Yalla Israel with Leontine & Alan

A first hand account of  life under fire from Iran inside the bomb shelter 75 feet from Alan's home.

In this episode, we record from the hip, artsy and cool Bazalel Street in Jerusalem, home of Israel's oldest institution of higher education and its preeminent acedemic institute for art, design and architecture established in 1906.

In this episode, we walk 10 minutes from Alan's home in Jerusalem to one of his "favorite places." Tucked in between the St. Andrews Scottish Church and the Menachem Begin Heritage Center, are 2800 year old burial caves from the time of the First Temple where one of the most significant artifacts was discovered , the oldest surviving texts from the Hebrew bible. Wow! After all the excitement, we end with authentic Arabic coffee made with cardamon  in the First Station at Izhiman's est. 1921.

This episode was recorded April 24 on Yom Hashoah or Holocaust Remembrance Day in Israel at the Western Wall in Jerusalem. The Western Wall is also sometimes referred to as the Wailing Wall. We talk about the meaning and manner of observance of this solemn day in Israel and around the world. The episode ends with 2 minutes of silence remembering the six million Jewish men, women and children who were murdered by the Nazis during the Shoah as the sirens wail across Israel.

In this episode, we record on Easter Sunday inside the Old City of Jerusalem from the Austrian Hostel. The Austrian Hostel is situated on  the "Via Dolorosa" (the Way of Suffering), and from its roof, we hear the church bells ringing out and get a birds eye view of the places where Jesus walked the last seven days of his life on earth and the place of the Resurrection.

In this 100th episode of Yalla Israel, we recognize another momentous occasion; the establishment of Hebrew University on Mount Scopus in Jerusalem 100 years ago. Hear how the founders of Hebrew University, including Albert Einstein, changed the landscape of Israel, literally and figuratively.

In this episode, we drive through Moshav Tal Shachar out the back gate, past the wheat and cotton fields, across the railroad tracks to the enchanted "Cyclamen Hill."  There are so many reasons to visit Tel Shachar than just cyclamens like ancient Tel Timna where Samson took a Philistine wife, Pe'er Winery, and Izza Paziza Goat Farm and Cheese Cafe!

Tel Aviv is known as the "White City." In this episode, we sit on Rothschild Boulevard in Tel Aviv admiring the unique International or Bauhaus style of architecture all around us and explain why UNESCO recognized Tel Aviv as a World Heritage Site calling naming it the White City. 

In this episode, we visit  "Hostage Square" in Tel Aviv. Somber, meaningful and vital. Hostage Square, located in front of the Tel Aviv Museum of Art and directly across from the Ministry of Defense and  the Israeli Army Command Center, became the hub for families of the hostages and the place for the public to show support for the families. BRING ALL OF THE HOSTAGES HOME!

In this episode, we are recording from Migdal Cafe at the "Tower of David." Most tours of Jerusalem's Old City begin at the Jaffa Gate in the shadow of David's Tower. Is it really the Tower of David? Find out in this 96th episode of Yalla Israel.

In this episode, we reflect on the 10 years since Leontine emigrated to Israel. 

In this episode, we celebrate the holiday of trees, Tu B'shvat, by escaping to the Ein Hemed nature park with a beautifully well preserved Crusader farm at it's center. 

In this episode we visit and talk about the beautiful and not so creepy Kiryat Annavim Cemetery nestled in the Jerusalem Hills. Some people might feel a bit uncomfortable visiting a cemetery, but the mood here, surrounded by so much history, stories of bravery and sacrifice is exhilarating. 

At a time of great joy, sadness, and trepidation over the latest ceasefire and hostage release, we lighten things up a bit by sitting in a cafe on the charming Emek Refaim Street in the heart of Jerusalem's German Colony talking about.....Emek Refaim Street.

In this episode we take our listeners to "Alan's Shul" on the Jerusalem Promenade or what locals call the tayelet with one of the most spectacular panoramic views of the "City of Gold."

Today is the 4th day of Hanukkah. So, the topic in this episode is "sufganiyot," a Hannukah delicacy similar to donuts. Israeli bakeries have mastered the art of frying these oily, sweet and sugar coated pastries of goodness. Only one will rule supreme in 2024! In this episode, we take you through Yalla Israel's process of finding the best sufganiyot of 2024. Drum roll, and the winner is............

