Before my first trip to Israel (April 2025), I thought I had a pretty good idea of what to expect. Historic landmarks, desert landscapes, and meaningful spiritual moments. But as soon as I arrived, I realized just how much more there was to this beautiful and complex country. Here are a few things that truly surprised me:
1. Israel is incredibly green.
I visited in the spring, and the landscape was nothing like I imagined. Instead of an endless, dusty desert, I saw rolling green hills, vibrant wildflowers, and flourishing farmland.
Agriculture was everywhere. We saw groves of fruit trees, fields of vegetables, and vineyards tucked into the hillsides.
It was easy to understand why this land has always been so valuable, and why people have fought over it for centuries. And for the first time, I truly understood the meaning behind the phrase “a land flowing with milk and honey.”
2. The people are deeply patriotic.
One of the most moving parts of my trip was seeing the unity of the Israeli people.
Everywhere we went, we saw posters and signs honoring the hostages who are still missing on billboards, light poles, and even in shop windows. People were talking about them, praying for their return, and doing everything they could to keep their stories front and center.
Coming from a country that often feels divided, it was refreshing to see a population so unified in their love for their country and their shared hope for peace.
3. The history is tangible and everywhere.
I knew Israel was full of ancient sites, but I didn’t realize how accessible they would be. I stood on stones that were laid over 3,000 years ago. I viewed with my own eyes mountains and seas that Jesus viewed with His own eyes too. And many of these places are just part of everyday life.
We saw families hiking near ancient ruins, kids playing near archaeological sites, and cities built directly over layers of biblical history. It’s a place where the past and present live side by side and every step seems to uncover a new story.
4. Fresh produce is a staple at every meal.
One of the unexpected joys of this trip was the food. Specifically, how fresh and healthy it was. Every meal included colorful vegetables, fresh fruit, and multiple types of salad. Even breakfast came with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and seasonal fruit. Eating well felt effortless.
5. The pastries are unforgettable.
Let’s be honest, healthy eating took a break once I discovered the pastries. The chocolate croissants alone were enough to stop me in my tracks. They were flaky, buttery, rich, and nothing like the dry pastries I’ve had back home. Everything I tried was baked to perfection, with just the right amount of sweetness. It was, hands down, some of the best food I’ve ever had.
6. I felt completely safe.
Before going, I definitely had concerns about safety, which I think is pretty common given what we usually see in the news. But once I arrived, I was surprised by how at ease I felt most of the time. Security seemed to be a clear priority, and in many places, it was easy to see. We even walked the old streets of Jerusalem late at night to see the sights lit up, and I never felt truly unsafe. From the airport to the markets to even some of the more remote archaeological sites, I stayed alert, but never felt like I was in danger.
In fact, the locals were warm, welcoming, and always willing to help if we had questions or needed directions. Many seemed genuinely happy to see tourists again, especially since the industry has really struggled over the past few years.
Visiting Israel was eye-opening in all the best ways. It’s a country filled with beauty, history, resilience, and spirit. If you ever get the chance to go, take it. Just be prepared to be surprised because there’s so much more to see and feel than you might expect. You will be planning your next trips as soon as you can.
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