This years Tel-Aviv Gay Pride Parade will take place on the 7th June 2013, tens of thousands of spectators and participants are expected from Israel and abroad. This will be Tel-Aviv’s 16th annual parade which is part of a week-long celebration of the LGBT community in Israel. The Pride Parade was originally called the Love Parade and when it began there was much disagreement and controversy due to the large religious community in Israel and conservative viewpoints. At the time many of the participants were prominent political and cultural figures who helped to promote equal rights and freedom of expression. Today the atmosphere is much more liberal, the gay community is embraced by most Israelis and the parade is no longer a political issue. The huge celebration of love, equality and freedom is attended by gay and straight people alike and an incredible party atmosphere prevails. The Tel-Aviv Pride Parade was the first in Asia and there are now other Pride Parades held (on a smaller scale) in other Israeli cities, like for example Eilat. Tel-Aviv’s parade is also the largest in Asia, in 2012 150,000 people participated.

The Pope’s Holy Land Pilgrimage will include a visit to Jordan, followed on 11-15 May by a visit to Israel and the holy sites in Jerusalem, Nazareth and Bethlehem. The Pope will also meet with religious leaders during his five day visit. The highlight of the Pope’s visit to Israel will be Holy Mass at the Kidron Valley in Jerusalem, where thousands are expected to participate on the afternoon of 12 May. The Pope will also visit Yad Vashem (11 May) and the Temple Mount, Western Wall, Mount Zion, the Cenacle and Gethsemane Church on 12 May. After a visit to Bethlehem and Mass at Manger Square, (13 May), the Pope will deliver another Mass in Nazareth at Mount Precipice and pray at the Church of the Annunciation (14 May).Bein Harim offers you 1-3 days pilgrim tours.Mass in the Kidron Valley Jerusalem May 12TH 16-18 :00 PM.Mass on Wednesday May 13th in Manger square Bethlehem at 10 AM.Mass on Thursday May 14th on Mt. Precipitation in Nazareth. 10 AMDay 1. Mass in Jerusalem: May 12thPick up from Herzlliya hotels : 9:00 AM.Pick up from Tel-Aviv hotels : 9:30 AM.Pick up from Jerusalem hotels : 10:30 AM.Overview from on Mt. of Olives for view of the Old and New city. Walk Via the Patre Nostre and the site of the Ascension, . Walk down to Dominus Flevit, where Jesus foresaw the destruction of Jerusalem. Continue to Gardens of Gethsemane, Church of all Nations, Valley of Kidron to see the tombs of Absalom, Jeosphate and Zaccariah from 2nd temple Descend to the Valley of Kidron to participate at Mass.Return to bus and drive to hotels.Recommended comfortable shoes, water and hat.Lunch boxes, sandwiches and fruits available for 12$ (advanced booking required).Sequence and route subject to change due to traffic/route detours.Day 2. Mass in Bethlehem May 13th:Pick up from Herzlliya hotels : 6:15 AM.Pick up from Tel-Aviv hotels : 6:30 AM.Pick up from Jerusalem hotels : 7:30 AM.**Passports mandatoryMass at Manger square at 10:00-12:00 AM-1.Drive direct to Jerusalem-Bethlehem check-point.Bus change at Check :Point .Entry to Bethlehem (Palestinian transportation services)Visit the Church of the Nativity(Subject to PA regulation) .Drive via Ein Kerem and visit Church of Saint John the Baptist. Overlook the church of the visitation where Mary visited Elisabeth. Entry to churches may encounter times limits on this day. Return to hotels in Jerusalem . Therafter Tel Aviv travelers will go via the ancient village Emmaus where Jesus was seen for the first time after the resurrection. Passports mandatory, we recommend comfortable shoes, water and hat. Sequence and route subject to change due to traffic/route detours.Day 3. Mass on Mt. of Precipitation in Nazareth May 14th:Pick up from Herzlliya hotels : 6:00 AM.Pick up from Tel-Aviv hotels : 5:45 AM.Pick up from Jerusalem hotels : 4:45 AM.We depart via the ancient via Maris to the valley of Armageddon, from the book of revolution (chapter 16). Drive.Depart from there by foot to buses driving up to Mt. of Precipitation. Coordinate with guide meeting place and return to group bus. Drive to Cana and in the Galilee there was performed the first miracle (John chapter 2).Drive by to overlook from the foot Mt. Tabor Mathew (chapter 17) identifies this Mt. as the site of transfiguration.Sequence and visits subject to change by Police authorities.Return to hotels. It is recommended on this day to bring snacks, light meals and water.Sequence and route subject to change due to traffic/route detours.Tour conditions and reservation information