In this episode, we honor the upcoming festival of Hanukkah by traveling to the area of Modi'in in search of the long-lost "Tomb of the Maccabees" described in the Book of Maccabees and the writings of Josephus.

It is starting to feel a lot (or a little) like Christmas at the historic Jerusalem International YMCA in this episode.

In this Thanksgiving holiday episode, learn about the vibrant nightlife in Jerusalem. You might be surprised to hear there is a lot happening after dark in the "Holy City!"

Following a week of turmoil; the election of Donald Trump, the firing of Defense Minister Gallant, the anticipation of missiles from Iran, we escape to the serene gardens of the Benedictine Monastery in Abu Ghosh, an Arab Muslim village just a 15 minute drive from Jerusalem. In the monastery's beautiful Romanesque Crusader Church, you can see frescoes dating back to the 12th century, and if you are lucky hear the cheerful Benedictine monk, Brother Olivier sing the Jewish song "Im Eshkachech Yerushalayim" (If I Forget Thee O Jerusalem) in perfect Hebrew. Of course, you must stop for hummus before leaving Abu Ghosh!

In this week's episode, we record from section 18A of Israel's national military cemetery, Mount Herzl, where Avraham "Avi" Yosef Goldberg was laid to rest. This episode is dedicated to the memory of Avi, who fell in Lebanon last week defending the State of Israel. Avi was a shining light, a Rabbi, a scholar, a teacher, a husband, a father, a musician, a warrior, and a friend.

This week we record close to home in the beautiful San Simon Park. On this hilltop in the Katamon neighborhood, a fierce battle took place in 1948 during the War of Independence which determined Jerusalem's destiny.

As the Sukkot holiday began this week in Israel, news broke about the elimination of October 7 mastermind, Yihya Sinwar. In this episode, we put Sinwar behind us and record from Mount Ora on the outskirts of Jerusalem talking about two off the beaten track memorials; Yad Kennedy and Yad Rubenstein. Yad means monument. Yad Kennedy is an impressive monument commemorating the 35th US president John F. Kennedy, and Yad Rubenstein is an elegant marble sculpture memorializing the great pianist Maestro Arthur Rubenstein.

There is nothing quite like a wedding in Israel, and the wedding of Leontine's daughter Joanna and now son-in-law, Eliav was no exception! Joanna chose to be married on a Friday afternoon in Moshav Segula at the stunning Sadot Villa where the fields of the moshav met the perfect wedding canopy. In this episode, we return to Segula and reflect on that magical and unforgettable day.

Jets roar overhead on their way to Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, and dishes clang in the background as we record from the Ofaimme Organic Farm Cafe. In this episode, we highlight  "Jerusalem Design Week" taking place at the historic Hansen House, which this year explores the theme of "The Ark" and the foundations upon we wish to build the future, once the waters recede.   

In this episode of Yalla Israel, we  take a step back and reflect on the year since October 7; the horror of that day, the shock, the response from Israel and the world, the Israeli resilience, and hope for a better and more secure future.

In this episode, we introduce our listeners to another one of our favorite off the beaten track sites, Khirbet Qeiyafa. This gem, hidden in the majestic foothills of Jerusalem along the Valley of Elah where King David slew Goliath, is chock full of history, archaeology and beauty. Do not miss it!

Everything changed after October 7, including and perhaps especially tourism. In this episode, find out what visits to Israel are like during these days of war; what you can see, where you can visit, what you can experience,  can tour, and how things have transformed for tour guides.

Since October 7, all eyes have been on Gaza on Israel's southern border and not so much on Israel's northern border with Lebanon where rockets, anti-tank missiles and explosive laden drones have relentlessly been launched by Hezbollah into Israel. In this episode, we focus on Israel's evacuation zone in the north where over 80,000 citizens have been displaced from their homes and where industry, businesses, farms and many of the most popular tourist and recreational sites have been closed for the last 7 months with no resolution in sight.

There is never a bad time to visit the Holy Land, but beware, the summers are "Africa Hot!" In this episode, learn tips for staying cool and enjoying the land flowing with "Milk and Honey' all year round, even (especially) in summertime! 

