where we would cool off in the Mediterranean and then get beer and chips with hummus at one of the beach cafes at Rainbow Beach to celebrate the beginning of the weekend,” Wilson recalled.

Celebrating with friends over a meal is an important part of the culture in Israel.

MultiCultural and International

Hebrew and Arabic are the official languages of Israel, but most people are fluent in English, and almost all important signs are in English. In addition, it is common to hear Russian, French, and Spanish throughout Israel, as Israelis immigrate from all over the world.

Hebrew and Arabic are the official languages of Israel, but most people are fluent in English, and almost all important signs are in English. In addition, it is common to hear Russian, French, and Spanish throughout Israel, as Israelis immigrate from all over the world.

from Christine Wilson (below):
Read Up On Judaism Before You Go

Wilson recommended doing some research on Judaism before coming to Israel

“Judaism defines everything in Israel. Having a basic understanding of the religion will give you insight into how the people live and how the country operates,” she said.

For example, Yom Kippur is an important Jewish holy day.

“During this official holiday, businesses nationwide close at noon, and there is virtually no traffic on the streets except for emergencies. As the sun sets at the beginning of the holiday, airports, border crossings, broadcast stations — the entire country suspends work for about 30 hours,” said Wilson.

Visitors should note that on these holidays, everything may be completely shut down, leaving the unprepared without dining or transport. However, these times of celebration can also be an opportunity for lots of fun.

“It was at this time that I joined a group of enthusiastic bikers to ride from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv. It was a downhill ride for most of the way on highways that were empty of all vehicles except for two- or four-wheeling bikes or skateboards,” Wilson recalled.

Beautiful Beaches

The Mediterranean coastline is four miles from WBAIS. There are sixty miles of beautiful beaches from the crowded urban Tel Aviv to the quiet shores of Caesarea. Water sports abound with surfing, kitesurfing and paragliding just minutes from the school. In addition, there are great beaches at the Sea of Galilee, the Dead Sea, and Red Sea.

The Mediterranean coastline is four miles from WBAIS. There are sixty miles of beautiful beaches from the crowded urban Tel Aviv to the quiet shores of Caesarea. Water sports abound with surfing, kitesurfing and paragliding just minutes from the school. In addition, there are great beaches at the Sea of Galilee, the Dead Sea, and Red Sea.

from Christine Wilson (below):
The Beaches Are Spectacular

There is an 8.7-mile stretch of beach along the Tel Aviv shoreline where sun lovers and outdoor enthusiasts can walk the long promenade, lounge on the beach, or sip a beverage at one of the outdoor cafes.

Each of Tel Aviv’s beaches has its own flavor; there’s sure to be one that’s right for you! Check the Visit Tel Aviv beach page for information on the more than a dozen area beaches. Keep in mind that some beaches are limited to people of a particular gender on certain days due to religious beliefs. As a tourist, you are expected to respect these restrictions.

The main beach in Tel Aviv.

“For swimmers, riptides can be especially dangerous on the Israeli coast, and tourists need to know the flag system for warnings that mark the beach swimming areas and whether or not you can go in at all,” Wilson cautioned.

Israel’s beach flag system includes a red flag that indicates dangerous swim conditions, a black flag that indicates swimming is not allowed, and a purple flag that warns about jellyfish. However, when the white flag is flying, you are free to enjoy the beautiful Mediterranean waters." 

 

Incredible Nature

Israel is home to one of the world’s most densely diverse ecosystems in the world. Sandy deserts and snowy mountain tops are within driving distance from WBAIS. Visit the lowest point on earth one day and hike to 7,300 feet the next. You don’t need a special occasion to go hiking, camping, biking, rappelling, diving, and even bird watching in this beautiful country.

Israel is home to one of the world’s most densely diverse ecosystems in the world. Sandy deserts and snowy mountain tops are within driving distance from WBAIS. Visit the lowest point on earth one day and hike to 7,300 feet the next. You don’t need a special occasion to go hiking, camping, biking, rappelling, diving, and even bird watching in this beautiful country.

Below are some suggested hikes -- but always check with a local friend before you go to make sure that these places are still open and safe.

Israel Top Ten Hikes 

The steep walls of the Red canyon groge  Eilat Red Canyon

The Red Canyon in the Eilat Mountains is one of Israel’s most beautiful yet accessible hikes. Twenty minutes drive from Eilat, and it offers a real desert experience also for beginners. If you looking for more demanding hikes in the area, check our Eilat Hiking section.

