May We Suggest: The Jerusalem International Film Festival - July 27 - August 4, 2018

A summer tradition in Jerusalem: at the end of July, when the weather in this ancient city built over seven hills is cooler and drier than in the rest of Israel, people come from all over the country to watch some of the films that will be in everybody's conversations for months to come.

Jerusalem has been hosting the 10-day Jerusalem International Film Festival every summer since 1983. Over the course of 10 days, the best of Israeli and world cinema is featured and there are prestigious competitions, premieres of the most important Israeli films of the year, tributes to well-known film figures and live musical performances. The festival also hosts the elite of the local film industry alongside the newest talents, with offers of professional panels and workshops.

The festival traditionally opens at Sultan’s Pool, a valley rich in history just outside the Old City walls and adjacent to the renowned Jerusalem Cinematheque. Most screenings take place at the Cinematheque with some at several other venues around the city. The festival’s primary goal is to present its audience with the current trends in world cinema.

Insider Tip: Have Dinner with Anat Topel for a Special Dining Experience

”My greatest love and passion are hosting and making people happy.”

Anat Topel, is an event planner, producer, hostess and cook. She has owned her own business for over 30 years. Five years ago she decided to open her home (and heart ❣) for special culinary experiences.

Anat offers a wide-range of food experiences:

Shabbat Dinner

For tour groups and individuals who wish to enjoy the special traditional Israeli Jewish Shabbat dinner in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Israeli Food Event

Experience the Israeli cuisine as a melting pot of cultures, tastes, spices, flavors and stories.

 Cooking Classes and Workshops

Special Israeli cuisine workshops and cooking classes which take place in Anat’s kitchen. She offers a very rich and assorted menu and can accommodate all vegan, vegetarian and gluten free needs.

The Gay Pride Parade in Tel Aviv is happening this Friday, June 14

Tel Aviv Pride is the time of the year when the city comes to life with vibrant colors, beautiful people and an atmosphere you cannot ignore.

This year the parade starts at 10 am on Friday, with a large fair and then takes you along the beautiful streets of Tel Aviv towards the city's Charles Clore beach where the famous beach party will be held. Last year there were 250,000 in attendance and the numbers grow each year. Tel Aviv Pride is an annual, week-long series of events in Tel Aviv that celebrate Israel's LGBT community life, scheduled during the second week of June, as part of the international observance of Gay Pride Month.

This year, Neil Patrick Harris is appointed the International Ambassador of the parade. In a statement to the press, the Tel Aviv Municipality said that "hundreds of thousands of people from Israel and around the world will descend on Tel Aviv for a nonstop week of parties, events, and shows that feature and celebrate the city’s vibrant LGBTQ community, culminating in a massive parade through the city streets."

"Tel Aviv’s Pride parade is the largest Pride event in Asia and the Middle East, and one of the largest parades in the world," the municipality added.

For more information contact your personal travel planner or CLICK HERE.