Marrying and Sponsoring an Israeli Citizen
Listen to this articleMarriage to an Israeli Citizen
Every country has its own laws that apply to its citizens marrying a person from a different country. Getting married to an Israeli citizen with the goal of eventually bringing them to Canada to live is a process with many steps.
If you want to bring your Israeli spouse or partner to live in Canada, you must then file a sponsorship application for them to become a permanent resident. If they would like to visit you in Canada while their application is in process, they must also apply for a visitor visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). For more information, please see our family sponsorship page and our visitor visa page (or eTA).
Israeli Marriage Basic Requirements
Before the couples are married, they must open a marriage file (“tik nissuin”) at their local religious council any time between 90 and 21 days before the wedding. If any of the couples previously opened a marriage file with another partner, they must first cancel the earlier file at the religious council where it was opened before opening a new file.
The bride and groom will be referred to separate instructors on the laws of family purity (taharat hamishpahcha) for classes they will take prior to the wedding. If the bride and groom already have instructors, the teachers will need to write a letter verifying that the couples to be completed the course.
The couples must produce the following documents
- Teudat Zehut – (Foreigners must produce a valid passport)
- Three identical passport photos for each the bride and groom
- Birth Certificate
- Proof of Judaism – letter from a recognized Rabbi abroad stating that you are Jewish and born to a Jewish mother. Additionally, the letter must state that you are single.If you are a convert, please make sure to bring your official conversion papers and an accompanying letter from your rabbi (if you converted abroad).
- Parents’ ketubot
- Divorce Certificate (if applicable)
- Death Certificate of spouse (if applicable)
- Witnesses (Edim) – The bride and groom have to bring two people who will testify they know the bride/groom as single. If you reside outside the jurisdiction of the local religious council, you will have to provide a “Teudat Ravakut” from your local religious council.The witnesses cannot be immediate relatives of the bride or groom.
- Copy of the Kashrut Certificate (Teudat Kashrut) of the wedding hall where the wedding will take place
Please note that even if you do not bring all of the necessary documents at the time of registration, you still will be permitted to open the file, provided that you present the rest of the missing documents before the wedding.
The Fee:
The fee for registration is 600 NIS.
A 40% discount will be granted if either the bride or groom is:
- An Oleh Chadash and is getting married within the first two years of Aliyah
- Serving in the army or national service
- Has special needs as recognized by the Department of Social Services
- Currently studying in university
- Currently studying in yeshiva
After registration, the couples to be will receive the following:
- Marriage file number
- Ketubah
- A Rabbi assigned to perform the wedding ceremonies if so desired (If you have your own Rabbi, please make sure he is certified to perform the wedding ceremony by the local religious council).
Mikveh
The religious council (following Jewish Law) requires that women immerse themselves in a Mikveh (ritual bath) as the culmination of their studies of the family purity laws. The bride to be will receive a notice from the religious council that needs to be signed following her immersion in the Mikveh on the eve of her wedding.The officiating rabbi will then ask for the signed notice prior to the wedding ceremony.
Ketubah:
It is the responsibility of either the couple orthe Rabbi who has performed the ceremony to provide the religious council with a copy of the ketubah within three days following the wedding.
Marriage Certificate:
The marriage certificate will be ready within two weeks after the wedding and can be picked up from the local religious council. The marriage certificate contains the following information;
- Name of the Groom
- Name of the Bride
- Day, Month and year of the wedding
- Name of parents of Bride
- Name of parents of the Groom
- Place of marriage
- Signatures of two witnesses
Family Members
If your Israeli spouse has dependent children, this does not affect the Israeli Marriage document application.
If you have dependent children, they have no effect on the application to marry an Israeli citizen.
List of Israeli Consulates in Canada
Calling Israel From Canada
To make a direct call to Israel from Canada, you need to follow the international dialling format given below. The dialling format is the same when calling Israel mobile or land line from Canada.
To call Israel from Canada Dial
011 – 972 – Area Code – local number
Follow the dialling format shown above while calling Israel from Canada.
