Israel has started hosting its first major events since the conflict with Hamas started on October 7 last year.
The annual Dead Sea Marathon was held on February 2, which saw over 6 000 local and international participants. The Jerusalem Wintertime Festival, an arts and culture event, also took place shortly afterwards on February 12.
The winter festival’s website promised that the two-day experience would be dedicated to “artistic happenings that offer a breathing space during these challenging times – events born out of sincere reflection on the situation”.
Israel also plans to host the 13th annual Jerusalem Winner Marathon in March and the Tel Aviv Night Run in April.
The sudden increase in events follows months of cancellations over security concerns, including the European Aquatics Water Polo Championships scheduled to run in January.
“We know we need to begin the process of restoring hope, boosting morale, and returning to the events of daily living,” Eyal Carlin, Israel’s Tourism Commissioner to North America, told TravelPulse.
“These events offer a place of hope that will bring people together for a common purpose – to honour those lost, by living today.”
