The Uniqueness of Israel
Celebrating National Ice Cream Day in Israel
The Uniqueness of Israel Celebrating National Ice Cream Day in Israel During your gap year in Israel there will be many important days, such as the various festivals and national celebrations, e.g. Yom Haatzmaut. However, one very important day that you may not have...
Israel’s Archaeological Mysteries
The Uniqueness of Israel Israel’s Archaeological Mysteries Considering Israel’s history, it is no surprise that there are numerous archaeological mysteries across the length and breadth of the country and a huge amount of work is still taking place unearthing the...
Israeli Board Games
The Uniqueness of Israel Israeli Board Games There is plenty to fill your time with while on a gap year in Israel with innumerable places to visit and things to see. However, occasionally you may feel like spending a quiet evening at home with your flatmates and this...
Amazing Things to See in the Golan Heights
The Uniqueness of Israel Amazing Things to See in the Golan Heights During your gap year in Israel, you are certain to travel to the Golan Heights at least once. It is an amazing area of natural beauty with many stunning hikes and a fair amount of history to see as...
Israeli Archaeological Sites You May Have Never Heard Of
The Uniqueness of Israel Israeli Archaeological Sites You May Have Never Heard Of Heading into your gap year in Israel, you will no doubt be expecting to learn a great deal about the history of the land. After all, there are very few, if any, places on earth with...
World Class Modern Dance in Israel
The Uniqueness of Israel World Class Modern Dance in Israel If you are a fan of modern dance then you probably already know that Israel is hope to many highly respected modern dance troupes. If you have never seen modern dance, then your gap year in Israel provides...
Israel’s Top Diving Spots
The Uniqueness of Israel Israel’s Top Diving Spots There is a good chance that you are looking forward to jumping into the sea as frequently as possible during your gap year in Israel. There will be plenty of opportunity for this and you can even take it a step...
An Israeli Start-up Tackling the Declining Bee Population
The Uniqueness of Israel An Israeli Start-up Tackling the Declining Bee Population It has long been known that the world’s bee population is in trouble and that this could have devastating consequences. Numerous crops are dependent upon bees for pollination; in fact,...
Yom Haatzmaut in Lockdown
The Uniqueness of Israel How to Celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut in Lockdown If you have ever been in Israel for Independence Day (Yom Ha’atzmaut) then you will probably think of it as national barbeque day. Israelis flock to parks, the beach, and even the streets to hold...
Coronavirus Tech
The Uniqueness of Israel Coronavirus Tech There are a constant stream of exciting innovations coming out of Israel and while the country is suffering from the coronavirus, it has also inspired a great deal of creative thinking and many Israeli companies are busy...
Coronavirus Kindness
The Uniqueness of Israel Coronavirus Kindness The coronavirus has affected Israel just as much as many other countries around the world. Most of the country has shut down, with people confined to their homes. However, in true Israeli fashion, this has not dampened the...
Immigration and Tourism
The Uniqueness of Israel Immigration and Tourism 2010s Saw Massive Immigration to Israel According to figures released by the Jewish Agency, more than 255,000 people made Aliyah last decade, with a record breaking 34,000 immigrants in 2019 alone. People came from...
Tips for Winter in Israel
The Uniqueness of Israel Tips for Winter in Israel When thinking of your gap year in Israel you probably envision a great deal of sunny weather, perhaps days on the beach, or hiking under the glorious sunshine. While there will certainly be plenty of that, it is...
Saturday in the Park; Gan Sacher is Coexistence In Israel
The Uniqueness of Israel Saturday in the Park; Gan Sacher is Coexistence In Israel by Benjamin Newman I spend Saturday afternoons relaxing with friends in the sprawling Gan Sacher (Sacher Park), nestled between the Nachlaot and Rehavya neighborhoods in Jerusalem. I...
Latin Food in Israel
The Uniqueness of Israel Latin Food in Israel When you think about food in Israel, it is highly unlikely that Latin food will spring to mind. However, thanks to increased immigration from countries such as Mexico, Brazil, Venezuela and Argentina, you can now find some...
Hanukah in Israel
The Uniqueness of Israel Hanukah in Israel During your gap year in Israel, you will have the chance to experience many of the Jewish festivals, possibly for the first time. While people do not usually get time off work for Hanukah, there are still plenty of...
Top Spots for Tel Aviv Nightlife
The Uniqueness of Israel Top Spots for Tel Aviv Nightlife Tel Aviv is world famous for its buzzing nightlife and while you are on your gap year there, you are bound to want to explore it. The city contains something for almost every taste and over the course of the...
Israel’s Most Exciting Markets
The Uniqueness of Israel Israel’s Most Exciting Markets There are plenty of markets to be found in Israel, open-air places with stalls full of delicious looking treats. At the same time, many markets are now also home to trendy restaurants, cafes and bars, making a...
Coping With Jellyfish During Your Gap Year in Israel
The Uniqueness of Israel Coping With Jellyfish During Your Gap Year in Israel During your gap year in Israel there is no doubt that you will spend plenty of time on the beach. One thing that you may not be aware of is that there are lots of jellyfish in the waters...
