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Gems in Israel – Touring Israel
An
Introduction to the Crusaders
by Julie Baretz
 Although the fascinating
historical chapter of the Crusaders in the Holy Land
covers a relatively short period of just over two
hundred years, their indelible mark is evident over the
entire Near East region. The background to their story
begins with the eastern rise of Christianity in the
early fourth century. At this time, the Byzantine
emperor Constantine, ruler over the eastern remains of
the Roman empire, converted to Christianity.
[FULL
STORY]
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Ein
Afek
by Yael Zisling Adar
 In 1190, Richard the Lion
Heart's Crusade was delayed by four weeks, when he fell
ill due to Malaria, contracted at Ein Afek. Located just
three kilometers east of Acre, Ein Afek served as the
primary flourmill for the city of Acre, the de-facto
capital of the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem. The mill,
(which operated until 1925), is strategically located on
the Na'aman Stream and is one of the last flourmills
from the Crusader era that is still
intact.
[FULL
STORY]
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Crusader Art in the Church of the Holy
Sepulchre
The Art
of one of Christendom's holiest sites
by John Stringer
 The Church Of The Holy
Sepulchre (empty tomb of Christ), the holiest Christian
site in Jerusalem, is also the greatest repository of
twelfth-century Crusader art in the East. It is a 'must
see' for visitors to Israel interested in art, history,
warfare and faith.
[FULL
STORY]
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Cafarlet
by Yael Zisling Adar
 For
those who enjoy 'unofficial' sites, the small castle of
Cafarlet, at Moshav Ha'bonim is a nice place to visit,
especially if you combine it with some other sightseeing
in the area. The Moshav lies on the coast between
Caesarea and Atlit. Its beach is known as one of the
country's best – so a visit here is definitely an
opportunity to enjoy a swim – have a nice oceanside
picnic or simply take a leisurely walk on the beach,
which is part of a nature reserve. The more adventurous
among you can even go skydiving (there is a skydiving
school right on the beach).
[FULL
STORY]
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Crusader Food
by Daniel Rogov
Whether most of the men and women who joined the
Crusades were motivated by Christian zeal or the
prospects of loot and adventure will never be fully
understood but it is known that during the thirty years
following the first Crusade in 1097 fully half of the
knights of France set of for the Holy Land. Small port
towns like Caesarea and Atlit became such crowded way
stations for Crusaders that they soon became thriving
metropolitan areas. So many people accompanied these
knights that Anna Comena, the daughter of the emperor of
Byzantium wrote that "the whole of the west and all the
barbarians who lived between the Adriatic and Straits of
Gibraltar migrated in a body, marching across Europe
country by country with all their household goods. ...
Full of enthusiasm and ardor they thronged every highway
and they outnumbered the sands of the seashore or the
stars of heaven".
[FULL
STORY]
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Montfort and Goren Park
by Yael Zisling Adar
 It sits majestically, 180
meters above the Kziv River, in what is literally 'the
middle of nowhere', in the Western Galilee. Montfort is
one of the most spectacular Crusader castles in Israel.
Thanks to paths at Goren Park, even those who do not
wish to take the moderately strenuous hike to the
fortress can enjoy its beauty from afar. Those who do
take the walk will be richly rewarded.
[FULL
STORY]
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The
Military Orders
by Yael Zisling Adar
During the late eleventh and early twelfth
centuries military orders, which were based on the
monastic orders, were formed. Composed mainly of lay
brothers, these Orders combined fighting with religious
life. The Orders were led by Knights and
Sergeants.
[FULL
STORY]
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| For people
interested in MORE than just the major tourist attractions.
For seasoned and first-time visitors to Israel and anyone who
dreams of one day visiting the Holy Land. |
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