Greetings from the Commisioner

Dear Friends, 

 Known as the "Capital of the Negev Desert," the southern city of Beersheba has emerged as one of Israel's most unique travel destinations with ancient archeological sites and eco-friendly attractions dotted throughout the city of nearly 200,000 residents. 

 Whether exploring art, culture or history exhibitions, strolling along the newly opened Beersheba River Park or dining in one of the several cafes and restaurants located around the environmentally focused Ben Gurion University, Beersheba is a diverse city boasting sites and attractions for travelers of all interests. 

 We hope to see you in Israel this year to explore the desert oasis known as Beersheba.

 Shalom,

 Haim Gutin
Israel Tourism Commissioner, North & South America

BEERSHEBA OPENS NEW 1,300-ACRE RIVER PARK

The city of Beersheba has recently unveiled sections of its brand-new 1,300-acre waterfront park. The park will boast a 175-acre waterfront area featuring an artificial lake, recreational facilities, restaurants, cafes and picnic areas, and include a two-mile promenade, indoor "Sportek" complex and amphitheater. 

THE NEGEV MUSEUM OF ART IN BEERSHEBA

Located in Beersheba's historic Old 

City, the Negev Museum of Art islocated in a magnificent public structure built by the Turks in the early 1900's and stands as one of the city's most popular attractions. The museum boasts two art galleries and offers guided exhibition tours. www.negev-museum.org.il/index_e.php

TEL BEERSHEBA AND ABRAHAM'S WELL, A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE

Just four miles from the modern city of Beersheba lies Tel Beersheba, a UNESCO World Heritage boasting artifacts and remains believed to have been from the biblical city of Beersheba. One of Tel Beersheba's major attractions is Abraham's Well, an ancient site from the time of the biblical prophet Abraham which boasts a Visitors' Center and offers daily multimedia film screenings.

TOUR BEERSHEBA'S HISTORIC TRAIN YARD AND COMPLEX

Travelers to Beersheba can tour the city's historic Train Yard Complex, a preserved Ottoman train station built in 1915. The complex houses the city's historic train station and waiting area and features a multimedia presentation telling the history of the complex and city of Beersheba. 

NEW BEERSHEBA ART EXPERIENCE OFFERS TRAVELERS AN INSIDER PERSPECTIVE INTO LOCAL ISRAELI ART

Art enthusiasts arriving in Israel can now obtain an insider's perspective into local Israeli art and culture with the new Beersheba Art Experience tours.  Taking place in the city of Beersheba, the interactive art experience offers photography, drawing and family-friendly art tours led by local artists, as well as workshops focused on felt-making, sculpting, printmaking, batik and musical improvisation. Participants can create custom tours or join existing programs, all of which pass through different areas of the city including the picturesque Ottoman-era courtyard.www.b7artexperience.co.il

CARASSO SCIENCE MUSEUM

Beersheba is home to the Carasso Science Museum, a family-friendly "science park" and Israel's largest science institution. The state-of-the-art science center boasts monthly exhibitions based upon the themes of science, technology, society and community, including scientific and technological advances in the Negev Desert. 

www.rashi-foundation.org.il/English/product.aspx?product=59

BEERSHEBA RECEIVES INTERNATIONAL DESIGN AWARD

Beersheba received the Domus International Design Magazine Award last year for its "Use of Water Elements in Urban Design." The award was followed by a ceremony on Israel Independence Day in celebration of the city's use of water for beautification and improvement of environmental quality. 

HIGH SPEED TRAIN BETWEEN TEL AVIV AND BEERSHEBA NOW AVAILABLE FOR TRAVELERS

A new high-speed train route 

connecting Tel Aviv with Beersheba was launched in July 2012. The train reduces travel time from 76 minutes to 55 minutes, further simplifying transportation between two of Israel's largest cities.