One of the oldest Cities in the World

By: Sharon F, Grade 9

Where do you think this ancient tomb is? Athens? Rome? Or is it in Ashkelon? If you guessed the city with the strange name you would be right.You might be surprised to learn that Ashkelon is the most ancient of the three.  Ashkelon is over 5000 years old (the agricultural revolution started only 10,000 years ago) making it one of the oldest cities in the world! Ashkelon was once ruled by nine people, and each one made their mark in the rich history of that city.  So next time you think about going to Athens or Rome think about Ashkelon in Israel or think about visiting another city here.

The Dead Sea

By : Shimon A, Grade 10

Some people who live in Israel think that there are no interesting places in their country. They are wrong; one very interesting place is the Dead Sea.

The Dead Sea, also called the Salt Sea, is a salt lake bordering Jordan to the east, and Israel to the west. Its’ surface and shores are 427 meters (1,401 ft) below sea level; making it the lowest land area on Earth . The Dead Sea is 306 m (1,004 ft) deep, the deepest hypersaline lake in the world. Every year there are thousands of tourists visiting in the Dead Sea for the beautiful beaches and to visit the lowest place in the world? Many people with ailments (e.g. skin diseases) visit the Dead Sea for its’ healing powers.

The Dead Sea is very relaxing. Many people with “incurable” skin diseases go there and are cured. It is one of the only places in the world where people can heal themselves naturally. What I like best about it is that everyone floats in the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea is also very historical. Many ancient ethnic groups lived and evolved in that area. One such group was the Essenes who lived around the time of the second Temple.

I think that the Dead Sea is the best place in Israel and all Israeli Citizens have to take care of this area to save it for future generations.

Israeli Company Develops a Healthier Cooking Oil

                                                              

                                                 By: Netanel C, Grade 9

The Israeli company Shemen Ta'asiot (Haifa) has developed a new cooking oil, which is said to be much healthier than the current ones.

The oil, named Prolio Oil is a mixture of oils, with the base being canola oil as "the bread and butter" of the mixture. The mixture which also contains Omega 3 and antioxidants is intended for commercial use only. The company plans to use this new oil in the manufacturing of many currently non-healthy food items.