Israel Active

High peaks, rivers and streams, breathtaking landscapes and evergreen forests make the Upper Galilee particularly attractive to hikers. No wonder it has been nicknamed The Israeli Tuscany.

Forty-six players from 10 countries took part in the 2016 Israeli Open Scrabble Tournament in Tiberias.  The top prize was $3000.  Israel - though not an English-speaking country - hosts the largest regular Scrabble gathering in the world, in Jerusalem.

Israeli fencer Yuval Freilich overcame the Olympic gold medalist and two former world champions to win the bronze medal in the epee competition at the Peter Bakonyi World Cup event in Vancouver, Canada.

Israeli rhythmic gymnasts won a gold and two silver medals in the first World Cup Series competition of 2016 in Finland. They won one silver in the group all-around final and another in the ribbons before winning a gold in the hoops and clubs final.

French-born, Israeli singer Amir Haddad will represent France at the Eurovision song contest this May in Stockholm, Sweden. Haddad made Aliyah with his family at the age of 8. In 2014, Hadad came 3rd in France's version of "The Voice,” and has since become popular in France.

All was quiet in the City of Peace whilst Jews, Moslems and Christians enjoyed the Winter Noise festival. On four Mondays nights in February, residents and visitors enjoy colorful street performers, lectures, music and food and some even “flew” on a magic carpet.

There's no place like the Ramon Crater for stargazing. This breathtaking long-exposure night sky photo gives but a glimpse of the enchanting nighttime views in the Negev desert!

Open since August 2014, the Sammy Ofer Stadium is a home to Haifa's two football clubs and Israel's national football team.

Israeli concept artist Eyal Gever is working with NASA to produce a digital representation of a human laugh. The image will be uploaded to the International Space Station and will be the first piece of art to be made in outer space when it is turned into a sculpture using a 3D printer designed to work in zero gravity.

The Sound Ports Festival, Istanbul - Tel Aviv, is a unique music event at its first edition. Taking place simultaneously in Tel Aviv and Istanbul, from March 9 to 12, the music, lectures, exhibitions and culinary events aim to create a bridge between the two cultural capitals of the Middle East.