Yalla Israel with Leontine & Alan: Recent Episodes
Leontine Cohen Pauka and Alan Harkavy
Intriguing, complicated, AMAZING Israel! Join two professional tour guides in Jerusalem; Leontine, born and raised in Holland and Alan, a good ole boy from Memphis, Tennessee. They'll delve into Israel's complexities through personal stories, weekly topics and their adventures to off the beaten tracks place.You will get to know and enjoy Israel with Leontine and Alan every Sunday over a cup of fresh cup of "Hafuch."
In this episode, we hit record aboard the fast train from Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport and continue the conversation from inside the terminal itself. With rolling suitcases and travel stresses in the background, we unpack the challenges of air travel in and out of Israel since October 7. We are heading off for a month of summer break like most Israelis, but not before leaving you with a slice of Israel, recorded in motion.
In this episode, we venture just 15 minutes from Jerusalem into the heart of the Judean desert to discover one of Israel's hidden gems: the spring of Ein Prat. Flowing quietly through the rugged cliffs, magical pools, canyons, gorges and ancient pathways, Ein Prat is more than just a natural spring-it's a place where history, nature and spirit meet. One of our favorites!
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 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 talking about one of our favorite topics, the wine of Israel; it's history, culture, rebirth and, of course the wine! We are recording surrounded by some of our closest friends, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Syrah in the charming Jerusalem wine shop of Kos Shel Bracha. In this first episode, we introduce our listeners to "our wine guy" and 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.
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.
In continuation of our series about about ancient treasures hidden beneath the modern day city of Jerusalem, we talk about the spectacular Western Wall Tunnels.
Everything you want or need to know about landing and taking off at Israel's Ben Gurion International Airport-the good, the bad and the ugly.
We begin a series of episodes about "Jerusalem Below" and introduce our listeners to ancient treasures hidden in a world beneath the modern day city of Jerusalem starting where Jerusalem began in the City of David! Yalla!
This week we record from the beautiful gardens of "Beit Hansen" and talk about....Beit Hansen, a former leper colony. Today, it has been transformed into a walled oasis in the Talbiye neighborhood of Jerusalem with an organic farm restaurant, tapas bar and academy of art.
In this episode, inspired by excerpts from "Israel 201" written by Joel Chasnoff and Benji Lovitt, we talk about our unique experiences as new immigrants and those moments when we feel Israeli.......also those moments when we still feel like immigrants.
In this episode, we take you off the main coastal highway to lesser known Hadera and the "hidden beach" in the Gedor Seaside Reserve.
Leontine and Alan toast to their 46th episode and first year anniversary over a delicious full bodied cabernet from the "Aya" winery and reminisce about some of their unforgettable tours.
We toast the completion of our 45th episode and first full year with a delicious cabernet sauvignon from the "Aya Winery," and we reminisce about our more memorable tours.
In this episode, we take our listeners on a journey way off the beaten path to the southernmost beachside city in Israel entering through one of the oldest city gates in the world to Ancient Ashquelon.
Hear about the Passover holiday being celebrated in Israel this week; special kosher for Passover foods, unleavened bread called matzah, the festive meal called a "seder", retellling the story about the Jewish exodus from slavery in Egypt, the "four questions", the four cups of wine and much more! Happy Passover!!
Along the " Via Maris" or ancient "Highway No. 1," you can find the remains of many fortresses from throughout the ages. Find out why the modern day city of Rosh Ha'ayin and the surrounding area is worth a visit!
In this episode, we talk all about the history, customs, culture and religious practices of the Druze minority living in Israel.
The festival of Purim commemorating how ancient Jews were saved from total annihilation during the Persian Empire is celebrated this week. Find out how this holiday is celebrated with joy and merriment in Israel and around the world.
This week, we talk about everything you ever wanted to know and more about the colorful Mahane Yehuda Market in Jerusalem.
It is the season of the "Reds". Red anemone (kalaniyot), red buttercups (nurit), and red poppy (pereg) are starting to bloom in fields all over Israel. Learn all about and where you can find them in this episode.
Believe it or not the "Jerusalem Syndrome" is a real scientifically documented psychosis, no kidding! Hear about it in this week's episode.
This week, we dive headfirst into how Israel, comprised of approximately 60% desert, solved its water crisis and became a world leader in water management. Chef Leontine responds to a listener wanting to know about "cholent."
In this episode, Leontine talk about their favorite treks in Israel, and surprisingly they select hikes in the same Golan Heights region.
In this episode, we talk about the many dimensions you can discover when exploring the ruins of Tel Maresha/ Beit Guvrin in the Jerusalem foothills. The ruins above the surface are incredible enough to justify a visit but what you can find by spelunking or participating in an actual archaeological dig in the 5500 bell caves below the surface is spectacular. Maresha- Beit Guvrin has been designated as a UNESC World Heritage Site.
In this episode, Leontine and Alan, introduce their listeners to a picturesque Arab village located just 15 minutes from Jerusalem on the way to Tel Aviv worth visiting, Abu Ghosh.
Merry Christmas to those celebrating today! In this episode, Leontine and Alan discuss how Christmas is celebrated in Israel.
Hanukah is being celebrated in Israel this week with the light of the Hanukah menorah, latkes, sufganiyot, and dreidels.
Leontine and Alan talk about all of the holiday's customs in this episode.
Leontine and Alan record this week from "Cafe Birma" in the beautiful German Colony of Jerusalem and talk about the German Templars who established 7 colonies in Palestine during the late 1800s before being expelled by the British during WWII.
In this episode Leontine and Alan talk about places that are so top secret, they cannot talk about....unless they kill you. Just kidding, of course? Many listeners also want to know if the Old City of Jerusalem is accessible for people with disabilities.