- 011 – Exit code for Canada, and is needed for making any international call from Canada
- 972 – ISD Code or Country Code of Israel
- Area Code – do not include the “0” when dialing from overseas
Area Codes for Landlines
| Central | 03 | North | 04 |
| Haifa | 04 | South | 05 |
| Jerusalem | 02 | Tel Aviv | 03 |
| Judea and Samarina | 05 |
Cells and VOIP
Cell and voip prefixes are determines by provider:
| Alon / YouPhone | 055-88 | Cellcom Mobile | 052 | Hot VOIP | 077 | Pelephone | 050 |
| Bezeq | 076-88 | Golan | 058 | Jawwal (Palestine) | 059 | Rami Levi Hashikma | 055-66 |
| Bezeq Voip | 076-5 | Home | 055-22 | Netvision | 073-7 | Slipme.me | 078-55 |
| Cellcom Business | 073-3 | Hot Mobile | 053 | Orange | 074-7 | Smile | 072-2 |
| Cellcom Local | 073-2 | Hot Mobile | 057 | Partner (Orange) | 054 | Wataniya (Palestine) | 056 |
There are also “Kosher” phones in Israel – phones with built-in restrictions as to their use – and these use different codes.
Calling Canada from Israel
To make a direct call to Canada from Israel, you need to follow the international dialling format given below.
To call Canada From Israel Dial
XX – 1 – Area Code – local number
Israeli International Access Codes
Unlike most countries in the world, Israeli has many international access codes, depending on the service provider. Many Israelis are able to use the default international code of “00”, however the following companies use different codes:
| Bezeq | 014 | Netvision | 013 |
| Golan | 016 | Smile | 012 |
| Hallo | 015 | Telzar | 019 |
| Hot Mobile | 017 | Xfone | 018 |
This code must be used in place of “00” before dialling 1 and the number in Canada.
List of area codes in Canada
| Province | Code | Province | Code |
| Alberta | 403 / 587 (southern Alberta)
587 / 780 (central and northern Alberta) |
Nunavut | 867 |
| BC | 236 / 250 / 778 (majority of BC)
236 / 604 / 778 (Metro Vancouver) |
Ontario | 226 / 519 (southwestern Ontario)
249 / 705 (northeastern Ontario) 289 / 365 / 905 (Greater Toronto Area) 343 / 613 (eastern Ontario) 416 / 647 (Toronto) 807 (northwestern Ontario) |
| Manitoba | 204 / 431 | PEI | 782 / 902 |
| New Brunswick | 506 | Quebec | 418 / 581 (eastern Quebec)
438 / 514 (Montreal) 450 / 579 (Greater Montreal) 819 / 873 (remainder of Quebec) |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 709 | Saskatchewan | 306 / 639 |
| Northwest Territories | 867 | Yukon | 867 |
| Nova Scotia | 782 / 902 |
Time Difference
Israeli Standard Time is GMT+2. Israel practices Daylight Saving Time so there is no change in the time difference in the summer. However, since there are differences between North American and European DST dates, there is one week in late March and another in late October when there is a hour less difference between Israel and Canada during this time. Saskatchewan does not observe DST and so there is a 1 hour greater difference during the summer.
| Canadian Time Zone | # of Hours Israel is Ahead |
| Pacific (BC, Yukon) | 10 hours |
| Mountain (Alberta, western Nunvaut, Lloydminster, Saskatchewan) | 9 hours |
| Central (Manitoba, Northwest Territories, central Nunavut, northwestern Ontario, Saskatchewan*) | 8 hours |
| Eastern (most of Ontario, most of Quebec) | 7 hours |
| Atlantic (Labrador, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, PEI, eastern Quebec) | 6 hours |
| Newfoundland | 5.5 hours |
Emergency Information for Canadians in Israel and Palestine
Embassy of Canada in Tel AvivCanada House Postal Address: Telephone: 972 (3) 636-3300 |
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Representative Office of Canada in Ramallah12 Elias Odeh Street Postal Addresses: Telephone: 972 (2) 297-8430
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Israeli Emergency Numbers
- 100 – Police
- 101 – Ambulance Service
- 102 – Fire
- 103 – Electric Company
- 106 – Municipal Call Center <in most cities>
- 107 – Municipal Call Center <in some cities>
- 108 – Municipal Call Center <in some cities>
- 109 – Municipal Call Center <in some cities>
- 110 – Automated Number Announcement Circuit
- 118 – Ministry of Social Affair’s emergency service
- 1201 – Mental health first aid
- 1255 XXX – Hospital Information Center <only in times of emergency>
- 1212 XX XX – Telephone-Based poll and televoting
- 1200 XXX XXX – Televoting
- *XXXX – (Star and 4 digits) Speed dial service
- 1234 – Bezeq-Card service (Bezeq lines only)
- 1346 – Dial up access to ISP service
- 1455 – Speaking clock – Time and date in Israel and around the world
- 142 – Collect Call
- 144 – Telephone Listings Information
- 166 – Bezeq technical support
- 199 – Bezeq customer service
- 164 – Bezeq business customer service
- Note – The Israeli telecommunication infrastructure is available and used extensively in the Palestinian Territories too.
