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Holds 2 Cabinet Posts: Minister of Tourism & Internal
Security Minister
Haifa University: Geography & Political Science
Married, 3 children
Life for most Israelis goes on as usual. The vast majority of Israelis learn of events like everyone else does: by watching the news on television or listening to the radio or surfing the Internet.
After almost four years of conflict, tourism is still rising in Israel. For many in Israel, there is a sense of increased calm and optimism that has given a welcome boost to tourism -- 1.4 million tourists are expected by the end of this year. The Ministry of Tourism office reports that if you were to call today, you would have trouble finding a hotel room in Israel. Continental Airlines recently added a second daily flight; Israir Airlines started flying directly to Tel-Aviv from New York, and flights are full.
Constant news about the recent conflicts has travelers concerned. The government of Israel takes enormous precautions to protect its citizens and visitors. If it were ever considered dangerous, they would ask travelers to delay their visit.
Israelis and tourists alike are living life as usual, taking part in activities such as basking in the sun on the beaches; shopping in stores, malls, and markets; riding trains and buses; going to movies, concerts, and discos; and touring Israel's historic, holy, and cultural sites.
Rich in Culture and History
For a country no bigger than New Jersey, Israel has more museums per capita than any other country. Almost every international chain of hotels is represented in that country. Food critics consider Israel one of the world’s major food destinations. Israel also has a network of international-standard spa resorts. The country has an international standard opera company (The New Israeli Opera), four full-time symphony orchestras (including Israel Philharmonic founded in 1936), as well as dozens of theater, dance, chamber music, and contemporary music companies.
For those of Jewish faith, a trip to Israel means a visit to the Promised Land. Its heritage dates back to biblical times. One of the many museums to visit is Yad Vashem, the Holocaust museum. Since its inception, the museum preserves the memory of the six million Jewish people killed during the Holocaust.
For Christians, visiting Israel adds a whole new dimension to the understanding of the Bible and the life of Jesus. Visiting the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, standing on top of the Mount of Beatitudes, and standing beneath olive trees in the Garden of Gethsemane are unforgettable moments. Tour guides lead visitors to the empty tomb, in the footsteps of the disciples, and to the shores of the Sea of Galilee.
Security Measures
Ezra was recently appointed to his second cabinet position as Internal Security Minister. He oversees the police and security apparatus of the country. Israel’s security fence and stronger intelligence measures have dramatically reduced the number of terrorist attacks inside Israel. As a result, tourist traffic jumped 60 percent in the first half of this year, making it the best year in the last four years.
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