In this 4th and final episode about Israel's wine, we finally sample and introduce our listeners to a variety of Israeli wines selected  by our special guest and resident wine merchant, Evyatar Cohen. Lechaim!

Our 4 part series featuring Israel wine continues with special guest and vintner, Evyatar Cohen. This 3rd part of the series  focuses  on the revival of the Israel's wine industry.  Wine production in Israel was mostly suspended for more than a 1000 years during centuries of Muslim rule because alcohol  consumption is prohibited by Islamic law. In this episode, hear about the rebirth of Israeli wine in modern times.

Wine plays a significant role in the Bible and in Jewish ritual throughout history. In this 2nd episode of Yalla Israel's 4 part series about the Wine of Israel, we delve into the Biblical and ancient history of wine in the Holy Land with vintner, Evyatar Cohen from the comfort of his charming Jerusalem wine shop of, Kos Shel Bracha. 

We begin a 4 part series about one of our favorite topics, the wine of Israel; it's history, culture, rebirth and the wines themself. We'll be surrounded by some of our closest friends, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Syrah  in the charming wine shop where we are recording in Jerusalem called Kos Shel Bracha. In this first episode, you'll meet a special man, "our wine guy" and the proprietor of Kos Shel Bracha, Evyatar Cohen.  

This episode of Yalla Israel, we probe into the much debated question of whether and how the holiday of Purim should be celebrated in the midst of a war for survival. Find out if Leontine and Alan feel the same way.

In this episode we talk about why, when and how Israel became known as the "start-up nation."

Twenty-two weeks of war have passed but life, forever changed, goes on. The Ministry of Tourism requires all licensed guides to enroll in a training courses every year. In this episode, we give our listeners a glimpse of a recent continuing education field trip spent searching for lesser known women who changed the landscape of Jerusalem's Old City.

As Israel enters into day 128 of the longest war in its history since the War of Independece, we seek refuge in nature on a beautiful trek from the hamlet of Ein Kerem to the Beit Zayit Dam. We tell you all you need to know about this hidden gem in this episode.

Long before the Netflix series' "Beauty Queen of Jerusalem", there was a lesser known Queen of Jerusalem, Helena from Adiabene (modern day Kurdistan). Hear all about her journey and contributions to Jerusalem 2000 years ago and the imprint she left behind in this episode.

The Gaza Envelope will now forever be known for the October 7 Massacre, but is an area filled with history and beauty. In this episode, we talk about the many fascinating sites to explore in the "Envelope" beyond memorial sites.

After a 6 week break from recording, Israel's war against Hamas continues into its 95th day, and Yalla Israel picks up where it left off. In this episode, we recount our heartbreaking journey to the massacre and now memorial sites in the Gaza Envelope.

Israelis are on pins and needles anxiously waiting for hostages to be released on this 3rd day of hostages-for-truce deal.

Hear how Israelis are adjusting to war after 44 days.

Israel's war against Hamas continues into its second month. Leontine and Alan provide an update and their insights on this day 37.

241 Hostages, including 9 month old Kfir Bibis, are still captive in Gaza. Leontine and Alan continue their updates and  insights in this episode on day 30 of Israel's war against Hamas.

As Israel's war with Hamas continues,  Yalla Israel  continues its situational updates and insights into life in Israel on this 23rd day of war. 

On the morning of October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a surprise attack  against Israel.  Since then, Israel has been at war with the Hamas terrorist organization. Yalla Israel will depart from it usual format and instead give our listeners periodic updates and insights about the situation until the war ends.

The unique and beautifully  painted Armenian pottery is a special part of the history and culture of Jerusalem. In this episode hear the full story of this craft.

This week, we talk about food or actually what makes the food of Israel so tasty, SPICES!  Why are Israel's spices so unique, what kind are there, and where can you find them?

In this third part of the series about underground Jerusalem, Leontine and Alan take us to the Struthion Pools in the bowels of the Sisters of Zion Monastery, to the ancient Roman Plaza hidden beneath the Damascas Gate of today, and to Zedekiah's Cave aka Solomon's Quarries all of which are concealed from plain sight under the Muslim Quarter of Jerusalem's Old City.

Leontine and Alan are back  following their summer holidays refreshed and ready to begin a new year of Yalla Israel. They cheer in the Jewish New Year with  apples and honey and Rosh Hashanah resolutions.