Birdwatching in Jerusalem
The Uniqueness of Israel Birdwatching in Jerusalem While spending some of your gap year in Jerusalem there are probably many things that you will have on your bucket list, such as visiting the Old City and the Kotel. However, something that you may not have thought...
Where to Eat in the Carmel Market
The Uniqueness of Israel Where to Eat in the Carmel Market If you spend a semester of your gap year in Tel Aviv, then there is no way that you will not visit the Carmel Market. In addition to being a great place to buy fresh fruit and vegetables, it is also an...
Israel’s Unexpected Baseball Success
The Uniqueness of Israel Israel’s Unexpected Baseball Success To the surprise of nearly everyone, the Israeli baseball team has qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. Most people were unaware that Israel even had a baseball team but this amazing feat was...
Israeli Food Start-Ups Battling Climate Change
The Uniqueness of Israel Israeli Food Start-Ups Battling Climate Change Currently much of the world is very much focused on what can be done to help the environment, and combat the effects and advancement of climate change. As the start-up nation, it is no surprise...
Nachlaot
The Uniqueness of Israel An Introduction to the Neighbourhood of NachlaotNachlaot is one of Jerusalem’s oldest and most interesting neighbourhoods and if you are spending your gap year in Jerusalem then you will certainly get to know the area as it is also home to...
Blending In On Israeli Beaches
The Uniqueness of Israel Blending In On Israeli Beaches If you are going to spend a gap year in Israel then there is a good chance that you will be looking forward to spending some time on the beach. You will soon realise that Israel has its very own beach culture,...
Surviving The Israeli Summer Heat
The Uniqueness of Israel Surviving The Israeli Summer HeatIf you are coming to Israel from a colder climate then you may find the weather quite a shock. In the summer, it is a hot country, and some areas are of course hotter than others. Tel Aviv is incredibly...
Inspiring Israeli Women
The Uniqueness of Israel Inspiring Israeli Women There have been many inspiring Israelis during the country’s relatively short history, and of course, many of them have been women. The first name that probably springs to mind is Golda Meir, and she was certainly a...
Easy Day Trips For Your Gap Year
The Uniqueness of Israel Easy Day Trips For Your Gap YearWhile you will be enjoying a busy programme during your gap year in Israel, you will also have plenty of free time in which you can continue exploring the country. One of the great things about Israel is that...
Israel’s Caves
The Uniqueness of Israel Visit Israel’s Caves to Escape the Summer HeatThere is no escaping the fact that summer in Israel is hot. While some areas are hotter than others, you should be prepared for temperatures of at least 30°C (86F). Of course, most places have...
Eurovision 2019 – Transforming Tel Aviv
The Uniqueness of Israel Eurovision 2019 – Transforming Tel AvivThis week Israel is host to the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest! The festivities kicked off on Sunday evening with the grand opening in Tel Aviv. All 41 contestants made their way down a special orange...
What Makes the Israeli Diet So Healthy?
The Uniqueness of Israel What Makes the Israeli Diet So Healthy? Israel is ranked as one of the healthiest countries in the world and one of the main reasons for this is the country’s diet. A recent ranking of countries with the lowest rate of diet-related deaths...
A Quick Guide to Israel’s 2019 Elections
The Uniqueness of Israel A Quick Guide to Israel’s 2019 ElectionsThis month sees elections taking place in Israel. Israeli politics are incredibly hard to follow; the fact that there are 41 parties standing in the elections tells you all that you need to know....
Israeli TV Shows to Prepare You for Your Gap Year
The Uniqueness of Israel Israeli TV Shows to Prepare You for Your Gap YearIf you are considering a gap year in Israel but are not sure how best to prepare for it, then one thing that you can do with minimum effort is watch some fantastic Israeli television shows....
Birdwatching in Israel
The Uniqueness of Israel Birdwatching in IsraelSomething you may not know about Israel is that it is one of the best places in the world to go birdwatching. Each year more than one billion birds fly over Israel during spring and autumn, and there is an amazing...
Israeli International Humanitarian Aid
The Uniqueness of Israel Israeli International Humanitarian AidIsrael can often be found on the front lines helping out in areas that are in urgent need of aid following a disaster. The country has a proud tradition of sending help, just ten years after it was...
Exciting Israeli Innovations at CES 2019
The Uniqueness of Israel Exciting Israeli Innovations at CES 2019Every year some of the most exciting and innovative technological developments go on show at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Over 180,000 people attend the show, with 4,500 exhibitors from...
The Israeli Lunar Mission
The Uniqueness of Israel The Israeli Lunar MissionIn yet another display of Israeli innovation, an Israeli company has sent the world’s first privately funded mission to the moon, with the unmanned robotic capsule, named Bereshit, due to land on the moon in...
Israel at the Oscars
The Uniqueness of Israel Israel at the OscarsIn February 2019 the Israeli director Guy Nattiv won an Academy Award for best live-action short for his film ‘Skin’. Nattiv is one of very few Israelis to have won an Oscar, the last time an Israeli director won an Oscar...
Israel’s Development of the Tomato
The Uniqueness of Israel Israel’s Development of the TomatoYou have probably eaten a huge number of tomatoes, or tomato based products in your life. Tomatoes can be found a huge range of foods, the most obvious being salads, pizza, and ketchup. However, you probably...
