Cities and Regions

Biblical Sites in the West Bank

June 12, 2023 by Whitney O'Halek

The West Bank covers a huge portion of the area currently controlled by the State of Israel. But because the West Bank is one of the two Palestinian Territories (the other is Gaza, where you definitely should not go, nor would you be allowed to!) , people are sometimes nervous about visiting sites in the West Bank, or they plan to visit them on their own and then find out they can’t take their rental car across the border between Israel and the West Bank. But there are many sites worth seeing in the West Bank, especially for Christians. Here are the must-see Biblical sites in the West Bank!

Jericho

Every kid who ever went to Sunday school knows about Jericho. The Israelites marched around and around the city every day for a whole week, they blew their horns, and the “walls came tumbling down!” As a little kid, hearing about that happening was epic.

And when we got older, we all learned about the scandalous harlot Rahab—who, let’s not forget, ended up in the lineage of Jesus. The account of Jericho appeals to a broad audience, and it’s one of the places you know you want to see on your trip to Israel.

But let’s not forget about the Jericho that Jesus knew, and another beloved Bible story from Sunday school. He was just passing through Jericho, and one of the most unlikely people showed an interest in him. Zacchaeus, the chief tax collector and probably least popular person in town, was too short to see Jesus over the crowd, so he climbed up in a sycamore tree to see. (Luke 19:1-10) And you can see where it happened when you visit Jericho for yourself.

Hebron

About an hour south of Jerusalem is a West Bank town called Hebron. It may seem vaguely familiar, but also maybe not, so no worries if it doesn’t. Abraham and Sarah lived and are buried here, making Hebron an important site for Muslims, Jews, and Christians alike. Muslims call this the Sanctuary of Abraham, and Jews and Christians both know it as the Cave of the Patriarchs. (Genesis chapters 13, 23, 25, 47, and 49)

Later in the Old Testament, in Joshua 14:13, Joshua gave Hebron to Caleb as an inheritance. In fact, King David ruled from Hebron for seven and a half years until he moved into Jerusalem. (2 Samuel 2:8-11)

Qasr El-Yahud

This site is actually important for both Jews and Christians. This is the crossing point of the Jordan River where the Israelites were finally able to enter the Promised Land after wandering in the desert for 40 years. It’s still the present-day border between Jordan and Israel or the West Bank. (Joshua 3)

But Christians have another reason to want to visit Qasr El-Yahud. This is the place where John the Baptist baptized many people, including Jesus. Many people choose to be baptized here, so the gift shop offers white robes and towels (for a fee) for those who want to be baptized in the same place as Jesus. (Matthew 3:15 and Mark 1:9)

Qumran Caves

You won’t find an exact mention of Qumran or the caves in the Bible, but they are very important to Biblical history. In the 1940s, local shepherds found the first of nearly 1,000 scrolls that would become known as the Dead Sea Scrolls. They are the earliest copies we have of the books of the Old Testament, with the exception of the book of Esther.

The dry climate at the Dead Sea – and inside these caves – is perfect for preserving manuscripts like these. The scrolls themselves are on display in a handful of museums around the world, including several at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem.

Dead Sea

Part of the Dead Sea lies within the borders of the West Bank, part of it lies within the Israeli border, and of course the eastern side belongs to the country of Jordan. The same is true in the Bible: The Dead Sea, the Salt Sea, and the Valley of Siddim are all terms used to describe this unique lake in the Bible as the eastern border of Israel. (Numbers 34:12)

Bethlehem

This is the birthplace of Jesus, so there are several important sites visitors want to see here. You can visit the Shepherds’ Field, birthplace, and caves where the family stayed while they were in Bethlehem. If you’re a Christian, you may want to tour the sites with a Palestinian Christian guide for a truly local perspective – their home church will be one of the churches built over the sites you came to see. How cool would it be to know that the place where you worship every Sunday is the same place where Jesus was born? (Luke 2)

Also interesting is that this isn’t just Jesus’ first hometown. It was also King David’s hometown. Before he knocked out Goliath and became King of all Israel, David was the youngest son of a local family and a shepherd in the fields you came to see. (1 Samuel 16:1-13) Going back even further in Jewish history, this is also the hometown of Ruth and Boaz. (Book of Ruth) These people—among others—were all from Bethlehem and mentioned in the lineage of Jesus. (Luke 3:23-38)

The Top 10 Sites to Visit in Galilee

June 11, 2023 by Whitney O'Halek

Jesus was born in Bethlehem and lived in Egypt as a baby, but he did his growing up in and around the Galilee region. This is the place where many of his miracles happened, and where many of his disciples lived and worked as well. It was an important region to Jesus and his life’s work, so it’s important for many Christian visitors to Israel as well. Plan to spend a couple of nights here on your trip, and put these sites on your “must see” list!

