Tel Aviv
by Danielle Grossman Photos by Maya Chayot
It’s thought of as one of the most dangerous places to live in the world, but through the eyes of a student, resident and journalist, it is far from that. I stepped off the plane and walked through the airport in complete awe. I had never felt so safe in my whole entire life. A little contradictory, don’t you think? It’s in the Middle East, what could be so safe about that? Israel is a country where all men and women are required by law to serve in the military after high school. This keeps their security as strong as possible, and keeps all its citizens safe.
This amazing country is the only one in the world where three rival religions live peacefully together and where its surrounding countries are all its enemies. This is Israel, and it’s only the size of New Jersey.
I could write a novel if I had the opportunity to talk about each part of the country. But I am only going to tell you a little bit about what I call heaven on earth; Tel Aviv.
Tel Aviv or Tel Aviv-Yafo officially, is one of the cities in the world that “Never Sleeps.” It’s basically the metropolitan hub of Israel, a place where there is 24 hours of entertainment and culture. But you wouldn’t compare it directly to say New York or LA. Tel Aviv has a plethora of outdoor seating, cafes, shopping, nightlife, music and tradition.
Unlike the city of Jerusalem, where most people are religious and extremely spiritual, Tel Aviv is filled with mostly young professionals or students attending the numerous colleges in the area.
Known as the ninth best beach city in the world by National Geographic, the beach is only a fifteen minute walk or bus trip away from most locations in the city. The crystal clear, blue water surrounded by soft, white sand is a tourist’s playground. Tel Aviv beaches are filled with volleyball courts, restaurants and bars. And if you get warm you can take a walk up to Dizingoff St. and take a snack break at Tamara, the most delicious frozen yogurt in all of Tel Aviv.
If it’s a rainy day, there are more than enough things to keep your attention and your interest. Tel Aviv has more museums per capita than any other city in the world. If you make your way five miles outside of the city limits, you will find yourself in Ramat Aviv, the largest University in Israel. Tel Aviv University is home to the Diaspora Museum where the history and traditions of the Jewish people is laid out to see in a three story interactive history museum.
It is almost impossible to explain all the customs and culture this city has to offer. From the food, art and music; there is never a dull moment in Tel Aviv. The people will amaze you and the atmosphere will blow your mind. To venture back to this city of love and lust, would be a dream come true.
