Only a few short weeks ago, BINA welcomed a new batch of participants to the MITF Tel Aviv + program where they will work, teach, live, and volunteer in various communities around Israel for ten months. What are these communities all about? Read on to find out!
The first five months – Tel Aviv
For the first five months of the program, our participants will be living and working in Tel Aviv, the central hub of Israel. Located in the heart of the country, Tel Aviv is a remarkable and festive city that is home to diverse communities, amazing beaches, populous nightlife, and so much more.
The city prides itself on being an inclusive commonplace where you can be yourself and live harmoniously. It is the LGBTQ capital of Israel and holds Tel Aviv Pride every year in June. It is also the vegan capital, with around 255 vegan-friendly restaurants, making the city culinarily advanced.
Tel Aviv is unique in many ways, and there are so many things to love about this vibrant and alive city. Some noteworthy places and must-go locations include the beaches such as Hilton Beach (home to a special dog beach!), Frishman Beach, and Gordon Beach, as well as staple locations such as Rothschild Boulevard, Dizengoff center, and, of course, Shuk Hacarmel where you can find treasures, eat at a variety of restaurants, and shop to your hearts desire.
The next five months
For the remaining five months, some students will continue on to one of Israel’s peripheral cities to live and teach English in schools at these locations. The locations include Beit She’an, Nazareth, Kiryat Gat, and Rahat.
Beit She’an
Beit She’an is located in the Northern District of Israel with immense historical significance and diverse communities living within it. There are a variety of locations to visit and nature hikes for our participants to enjoy in the Beit She’an National Park. The park is home to sites such as the remains of a 2nd century CE theater and other Roman and Byzantine city ruins. There are also breathtaking lookout points and opportunities to view and walk along Harod Stream.
Nazareth
Nazareth, also located in the Northern District, is the largest city in the area. Nazareth also has immense historical significance with a variety of historical sites such as the museum Nazareth Village, the Catholic landmark Mary’s Well, and the biblical Mount Precipice. It is the largest Arab city in Israel, giving fellows the opportunity to learn about these communities and serve the Arab citizens living in the country.
Kiryat Gat
Kiryat Gat is located in the Southern District of Israel with Tel Aviv to the North, Jerusalem to the East, and Be’er Sheva to its South. Popular for new immigrants, a diverse set of communities can be found there. The city is both quiet and beautiful, creating a scenic and peaceful atmosphere. There are a variety of small parks around the city for fellows to sit in and enjoy in their free time.
Rahat
Living in Be’er Sheva and working in Rahat, fellows will have the chance to experience both cities. Rahat is a Bedouin city in Southern Israel to the North of Be’er Sheva. Considering it is the only and largest Bedouin city in the world, fellows will have a once-in-a-lifetime experience working closely with Bedouin communities and helping in providing educational opportunities for them.
No matter where our fellows will continue their journey, they will be sure to have a life-changing experience and will be contributing greatly to the diverse communities living within Israel.
Your favorite Tel Aviv Fellow,
Stay in touch and check out our blog if you want to keep reading about what we’re up to!
//Emma Lillianthal, BINA staff member