The Biggest Acquisitions of Israeli Companies in 2018
The Uniqueness of Israel The Biggest Acquisitions of Israeli Companies in 2018Israel is well known as the Start-Up Nation and this of course means that some investors have made huge amounts of money thanks to Israeli companies. There have been some enormous...
Jerusalem’s Ghost Stories
The Uniqueness of Israel Jerusalem’s Ghost StoriesJerusalem is packed full of famous landmarks and sites, and you are sure to have a wonderful time visiting them all while on your gap year. However, one subject that is less thought about is Jerusalem ghost...
Things To Do For Free in Jerusalem
The Uniqueness of Israel Things To Do For Free in JerusalemDuring your gap year in Jerusalem there will be many exciting activities to enjoy organised by Aardvark, but you will also have plenty of free time. You will discover that there are many great things to do...
Israeli Cosmetics
The Uniqueness of Israel Israeli Cosmetics Israel is known for producing many things, from technological innovations, to fruit and vegetables. Another area where the country excels is cosmetics. There are numerous Israeli brands that are popular across the world and...
Things To Do For Free in Tel Aviv
The Uniqueness of Israel Things To Do For Free in Tel Aviv During your gap year in Israel you will have plenty of free time in which to pursue your own interests and activities. There is plenty to do in Tel Aviv, but the city can become quite expensive. Luckily, there...
Israel’s Hidden Architectural Delights
The Uniqueness of Israel Israel’s Hidden Architectural Delights Israel is well known for its beauty and while you are on your gap year in Israel, you are sure to see many stunning views. However, the country is also home to a number of amazing buildings and while you...
The Theatres of Tel Aviv
The Uniqueness of Israel The Theatres of Tel Aviv While on your gap year in Tel Aviv you may be looking for an interesting way to spend an evening or two and one way you can do this is by exploring Tel Aviv’s theatres. There are a number of theatres in Tel Aviv,...
Go Hiking and Explore Israel’s Nature
The Uniqueness of Israel Go Hiking and Explore Israel's Nature Most folks that want to explore Israel are drawn to its historical and cultural sites. Others to the beaches and night life of Tel-Aviv or Eilat. But on top of these known attractions, Israel also...
How Israel Is Tackling the World’s Sugar Consumption
The Uniqueness of Israel How Israel Is Tackling the World’s Sugar Consumption In recent years, it has been widely reported that the world’s sugar consumption is far too high and could have serious health consequences in the near future. Luckily, an Israeli company has...
Natural History Museum
The Uniqueness of Israel The Middle East’s Biggest Natural History Museum Opens in Israel If you are heading off for your gap year in Israel in or after September 2018 then you are in for a treat. In September 2018, the Steinhardt Museum of Natural History in Tel Aviv...
Israel’s Astonishing Contributions to Food Technology
The Uniqueness of Israel Israel’s Astonishing Contributions to Food Technology While most of us are fortunate enough to live without having to worry about food, food security is a global issue of increasing importance. As resources are used up, scientists are forever...
Beersheva – The South’s Hidden Gem
The Uniqueness of Israel Beersheva – The South’s Hidden Gem You don’t hear as much about Beersheva as you do Israel’s other cities, such as Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa. However, it is a thriving place that deserves far more attention than it gets. The city is packed...
The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
The Uniqueness of Israel The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra Classical music is not something that most people would immediately associate with Israel, but the country is in fact home to one of the world’s best orchestras, and a vibrant classical music scene. The...
Five of the Top Israeli Technological Innovations
The Uniqueness of Israel Five of the Top Israeli Technological Innovations Israel is famous as a start-up nation, a place that is at the forefront of technological invention and innovation. Many Israeli inventions have changed the world and new technologies are coming...
Hummus
The Uniqueness of Israel Hummus If you have never spent any significant amount of time in Israel, you probably won’t be aware just how contentious an issue hummus is. However, when you arrive for your gap year program in Israel you will soon realise that Israelis can...
Internationally Award Winning Israeli Authors
The Uniqueness of Israel Internationally Award Winning Israeli Authors Over the last decade or so Israeli authors have been growing in popularity around the world. At present, there are two names that stand out from the crowd, David Grossman and Amos Oz. The two...
Israel’s Changing Demographics and the Challenges they Pose
The Uniqueness of Israel Israel’s Changing Demographics and the Challenges they Pose Part of the aim of your gap year in Israel is to help you understand the country’s demographics. It is a small country but has a population of over 8.7 million making it roughly the...
Israel and the Eurovision Song Contest
The Uniqueness of Israel Israel and the Eurovision Song Contest While Israel is not actually in Europe, it has taken part in the Eurovision Song Contest forty times since it made its debut in 1973. Until 2017 it was able to take part as the Israel Broadcasting...
Israel’s Twelve Noble Prize Laureates
The Uniqueness of Israel Israel’s Twelve Noble Prize Laureates Despite being a very small country, Israel has won an impressive number of Nobel Prizes. To date, there have been twelve winners of the coveted awards in Israel, with Chemistry being a particular area of...