Canadian Government’s Travel Alerts for Israel and Palestine
Israeli Money
The State of Israel’s currency is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS) or shekel for short (pluralized as shkalim in Hebrew or shekels in English).
Coins
Israeli coins are either coins of agorot or shekels. It takes 100 Agaot to make up a Shekel. Agorot coins are of 1, 5, 10 and 50 agorot (or half Shekel), and Shekel coins are of 1, 5 and 10 Shekels.
Bank Notes
Israel bank notes are of 20, 50, 100 and 200 Shekels. The 200 Shekel note is not used often.
20 Shekels
The front of 20 shekels depicts the picture of Moshe Sharett while the back depicts the pictures of Jewish volunteers in World War II; a watchtower, commemorating tower and stockade settlements
50 Shekels
The front of 50 shekels depicts the picture of Shmuel Yosef Agnon while the back depicts Agnon’s notebook, pen and glasses, Jerusalem and the Temple Mount of Jewish
100 Shekels
The front of 100 shekels depicts the picture of Yitzhak Ben-Zvi while the back depicts the Peki’in Synagogue
The front of 1000 shekels depicts the picture of Zalman Shazar while the back depicts a street in Safed and text from Shazar’s essay about Safed.
Isreali and Palestinian Wedding Traditions
According to Judaism, Marriage is a holy institution which must be protected and respected at the same time. Marriage is known as “kiddushin,” in Hebrew which means “sanctification. In Israel, most of the laws and customs relating to marriage, the wedding ceremony (Chatunah), its preparations and “Seudat” Mitzvah (festive reception meal) date back to the Jewish’s Patriarchs and the giving of the Torah at Sinai.
Jewish law enjoins the entire community to bring joy and happiness to both the “Kallah” (bride) and Chatan (groom). During each day of their marriage the bride and groom will strive to grow and adjust to each other in order to establish the foundation for a BayisNe’emanB’Yisrael – a faithful Jewish home.
Ufruf – Shabbat before the Wedding
On the Shabbat of the week before the wedding the Chatan is called to the Torah (ufruf), to impress upon the couple the duty to look to the Torah as their guide in married life. After his “Aliyah”, the congregation showers him with raisins and nuts, symbolic of their wishes for a sweet and fruitful marriage blessed with many children.
Meanwhile, on the same Shabbat, the Kallah’s family and friends arrange a party (forshpiel) for her, expressing their same wishes for her. According to the Jewish traditions, from a few days prior, until a week after the wedding, the couples are considered royalty and are, therefore, not to be seen in public without a personal escort.
The Wedding Day – A Private Yom Kippur
As from the day of one’s wedding according to the Jews, God forgives the bride and groom of all their previous sins; it is seen as a private Yom Kippur for the couple.
The couple must fast until the day of ceremony, add Yom Kippur confessions to their afternoon prayers, recite the Book of Psalms, asking for forgiveness for the wrong things they did during their youth, wrong things they committed knowingly or unknowingly, before starting their new life together.
Kabbalat Panim – Greeting the Bride and Groom
The wedding receptions are held separately since the Chatan and Kallah do not see each other during the week prior to the wedding. At this time, relatives and friends greet the bride and groom and bless them, individually offering them their heartfelt wishes.
Prior to the marriage ceremony, standard “Tena’im” (conditions) are set forth in a written document by the groom and bride and their respective parents. This represents a commitment of the Chatan to fulfill the promise to marry his Kallah.
With the signing and finalization of this obligation, through reviewing the text aloud, a plate is broken, signifying that just as the breaking of the plate is irreversible, so too should the engagement be irreversible.
Bedeken – Veiling of the Bride
Before the Chupah ceremony, the groom, escorted by his father and father-in-law to be, and accompanied by relatives and friends, goes forward to veil the bride. The groom brings down the veil over the bride’s face. The covering of the face symbolizes the modesty, dignity and chastity which characterize the virtue of Jewish womanhood.
