Following a week of turmoil; the election of Donald Trump, the firing of Defense Minister Gallant, the anticipation of missiles from Iran, we escape to the serene gardens of the Benedictine Monastery in Abu Ghosh, an Arab Muslim village just a 15 minute drive from Jerusalem. In the monastery's beautiful Romanesque Crusader Church, you can see frescoes dating back to the 12th century, and if you are lucky hear the cheerful Benedictine monk, Brother Olivier sing the Jewish song "Im Eshkachech Y...

In this week's episode, we record from section 18A of Israel's national military cemetery, Mount Herzl, where Avraham "Avi" Yosef Goldberg was laid to rest. This episode is dedicated to the memory of Avi, who fell in Lebanon last week defending the State of Israel. Avi was a shining light, a Rabbi, a scholar, a teacher, a husband, a father, a musician, a warrior, and a friend.

This week we record close to home in the beautiful San Simon Park. On this hilltop in the Katamon neighborhood, a fierce battle took place in 1948 during the War of Independence which determined Jerusalem's destiny.

As the Sukkot holiday began this week in Israel, news broke about the elimination of October 7 mastermind, Yihya Sinwar. In this episode, we put Sinwar behind us and record from Mount Ora on the outskirts of Jerusalem talking about two off the beaten track memorials; Yad Kennedy and Yad Rubenstein. Yad means monument. Yad Kennedy is an impressive monument commemorating the 35th US president John F. Kennedy, and Yad Rubenstein is an elegant marble sculpture memorializing the great pianist Maes...

There is nothing quite like a wedding in Israel, and the wedding of Leontine's daughter Joanna and now son-in-law, Eliav was no exception! Joanna chose to be married on a Friday afternoon in Moshav Segula at the stunning Sadot Villa where the fields of the moshav met the perfect wedding canopy. In this episode, we return to Segula and reflect on that magical and unforgettable day.

Jets roar overhead on their way to Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, and dishes clang in the background as we record from the Ofaimme Organic Farm Cafe. In this episode, we highlight "Jerusalem Design Week" taking place at the historic Hansen House, which this year explores the theme of "The Ark" and the foundations upon we wish to build the future, once the waters recede.

In this episode of Yalla Israel, we take a step back and reflect on the year since October 7; the horror of that day, the shock, the response from Israel and the world, the Israeli resilience, and hope for a better and more secure future.

In this episode, we introduce our listeners to another one of our favorite off the beaten track sites, Khirbet Qeiyafa. This gem, hidden in the majestic foothills of Jerusalem along the Valley of Elah where King David slew Goliath, is chock full of history, archaeology and beauty. Do not miss it!

Everything changed after October 7, including and perhaps especially tourism. In this episode, find out what visits to Israel are like during these days of war; what you can see, where you can visit, what you can experience, can tour, and how things have transformed for tour guides.

Since October 7, all eyes have been on Gaza on Israel's southern border and not so much on Israel's northern border with Lebanon where rockets, anti-tank missiles and explosive laden drones have relentlessly been launched by Hezbollah into Israel. In this episode, we focus on Israel's evacuation zone in the north where over 80,000 citizens have been displaced from their homes and where industry, businesses, farms and many of the most popular tourist and recreational sites have been closed for...

There is never a bad time to visit the Holy Land, but beware, the summers are "Africa Hot!" In this episode, learn tips for staying cool and enjoying the land flowing with "Milk and Honey' all year round, even (especially) in summertime!

In this 4th and final episode about Israel's wine, we finally sample and introduce our listeners to a variety of Israeli wines selected by our special guest and resident wine merchant, Evyatar Cohen. Lechaim!

Our 4 part series featuring Israel wine continues with special guest and vintner, Evyatar Cohen. This 3rd part of the series focuses on the revival of the Israel's wine industry. Wine production in Israel was mostly suspended for more than a 1000 years during centuries of Muslim rule because alcohol consumption is prohibited by Islamic law. In this episode, hear about the rebirth of Israeli wine in modern times.

Wine plays a significant role in the Bible and in Jewish ritual throughout history. In this 2nd episode of Yalla Israel's 4 part series about the Wine of Israel, we delve into the Biblical and ancient history of wine in the Holy Land with vintner, Evyatar Cohen from the comfort of his charming Jerusalem wine shop of, Kos Shel Bracha.

This episode is the first of a 4 part series about the wine of Israel; it's history, culture, rebirth and the wine! We are recording in the charming Jerusalem wine shop of Kos Shel Bracha surrounded by some of our closest friends, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Syrah. In this first episode, we introduce our listeners to "our wine guy" and the proprietor of Kos Shel Bracha, Evyatar Cohen.  

This episode of Yalla Israel, we probe into the much debated question of whether and how the holiday of Purim should be celebrated in the midst of a war for survival. Find out if Leontine and Alan feel the same way.

In this episode we talk about why, when and how Israel became known as the "start-up nation."

Twenty-two weeks of war have passed but life, forever changed, goes on. The Ministry of Tourism requires all licensed guides to enroll in a training courses every year. In this episode, we give our listeners a glimpse of a recent continuing education field trip spent searching for lesser known women who changed the landscape of Jerusalem's Old City.

As Israel enters into day 128 of the longest war in its history since the War of Independece, we seek refuge in nature on a beautiful trek from the hamlet of Ein Kerem to the Beit Zayit Dam. We tell you all you need to know about this hidden gem in this episode.

Long before the Netflix series' "Beauty Queen of Jerusalem", there was a lesser known Queen of Jerusalem, Helena from Adiabene (modern day Kurdistan). Hear all about her journey and contributions to Jerusalem 2000 years ago and the imprint she left behind in this episode.

The Gaza Envelope will now forever be known for the October 7 Massacre, but is an area filled with history and beauty. In this episode, we talk about the many fascinating sites to explore in the "Envelope" beyond memorial sites.

After a 6 week break from recording, Israel's war against Hamas continues into its 95th day, and Yalla Israel picks up where it left off. In this episode, we recount our heartbreaking journey to the massacre and now memorial sites in the Gaza Envelope.

Israelis are on pins and needles anxiously waiting for hostages to be released on this 3rd day of hostages-for-truce deal.

Hear how Israelis are adjusting to war after 44 days.