Unusual Weather in Israel
The Uniqueness of Israel Unusual Weather in Israel When you think about Israel’s weather you probably think of nice warm, or very hot, days in the sun. Those who have been in winter, particularly to Jerusalem, will know that the country is in fact often cold and snow...
Israel’s Endangered Species
The Uniqueness of Israel Israel’s Endangered Species Israel is home to an amazing array of wildlife, from the coral reef in Eilat to the plants and animals of the desert and the Galilee. Unfortunately, like everywhere else in the world, there are a number of species...
How Tel Aviv Became the White City
The Uniqueness of Israel How Tel Aviv Became the White City One of the great things about Israeli society is that it has developed with influences from all over the world. Israel is largely a country of immigrants and each group of immigrants brought their own...
Israel’s Flag – A Brief History
The Uniqueness of Israel Israel’s Flag – A Brief History Whether you have been to Israel before or not, you are sure to be familiar Israel’s flag, a blue Star of David in between two horizontal blue stripes. It has been the country’s flag since October 28, 1948, five...
Cats in Israel
The Uniqueness of Israel Cats in Israel When you first arrive in Israel for your gap year you are sure to marvel at a huge variety of sites, feel the difference in culture to your home country and generally discover lots of new and exciting things. However, one thing...
Israel’s Desert Animals
The Uniqueness of Israel Israel’s Desert Animals When you hear the word ‘desert’ you probably think of endless sand and rocks rather than animals. However, Israel’s deserts are home to a wide range of wildlife that has adapted to survive in the often-harsh conditions....
Television – Israel’s Surprising Export
The Uniqueness of Israel Television – Israel’s Surprising Export You probably won’t spend much time on your gap year watching television but there is a good chance that you have already seen a number of Israeli shows. In recent years Israel has produced an impressive...
The Reforestation of Israel
The Uniqueness of Israel The Reforestation of Israel Of Israel’s many accomplishments, one of the most impressive may be the reforestation of the land. From the turn of the twentieth century a huge amount of work has gone into planting trees and turning the land...
Israel – The Vegan Capital of the World
The Uniqueness of Israel Israel – The Vegan Capital of the World Across the world veganism is rapidly gaining in popularity and Israel is no exception. In fact, Israel is home to the world’s highest number of vegans per capita and around 5% of the population are...
Theatre In Israel
The Uniqueness of Israel Theatre In Israel Impressively, the history of theatre in Israel predates the creation of the state. The country’s first professional theatre group, Habimah (Hebrew for ‘The Stage’), was founded in Moscow in 1917 and then moved to Palestine in...
Haifa’s Baha’i Gardens
The Uniqueness of Israel Haifa’s Baha’i Gardens During your gap year in Israel you will certainly spend some time in Haifa and more likely than not you will visit the Baha’i Gardens. The gardens surround the Shine of the Bab on Mount Carmel. They are more accurately...
The Nativ Military Program
The Uniqueness of Israel The Nativ Military Program In Israel the question of who is Jewish is a very delicate and sensitive area. The criteria needed for citizenship and the criteria applied by the Rabbinate are not the same, and this can lead to some very difficult...
A Brief History of Israel’s Railways
The Uniqueness of Israel A Brief History of Israel’s Railways During your gap year, you will probably take a train in Israel at some point. These days the train service is modern, relatively reliable and can take you around large parts of the country. However, the...
Israel’s Ancient Tombs
The Uniqueness of Israel Israel’s Ancient Tombs Israel is a small country with a massive amount of history packed into it. While visiting cemeteries and tombs is not normally something we’d look forward to, in Israel there are a number of historically important tombs...
Israel’s Ancient Ports
The Uniqueness of Israel Israel’s Ancient Ports Today in Israel there are a number of major shipping ports where goods are received and sent across the world. However, Israel’s ports are not just essential to modern Israel, in ancient times the country’s ports were...
Ben Gurion Airport
The Uniqueness of Israel Ben Gurion Airport When you arrive in Israel the chances are that you will have landed at Ben Gurion Airport, Israel’s main international airport. The airport is just 15 kilometres from Tel Aviv and about 70 kilometres from Jerusalem, making...
Running Marathons in Israel
The Uniqueness of Israel Running Marathons in Israel If you enjoy long distance running then you will be pleased to hear that there are plenty of opportunities to keep the hobby up while on your gap year in Israel. In addition to a few major marathon events, there are...
Israel’s Thriving Startup Industry
The Uniqueness of Israel Israel’s Thriving Startup Industry Israel is well known as a centre of technological innovation, a fact that has earned it the title of ‘Startup Nation’. Over the last few years that have been a number of hugely successful companies that began...
Israel’s Biggest Shopping Malls
The Uniqueness of Israel Israel’s Biggest Shopping Malls While you are on your gap year in Israel you are bound to want to go shopping at some point or another. Both Jerusalem and Tel Aviv are home to famous markets, but there are also a large number of huge shopping...
Israel’s Escape Rooms
The Uniqueness of Israel Israel’s Escape Rooms Escape the room games were an online hit long before they became real physical games and spread across the world. If you haven’t yet done an Escape Room, the idea is simple, you are locked in a room and have an hour to...
