Where is Roberg?

Haifa has recently become the most important port city of northern Israel, taking over the role from its nearby northern neighbor Akko (aka Acre), which dominated from the Middle Ages to 1900. Before Akko, Caesarea was the most important port during Roman times. With a population of about 270,000 people, it is about the size of Albany, NY and has all the amenities (luxuries) of a modern city, including a subway that goes up the mountain. Because of its central location and good transport links, the city will act a base from which I will explore Northern Israel.

The impact of geography

This development didn’t just happen, though. The relations between the history, geography, and development of Haifa are particularly unique.

Location on the Sea

A park in Haifa

The first known reference to the city was in 3^rd century literature of the Talmud, which is a record of discussions by rabis pertaining to Jewish law, ethics, customs and history. Haifa eventually grew into an important Arab town, but it was destroyed in the early 12^th century during the Crusades, and remained insignificant for the next few hundred years (Lonely Planet, p.192). (Note for students – see how I cited that in order to avoid plagiarism; I actually do practice what I preach J) With the growth of Zionism (the movement of people who wanted to create a Jewish homeland and government), Haifa’s population began to grow. The growth accelerated during the early 1900s due to persecution of the Jewish people throughout Europe (especially due to the Holocaust).

Up the Mountain – more like a big hill, even for us Catskill Mt. people

Haifa at dusk Haifa at night

As more people moved to Haifa, the population began to extend their settlements up on the mountain. Real-estate prospectors purchased land on top of Mt. Carmel with the hope that more wealthy people would want to build homes and businesses with better views and cooler breezes on the coast of the Mediterranean. Now, the top of the mountain is the home of 5 star hotels, upscale restaurants, and the nicest homes in the city.

Looking down at stairs I conquered…

And up at more yet to go.
Geography’s a Start, but Not Everything in the New Economy of Technologies

Although the port of Haifa was a major reason for the economic growth that accompanied the population growth, the region has shifted its economy to technology. For example, IBM runs a research laboratory employing 600 people here. When militants from the terrorist group Hezbollah started pummeling the city with rockets during a 38 day war in the summer of 2006, technicians continued uploading data from their laptops while hunkered down inside bomb shelters. (LP, p. 193) At peace now, there is a steadfast resolve to the people complimented by a zest for life.

After spending a few days here, I can say that it is a terrific city.

The Sites and Activities of Haifa

The Bahai Gardens

during the day and at night

One of the most impressive sites in Haifa is the Baha’i Garden complex, one of two great holy places for members of the Baha’i faith. Consisting of 18 terraces, over 1000 steps, and the shrine of their leader, this religious monument is a beautiful attraction. What is seen today as a finished product began in 1987 as a design and was completed in 2001. Built entirely with voluntary donations by Baha’i faithful (of which there are approximately 2 million worldwide), the project cost $250 million. Furthermore, there are approximately 100 gardeners employed to maintain the various flora.

On Tour at the Baha’i Gardens

Another attraction is a street referred to as “the German Colony”. Historically, the area had been colonized by a group of Christians who “aimed to help Palestine ready itself for the second coming of Christ (LP, p. 198). As part of their settlement, they created elegant stone houses with steep red-shingled roofs. More recently, it has become the premier address for shopping and dining in Haifa, it has wonderful restaurants and a wonderful view of the Gardens. As an interesting side note, the entire street was moved 168cm so that its center divide lined up with the staircase of the Baha’i Gardens during its renovation in the 1990s!

I’ve also visited Elijah’s Cave, where the prophet Elijah was thought to pray and a Christian Monastery where I witnessed a Christian ceremony in Israel. If you want to hear and see more about those, though, you’ll have to e-mail me or come to one of my presentations in April (I’ll post the dates, times, and locations on this blog when I set them up).

Filed under: Israel, Travel