Jerusalem Real Estate Expensive
Jerusalem vs. Tel Aviv
When people considering going on one of the tours in Israel, many things come to mind. Many people, however, aren’t aware of the wide variety of cultures and lifestyles within Israel. On one side of the spectrum, we have Jerusalem, a religious city that is home to three major religions and a history that is very deep and involved. On the other hand, Tel Aviv was just founded in 1909, making it a fairly new city. It is a much more liberal city without deep cultural roots.
The two cities are opposites in many ways, although they are only about fifty minutes from each other. The only similarity between the two cities is that they are both in Israel. Jerusalem is more of a local type city, with people from the area working, living and raising their families there. Tel Aviv, on the other hand, is more of a global type city that is accepting of people of all kinds.
Religion itself has been such a major part of Jerusalem ever since it was built. King David conquered this city back in the eleventh century B.C. and it has since been revered as a city of worship and holiness. The Jews consider it the Holy City and in spite of the years that have passed, true Jews still look to Jerusalem as the home of their religion. Christians consider the city holy due to the Bible and the life and crucifixion of Jesus. Muslims believe that Muhammad took a miraculous journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and then up to heaven. When enjoying Israel travel, many people are drawn to Jerusalem because of their religious beliefs.
A modern city with modern ideas is the best description of Tel Aviv. Even though Tel Aviv was referred to as ‘the first Hebrew city,’ it is really neither Hebrew nor Jewish. Rather, it is an Israeli city with free spirited ideas. Tel Aviv is culturally very liberal and does not have the deep religious roots of Jerusalem. While Jerusalem has a more resistant, low tolerance nature, Tel Aviv is accepting of anyone and strives for a peaceful community.
Perhaps Jerusalem’s stubborn and exclusive nature is due to the fact that it has been at the center of geopolitical turmoil with other countries for most of its existence. The Palestinian Arabs and Zionists are always struggling with the Jews for ownership of land in Israel, each claiming that it is theirs due to their rights, families and historical significance. Political tensions run high in Jerusalem and it seems that the issues will never be resolved.
Tel Aviv, on the other hand, is such a new country that is has become very self-sufficient and independent. While Jerusalem has a big government that handles affairs, Tel Aviv has separated itself from being accountable to a strict set of rules and regulations. While Tel Aviv only has about 2.5 million people, compared to Jerusalem’s 5.5 million, the city is showing tremendous growth and is proving to be a trendsetter. Because of its tolerant, modern attitude, many younger people are drawn to Tel Aviv. Rather than having a definite set of standards like Jerusalem, Tel Aviv allows a more loose lifestyle.
Jerusalem has maintained her identity as a deeply religious, nationally oriented city. Tradition and nationalism is very important and this carries over into all aspects of the city. It is very common and acceptable in Jerusalem to have large families and a minimal income. From the aged to the young, from the religious to the secular, Tel Aviv holds a wide variety of diverse people.
While the cities are unique, each has something to offer. For those who want to take a step back into time and relive the days of the Bible, Jerusalem would be more fitting. Tel Aviv, however, is a better fit for those with a more modern point of view and who desire tolerance and acceptance.
Israelis pitch tents to protest house prices – 08-1-2011