Israel’s Blossoming Tourism Industry
The Uniqueness of Israel Israel’s Blossoming Tourism Industry One of the amazing things about Israel is that it attracts a huge amount of incredibly diverse tourists. People from across the world come to see Israel’s historical sites and learn more about the country’s...
The Benefits of Doing an Internship Abroad
The Uniqueness of Israel The Benefits of Doing an Internship Abroad Internships can be brilliant things, they offer an insight in to the world of work, give you some experience in areas that you may be interested in and can generally help you to make some decisions...
From the Desert to the Snow in Israel
The Uniqueness of Israel From the Desert to the Snow in Israel When thinking about your gap year in Israel part of you is probably visualising hot sunny days on the beach, hiking in the desert, bathing in Israel’s many natural springs and so on. However, you should...
Israel and the Olympic Games
The Uniqueness of Israel Israel and the Olympic Games While Israel is known for excelling at many things, sports isn’t really one of them. The country has had some success in basketball but it is certainly not known as a sporting powerhouse. However, over the years...
Life on a Kibbutz
The Uniqueness of Israel Life on a Kibbutz The kibbutz movement is one of the things that made Israel so unique in its younger days and, while the movement has changed quite a lot in the last few decades, it is still a huge draw for people from all over the world and...
Israelis Who Made it Big in Hollywood
The Uniqueness of Israel Israelis Who Made it Big in Hollywood Recently the new Wonder Woman film was released with the leading role played by Israeli actress Gal Gadot. A huge amount of attention was given to the fact that Gal is an Israeli, but she is by no means...
The Advantages of a Gap Year in Tel Aviv
The Uniqueness of Israel The Advantages of a Gap Year in Tel Aviv If you are planning on taking a gap year in Israel you will be faced with the choice between spending your time in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. On Aardvark you will broadly have very similar options in each...
The Uniqueness of a Gap Year in Jerusalem
The Uniqueness of Israel The Uniqueness of a Gap Year in Jerusalem When choosing your gap year program you will be faced with the choice between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. In both cities you will have the same range of options, you can take different study programs, sign...
Enjoying Your Gap Year On a Budget
The Uniqueness of Israel Enjoying Your Gap Year On a Budget The vast majority of people who go on a gap year program will be on a fairly limited budget and those who choose to spend their gap year in Israel will very quickly realise that it not a particularly cheap...
Exploring Jerusalem’s Rehavia Neighbourhood
The Uniqueness of Israel Exploring Jerusalem’s Rehavia Neighbourhood If you have chosen to spend your gap year in Jerusalem it won’t be long before you come across the neighbourhood of Rehavia. Located just by the centre of town, this is one of Jerusalem’s most...
The Breadth and Depth of a Jewish Gap Year
The Uniqueness of Israel The Breadth and Depth of a Jewish Gap Year If you are considering a gap year in Israel the chances are you already have a fairly strong sense of Jewish identity in one way or another. Taking a gap year with Aardvark Israel will allow you to...
The Breadth and Depth of a Jewish Gap Year
The Uniqueness of Israel The Breadth and Depth of a Jewish Gap Year If you are considering a gap year in Israel the chances are you already have a fairly strong sense of Jewish identity in one way or another. Taking a gap year with Aardvark Israel will allow you to...
Studying Abroad in Israel
The Uniqueness of Israel Studying Abroad in Israel The great thing about a gap year in Israel is that it presents so many varied opportunities. Of course, there are the core elements of fun, exploring the country, living independently with friends, and generally...
Luxurious Breakfast Options in Tel Aviv
The Uniqueness of Israel Luxurious Breakfast Options in Tel Aviv There will almost certainly be a day or two on your gap year where you wake up a little late and feel like pampering yourself with a truly luxurious breakfast. Luckily, Tel Aviv is packed full of...
Where To Find Live Music in Tel Aviv
The Uniqueness of Israel Where To Find Live Music in Tel Aviv If you’re worried about finding live music venues in Tel Aviv then don’t, there are plenty out there. Each week you will be able to find a variety of genres to listen to in a number of different places....
Israel National Library
The Uniqueness of Israel Israel National Library The Rejuvenation of Israel’s National Library During your gap year in Jerusalem, you should take the time to visit Jerusalem’s National Library. Not only does it present a fantastic opportunity to delve into the history...
Tel Aviv Neighbourhoods
The Uniqueness of Israel Tel Aviv Neighbourhoods A Guide to Tel Aviv’s Top Five Neighbourhoods During your gap year in Tel Aviv you’ll have plenty of time to explore the city and discover the different styles of the many neighbourhoods. However, to help you get...
Jerusalem – The Centre of Israel’s Vivid Art Scene
The Uniqueness of Israel Jerusalem – The Centre of Israel’s Vivid Art Scene You may not be aware of it but Jerusalem is the centre of Israel’s vivid and unique art scene. Various cultural roots influence the city’s artistic life and they combine to create some...
Israel’s Lesser Known Heritage Sites
The Uniqueness of Israel Israel’s Lesser Known Heritage Sites During your gap year you will visit a number of well-known sites in Israel as well as some lesser known ones. In addition to the famous sites, such as the Old City in Jerusalem, there are a number of...