In less than 2 weeks, Israelis will head to the polls for the 5th time in the last 4 years for another election. In this episode Leontine and Alan discuss the complicated yet fascinating electoral process in Israel.
This week, we talk about many of the peculiar but festive customs and practices you can see displayed all over Israel during the holiday of Sukkot, the "Feast of Tabernacles".
The "chaggim" period (holidays) continue in Israel. We are in between Yom Kipper and Sukkot. In this episode, we introduce you to one of Israel's hidden gems, Akko. Akko is an authentic medieval walled city filled with history, culture, beauty and unexpected delights on the Western Galilee coast. Not surprisingly, Akko is one of UNESCO's World Heritage sites because of the Ottoman city in plain site and the Crusader city hidden below.
Prompted by the birth of Alan's first born male descendent, Leontine and Alan talk about the 3500 year old ritual of circumcising everyJewish male as the fundamental sign of the covenant between God and Israel. The "Brit Milah" is much more than just a medical procedure!
Happy Jewish New Year! In this episode, Leontine and Alan tell you all you need to know about celebrating Rosh Hashanah in Israel.
In this episode Leontine and Alan highlight Conrad Schick, a self-taught clock maker, scholar, model builder, architect, archaeologist, and all around 19th century renaissance man who left his mark all around Jerusalem. A listener wants to know if travel from Israel to Lebanon is possible.
The Bible mentions Israel 16 times as the "Land flowing with Milk & Honey." In this episode, Leontine and Alan uncover where you might find the milk and honey and reveal their favorite Israeli musicians.
Not surprisingly, Leontine and Alan disagree about the better market. In this episode, Leontine and Alan debate the pros and cons of Israel's two more popular outdoor markets. Leontine prefers the grittier Carmel Market in Tel Aviv, while Alan's favorite hands down is the Mahane Yeuhuda in Jerusalem.
This week, Leontine and Alan discuss the topic of "looking Jewish". What does it mean to "look Jewish"... is there even a Jewish look? Tune in to hear what these two have to say.
Today is Tisha b'Av, the saddest day on the Jewish calendar. In this episode, Leontine and Alan reveal the 10 most important things you'll need to know before visiting Israel, and a listener was surprised to discover how lush Jerusalem is despite being so close to the desert.
In episode 16, Leontine and Alan discuss the tragic end to a short lived Crusader fortress straddling the Jordan River in the Korazin Heights. They are unable to answer a listener who wants to know why there are so few food options on the way to Masada.
Alan talks about his journey from the "Bible Belt" to the "Land of the Bible" fulfilling his lifelong dream of returning home. Also, find out why there are two challah breads on Shabbat and not just one.
This week's episode is ALL about Leontine and her journey from Holland and France to becoming a proud Israeli citizen. Alan confronts his fear of bats once again at the Luzit Caves, and a listener asks if there are mosquitoes in Israel.
A favorite topic of this podcast, food, is this week's focus when Leontine and Alan reveal the difference between "Jewish" and "Israeli" foods. A listener wants to know if dogs are popular pets in Israel.
It's the beloved cherry season in Israel! This week, Leontine and Alan focus on the the magnificent "Solomon Pools," the time they were detained by the Palestinan Authority police, and why there are so many darned cats in Israel.
This week, find out what unemployed tour guides do during a pandemic, visit ancient Susiya or is it Sussya, and find out who serves in Israel's army.
As the long hot summer begins, Leontine and Alan turn their attention to ice cream and the beautiful Nachsholim beach. A listener wants to know if kibbutzim still exist in Israel today.
This week, Leontine and Alan kvell over the graduation of their daughters from Israel universities, and talk about Israel's limited natural resources, the Muslim hidden tomb of Moses and what happens to the notes left by visitors in the Western Wall.
Come along with Leontine and Alan as they catch up on their weeks, as well as discuss the fascinating history of the Israeli flag, the off the beaten track Kibbutz Zikim, and the highly important but potentially confusing task of Kippa maintenance.
This week, Leontine and Alan discuss Alan's wedding anniversary, the ins and outs of Shavuot, the importance of Ancient Usha and why Israelis are so loud.
In this episode, Leontine and Alan delve into the mystery of the Samaritans. They also take you off the beaten track to Gedera (not Hadera), settled by the "Biluim" over 100 years ago. Finally, a subscriber wants to know why Jews "shake rattle and roll" when they pray.
In this episode, Leontine and Alan discuss exactly how hummus exists within the ecosystem of Israel (or more so, how Israel exists within the ecosystem of hummus), their favorite places in Israel, and the Off The Beaten Track destination of the Emmaus Trail!
Join Leontine and Alan this week as they discuss the busy and special time that is the spring Yomim period, where exactly in Israel they live, and the tomb of Ketef Hinnom.
Alan talks about guiding his first Emirati, and Leontine confesses animosity towards ultra religious Jews, except perhaps for one.
The topic of the week is the revival of ancient Hebrew that Leontine and Alan may be too ancient to learn.
The off the beaten track site is the hidden Crusader farmhouse of Khirbet Itab. Not surprisingly, Alan and Leontine disagree about the pronunciation of khirbet..... or is it chirbet?
A Dutch subscriber wants to know what the largest city in Israel is and may be surprised by the answer.
In the second episode, Leontine and Alan talk about how Israelis , known for being rough and tough, become all soft and crazy over wildflowers.
The amazing Lutzit Caves are this week's off the beaten track place, but Alan and Leontine don’t agree about the Latin pronunciation for "dovecote".
Finally, a subscriber wants to know about the legendary El Al flight security.
In this first episode, Leontine and Alan talk about how they met, and what it takes to become a tour guide in Israel .
The "Off the Beaten Track " site highlighted in this episode is ancient Motsa, but Leontine and Alan pronounce Motsa differently!
The question of the week is about Israel's weather.