OW I Israel Tourism hidden Gems Of Israel Jill Daly { Public Relations Director, Israel Government Tourist Office, Midwest srael is a small country, only 8,367 square miles, loaded with history, culture, resorts and restaurants. For many visitors, more important than the history and culture, Israel is the cradle of three of the world's monotheistic religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. In spite of hundreds of other exotic vacation spots around the world, people have continued to flood to Israel for many years, often being recognized as the oldest tourist destination on Earth. In Israel, visitors can experience the Mediterranean, the desert, mountains, lakes, rivers, green valleys, and cities and towns of every size. Each year, more than 3 million people visit Israel and the sights of significance. Many of Israel's visitors are visiting for the second, third or fourth time. They are looking for new and excit- ing locations to visit, allowing them to see and experi- ence even more of what Israel has to offer. Some hidden gems that are a great addition to your trip include: 1 Mount Hermon At the southern tip of the Alpine trail, Mount Hermon boasts the only ski resort in the Middle East, featuring a wide range of ski trails at novice, — continued on page 26 Acre was originally a crusader port city. MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY Jewish Studies Program • offers a Jewish Studies undergraduate minor (20 credits) with courses in 8 departments 4 12 • focuses on modern Jewish history in Europe, in America, and in Israel • sponsors summer and semester programs at Hebrew University in Jerusalem and a Green Israel Program • oversees Julie and Ed Levy Jr. scholarships for student leaders studying in Israel • offers Hebrew language courses through intermediate level • home of the Michael and Elaine Serling and Friends Israel Studies Chair • organizes an active annual schedule of lectures and events on Yiddishkeit, Jewish art and music, Jewish film, modern Israel, and the Holocaust • sponsors an annual MSU Israeli film festival, currently in its 9th year • hosts Schusterman Israeli scholars and artists on campus • sends many students to graduate and professional school in related areas, including work in Middle East affairs, Jewish community life, and Jewish public affairs Kenneth Waltzer Director, Jewish Studies • Phone: 517-432-3493 C730 Wells Hall Fax: 517-355-4507 Michigan State University Web: http://jsp.msu.edu East Lansing, MI 48824 Email: jewishst@msu.edu 24 I Chai Israel Magazine • September 2013