The veiling imposes upon the Kallah her duty to live up to Jewish ideals of modesty and reminds others that in her status as a married woman she will be absolutely unapproachable by other men. The Jewish woman, being the strength and pillar of the home, is also reflected in these signs of modesty and dignity which will be the pillars and the foundation of their new home.
Chupah – Wedding Ceremony under the Canopy
The wedding ceremony takes place under the open sky, recalling the blessing of God to Abraham that his seed be as numerous as the stars. When they arrive at the Chupah, the bride circles the groom seven times.
According to the Jews, the consecration of a woman to man, the Torah advises the couple that, through “the giving of a valuable like money or ring to the woman, the presentation of a document, or through intimate living together.” Nowadays, the Jewish’s sages advises the importance of performing all three acts as a means of consecrating a woman.
For this reason, the Chupah ceremony entails all three aspects as follows:
- The giving of a ring by the Chatan to the Kallah (the exchange of value);
- The handing over of the Ketubah (marriage contact) to the bride;
- And after the Chupah, the bride and groom adjourn to a private room (symbolic of intimacy) where they break their fast.
The Witnesses
Every legal procedure in Jewish life is confirmed by at least two “kosher” witnesses. These witnesses can under no circumstances be of the immediate family or even distant relatives to the participating parties.
It takes two witnesses to attest that all three aspects of marriage mentioned above have taken place in accordance with the laws of “Moses and Israel.” Two witnesses are called upon to stand under the Chupah and witness these procedures.
Kiddushin and Nisuin
The Jewish marriage ceremony has two basic parts: “Kiddushin” and “Nisuin.” Both parts are introduced with the blessing over wine, the traditional symbol of joy and abundance.
The first blessing over the wine signifies that just as the Jewish pronounce the holiness of the Sabbath and festivals over the wine, it signifies the personal relationship of marriage over wine. The bride and groom each take a sip of the wine.
The second is recited over the ceremony itself, thanking God for giving participants the opportunity to perform this Mitzvah, after which the Chatan and Kallah once again take a sip of the wine, after the seven blessings. The blessing are recited as follows; “Blessed are You Lord, Who sanctifies His people Israel through Chupah and Kiddushin.”
The essence of the ceremony which follows is the act of Kiddushin. In the presence of two witnesses, the groom places a simple gold ring on the bride’s right forefinger. As the groom places the ring on her finger he says: (“HareiAtMekudeshet Li B’taba’atZoKedat Moshe V’Yisrael) – Behold, you are consecrated to me with this ring according to the laws of Moses and Israel.”
The Ketubah – Marriage Contract
To separate the betrothal blessings from the marriage blessings (ShevaBerachot), the “Ketubah” (marriage contract) is read aloud. The “Ketubah” is a binding document of confidence and trust which details the husband’s obligations to his wife. The signing of the Ketubah shows that the bride and groom do not see marriage as only a physical and emotional union, but also as a legal and moral commitment which defines the human and financial obligations of the husband to his wife according to Jewish law and customs.
Its basic aim is to strengthen and affirm the wife’s dignified status, as well as to confer a number of special privileges on her. The Ketubah also contains stipulations of financial settlement in case of, God forbid, divorce. Following the reading of this contract, the Ketubah is handed over to the Kallah. Should this document be lost, the couple may not live together until a new contract is drawn up.
Sheva Berachot – The Seven Blessings
The concluding portion of the marriage ceremony is the seven blessings. Several different people are called upon to recite these blessings in the presence of a quorum of at least ten men, because of the communal emphasis of the blessings.
They acknowledge God as the Creator of mankind, joy, bride and groom. They also praise God for having created man in His image, and for giving him the ability to reproduce that image.
The first blessing is recited over the second cup of wine as a sign of rejoicing.
The second thanks God for creating the world and at the same time it honours those assembled at the wedding.
The third and fourth acknowledge God’s physical and spiritual creation of mankind. These blessings are recited at weddings, since it is only then that the couple begins life as complete human beings.
In the fifth, they pray for the restoration of Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the Holy Temple, the edifice which so expressed G-d’s special relationship to the Jewish people that the memory of its destruction rises above even our highest joys.
The sixth expresses the hope that the bride and groom grow in their love for each other, focusing their love as exclusively as Adam and Eve, when there was no one else in the world.
In the seventh blessing, they pray for the time when Moshiach will come to redeem the Jews from exile so that peace and tranquillity will reign over the world.