Capernaum

Wow. What didn’t happen in Capernaum? It comes up many times in the Bible because Jesus made it his home, and some of the Apostles lived here as well (Peter, Andrew, James, John, and Matthew). He preached in the synagogue after being run out of Nazareth. After just beginning his ministry, he healed many people from sickness, including Peter’s mother-in-law, and many others from demon possession. (Luke 4:31-44)

This is also where Jesus healed the paralytic man who had to be lowered through the roof by his friends (Mark 2:1-12). He also gave his sermon here about how he is the bread of life (John 6:22-59). He healed a bleeding woman who merely touched his garment (Mark 5:25-34) on his way to raise the daughter of Jairus, one of the rulers of the synagogue (Mark 5:21-43). A day in Capernaum alone will give you plenty to see and read about!

Mount of Beatitudes

This is the site of what is possibly Jesus’ most famous sermon: The Sermon on the Mount from Matthew 5. You should read this sermon here (it’s not long!) while you look out over the Galilee region. There is also the Church of the Beatitudes that was built here in 1938 to mark the spot where Jesus gave the sermon.

Nazareth

This town is famous as the place where Jesus grew up, but don’t forget it’s also the place where the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary to tell her she would give birth to Jesus (Luke 1:36-38). And an angel also appeared to Joseph in a dream to tell him to marry Mary despite her miraculous pregnancy (Matthew 1:18-25).

You can visit the churches built over Mary’s house and Joseph’s workshop. You may also be interested to see the “Synagogue Church” where Jesus may have attended as a Jewish boy growing up in Nazareth. This is the same synagogue where he spoke and read from Isaiah 61:1-2. (Luke 4:14-27)

Mount Precipice

While speaking at the synagogue mentioned above, the people there became angry about what he was saying and tried to run him off of the cliff that the town sat upon – Mount Precipice. But somehow, the Bible says that “passing through their midst, he went away.” (Luke 4:28-30)

Cana

Jesus did a lot of miracles in his lifetime, including his very first one at a wedding in a place called Cana. There are plenty of jokes and memes out there about turning water into wine, and this is where it really happened, at a wedding where Jesus was a guest. This is also the event that made the disciples believe in him. (John 2:1-11)

There is a church here on the site, where you can, in fact, buy communion wine if you wish. There is also an ancient wine vessel you can see here like the ones they would have used at the wedding.

Bethsaida

Why stop at Bethsaida? This is the place where Jesus fed the 5,000. He came here by boat and tried to get away from the crowd, but they followed him here anyway. Despite looking for seclusion, he saw the people in the crowd (all 5,000 of them) and had compassion for them anyway. He also spent time healing the sick people who had come here.

Because it was such a secluded place, and it was getting late in the day, the disciples suggested that Jesus send the people away so they could start making their way to a nearby village to get food. Instead, Jesus took five loaves of bread and two fish, prayed to thank God for them, and started breaking them up. By the time he finished, all 5,000 people had been fed, and there were still twelve baskets of bread and fish left over! (Matthew 14:13-21, John 6:1-15)

Magdala

Magdala: As in, Mary Magdalene. Located in present-day Migdal, beside the Sea of Galilee, Magdala is the home town of this important woman from the Bible. Not only was she an early follower of Christ, she was part of a miracle he performed when he drove seven demons out of her in Luke 8:2. She was also there at Jesus’ tomb when the stone was rolled over the entrance (Matthew 27:61), as well as when the stone was rolled away the following Sunday morning. She and “the other Mary” were the first people Jesus appeared to after rising from the dead. (Matthew 28:1-10)

The archaeological park here is relatively new, so discoveries are still being made often. They’ve uncovered house foundations and other parts of an ancient town here. It’s worth a visit, especially if you’re interested in archaeology.

Bet She’an

If you’re into a bit of gore and parts of the Bible that are not rated G, head about half an hour south of the Sea of Galilee and visit Mount Gilboa and Bet Sheen National Park. This is the site of the Battle of Gilboa, and as a result, it’s also the place where Philistines killed King Saul’s three sons. King Saul was also wounded here by Philistine archers, but he chose to fall on his sword and kill himself instead of allow the Philistines to kill and mistreat him. (1 Samuel 31)

Yoga Allon Museum

You might also see or hear this referred to as the “Jesus Boat Museum.” It’s a museum in Ginosar, beside the Sea of Galilee. While the boat on display itself likely has no ties to Jesus, it is a first century boat similar to the type he and his disciples would have used in their daily lives, like the time Jesus calmed the storm in Matthew 8:23-27.

