Israel 2000

The year 2000 constitutes a unique opportunity for the State of Israel and its tourist industry. People from all over the world perceive the year 2000 as the most appropriate time to celebrate the new Millennium through a physical and spiritual journey to the Holy Land.

Celebrating the year 2000 in the Holy Land will offer visitors a diversified experience, both religious and cultural in nature, as well as the opportunity to touch and be touched by the Old and the New. The Millennium represents a bridge between the past and the future, the history of humanity and a new era of reconciliation and brotherhood.

Millions of Christians will come to experience first-hand biblical Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth and Capernaum. Others will come to take part in the celebration of the new Millennium and savor the history as well as the mystery of this birthplace of faiths.

Indeed, there is no better time to visit the Holy Land for it is truly the nucleus of the Millennium celebration. The enthusiasm of the estimated four million pilgrims and visitors who are expected to visit Israel's holy and historic sites is matched by the entire country's determination to make their stay comfortable, enlightening and inspiring.

At the highest governmental levels, millions of dollars and years of efforts have produced renovation and reorganization earmarked to make a Millennium pilgrimage to the Holy Land everything that it should be for each and every participant. These efforts include major investments in infrastructure, accommodations, tourist sites, points of entry and marketing.

Years of preparation and nearly 90 million dollars will go into making a Year 2000 visit to Jerusalem a highlight for every visitor.

 The Valley of Kings, is now criss-crossed by promenades that join Gethsemane, the City of David, the Hill of Evil Counsel and other landmarks in the life of Jesus.

 In the Old City, renovations and improvements have been made to such treasures as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Room of the Last Supper.

 Special lighting has been installed in pathways and on monuments, making after-hours touring in Jerusalem's Old City a truly breathtaking experience.

 The Lion's Gate is being raised above its present street level.

 The Western Wall area of the Temple Mount is under expansion.

 On the Via Dolorosa, the Way of the Cross, the "Stations of the Cross" have been refaced and special lighting illuminates the path.

 Not to be outdone, the New City of Jerusalem, historic sites, restaurants and a lively shopping district has worked hard these past few years preparing for its Millennium visitors.

Nazareth has been a foremost priority in Year 2000 preparations. Under the watchful eye of Nazareth 2000, a joint project of the Israeli government and the local municipality, a total of approximately 80 million dollars will be invested in extensive renovation and restoration in the Old City to capture and preserve the unique atmosphere of Jesus's Galilean boyhood home.

 Newly built pilgrim routes wind through its alleys and completely restored marketplace.

 The Mensa Christi church built in 1861 around a stone identified by 17th c. pilgrims as the table Jesus set for his disciples after the Resurrection, has been restored after 30 years of closure.

 From the Church of the Annunciation, said to shelter the home of Mary and Joseph, pilgrims can now stroll down Pilgrim's Walk to Mary's Well, the site of Mary's first encounter with the Archangel Gabriel.

 Observation points, reflection corners and an amphitheater have been built on The Mount of the Leap where some believe Jesus leaped over the precipice.

Enormous effort and nearly 25 million dollars have been devoted to restoring and making fully-accessible all the wonders of this area so central to the life of Jesus and his disciples.

 Pier facilities from Capernaum, the center of Jesus's ministry in the Galilee, have been greatly expanded so visitors can experience crossing the very waters upon which Jesus walked.

 A walkway is being constructed in the Mensa Christi area to enable visitors to walk easily and safely the entire "Christian Triangle." Special housing is being built for Ginosar's famous 2000-year-old boat.

Other locations that have undergone significant renovations in preparation for Millennium pilgrims and visitors include:

 Masada, Herod's Judean Desert fortress and site of the last Jewish rebellion against Roman rule

 Caesarea, Herod's seaside fortress-capital Tzipori, the birthplace of the Virgin Mary The Old City of Acre with its magnificent underground Crusader city.

 Beth Shean - the biblical Scythopolis

 Sites of Year 2000 interest in the Negev desert

Events

In order to enrich tourists experience of Israel in the year 2000, the country has formulated a list of events - including end-of-the-Millenium celebrations - which encompasses a wide range of themes and interests.

The list includes events related to the Holy Land - Jesus' birth- place, events with a historical, social and geographic context and events with themes such as peace, reconciliation, and the end of the Millenium celebration.

To receive or send additional information regarding scheduled events please contact:

Israel Administration 2000
17 Kaplan St.
Tel-Aviv, Israel
Tel.: 972-3-6094755
Fax: 972-3-6094762

or your local Israel Government Tourist Office.

Internet: www.israel2000.tourism.gov.il