Breaking a Glass
At the conclusion of the blessings, after the couple drinks from the second cup, the groom breaks the glass with his right foot, as an additional remembrance of the destruction of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.
Traditionally, this custom was also incorporated into the ceremony to remind everyone that even at the height of one’s personal joy, he/she must, nevertheless, remember the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem.
Yichud – Union
After the ceremony the bride and groom adjourn to a private room. This procedure is witnessed by the same two exclusive witnesses who were designated at the time when the ring was placed on the Kallah’s finger under the Chupah.
The few minutes the couple share together alludes to their new intimate relationship and emphasizes that their absolute privacy be respected. Refreshments are served, and the Chatan and Kallah break their fast.
Seudat Mitzvah – Wedding Feast
Most Jewish celebrations like marriage, circumcision, and bar mitzvah among others are followed by a dinner to honor the occasion. At this meal all guests participate in the Mitzvah of “L’SameachChatanv’Kallah,” to celebrate in joy with the groom and bride. Although the wedding feast in itself is a mitzvah, the emphasis is on entertaining the newlyweds.
Men and women dance separated by a “Mechitzah” (divider) for reasons of “Tzniut” (modesty). This is one of the strong virtues binding a husband and wife, enhancing each other’s uniqueness. At the end of the Seudat Mitzvah (festive meal), “BirkatHaMazon” (Grace after Meals) is recited, and the Sheva Berachot (seven blessings) recited under the Chupah are once again repeated.
After the Wedding
Jewish custom dictates that the couple begins their new life together in their community. For seven consecutive evenings following the wedding, it is customary that friends or relatives host festive meals in their honor.
The act of feasting recalls the “seven-day celebration” after the marriage of Jacob to Leah, while spending their days in prayer, learning Torah and performing mitzvos in order to give the “new house in Israel” a solid foundation in God’s ways of holiness.
Wedding gifts
If you got married in Israel within three months before coming to Canada or if you plan to marry no later than three months after arriving in the country, you can bring in your wedding gifts free of duty and taxes. However, you must have owned and possessed the gifts while in Israel and before you arrived in Canada. At this instance, the requirement to have used the goods does not apply. These same conditions apply to household goods you bring in as part of a bride’s trousseau from Israel.
Ownership, possession and use requirements
To import goods duty- and tax-free, settlers must have owned, possessed and used the goods prior to their arrival in Canada and Former Residents must have owned, possessed and used the goods for at least six months before returning to resume residency from Israel.
It is important that you meet these three requirements. For example, if you owned and possessed the goods without using them, the goods will be subjected to duty and taxes. Please note that leased goods are subject to duty and taxes because the Canada Border Services Agency does not consider that you own them. If you have bills of sale and registration documents, they can help you prove that you meet these requirements.
Declaring your goods
You must give your list of goods to the border services officer when you arrive at your first point of entry in Canada from Israel even if you have no goods with you at the time. The officer will complete a Form B4 , Personal Effects Accounting Document, assign a file number to it and give you a copy of the completed form as a receipt based on the list of goods you submit. To claim free importation of your unaccompanied goods when they arrive, you will need to present your copy of this form. Goods to follow may be subject to import restrictions before you can import them.
To facilitate the clearance process, you can complete Form B4, before your arrival at the first port of entry in Canada.
Religion in Israel
Religion in the country of Israel has played an immeasurably integral role in shaping the country’s traditions, culture, and way of life throughout history. Because Israel is considered to be the Holy Land of three of the world’s greatest religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam, it attracts both immigrants and visitors from all walks of life and all over the globe.
According to the Holy Bible, Israel is well known as the place where Jewish kings and prophets walked; a place where Jewish history is alive and still today being made.
Present-day Israel is the only country where Jews make up the majority of the population. Over ¼ of the world’s total Jewish population lives there. As of December 2009, there were 7,503,800 residents within the country of Israel; 75.4% of them wereof Jewish descent and 20.3% are of Arab descent. The remaining 4.3% are classified as belonging to “other” descents and are comprised primarily of non-Arab Christians and non-Arab Muslims.
The population of Israelites in 2011 was 75.4% Jewish, 20.6% Arab, and 4.1% minority groups according to the Israel Central Bureau of Statistics. The religious affiliation of the Israeli population as of 2011 was 75.4% Jewish, 16.9% Muslim, 2.1% Christian, and 1.7% Druze, with the remaining 4.0% not classified by religion.
