Herzliya: The Mediterranean Gem of Israel

• Helloשָׁלוֹם
  [shalom]
• Goodbyeלהתראות
  [lehitraot]
• Yesכֵּן
  [ken]
• Noלֹא
  [lo]
• Please/You're welcomeבבקשה
  [bevakasha]
• Thank youתודה
  [toda]
• Excuse me/Sorryסליחה
  [slicha]
• How are you?איך אתה?
  [ech ata]
• Fine. And you?טוב. ואיתך?
  [tov. veitcha]
• Do you speak English?אתה מדבר אנגלית?
  [ata medaber anglit]
• I don't understandאני לא מבין
  [ani lo mevin]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseאני רוצה לראות את התפריט, בבקשה
  [ani rotze lir'ot et hata'arich, bevakasha]
• I don't eat meatאני לא אוכל בשר
  [ani lo ochel basar]
• Cheers!לחיים!
  [lechayim]
• I would like to pay, pleaseאני רוצה לשלם, בבקשה
  [ani rotze lishlem, bevakasha]

• Help!עזרה!
  [ezra!]
• Go away!לך לעבור!
  [lech leavor!]
• Call the Police!קרא למשטרה!
  [kra limishtara!]
• Call a doctor!קרא לרופא!
  [kra larofe!]
• I'm lostאני אבוד
  [ani avud]
• I'm illאני חולה
  [ani holeh]

• I'd like to buy...אני רוצה לקנות...
  [ani rotze liknot...]
• I'm just lookingאני רק רואה
  [ani rak roeh]
• How much is it?כמה זה עולה?
  [kama ze ole?]
• That's too expensiveזה יקר מדי
  [ze yakar madi]
• Can you lower the price?אתה יכול להוריד את המחיר?
  [ata yachol lehorid et hamechir?]

• What time is it?מה השעה?
  [ma hasha'a?]
• It's one o'clockהשעה אחת
  [hasha'a achat]
• Half past (10)חצי (עשר)
  [chatzi (eser)]
• Morningבוקר
  [boker]
• Afternoonצהריים
  [tzohorayim]
• Eveningערב
  [erev]
• Yesterdayאתמול
  [etmol]
• Todayהיום
  [hayom]
• Tomorrowמחר
  [machar]
• 1אחד
  [echad]
• 2שניים
  [shnayim]
• 3שלשה
  [shalosh]
• 4ארבעה
  [arba'a]
• 5חמישה
  [chamisha]
• 6שישה
  [shisha]
• 7שבעה
  [shiva]
• 8שמונה
  [shmoneh]
• 9תשעה
  [tisha]
• 10עשרה
  [eser]

• Where's a/the...?איפה נמצא/ת ה...
  [eifo nimtza/nimtza'a ha...]
• What's the address?מה הכתובת?
  [ma hakatovet?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?אתה יכול להראות לי (על המפה)?
  [ata yachol leha'arot li (al hamapa)?]
• When's the next (bus)?מתי האוטובוס הבא?
  [matay ha'otobus haba?]
• A ticket (to ....)כרטיס (ל...)
  [kartis (le...)]

Herzliya was founded in 1924 by seven pioneering families. Named after Theodor Herzl, the founder of modern political Zionism, the city was initially established as a moshava, an agricultural settlement. Its early years focused on farming, particularly citrus orchards.

In the 1960s, Herzliya Pituach, an affluent neighborhood along the Mediterranean coast, began to take shape. The area rapidly developed into a luxurious residential and commercial district, housing embassies, high-tech companies, and upscale restaurants and hotels. It has since become a major hub for Israel’s booming tech industry.

The ancient city of Apollonia, located within Herzliya's jurisdiction, dates back to the Persian period in the 5th century BCE. Excavations have uncovered remnants from the Hellenistic, Roman, and Crusader periods, including a fortress, residential quarters, and a harbor. Apollonia National Park is a testament to the area’s rich historical tapestry.

During the British Mandate period (1920-1948), Herzliya expanded significantly. The establishment of the Herzliya Hebrew Gymnasium in 1924 attracted families seeking quality education. Infrastructure improvements such as roads and public buildings facilitated further growth.

Following Israel’s declaration of independence in 1948, Herzliya experienced rapid urbanization. The city attracted a diverse population, including immigrants from Europe and the Middle East. New neighborhoods were built, transitioning Herzliya from an agricultural settlement to a modern urban center.

Since 2000, Herzliya has hosted the annual Herzliya Conference, organized by the Interdisciplinary Center (IDC) Herzliya. The conference is a significant event in Israeli public policy, where leaders from various sectors discuss national and global issues. This has further positioned Herzliya as a key player in Israel’s intellectual and political landscape.

In recent years, Herzliya has invested in cultural and recreational facilities. The Herzliya Marina, established in the 1990s, is one of the largest in Israel, attracting tourists and boating enthusiasts. Additionally, the city offers numerous parks, museums, and cultural centers that highlight its vibrant community life.

Herzliya is located on the central coast of Israel, just north of Tel Aviv. The nearest international airport is Ben Gurion International Airport, approximately 30 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a taxi, shuttle service, or rent a car to reach Herzliya. Alternatively, there are regular train services from the airport to Herzliya, with the journey taking around 30 minutes.

Herzliya offers a variety of transportation options. The city is well-connected by public buses, which are operated by Egged and Dan companies. Taxis are easily available and can be hailed on the street or booked via apps like Gett. For those who prefer to drive, car rentals are available, and the city has good road connectivity including proximity to the Ayalon Highway (Highway 20). Herzliya also has numerous bike rental stations for an eco-friendly way to explore the city.

The official currency in Israel is the Israeli Shekel (ILS). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most establishments, including hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful throughout Herzliya, and many of them offer services in multiple languages. It's advisable to carry some cash for small purchases, especially in local markets or smaller shops.

Herzliya is generally a safe city for tourists. However, it's always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid isolated areas at night and keep an eye on your personal belongings in crowded places, such as markets and beaches. While Herzliya does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, staying vigilant is always recommended.

In case of an emergency, dial 100 for police assistance, 101 for medical emergencies, and 102 for fire services. Herzliya has several medical facilities, including the Herzliya Medical Center, which offers comprehensive health services. Pharmacies are widespread, and many offer 24-hour services. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, and dress conservatively when visiting synagogues and other religious sites. Public Transport: Do offer your seat to elderly passengers and avoid eating and drinking on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a small nod. It’s polite to use “Shalom” (peace) as a greeting. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it's considered impolite. Kosher dietary laws are observed in many places, so be respectful of these practices.

To experience Herzliya like a local, spend time at the Herzliya Marina, where you can enjoy cafes, restaurants, and shops with a beautiful view of the sea. Visit Herzliya Park for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. Join locals in the evening at the beach, which is popular for swimming, sunbathing, and beach sports. For a cultural experience, check out the Herzliya Museum of Contemporary Art. Don't miss the local markets for fresh produce and unique Israeli goods. Engaging with locals can enrich your visit, as they are often friendly and eager to share insights about their city.