Even if one didn't yet travel in Israel, mainstream media has positively portrayed this country as a shining example of different religious cultures coexisting with one another. While there are those who can easily choose to visit Jerusalem to experience it, other cities like Haifa also serve to be a remarkable model of cultural integration.
Anyone who plans to visit Jerusalem should take note of these renowned characteristics:
God's City
Jerusalem is revered by three Abrahamic faiths - Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Here one will find the Wailing Wall of the Jews, the Holy Sepulcher of the Christians, and the Dome of the Rock by the Muslims.
Chronological Mosaic
Another fascinating thing about Jerusalem is that this city is a chaotic combination of old and new infrastructure. State-of-the-art transportation systems are paved over rock-hewn urban overlays. Being one of the oldest cities of the world, it's not surprising how its ancient features are hardly changed by the introduction of mainstream technology.
The Green Coffee
If there is any compelling reason to visit Jerusalem aside from culture and religion, it is for its local caffeine brew. Jerusalemites are fiercely opposed to huge markets engulfing their Jewish-Italian brewing culture, which is why Starbucks are denied of entry anywhere within the city premises.
Should one choose to visit Haifa instead, here are the following reasons to acknowledge:
God's (Other) City
While Jerusalem symbolizes official Judeo-Christian and Islamic unity, in spirit this fusion of beliefs is best conveyed in the Baha'i Faith. This religion believes in a monotheism that seeks to 'unite all of mankind.' Its high-altitude international headquarters, the Baha'i Gardens, is in Haifa.
Friends In High Places
Speaking of Baha'i Gardens, the entire Mount Carmel itself is an attraction worth visiting. Tourists visit this centerpiece location in Haifa for a hike and a rewarding spectacular view of the seaport vista. Apart from the Baha'i Faith, the Carmelite Monastery (the seat of the international Catholic Order) is also a very welcoming and friendly community in Haifa.
High Tech Israel
Apart from its religious value, people around the world also visit Haifa for scientific accreditation. The Israeli Institute of Technology (also known as Technion) is not the country's oldest university. It is also one of the world's leading scientific and technological institutions.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