Although Judaism is the most popular religion in Israel, the freedom to practice any religion within the country is guaranteed. The religions officially recognized under Israeli law are Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Druze and Baha’i. Israeli government and it’s laws protects the freedom of Jews and non-Jews alike to engage in their chosen form of religious practice or worship in the country at any time.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs assists institutions of every affiliation and contributes to the preservation and repair of their holy shrines, which are protected by the government and made accessible to pilgrims of many faiths and ethnicities. Religious institutions in Israel enjoy state financial support in the form of both direct funding and tax exemptions. The government of Israel does this in order to promote religious practices in the country
Because of Israel’s affiliation and relevance to different faiths, many pilgrims do indeed visit Israel and its holy places. The diversity of sacred sites in Israel invites all religions and denominations and to those who do not subscribe to any kind of religion a like.
The modern State of Israel has its historical and religious roots in the Biblical Land of Israel, also known as Zion, a concept central to Judaism since ancient times. Jerusalem is the historical site of the First Temple, which was built by Solomon in the 10th century BC, then destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC.
Jerusalem is also the home of the Second Temple, which was built about 70 years later, and ransacked by the Romans in AD 70. According to Christian Scriptures, Jesus of Nazareth actually preached in the Second Temple in Jerusalem.
Temple Mount in Jerusalem
Temple of Solomon and pillars Boaz and Jachin
Model of the temple of Herod
This location is where the 1st and 2nd temples once stood according to the Jews.
Within just three centuries, Christianity grew from a messianic Jewish sect, spread by Jesus’ followers, to the established religion of the Roman Empire.
Church of the Annunciation
The Franciscan Church of the Transfiguration
The Franciscan Church of the Transfiguration was built in 1924 on the ruins of earlier churches
Church of the Mount of Beatitudes, Sea of Galilee, Israel
The Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth
Jerusalem is also a holy place for Muslims; the Dome of the Rock marks the site where, according to Muslim traditions and practices, Mohammed the prophet rose while ascending to heaven.
Dome of Rock
Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem
Romantic, Historic and Scenic Places in Israel
Hotels
Leonardo Haifa
The Leonardo Haifa is situated in a prime position between Mount Carmel and the Mediterranean Sea in the important Israeli port of Haifa. Leonardo Haifa features a modern, clean and neat structure, it is the only hotel that is right on the beach, offering wide, splendid sea views from its lounges, dining rooms and guest rooms.
American Colony Hotel – Jerusalem
The American Colony Hotel, a landmark fairytale get-away in the heart of Jerusalem, has been providing its luxurious hospitality services for more than 120 years. Personified by classic Arabian arches, elaborate furnishings and opulent suites, this elegant boutique hotel prides itself in offering guests an enchanting ‘east-meets-west’ experience in a distinctively tranquil and romantic setting
Dan Panorama – Jerusalem
Situated in the city centre, this luxury hotel is close to Jerusalem Great Synagogue, Western Wall, and Temple Mount. Also nearby are Dome of the Rock and Church of the Holy Sepulchre. It has a fitness facility and a seasonal outdoor pool.
Grand Court Jerusalem
The King David – Jerusalem
The King David Jerusalem Hotel is Israel’s most famous hotel and stands majestic, overlooking the Old City of Jerusalem. This landmark hotel is situated at the point where old fuses with new; it is steeped in history and is the preferred choice of world leaders and celebrities alike. It is located within walking distance of both the major historic sites of the Old City, and modern Jerusalem’s lively centre.
Leonardo Inn Hotel – Jerusalem
Situated in the business district, this spa hotel is close to International Convention Centre, Knesset, and Israel Museum. Also nearby are Bloomfield Science Museum and Hebrew University of Jerusalem. It has an indoor pool and a health club. Other amenities include a full-service spa and a bar / lounge.
Mount Zion Hotel – Jerusalem
It is located close to Old Town and city centre with many famous attractions within walking distance. It is also set on a beautiful lush gardens, the hotel has a seasonal outdoor pool, spa facilities, restaurant, bar and a lobby with breathtaking views.
Desert Lodge – Sde Boker
Desert lodge is located near Kibbutz Sade Boker and the magnificent Zin valley, set in natural surroundings overlooking an amazing desert landscape.
