Netanya: The Jewel of Israel's Mediterranean Coast

• Helloשָׁלוֹם
  [Shalom]
• Goodbyeלְהֵיתֵר
  [Lehitraot]
• Yesכֵּן
  [Ken]
• Noלא
  [Lo]
• Please/You're welcomeבבקשה
  [Bevakasha]
• Thank youתודה
  [Toda]
• Excuse me/Sorryסליחה
  [Slicha]
• How are you?איך אתה?
  [Eich Ata?]
• Fine. And you?טוב. ואתה?
  [Tov. Ve'ata?]
• 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, pleaseאשמח לראות את התפריט, בבקשה
  [Eshmach lir'ot et hataprit, bevakasha]
• I don't eat meatאני לא אוכל בשר
  [Ani lo ochel basar]
• Cheers!לחיים!
  [Lechayim!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseאשמח לשלם, בבקשה
  [Eshmach leshalem, bevakasha]

• Help!עזרה!
  [Ezra!]
• Go away!לך הלאה!
  [Lech hala'a!]
• Call the Police!קרא למשטרה!
  [Kra la'mishtara!]
• Call a doctor!קרא לרופא!
  [Kra la'rofe!]
• I'm lostאני אבוד
  [Ani avud]
• I'm illאני חולה
  [Ani holeh]

• I'd like to buy...אשמח לקנות...
  [Eshmach liknot...]
• I'm just lookingרק רואה
  [Rak roeh]
• How much is it?כמה עולה זה?
  [Kama oleh ze?]
• That's too expensiveזה יקר מדי
  [Ze yakar me'od]
• Can you lower the price?אפשר להוריד את המחיר?
  [Efshar lehorid et hamachir?]

• What time is it?מה השעה?
  [Ma hasha'a?]
• It's one o'clockהשעה היא אחת
  [Hasha'a hi achat]
• Half past (10)חצי (עשר)
  [Chatzi (eser)]
• Morningבוקר
  [Boker]
• Afternoonצהריים
  [Tzohorayim]
• Eveningערב
  [Erev]
• Yesterdayאתמול
  [Etmol]
• Todayהיום
  [Hayom]
• Tomorrowמחר
  [Mahar]
• 1אחד
  [Echad]
• 2שניים
  [Shnayim]
• 3שלושה
  [Shlosha]
• 4ארבעה
  [Arba'a]
• 5חמישה
  [Chamisha]
• 6שישה
  [Shisha]
• 7שבעה
  [Shiv'a]
• 8שמונה
  [Shmoneh]
• 9תשעה
  [Tish'a]
• 10עשרה
  [Eser]

• Where's a/the...?איפה נמצא...
  [Eifo nimtza...]
• What's the address?מה הכתובת?
  [Ma hakatovet?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?אתה יכול להראות לי (על המפה)?
  [Ata yachol leharot li (al hamapa)?]
• When's the next (bus)?מתי האוטובוס הבא?
  [Matai ha'otobus haba?]
• A ticket (to ....)כרטיס (ל...)
  [Kartis (le...)]

Netanya was founded in 1929 by a group of Jewish settlers who named the city in honor of Nathan Straus, a prominent American Jewish philanthropist. The city was initially established as an agricultural settlement, focusing on citrus farming, which played a significant role in its early economy.

During the British Mandate period, Netanya began to grow rapidly. The construction of the Tel Aviv-Haifa railway in the 1930s significantly boosted the city's development, making it more accessible and promoting trade. The city also became a center for the Irgun, a Jewish paramilitary organization, during the struggle for Israeli independence.

Following the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, Netanya experienced a surge in population. Waves of Jewish immigrants from Europe and the Middle East settled in the city, contributing to its rapid expansion. The city evolved from a small settlement into a bustling urban center, with the construction of new neighborhoods and infrastructure.

In the 1950s and 1960s, Netanya's economy diversified beyond agriculture. The establishment of diamond polishing factories turned the city into a major hub for the diamond industry. This period also saw the growth of tourism, with Netanya's beautiful Mediterranean beaches attracting visitors from around the world.

Netanya is known for its vibrant cultural scene. The city hosts numerous cultural festivals, art exhibitions, and music events. The establishment of cultural institutions like the Netanya Academic College and the Netanya Amphitheater has further enriched the city's cultural landscape. Additionally, Netanya is home to a diverse population, including large communities of French and Russian immigrants, which has greatly influenced its social fabric.

Today, Netanya is a thriving city known for its high quality of life. It boasts a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational areas. The city has continued to develop its infrastructure, including the construction of new parks, shopping centers, and residential complexes. Netanya's beaches remain a major attraction, drawing both locals and tourists to its shores.

Netanya is located along the Mediterranean coastline, approximately 30 kilometers north of Tel Aviv. The nearest international airport is Ben Gurion Airport (TLV), which is about a 45-minute drive from Netanya. From the airport, you can take a taxi, a private shuttle, or a train to Netanya. The train is a convenient and economical option; it runs regularly and takes about 40 minutes from Ben Gurion Airport to Netanya's main train station.

Netanya offers a variety of transportation options. The city has an efficient public bus system that connects different neighborhoods and nearby cities. Taxis are readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked through mobile apps. For more flexibility, consider renting a car, which allows you to explore Netanya and its surroundings at your own pace. Bicycles and electric scooters are also popular for short distances and can be rented at various spots around the city.

The official currency in Israel is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS). Credit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful, and you can withdraw Shekels using international debit or credit cards. It's advisable to carry some cash, especially for small purchases or in markets. Currency exchange services are available at the airport, banks, and authorized exchange bureaus.

Netanya is generally a safe city for tourists, but it's always wise to take standard precautions. The city center and beach areas are well-patrolled and popular with tourists. However, be cautious in less crowded areas, especially at night. Avoid displaying valuables openly and be aware of your surroundings. Petty theft, such as pickpocketing, can occur in crowded places. High-crime areas targeting tourists are rare, but remaining vigilant is always a good practice.

In case of an emergency, dial 100 for police assistance, 101 for medical emergencies, and 102 for fire services. The Laniado Hospital in Netanya provides comprehensive medical services. Pharmacies, many of which operate 24/7, are available for minor health issues. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For non-urgent issues, there are numerous clinics and medical centers in the city.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable and casual clothing, but dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing attire. Religion: Do respect the local customs and traditions. Refrain from taking photographs during religious ceremonies or in places of worship without permission. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer seats to elderly or pregnant passengers. Avoid eating or drinking on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. In more religious areas, a slight nod or bow might be more appropriate. Eating & Drinking: Do try local Israeli cuisine and accept hospitality graciously. Don’t refuse food or drink offered by your hosts, as it can be considered impolite.

To experience Netanya like a local, visit the local markets such as the Netanya Market (Shuk Netanya) to buy fresh produce, spices, and traditional Israeli goods. Take a stroll along the Netanya Promenade for stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. Engage with locals; they are often friendly and eager to share tips about the best places to eat and visit. Don’t miss the seasonal events and festivals that showcase local culture and traditions. For a unique experience, visit the Iris Reserve in spring to see the beautiful blooming irises.