The Best Spots for Surfing in Israel
The Uniqueness of Israel The Best Spots for Surfing in Israel If you enjoy surfing then you’ll be pleased to hear that Israel has had an active surfing community since the 1950s and while on your gap year there will be plenty of opportunities for you to take to the...
How Cofix Revolutionised The Israeli Coffee Scene
The Uniqueness of Israel How Cofix Revolutionised The Israeli Coffee Scene For many people coffee is an essential part of everyday life. We buy it on the way out in the mornings, as a pick-me-up in the afternoon and often socialise over it with friends. However, until...
Exploring the Treasures of Nachalat Binyamin
The Uniqueness of Israel Exploring the Treasures of Nachlat Binyamin If you spend any time in Tel Aviv you will most likely come across the street Nachalat Binyamin. While it is just a single street you will find loads to do there as the street is home to some of Tel...
Living Like a Local In Tel Aviv
The Uniqueness of Israel Living Like a Local In Tel Aviv Those that spend their gap years in Tel Aviv are sure to come away with a good idea of what it is like to live as a local. However, to save you some hassle, there are a few tips that every Tel Avivian grows up...
Hidden Delights of the Machane Yehuda Market
The Uniqueness of Israel Hidden Delights of the Machane Yehuda Market While the Machane Yehuda Market for many years was the cheapest and most convenient place for locals to shop, in recent years it has maintained these qualities and grown to offer far more. Together...
How Jerusalem Got Its Own Skate Park
The Uniqueness of Israel How Jerusalem Got Its Own Skate Park There are probably many things that come to mind when you think of Israel and Jerusalem, such as the Old City, the market, hummus or just the general Middle East vibe. However, to the surprise of many...
Israeli Start-Ups That Reflect the Culture of Israel
The Uniqueness of Israel Israeli Start-Ups That Reflect the Culture of Israel Israel is well known for its culture of start-ups and a number of hugely successful companies have emerged over the last decade or so. There are new start-ups appearing all of the time and...
Why Israel Really is The Start-Up Nation
The Uniqueness of Israel Why Israel Really is The Start-Up Nation Israel is now well known as the ‘Start-up Nation’ and if you are hoping to explore this aspect of the county during your gap year you will most likely be thinking of spending it in Tel Aviv. This is...
Facts About Israel You May Not Know
The Uniqueness of Israel Facts About Israel You May Not Know Modern Israel is a remarkable country, both for some of its physical features and also because of the achievements that it has pulled off over its relatively short history. While you probably know quite a...
Habima Square – Tel Aviv’s Cultural Hotspur
The Uniqueness of Israel Habima Square – Tel Aviv’s Cultural Hotspur Right at the heart of Tel Aviv you will find Kikar Habima (Habima Square), it is at the intersection of two of the city’s busiest streets, Dizengoff and Rothschild Boulevard, and offers a huge amount...
The People of Tel Aviv’s Artists’ Market
The Uniqueness of Israel The People of Tel Aviv’s Artists’ Market Those who choose to live in Tel Aviv for their gap year are sure to visit Tel Aviv’s artists’ market, better known as Nachalat Binyamin, on at least one occasion. The market is an iconic part of Tel...
Experiencing Israel’s Natural Hot Springs
The Uniqueness of Israel Experiencing Israel’s Natural Hot Springs Israeli is known for many diverse things from hi-tech to falafel, but one thing many people are not aware of is that the country is home to numerous hot springs which are well worth a visit at least...
World Cuisine On Your Doorstep in Tel Aviv
The Uniqueness of Israel World Cuisine On Your Doorstep in Tel Aviv One of the great things about spending your gap year with Aardvark in Israel is that you will get to meet people from across the world. Part of the fun is that you can learn about each other’s...
Exploring Old Jaffa
The Uniqueness of Israel Exploring Old Jaffa If you’re spending your gap year with Aardvark in Tel Aviv you’ll have plenty of time to explore the old city of Jaffa and even if you are based in Jerusalem there should still be plenty of time to visit and discover its...
Jerusalem’s Top Festivals
The Uniqueness of Israel Jerusalem’s Top Festivals There is plenty to do in Jerusalem and enough variety to keep you busy throughout your gap year. However, a few times a year there are various different festivals which are really worth making the effort...
Finding the Latest Fashion in Tel Aviv
The Uniqueness of Israel Finding the Latest Fashion in Tel Aviv Being a somewhat out the way country in the Middle East many will assume that Israel is behind the latest fashions of Europe and America. However, while the fashions in Israel may not always...
The Top Spots for Bookworms in Tel Aviv
The Uniqueness of Israel The Top Spots for Bookworms in Tel Aviv While Tel Aviv is mainly known for its vibrant nightlife, its café and bar culture and its bustling beaches and streets, sometimes you may want to escape the crowds and settle down with a good book....
Seeing Jerusalem from the Rooftops
The Uniqueness of Israel Seeing Jerusalem from the Rooftops Jerusalem is undoubtedly one of the world’s most beautiful cities. As you explore the streets of both the new and old city you will come across countless stunning buildings, greenery and lovely views....