Leonardo Plaza – Tiberias
The hotel is located right in the heart of the ancient city of Tiberias and faces the beach promenade on the shores of the Sea of Kinneret, which is referred to in the Bible as Sea of Galilee. Quite close to the hotel are several boutique shops for those who love shopping. The Leonardo Plaza Tiberias is perfectly positioned to explore Northern Israel, with its rich history and biblical sites like the Golan Heights and the Jordan River.
Hotel Tzuba -Tzova
Hotel Tzuba is a family-friendly hotel located in a rural area. The area attractions include Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Bloomfield Science Museum. Regional attractions also include Temple Mount and Dome of the Rock. In addition to a restaurant, Hotel Tzuba features a seasonal outdoor pool, children’s club and a bar/lounge.
Beaches
Aqueduct Beach – Caesarea
The Aqueduct Beach is located in the old city of Caesarea, six miles away from the foot of Mount Carmel. Near the beach, there is a raised aqueduct built by order of King Herod in the first century BCE and expanded upon 300 years later to bring running water to the old city of Caesarea.
Dor HaBonim Beach – Dor HaBonim Reserve
The beach can be found south of Haifa off Route 4. It is part of a coastal nature reserve, a relatively remote cove favoured by nearby kibbutzniks and families.
Dado Zamir Beach – Haifa
The Dado Zamir beach is located in central Haifa.
Metsitsim Beach – Tel Aviv
The Metzitzim Beach is located in the northern Tel Aviv spot overlooking the S’de Dov airfield.
Banana Beach – Tel Aviv
The Banana Beach is located on the southernmost edge near Jaffa.
Historic Places
Abu Gosh Village
Abu Gosh is considered to be Israel’s hummus capital. This picturesque village established more than 6,000 years ago holds a vocal music festival twice a year, hosting local and international orchestras.
Ein Gedi Nature Reserve
Ein Gedi Nature Reserve is considered to be an oasis very near to the Dead Sea. This amazing nature reserve adorns itself with perennial streams, sweet fountains and waterfalls. The real pearl: Herds of mountain goats wandering on the cliffs.
Baha’i Gardens – Haifa
The scenery overlooking the port and the pleasant walk between the charming paths and well-groomed gardens makes Baha’I Gardens one of the most attractive tourist centres in Haifa.
Ancient Jaffa – Tel Aviv
A hike to Ancient Jaffa begins at the Clock Square and entering the city’s ancient alleys. The view of the port from above ancient Jaffa upon sunset is one of the most beautiful places lovers can be.
Salaries in Israel
In Israel, the average salary is about $2,572 per month, and the average income for a family with two wage earners is approximately $3,428 per month, according to Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics.
Teachers and nurses earn abound $1,666 a month, making Israeli teachers’ salaries among the lowest in the world.
Business managers, computer engineers and lawyers have some of the highest median salaries in Israel. A lawyer with five years’ experience can make $5,500 to $6,500 per month, and top associates earn about $8,571 per month. Technology professionals are some of the highest paid in Israel, with technical writers and software engineers earning between $2,500 and $3,500 a month, and managers making upward of $10,000 a month.
Doctors, most of whom work at clinics and hospitals, earn $6,000 to $7,000 a month, unless they also have a private practice that supplements their income.
In 2011, the non-financial sector was the biggest sector in terms of jobs, with 1.98 million employees, 65.3% of all employees, and the average salary was NIS 9,010. The public sector was in second place, with 548,700 employees, 18.1% of the total, and with an average salary of NIS 9,335. The financial sector was the smallest sector, with 97,400 employees, 3.2% of the total, but first in terms of pay, with an average salary of NIS 16,340.
The household sector had 208,800 employees in 2011, 6.9% of the total, with an average salary of NIS 4,044, and the non-profit sector had 193,800 employees, 6.4% of the total, with an average salary of NIS 5,468.
Israel is more like Europe as compared to America in terms of taxation. The highest tax rate in income in Israel was 45 percent by 2011. By 2003 the highest tax rate was 50 percent in Israel. The value added tax, or VAT, which amounts to a sales tax, was 16 percent. That is considered to be regressive because the rich and poor pays the same rate.
The average Israeli pays an income tax rate of 20.5 percent. The top 1 percent of salaried workers, who earn an average of $19,000 per month, pays a 40 percent income tax rate. The top 1 percent of the self-employed who are considered to be the super-rich who earns an average of $121,000 per month pay only 26 percent in income tax.
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