SEA OF GALILEE
The Largest freshwater reservoir in Middle East: also known as Lake Kinneret, located in Northern Israel, is primarily fed by the Jordan River and some small tributaries. It serves as a crucial water supply for agricultural, industrial and domestic purposes.
Millions of Migratory birds: Surrounding the Hula Valley, it is a crucial stopover point for migratory birds along the Afro-Syrian Rift Valley Flyway, one of the world’s major bird migration routes. During the autumn migration, which typically occurs from September to November, large numbers of birds pass through the area on their way to wintering grounds in Africa. The spring migration from March to May sees another influx of migratory birds as they return to breeding grounds in Europe and Asia. Thus, the region has been designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International due to its significance for migratory birds.
Numerous Biblical Sites: it is steeped in history and tradition and according to the New Testament, many of Jesus’ miracles and teachings took place in the vicinity. It has played a strategic role as a border between Israel and neighbouring countries. Prior to Israel’s independence in 1948, the area surrounding the Sea of Galilee was part of the British Mandate of Palestine and later became a contested border zone between Israel and Syria.
Where Jesus Walked on water: is one of the most well-known miracles in the New Testament. After feeding the multitude with five loaves of bread and two fish, Jesus instructed his disciples to get into a boat and cross the Sea of Galilee while he dismissed the crowds. After bidding farewell to the crowds, Jesus went up into the hills to pray. While the disciples were crossing the sea, a strong wind arose, and the waves began to batter the boat. In the midst of the storm, the disciples saw Jesus walking on the water towards them. Initially, they were terrified, thinking they were seeing a ghost. Jesus brazenly reassured them, saying, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid”. Peter, one of the disciples, then asked Jesus to command him to come to him on the water. Jesus consented, and Peter stepped out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus.
RED SEA
Stunning Coral Reefs: are renowned for their vibrant marine biodiversity and stunning underwater landscapes. Eilat’s reefs are among the northernmost coral reefs in the world, making them unique in their environmental conditions and species composition. It is also a popular attraction for Scuba diving, The visibility can often exceed 30 meters, allowing divers to fully appreciate the vivid colours and intricate structures of the coral reefs.
4 Countries can be seen in one glance: Overlooking the southern tip of Eilat on the Red Sea, one can see Egypt to the west, Jordan to the east & northeast, an Saudi Arabia to the southeast.
Serves as a significant natural border: While Israel does not directly border the entire length of the Red Sea, it does have a maritime boundary along the Gulf of Aqaba, a northern extension of the Red Sea. It is significant due to its proximity to key shipping routes and its role as a maritime gateway to the Indian Ocean. The Gulf of Aqaba provides access through the Eilat, Israel’s only Red Sea port, which serves as an important trade hub and naval base. The gulf is also deep enough to allow for significant shipping like oil and goods.
Where Moses parted the waters: After witnessing the ten plagues that afflicted Egypt, the Israelites, led by Moses, were finally allowed to leave Egypt by Pharaoh, who relented after the tenth plague, the death of the firstborn, a plague which included his own son. The Israelites quickly packed their belongings and fled. However, Pharaoh later changed his mind and pursued the Israelites with his army, hell-bent on recapturing them. As the Israelites made their way, they suddenly found themselves trapped between the pursuing Egyptian army and the Red Sea. it is recounted that Moses, following God’s guidance, stretched out his hand over the sea, and the Lord caused a strong east wind to blow all night, dividing the waters of the sea and creating a dry path through the midst of it. The Israelites then crossed the seabed on dry ground, with walls of water on both sides, while the Egyptian army pursued them. However, as the Egyptians entered the divided sea, the waters returned to their normal state, drowning the entire army, including Pharaoh and his chariots.
DEAD SEA
Highest Salinity: It has between 33.7% to 34.2%, which is about nine times saltier than your average ocean. The reason for this is simple — there is limited inflow and high evaporation, and the region is rich in soluble minerals. It has very minimal inflow of fresh water from rivers or streams. Its main water sources are the Jordan River and a few small streams, but these contribute relatively small amounts of water compared to the high rate of evaporation.
Lowest point of land on Earth: The lowest elevation on land where you can still be out in the open air. This fascinating body of water is located on the rift between the Arabian Plate to the east and the African Plate to the west. As this is a transform fault, and moving relatively at a slow pace, there is very little tectonic activity like earthquakes.
Significant Geographical Feature: along the eastern border of the State of Israel. It’s part of a natural border between Israel and Jordan. It spans approximately 50 kms along the eastern border of the country. Despite its natural beauty and economic potential, it faces significant environmental challenges, including water depletion, sinkholes, and shrinking shorelines.
Biblical Site of Sin & Destruction: The story goes that God decided to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah due to their extreme sinfulness. Abraham’s nephew Lot and his family lived in Sodom. When two angels visited Sodom, Lot showed them hospitality by offering them shelter in his home. However, the men of the city demanded that Lot hand over the angels to them. When he did not, and handed over his daughters instead, the angels warned Lot to flee the city with his family before its destruction. Lot and his family were instructed not to look back as they fled. As they escaped, God rained down fire and brimstone upon Sodom and Gomorrah, utterly destroying the cities and their inhabitants. Lot’s wife, disobeying the command not to look back, turned into a pillar of salt.
MEDITERRANEAN SEA
Deepest Port: is the Port of Ashdod, is one of Israel’s major cargo ports and serves as a hub for both imports and exports. Another significant port is the Port of Haifa located in northern Israel on the Mediterranean coast. It used to be a hub for all the grain that was imported into the country and exported out to Europe.
Desalination Plants: Given its limited natural freshwater resources, Israel has invested heavily in desalination technology, making it a global leader in the field. Israel was forced to address chronic water scarcity due to its arid climate, growing population, and significant agricultural needs. The country’s approach is exemplified by several large-scale desalination plants located along the Mediterranean coast, including the Ashkelon, Palmachim, Hadera, Sorek, and Ashdod plants. These facilities collectively produce hundreds of millions of cubic meters of fresh water annually. This ensures a stable and reliable supply for both domestic and agricultural use.
Natural Gas Fields: Discovery of significant offshore natural gas fields in the Mediterranean Sea has substantially transformed its energy landscape and economic prospects. The most notable of these discoveries are the Tamar and Leviathan fields, which are among the largest natural gas finds in the last few decades. The natural gas is used for electricity distribution industrial applications, and domestic consumption, significantly reducing Israel’s reliance on imported fossil fuels.
Second Longest Border: This boundary is recognized internationally and is an integral part of Israel’s sovereignty. The sea has significant strategic importance for Israel in terms of defence, trade, and transportation. Israel’s navy patrols its coastal waters, ensuring security and protecting maritime interests. This 195 Kms coastline extends from the northern border with Lebanon to the southern border with the Gaza Strip.
For Private & Customized Holidays: www.365tours.in
