A Photo essay of Modern-Day Israel

Visiting Israel was never really an ambition of mine and I never really realized how important the country and its history really is, let alone how it is still relevant in the modern day. To give a bit of background and context, I’m 24, live in London, work in the tech/design industry and have been a Christian since I was 18. Hence why there is going to be a fair amount of focus on faith?

The trip was with 10 other young Christians who live in London. And with none of us having any expectations or previous attachment to Israel or Judaism as a whole, we all got onto the flight with no clue about what the week had in store for us. 7 days later we left with a deeper understanding of the Bible, a realization of the significance of Israel, and a more solid faith.

Day 1

We spent the first morning wandering around the streets of Tel Aviv, the most modern city in Israel. The most surprising here was how modern and European the city felt overall. Coffee shops were straight of Shoreditch and there was a thriving business district where many startups and tech companies were based. Not exactly the Assassins Creed look and feel I was expecting.

We did travel to Jaffa/Joppa the old part of the city, which was a lot more in line with the classic middle eastern style of city I was expecting. The main thing there is the port, which is not only where Jonah sailed from (no whales were sighted sadly), but also where Jaffa oranges were shipped to the UK. Hence why Jaffa Cakes are called Jaffa Cakes.

“But Jonah got up and went in the opposite direction to get away from the LORD. He went down to the port of Joppa, where he found a ship leaving for Tarshish.” — Jonah‬ ‭1:3‬‬

One of the less surprising aspects of the trip was the strong military presence in the background. Here we can see some of the Israeli Defence Force doing a military training exercise.

But your attention is quickly drawn to awesome views like this. Here was can see the big plains of NW Israel as seen from the top of Mount Carmel. The mountain where Elijah called down fire from Heaven.

“I have made no trouble for Israel,” Elijah replied. “You and your family are the troublemakers, for you have refused to obey the commands of the lord and have worshiped the images of Baal instead. Now summon all Israel to join me at Mount Carmel, along with the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah who are supported by Jezebel.” — 1 Kings 18

Day 2

Caesarea Philippi & the Israel, Syria border