Dizengoff Square (which is a circle) or Kirkar Dizengoff, is Tel Aviv’s most iconic public square. At this traffic circle Dizengoff Street, Pinsker Street, and Reines Street meet and encircle a beautiful area where people can hang out and relax under shady trees. There are benches, a cycle path that surrounds the central circle, and an iconic fountain in the middle of the circle.Plan Your VisitOpen Times:24/7Prices:FreeAverage Visit Duration:30 minutes to 1 hour.Popular Times:The Square never sleeps but is most popular during business hours and in the early evening.Special Events:Dizengoff Square hosts concerts, special events, and festivals, often during local holidays.Relevant Tours: Many Tel Aviv tours will take you there, being a very popular spot.Dizengoff Square (Image source: Ovedc CC BY-SA 4.0)This location in the heart of Tel Avivhas witnessed historic events, protests, and celebrations and has continued to be a vibrant hub of social gatherings and entertainment. This is the perfect place to stop for an Israeli breakfast at one of the cafes that surround the Square, or just to sit on a bench and soak up the local atmosphere.Note thatthe internet is full of photos showing the former colorful fountain that stood in Dizengoff Square, and streets going under the center of the Square. Today's fountain is gray, and the design has been changed so that traffic goes around the central area rather than under it.History of Dizengoff SquareThe square is named after Zina Dizengoff, wife of Meir Dizengoff - the first mayor of Tel Aviv. The idea for a grand public square originated in the 1930s when a competition was held to decide the Square’s designer. Genia Averbuch’s design was chosen and construction began. She created a sophisticated design that blended with the surrounding Bauhaus buildings.The original design was replaced in the 1970s by Tsvi Lissar’s design featuring a split-level configuration to alleviate traffic congestion. An elevated central area connected to the adjacent sidewalks by ramps and Dizengoff, Pinsker, and Reines Street ran beneath the elevated center.Dizengoff Square in 1960It was during this period that construction began on Dizengoff Center, just 300 meters from the plaza, and one of Israel’s most iconic shopping malls. In the 80s, Yaacov Agam’s landmark fire and water fountain was erected, at the center of the elevated section.In 2016 a new design brought the center of Dizengoff Square back to ground level and the entire area was renovated with the addition of tiled sidewalks, and new paving. The fountain reappeared in 2019 but without its technological mechanism or artistic colors, and the entire central area of the traffic circle was given an upgrade.Heart of the White CityDizengoff Square is considered the heart of the White City, where there is a high concentration of Bauhaus buildings. The round space is considered to be the only Bauhaus plaza in the world, with its characteristic simple design and curvaceous elegant design elements such as the lawns, and central circular fountain. Surrounding the Square are buildings that are nearly identical in design and with distinct Bauhaus features such as the horizontal slit balconies.Pro Tip: To learn more about this area and this type of design and architecture, visit the Bauhaus Center.What to See and Do at Dizengoff Square?Dizengoff Fountain: The fountain at the center of the traffic circle was once the creation of artist Yaacov Agam and an example of kinetic art. It began operating in 1986 and featured colorful strips around the circular basin as well as moving parts. Over the years it fell into disrepair and was eventually replaced with a deconstructed version of the original, without the color, and without the technical mechanisms that had made it famous. Today the fountain is a contemporary modern gray landmark. It still delights onlookers with its dancing water, and at night it is lit up.Relax: Surrounding the fountain are lawns with colorful chairs under palm trees where people can relax.Dizengoff Square is lit up at night and remains busy and safe until late.Cycle:Tel Aviv bike-sharing is a great way to get around town. There is a cycling path around the Square, and there is also a bike-share so you can rent a bike.Eat: Sidewalk cafes line the streets that look onto the Square making them perfect for people watching.Entertainment: Dizengoff Square is often the venue for street performers, and also festivals during Israeli school holidays.Pro Tip: On Fridays, the Square comes alive with live entertainment, an adjacent farmers’ market, and a dynamic atmosphere.