The Sea of Galilee

This is it, right? This is where Jesus walked on the water, where Peter walked on water and then faltered, where Christians learn one of the most important lessons in the Bible: Keep your eyes on Jesus and have faith, no matter what. (Matthew 14:22-34, Mark 6:45-53, John 6:16-21)

One of the coolest experiences a Christian can have is to go out in a boat on the Sea of Galilee and take in the view from the middle of the massive lake. It’s so large, it creates its own microclimate, complete with storms and waves. You can imagine what it would have been like in a first century boat when a storm came up, like the one Jesus calmed here in Mark 4:35-41. Don’t miss a chance to go out on the Sea of Galilee while you’re there.

Where is the “Holy Land?”

April 26, 2023 by Whitney O'Halek

When someone says, “I visited the Holy Land,” what does that mean to you? Is it the same as what it means to them? People talk about “going to the Holy Land” as if everyone knows exactly what that encompasses, but in reality, people often have different ideas of what makes up the “Holy Land.”

Most Christians referencing the “Holy Land” are exclusively talking about what is today Israel and Palestine, where Jesus’ ministry took place from baptism to resurrection. This reference isn’t incorrect—Israel and Palestine are home to the vast majority of holy sites in Christianity, as well as Judaism. However, if the “Holy Land” refers to all the places mentioned in the Bible, including the disciples’ mission work after Jesus’ ascension into Heaven, it stretches far beyond Israel’s present-day borders.

You can read in scripture about Biblical sites in Egypt, Greece, Israel, Jordan, and Turkey. While this is not an exhaustive list, below are some of the highlights from each present-day country:

Egypt

The Nile

Where Moses was found floating in a basket, then adopted by Pharaoh’s daughter (Exodus 2:1-10)
The first plague, where Moses turned the Nile water into blood (Exodus 7:14-25)

The Exodus

God led the Israelites out of Egypt and away from slavery (Exodus 12)

Mount Sinai

Moses was given the 10 Commandments on Mount Sinai (Exodus 20)

Abu Serga Church in Coptic Cairo

One of the locations where Jesus, Mary, and Joseph stayed after fleeing to Egypt to escape King Herod (Matthew 2:13-15)

Alexandria

Mark Spreads the Gospel in Alexandria, Egypt, around 42 A.D. (Coptic Christian tradition and history of his death in Alexandria in 68 A.D.)

Greece

Athens

Paul preached on Mars Hill (Acts 17:22-31)

Philippi

Philippi was the hometown of Lydia, the first Christian convert in Europe (Acts 16:11-15)

Letters to Churches in Greece

Paul wrote letters to many churches in Greece; five of these letters make up the books of I and II Corinthians, Philippians, and I and II Thessalonians

Island of Patmos

Island where John was exiled from Ephesus; while here he wrote the Book of Revelation (Revelation 1:9-11)

Israel

Bethlehem

David’s hometown, where he was a shepherd before defeating Goliath and eventually becoming King David (I Samuel 17:12-20)
The place where Jesus was born (Luke 2:1-21)

Galilee

Jesus walked on water on the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 14:22-33; Mark 6:45-52; John 6:16-21)
Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount at the Mount of Beatitudes (Matthew 5)
The site of many miracles, including feeding the 5,000, the miraculous catch of fish, calming the storm, etc. (Books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)

Tel Aviv-Jaffa

Jonah fled God from the Port of Jaffa and was subsequently swallowed by a “big fish” (Book of Jonah)
Simon the Tanner’s house, where Peter saw a vision that led him to understand that the message of Christ was intended for all people, not only the Jews (Acts 10)

Jerusalem

God calls this “The city I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel” (I Kings 11:32)
Solomon built the First Temple here (I Kings 6)
Second temple built here (Ezra 1:1-4; II Chronicles 36:22-23)
Jesus crucified and resurrected (Books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)
Jesus ascends to Heaven (Mark 16:19; Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:6-11)

Jericho

One of the world’s oldest cities is also the first city the Israelites attacked after entering Israel; they marched around it and blew trumpets to make the walls fall (Joshua 6)

Jordan River

Where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22)
Naaman was healed of leprosy after bathing in the Jordan River seven times (II Kings 5:1-14)
Elijah and Elisha crossed the Jordan River on dry land, and Elijah ascended to Heaven on the west side the Jordan River (II Kings 2:1-14)

Valley of Elah

Where the battle between David and Goliath took place (I Samuel 17)

Jordan

Bethany

Where the Israelites camped before crossing the Jordan River into the Promised Land (Joshua 3)

Jerash (Decapolis Region)

Jesus healed a deaf man and gained many followers (Mark 7:31-37)

Mount Nebo

Where Moses stood and looked at the Promised Land before his death on the site (Deuteronomy 32:48-52)

