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A visit to the Holy Land can be the most glorious time of a traveler's life, and at the same time, be rather frightening. Any trip to this part of the world must be regarded with caution due to the volatility of the region. Take the proper precautions before departing. Contact with the State Department might be a sound idea before traveling to Israel.
A passport is necessary to visit Israel. You may obtain a three month visa on arrival. A return ticket is also needed, as well as your proof of adequate funds. If your final destination is not Israel, but you plan to stop there en route, you may apply for a transit visa, which allows you to stay in Israel for five days, with extension period possible when there.
The city of Jerusalem is the center of a rich history going back thousands of years. It is a place of reverence and worship for Christianity, Judaism, and Islam alike. Step into the "Old City" which is walled, and you will see a kilometer of shops, the market, and pure history.
There are so many things to see in this area. If you begin with places that are spoken of in the Bible, your itinerary will include the following, although there are sites too numerous to list here.
To visit the place where the Christian religion believes Jesus was crucified, you'll be stopping by the present-day site of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.
If you plan to go to the Mount of Olives, you will observe the oldest Jewish cemetery, and you might be surprised that it is still in use to this day. Jewish people have been buried here since before the time of Christ, with the belief being that it is where the resurrection will occur after the return of the Messiah.
You will be able to see the structure called the Dome of the Rock from around the city. The gold dome is the focal point of the Old City. This building was erected around AD 691 directly over the spot where the Biblical Abraham took his son for sacrificing. This glorious example of Muslim architecture was built by Umayyad Khalif Abed el-Malik. A Jewish temple stood on the site previously. Also a very holy site to Moslems, it is also said to be the place where the prophet Muhammed ascended to heaven.
Another place to see in this Holy area is the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus went to pray and later was arrested after being betrayed by Judas. Ancient olive trees still grow there to this day.
Visit the beautiful Sea of Galilee, the Garden Tomb, Bethlehem, all the places that have been read about and studied in the Bible since we were children. The Dead Sea, Nazareth, all found within this region.
Most visitors will want to experience the Via Dolorosa. In the English language, this translates to "The Way of the Cross" and is the route Jesus walked while carrying his cross to his crucifixion.
Most of us have heard of "the wailing wall." It is also called the Western Wall, and visitors put prayers into cracks in the wall. Many Jews come to this place daily for prayers, as well.
If museums are an interest, you'll find some fine ones in or near Jerusalem. The Israel Museum is where you will find the now infamous Dead Sea Scrolls, along with many other artifacts and exhibits. Also nearby is the Tower of David Museum, and the Bar-David Museum in Galilee Heights. There is also a Holocaust museum called Yad Vashem.
Shopping, dining, and lodging are abundant in Jerusalem. One shopping area with restaurants and shops is found in West Jerusalem and called Nahalat Shiva. If you enjoy outdoor cafes, this is the place to visit. For another experience to remember, travel to Jaffa Street and stop by the daily market called the "Shuk."
Surprising to some is the zoo found in Jerusalem. Owned by the Tisch family, it has been named among the world's most beautiful zoos. It is easy to see why, with the lakes, garden, and waterfall.
Situated about six miles from Jerusalem lies Bethlehem. Bethlehem is within a Palestinian area and a checkpoint must be passed. The most well-known story of Bethlehem is, of course, the birth of Jesus. Inside of a church at Manger Square is said to be the site of the manger on that night over 2,000 years ago when the baby called Jesus was born in a lowly manger.
There are other Biblical events that occurred in this area as well. A son named Jesse was born in Bethlehem to Ruth and Boaz. They had met near here. Jesse was the father of David, the psalmist and King, slayer of Goliath.
Before leaving the states, there are a few things you will want to undertake and put in order. Make sure your vaccinations are up to date, and check with the State Department concerning any travel warnings that may be in effect at the time of your intended departure.
It would be a good idea to have some information on hand ahead of time. This would include things like where medical facilities are located in the area which you'll be visiting, and the location of the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv. Medical care may have to be paid immediately, and medical insurance from the United States may not be valid. Check with your insurance company before leaving the states.
Unless there is a heightened state of security called, you may visit the West Bank and Gaza with your passport bearing an Israeli entry stamp. A private vehicle cannot cross into Gaza, however. Palestinian Americans who have ever resided in Gaza or the West Bank area have another set of rules applied regarding passing into these areas.
As you can see, there are many considerations before planning a trip to the Holy Land. The feeling of reverence can easily outweigh all the stop points and customs restrictions. To walk where Jesus walked, to dip a hand into the Jordan River or Sea of Galilee, or to offer a prayer at the spot where the manger held the Christ Child are all things that cause countless Americans to choose a trip or pilgrimage to this region annually.
If the proper precautions are taken, and the traveler makes certain to know the status of the region before arriving, a trip to the Holy Land can be a week or two that will never be forgotten.
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