Throughout history, Israel has been at the crossroads of the civilizations of Asia, Africa and Europe. Conquerors, prophets and merchants have left their mark on this small piece of earth. One of the astonishing facts about the country is its small size. Only 240 miles long and about 10 miles wide at its narrowest point, Israel is smaller than New Jersey or Belgium. But the dramatic events linked with this diminutive strip of real estate known as the Holy Land have turned it into a perennial source of attraction for pilgrims, immigrants and tourists. For Christians Israel is the Holyland and the cradle of Christianity. For Jews, a visit to the Western Wall, Masada and Yad Vashem evoke the deepest feelings. Above everything else Israel is the reconstructed national home of the Jewish people, who were deprived of a country of their own for 2,000 years. It is ironic that the ownership of this land should still be disputed, when it is arguably the only country whose title deeds

Throughout history, Israel has been at the crossroads of the civilizations of Asia, Africa and Europe. Conquerors, prophets and merchants have left their mark on this small piece of earth. One of the astonishing facts about the country is its small size. Only 240 miles long and about 10 miles wide at its narrowest point, Israel is smaller than New Jersey or Belgium. But the dramatic events linked with this diminutive strip of real estate known as the Holy Land have turned it into a perennial source of attraction for pilgrims, immigrants and tourists. For Christians Israel is the Holyland and the cradle of Christianity. For Jews, a visit to the Western Wall, Masada and Yad Vashem evoke the deepest feelings. Above everything else Israel is the reconstructed national home of the Jewish people, who were deprived of a country of their own for 2,000 years. It is ironic that the ownership of this land should still be disputed, when it is arguably the only country whose title deeds - in the Bible - may be found in hundreds of millions of homes throughout the world. Small as it is, Israel is surprisingly varied. It is possible to visit the holy sites of the Sea of Galilee in day time and still experience the big-city atmosphere of Tel Aviv in the evening. From the majestic glory of Jerusalem to the underwater coral treasures of Eilat, from the Dead Sea\\\'s modern health spas to King Herod\\\'s amphitheater in Caesarea, the visitor is exposed to adventure and excitement wherever he turns. And whatever his beliefs, he is likely to find Israel a stimulating and inspirational experience. Above everything else it is the reconstructed national home of the Jewish people, who were deprived of a country of their own for 2,000 years. It is ironic that the ownership of this land should still be disputed, when it is arguably the only country whose title deeds - in the Bible - may be found in hundreds of millions of homes throughout the world.