Typical section in the Wadi Qelt Canyon  Wadi Qelt

Less than a 30 minutes drive from Jerusalem’s city center, hides one of Israel’s most beautiful hikes. A desert oasis, dotted with monasteries, ancient aqueducts, and great swimming opportunities. You can make a short family trip to Ein Prat Nature Reserve, tackle a two days trek from Jericho to Jerusalem along Wadi Qelt, or anything in-between.

The sea of Galilee seen from Mount Arbel   Mount Arbel

One of the most iconic viewpoints in Israel! A climb to the summit should be on the shot-list of every hiker visiting Israel. Besides the view, you also visit an ancient fortress carved into the cliff and an ancient synagogue.

Makhtesh Ramon  Ramon Crater

The biggest erosion crater in the world creates a unique desert landscape. There are various tours you can make in and around it. A more demanding but rewarding experience is to hike to the summit of Mount Ardon. For a real adventure tackle this Six days desert trek that reaches Makhtesh Ramon after four exciting hiking days.

the hidden waterfall in arugot stream  Ein Gedi Reserve

The contrast between water and desert is always magical. Ein-GEDI is the best place in Israel to experience it. The Ein Gedi nature reserve offers leisurely family strolls (Nahal David and Nahal Arugot) but also sturdy and long hikes that climb on the mountains above and offer amazing vista on the Dead Sea. For the ultimate experience, embark on a five days desert trek from Masada to Ein Gedi.

Amud stream, Upper Galilee, Israel  Nahal Amud (Amud Stream)

The Amud stream is the most attractive in the Galilee Mountains. Plenty of shade under the enormous trees and water flow all year. The hiking options range from easy walks up to serious hikes. Another option, it the Yam le Yam trek, which starts on the Mediterranean Sea and ends in the Sea of Galilee (Through the Amud Stream).

A full day exciting Desert hike that has it all!! An exciting ascend to “Hod Akev” (Needle of the Heel), one of the most rewarding view points in the Negev Desert, followed by a visit to “Ein Akev”, a magical desert spring.  Ein Akev& Ein Avdat (Akev and Avdat Springs)

The Zin valley under Kibbutz Sde-Boker is packed with beautiful hiking trails. You must tackle at least one of them. An easy walk to Avdat spring or a longer hike to Akev spring is a must. If you want a deep desert adventure, tackle this Six days desert trek that passes through Ein Akev.

  Masada Snake Path

A dream for many tourists is to view the sunrise from Masada over the Dead-Sea. With our super-detailed guide, you will find out all you need to know about climbing to Masada. For the ultimate experience, embark on a five days desert trek from Masada to Ein Gedi.

hiking in yehudia natural reserve   Yehudia Reserve

If you have time for only one hike in the Golan Heights, the Yehudia natural reserve is the go-to area! An excellent selection of hiking trails for all levels and amazing natural pools to keep you cool.

Typical scenery on the hiking trail Mediterranean Coast

Beaches in Israel are not only suitable for drinking beer in Tel-Aviv. If you know where to look, there are a few secluded areas that also offer excellent hiking trails near the water. If you want the best one, visit Dor-Habonim beach.

Delicious Food

Whatever your food needs, Israel meets them and more. Israel is considered a top culinary destination including amazing vegetarian options. It’s even considered to be the most vegan friendly country in the Middle East. Whether you are looking for five star fusion cuisine or a falafel stand, your palette will be satisfied.

Whatever your food needs, Israel meets them and more. Israel is considered a top culinary destination including amazing vegetarian options. It’s even considered to be the most vegan friendly country in the Middle East. Whether you are looking for five star fusion cuisine or a falafel stand, your palette will be satisfied.

from Christine Wilson (below):
The Food Is To Die For

Tel Aviv is known for its bustling markets.

A must-stop foodie destination is the Carmel Market. The vibrant market is lined with stalls offering gorgeous fruits and veggies, spices, and other items. You will encounter tourists and locals winding their way through the crowds, and your senses will be delighted with the sights, sounds, and aromas. Some of Tel Aviv’s trendiest eateries can be found at this market, too. Stop at a bakery for some warm, cheesy breadsticks; lunch at a cafe for a kebab; and sip a locally produced beer at a pub. You could easily spend a day here, happily shopping and munching away.

Food stalls at the Carmel Market in Tel Aviv.

