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Aerial Map Israel-Palestine |
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Bethlehem
Bethlehem is a Palestinian city located in the central West Bank, approximately 10 kilometers (6 mi) south of Jerusalem, and has a population of 30,000. A Palestinian-majority city, it is the capital of the Bethlehem Governorate of the Palestinian National Authority and a hub of Palestinian culture and tourism. Historically, during the twentieth century it was under control of the Ottomans, the British, Jordan, and Israel. Currently, Israel retains control over the entrances and exits to Bethlehem, though day-to-day administration has been partially under the purview of the Palestinian National Authority since 1995. Bethlehem has a Muslim majority but is also home to one of the largest Palestinian Christian communities left in Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank. When referring to Bethlehem people commonly include the adjacent towns of Beit Jala and Beit Sahour, as well as the Palestinian refugee camps of ‘Aida and Beit Jibrin. Bethlehem's dominant economic focus is tourism, which sees increases during the Christmas season as the city is a Christian pilgrimage center, being home of the Church of the Nativity.
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Haifa
Israel’s third most populated city and one of its prettiest, Haifa has a great deal to offer visitors. It has the country’s largest port, a particularly active beach, and is the home of the World Center of the Bahai community. Surrounded by abundant nature sites, the city contains an interesting mix of modern neighborhoods and older districts, churches and mosques, mountains and the Mediterranean Sea.Haifa’s reputation for tolerance, extends to the Bahai community, among others, is based on the fact that aside from Jerusalem, this city has one of the biggest mixes of Jewish Israelis and Palestinians in the area. |
Jerusalem
Arguably the most famous city in Israel and Palestine, the geographical (and emotional) heart of this ancient city is the “Old City.” Surrounded by a wall and divided into four quarters—Jewish, Armenian, Christian, and Muslim—important holy sites of three major religions can be found in this Middle Eastern nexus: the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, and the Dome of the Rock. Jerusalem’s history is one of wars and struggles. Its strategic location has attracted communities abound as far back in recorded history as we know. |
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Ramallah
Ramallah is a Palestinian city located in the Northern central West Bank, some 15 km (10 miles) north of Jerusalem, and has a population of 57,000. Since the inception of the Palestinian National Authority, Ramallah has acted as the de facto capital city of the Palestinian National Authority (though it is clear that the PNA wants to make Jerusalem its de jure capital in the near future). This city is one of the most vibrant ones in the West Bank, and is commonly held as the cultural epicenter of the West Bank and Gaza. Few historic and religious sites are present in Ramallah. Yet, the downtown streets are a must see- during the day, as the city is often bustling with activity. |
Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv is commonly held by Jewish Israelis as the first modern Jewish city, and is the country’s economic and cultural center. Tel Aviv is also a business and trade center, hosting a number of colorful and bustling markets. Historically, it was in Tel Aviv, on May 14 1948, that Israel’s first Prime Minister, David Ben Gurion, declared the independence of the State of Israel. Most governments with diplomatic ties to Israel based their embassies in this city. |
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Tourist information provided by the following sites:
http://www.goisrael.com/Tourism_Eng/Tourist+Information/Discover+Israel/Cities/
http://wikitravel.org/en/Ramallah
www.toursinenglish.com/.../bethlehem-hebron.html
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