Yemin Moshe – One of Jerusalem’s Hidden Treasures
The Uniqueness of Israel Yemin Moshe – One of Jerusalem’s Hidden Treasures Hidden right in the centre of Jerusalem is Yemin Moshe, one of the most beautiful and peaceful neighbourhoods in the entire city. The neighbourhood was built in the 1890’s by Moses Montefiore...
Jerusalem’s First Train Station
The Uniqueness of Israel Jerusalem’s First Train Station Jerusalem’s First Train Station is a historic location that doubles up as a fantastic place for an afternoon or evening out. Amazingly, having opened in 1892, the train station remained in operation until the...
Tasting Experiences At Israel’s Kibbutzim
The Uniqueness of Israel Tasting Experiences At Israel’s Kibbutzim Many of Israel’s kibbutzim are well known and during your gap year you are likely to visit at least one. The vast majority of kibbutzim have something worth visiting for, whether it is a historical...
The Levinsky Spice Market
The Uniqueness of Israel The Levinsky Spice Market While the most famous market in Israel is in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv still has its fair share of markets and they are certainly worth a visit. One of these is the Levinsky Market, which some have described as a Pandora’s...
The Unique Street Art of Machane Yehuda
The Uniqueness of Israel The Unique Street Art of Machane Yehuda While during the week the streets of the Machane Yehuda market are packed with shoppers and sellers by day and restaurants and bars by night, on Saturdays the place is empty and silent with the...
Machne Yehuda Market – By Night
The Uniqueness of Israel Machne Yehuda Market – By Night Once evening falls and the sellers have packed up for the day Machne Yehuda market transforms into one of the most vibrant night scenes that Jerusalem has to offer. The market is home to a number of bars, cafes...
Machne Yehuda Market – By Day
The Uniqueness of Israel Machne Yehuda Market – By Day Machne Yehuda is Jerusalem’s main market, situated between Jaffa Street and Agripas Street just on the edge of the neighbourhood of Nachlaot. The market is comprised of two main streets, an open air street and a...
The Best Museums to Visit in Israel
The Uniqueness of Israel The Best Museums to Visit in Israel In a county with as much history and culture as Israel it is no surprise that there are a great many excellent museums to visit in the country. In fact there are more museums per capital in Israel than...
Lag B’omer on Mount Meron
The Uniqueness of Israel The Unique Experience of Lag B'omer on Mount Meron Lag B’Omer is the thirty-third day of the Omer, the seven week period which marks the 50 days between the Jews leaving Egypt and the receiving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. During the Omer...
Water Hikes in Israel
The Uniqueness of Israel Water Hikes in Israel One of the small downsides to Israel is that for many it can feel oppressively hot for much of the year. However, it is a great shame to miss seeing what the country has to offer just because of the heat and an excellent...
Tel Aviv’s Best Beaches
The Uniqueness of Israel Tel Aviv’s Best Beaches As a coastal city it is no surprise that life in Tel Aviv is in many ways centred on the beach. Locals love to spend their free time hanging out by the sea, whether they are strolling along the promenade, going for a...
Tekhelet – Have They Found The Real Thing?
The Uniqueness of Israel Tekhelet – Have They Found The Real Thing? Tekhelet is a blue dye that is mentioned frequently throughout the Torah (Old Testament). It was used in the creation of the Cohen HaGadol’s (High Priest’s) clothing, creating the tapestries in the...
Jerusalem’s Nightlife
The Uniqueness of Israel Jerusalem's Nightlife One of Jerusalems best features is how varied it is and this is especially true when it comes to the nightlife. Regardless of what kind of night out you are after it is more than likely that it can be found in Jerusalem....
The Israeli Army’s Code of Ethics
The Uniqueness of Israel The Israeli Army’s Code of Ethics One of the first things a soldier learns when beginning basic training in the Israeli Army is Ruach Tzahal or the Spirit of the IDF. This is a short document which represents the IDF’s code of ethics and all...
Israeli sporting triumphs
The Uniqueness of Israel Israeli sporting triumphs While Israel may not be best known for its sporting achievements there is actually a large amount of sporting activity in the county and a fair amount of success. For instance at the 2015 European Games Israel brought...
Avoiding Freshman 15 – Staying Fit in Israel
The Uniqueness of Israel How to Avoid “The Freshman 15” – Staying Fit in Israel It is extremely normal for people to gain a bit of unwanted weight when they leave home for the first time and find themselves solely in charge of their meals. However, many people want to...
Israeli Slang
The Uniqueness of Israel Israeli Slang When you come to Israel for your gap year with Aardvark you will spend time in Ulpan (language school) and improve your Hebrew skills over the course of the year. However, to make you feel more at home from the beginning it is...
How Israel helped Nepal after the earthquake
The Uniqueness of Israel How Israel helped Nepal after the earthquake In April 2015 an earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale hit Nepal and caused widespread devastation. Just a couple of weeks later the country was hit by a second earthquake measuring 7.3 on...
The Top Restaurants to Visit in Israel
The Uniqueness of Israel The Top Restaurants to Visit in Israel Israel has become somewhat of a Mecca for food lovers. The country is littered with top quality restaurants which cater for every taste. No matter what your budget or the type of food youre after it is...