Wilson’s favorite market, however, is the Sarona Market, with its stalls that offer some of the finest meats, cheeses, and wines in the city. The market’s restaurants serve up traditional and inspired local dishes that both look and smell amazing. You will find an eclectic selection of cuisines from the region and plenty of happy, satisfied patrons.

Be sure to enjoy a traditional shakshuka — creamy eggs poached in a tomato sauce flavored with olive oil, peppers, onions, and garlic and spiced with cumin, paprika, cayenne, and nutmeg — while you are visiting. You will remember the culinary experience for years to come!

Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv is the Miami Beach of the Middle East. Great food, high fashion, beautiful beaches, popular nightclubs, modern art, are all ubiquitous in the second largest city in Israel just 20 miles south of WBAIS. Some members of the faculty cannot resist this magical city and commute every day, often carpooling.

Tel Aviv is the Miami Beach of the Middle East. Great food, high fashion, beautiful beaches, popular nightclubs, modern art, are all ubiquitous in the second largest city in Israel just 20 miles south of WBAIS. Some members of the faculty cannot resist this magical city and commute every day, often carpooling.

The skyline of Tel Aviv at sunset.

from Christine WIlson (below):
It’s A Shopper’s Paradise

There is a shopping adventure in Tel Aviv for everyone.

The Dizengoff Center is an iconic shopping destination with a dizzying array of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Shenkin Street is the place to go for the trendiest shopping spots. Here you will find classic, high-end name brands alongside Israeli designer boutiques. This is the place to shop if you are looking for something out of the ordinary — something nice to remember your Tel Aviv adventure by.

Tel Aviv’s newest shopping destination is the TLV Fashion Mall, home to other popular name-brand stores.

Biking Is The Best Mode Of Transportation

“I enjoyed biking in Israel. I biked to work daily — 24 miles a day on farm roads through orange orchards,” Wilson recalled.

The busy city streets and backcountry roads of Tel Aviv are the perfect places to bike. The city makes biking easy by providing bike lanes on all major thoroughfares. They also operate Tel-O-Fun, a bike ride-sharing program. You’ll need to sign up for an annual rental; however, the cost is not prohibitive if you are planning on riding around the city for a week or more.

A bicycle path in Tel Aviv.

Living in the Footsteps of History

Israel is holy to three world religions whose historical paths can be traced in cities like Jerusalem, atop mountains such as Masada, and in bodies of water, including the Jordan River. Fill your weekends retracing the footsteps of ancient peoples while enjoying beautiful mosaics and other scenery. Israel is also just a drive away from Jordan’s ancient Nabatean trader city of Petra. There is so much to see and so much to learn just miles away from the school.

Israel is holy to three world religions whose historical paths can be traced in cities like Jerusalem, atop mountains such as Masada, and in bodies of water, including the Jordan River. Fill your weekends retracing the footsteps of ancient peoples while enjoying beautiful mosaics and other scenery. Israel is also just a drive away from Jordan’s ancient Nabatean trader city of Petra. There is so much to see and so much to learn just miles away from the school.

from Christine Wilson, on historical sites near Tel Aviv:
Jaffa Is Worth Exploring

Jaffa, also known as Yafo, is an ancient port city and the oldest part of Tel Aviv. With buildings tightly packed together, Jaffa is a tangle of narrow streets, hidden courtyards, and small shops. The neighborhood is a mix of Jewish and Arab peoples living and working together in harmony. You will find great restaurants serving a wide range of Middle Eastern cuisine plus unique shops and galleries tucked away along the passageways.

After exploring the area, find an outdoor seat at a cafe by the water, order your favorite libation, and watch the beautiful sunset for a picture-perfect evening.

The old port of Jaffa in Tel Aviv.

Make Time For A Day Trip To Caesarea

Less than an hour north of Tel Aviv is Caesarea. This historic coastal city was originally a Phoenician settlement, and then a great Roman port city. Caesarea is known for its archaeological dig, the remains of a hippodrome (a large Roman amphitheater), and its beautiful historic port.

Caesarea National Park offers several tours, including the Lantern Tour of Ancient Caesarea, where you’ll walk in the footsteps of the Crusaders led only by your tour guide and lantern light.

Wilson highly recommends visiting the beach area of Caesarea Maritima as well.

“There are museums, wonderful restaurants, and a beach full of Roman ruins. It’s not to be missed,” she said.

Caesarea, a historic costal city near Tel Aviv.