Turkey

Letters to Churches in Turkey

Paul wrote letters to many churches in Turkey; three of these letters make up the books of Galatians, Ephesians, Colossians

Ephesus

Riot in Ephesus (Acts 19:21-41)

Cave Churches

Early Christian churches can be found in caves in the Cappadocia region, many of which have maintained their original paint colors (early Christian history)

Finding Jerusalem’s Luxury Hotels

August 5, 2016 by John Navarre

Israel is an incredibly unique country in so many ways. Not only do three of the world’s major religions converge there, with their respective holy sites physically coexisting in ways that have thus far evaded its human inhabitants, but there are also many more remnants of grandiose civilizations that pre-date even most religions. Needless to say, Israel generally – and Jerusalem specifically – is a top bucket list destination for literally billions of people. But another unique aspect of Israel that sometimes frustrates travelers to this diverse destination is the lack of diversity in internationally branded hotel offerings.

The availability of true luxury hotels that are up to European and North American standards are hard to come by in Israel, and travelers should interpret the star ratings in a more regional context. With that said, it is not impossible to find and enjoy Western-standard luxury hotels in Israel, but there are really only three hotels in Jerusalem that fit the bill of being what most international tourists expect when they think of luxury accommodations.

The historic King David Hotel in Jerusalem

Part of this hotel served as the British military headquarters during the Mandate period, which led to it being bombed in the summer of 1946 by Jewish forces opposed to British rule over the territory. After Israel declared its independence in 1948, the hotel found itself on the front line of the new [then] border between Israel and Jordan. Today, however, the King David Hotel is a calm oasis amid the hustle and bustle of a geographically united Jerusalem.

Arguably Israel’s nicest hotel and certainly Jerusalem’s most posh is the brand new Waldorf Astoria, also located adjacent to the Old City. I first noticed this new property nearing completion two springs ago when I visited Jerusalem. This past spring when I visited again, I finally had the chance to stay there and try it out, and it certainly did not disappoint. While some rooftop areas as well as the below-ground swimming pool were still under construction at the time, the rest of this fabulous new hotel was open for business and already bustling with both Israeli and international guests.

The facade of the old Palace Hotel, now part of the Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem

The Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem was born out of a much older luxury hotel, the Palace Hotel that opened its doors in 1930. However, the Palace’s reign would be short lived. It closed in 1935 amid political scandal, legal battles, and competition from the newly opened King David Hotel nearby. Of the original property, only one elaborate facade remains and is incorporated beautifully into the modern Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem.

The interior of the Waldorf proudly offers the chic glamor and luxury that you would expect from such a world renowned brand. The lobby has soaring multi-story glass ceilings, two restaurants, extravagant chandeliers and other hanging art, such as the glass doves suspended in the middle of the staircase to the lower levels. The rooms, of which there are 226, are quite spacious and no detail is spared in making them as posh as possible without having them look or feel overdone.

The lobby atrium of the Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem

While the Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem looks rather moderately sized from the outside, what really surprised me about the hotel was the scale of the enormous ballroom on the lower/underground levels. This will surely become a go-to place for conferences, weddings, and myriad other meetings and ceremonies for guests from all over the world, and with the upcoming completion of the rooftop spaces and below-ground pool it’s only going to keep getting better.

Last but not least is the fabulously chic and boutique Mamilla Hotel, a cozy neighbor of both the Waldorf Astoria and the King David near the Old City. The hotel is the anchor of the larger Mamilla commercial development (i.e., upscale shopping mall) that stretches from the hotel’s back doors all the way to Jaffa Gate to the Old City.

The lobby of the Mamilla Hotel in Jerusalem

The team behind the Mamilla went all in on design, and that attention to artistic detail shows in every nook and corner of the hotel. It is also reflected in the rooms themselves, which are average in size but outsized in elegant ambiance. A stay at the Mamilla also gives you access to the wonderful gym and spa just across a small skybridge, and making time to try this facility out is a must. Another must at the Mamilla is the rooftop bar and restaurant, which offers great views of the Old City.

The wall of Jerusalem’s Old City, as seen from the rooftop of the Mamilla Hotel

What really impresses me most about both the Waldorf Astoria and the Mamilla is the fact that both hotels have gone to great lengths to showcase their host city’s ancient heritage. Neither property feels at all like some modern monstrosity has invaded an historic city. Instead, they both are proving to be crucial partners in preserving and revitalizing their neighborhood’s historic character after decades of neglect as part of the no man’s land between Israel and Jordan, East and West Jerusalem, and later the older and newer areas of the city.

These luxurious hotel properties have served as an unwitting gateway between sensitive divisions of the city in their past and more modern iterations. But now they serve as a welcoming host and a peaceful gateway to all of Jerusalem for visitors from around Israel and around the world.