The Best Bakeries in Israel
The Uniqueness of Israel The Best Bakeries in Israel Soon after you arrive in Israel for you gap year with Aardvark you will notice that Israelis love to eat. Israel is a country that is hugely passionate about food and this extends to pretty much every kind of food...
The Best Places to Spend Shabbat
The Uniqueness of Israel The Best Places to Spend Shabbat During your gap year with Aardvark Israel there will be a number of weekends where you are free to do as you please and for many this will be a great opportunity to see more of the country or just get away from...
The Best Places to Drink Coffee in Tel Aviv
The Uniqueness of Israel The Best Places to Drink Coffee in Tel Aviv If you have chosen to spend your gap year with Aardvark in Tel Aviv, or even if you are based in Jerusalem and are visiting Tel Aviv, there are sure to be times when you are after a cup of coffee....
Top 5 Israeli Expressions
The Uniqueness of Israel Top 5 Israeli Expressions During your gap year with Aardvark you are guaranteed to learn a lot of Hebrew and vastly improve your language skills. While you will learn Hebrew in a formal manner in Ulpan, there are some phrases and expressions...
Katamonim – Jerusalem’s Up and Coming Neighbourhood
The Uniqueness of Israel Katamonim – Jerusalem’s Up and Coming NeighbourhoodThose that spend their gap year with Aardvark Israel in Jerusalem will be living in the neighbourhood of Katamonim. The neighbourhood is located in the southwestern section of Jerusalem in...
Helping Others On Your Gap Year – The Nepal Cultural Exchange
The Uniqueness of Israel Helping Others On Your Gap Year – The Nepal Cultural ExchangeWhile Aardvark Israel does everything to ensure that you have a fantastic time on your gap year, as an organization we also work towards helping others who are less fortunate and...
Israel – The Start-up Nation
The Uniqueness of Israel Israel – The Start-up Nation Over the last decade or so Israel has developed a worldwide reputation as a start-up nation. In other words, a country which has a huge number of newly established technological companies and is at the forefront of...
Living in Tel Aviv’s Florentin Neighbourhood
The Uniqueness of Israel Living in Tel Aviv’s Florentin Neighbourhood If you choose to spend your gap year with Aardvark Israel in Tel Aviv you will be living in the Florentin neighbourhood. Located in the south of Tel Aviv, over the past couple of decades Florentin...
5 Places to Travel on Your Free Weekend in Israel
The Uniqueness of Israel 5 Places to Travel on Your Free Weekend in Israel While on your gap year with Aardvark Israel you will see a huge amount of the country and get to go on many exciting trips. However, we won’t fill up all of your time so that there will be some...
Klal Yisrael – Nice Concept, Now See it in Action!
The Uniqueness of Israel Klal Yisrael – Nice Concept, Now See it in Action! First of all, for those not familiar with the phrase Klal Yisrael, it is a Yiddish expression which has been in use for centuries. Initially it was used as a way of referring to all the...
Why Does China Look Up to Israel?
The Uniqueness of Israel Why Does China Look Up to Israel? Israel may not be known for having the best foreign relations and reputation around the world. However, there are certainly many countries that genuinely look up to Israel and appreciate the huge amount that...
5 Classic Israeli Dishes to Make in Your Apartment
The Uniqueness of Israel 5 Classic Israeli Dishes to Make in Your Apartment While spending your gap year in Israel there is no doubt that you will frequently enjoy the massive amount of delicious street food that can be found right across the country: falafel,...
How to Dress for Your Internship
The Uniqueness of Israel How to Dress for Your Internship As part of your time with Aardvark Israel you will have the chance to choose from a huge range of volunteer programs and internships. These are a great way of gaining some experience in a field that you are...
Meetings The Last Jews of Ethiopia
The Uniqueness of Israel Meetings The Last Jews of Ethiopia If you choose to spend your gap year with Aardvark Israel there are a number of programs to choose from. One of which is the International Program. The program will take you to eight different countries and...
Living with Jews from Across the World
The Uniqueness of Israel Living with Jews from Across the World Most of you will have grown up with some connection to your local Jewish community, whether it’s through school, synagogue, youth groups or anything else. While this can lead to some great experiences in...
Off the beaten track in Israel
The Uniqueness of Israel Off the beaten track in Israel Many of you will have been to Israel in the past and visited a number of tourist sites such as the Old City in Jerusalem, the Knesset, the beaches along the coast, the standard museums such as the Israel Museum...
Why Should I Take a Gap Year in Israel?
The Uniqueness of Israel Why Should I Take a Gap Year in Israel? You’re about to finish school and have a whole year to do what you want with. There will be multiple options in front of you and Israel is sure to be just one of many. The question then becomes, why...
Tel Aviv or Jerusalem – Where Should I Spend My Gap Year in Israel?
The Uniqueness of Israel Tel Aviv or Jerusalem – Where Should I Spend My Gap Year in Israel? Tel Aviv and Jerusalem are certainly the two focal points of modern Israel and despite the fact that they are just a 50 minute drive from each other you will struggle to find...
