Yalla Israel with Leontine & Alan

In this episode, we hit record aboard the fast train from Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport and continue the conversation from inside the terminal itself. With rolling suitcases and travel stresses in the background, we unpack the challenges of air travel in and out of Israel since October 7. We are heading off for a month of summer break like most Israelis, but not before leaving you with a slice o...

In this episode, we venture just 15 minutes from Jerusalem into the heart of the Judean desert to discover one of Israel's hidden gems: the spring of Ein Prat. Flowing quietly through the rugged cliffs, magical pools, canyons, gorges and ancient pathways, Ein Prat is more than just a natural spring-it's a place where history, nature and spirit meet. One of our favorites!

A first hand account of  life under fire from Iran inside the bomb shelter 75 feet from Alan's home.

In this episode, we record from the hip, artsy and cool Bazalel Street in Jerusalem, home of Israel's oldest institution of higher education and its preeminent acedemic institute for art, design and architecture established in 1906.

In this episode, we walk 10 minutes from Alan's home in Jerusalem to one of his "favorite places." Tucked in between the St. Andrews Scottish Church and the Menachem Begin Heritage Center, are 2800 year old burial caves from the time of the First Temple where one of the most significant artifacts was discovered , the oldest surviving texts from the Hebrew bible. Wow! After all the e...

This episode was recorded April 24 on Yom Hashoah or Holocaust Remembrance Day in Israel at the Western Wall in Jerusalem. The Western Wall is also sometimes referred to as the Wailing Wall. We talk about the meaning and manner of observance of this solemn day in Israel and around the world. The episode ends with 2 minutes of silence remembering the six million Jewish men, women and children who w...

In this episode, we record on Easter Sunday inside the Old City of Jerusalem from the Austrian Hostel. The Austrian Hostel is situated on  the "Via Dolorosa" (the Way of Suffering), and from its roof, we hear the church bells ringing out and get a birds eye view of the places where Jesus walked the last seven days of his life on earth and the place of the Resurrection.

In this 100th episode of Yalla Israel, we recognize another momentous occasion; the establishment of Hebrew University on Mount Scopus in Jerusalem 100 years ago. Hear how the founders of Hebrew University, including Albert Einstein, changed the landscape of Israel, literally and figuratively.

In this episode, we drive through Moshav Tal Shachar out the back gate, past the wheat and cotton fields, across the railroad tracks to the enchanted "Cyclamen Hill."  There are so many reasons to visit Tel Shachar than just cyclamens like ancient Tel Timna where Samson took a Philistine wife, Pe'er Winery, and Izza Paziza Goat Farm and Cheese Cafe!

Tel Aviv is known as the "White City." In this episode, we sit on Rothschild Boulevard in Tel Aviv admiring the unique International or Bauhaus style of architecture all around us and explain why UNESCO recognized Tel Aviv as a World Heritage Site calling naming it the White City. 

In this episode, we visit  "Hostage Square" in Tel Aviv. Somber, meaningful and vital. Hostage Square, located in front of the Tel Aviv Museum of Art and directly across from the Ministry of Defense and  the Israeli Army Command Center, became the hub for families of the hostages and the place for the public to show support for the families. BRING ALL OF THE HOSTAGES HOME!

In this episode, we are recording from Migdal Cafe at the "Tower of David." Most tours of Jerusalem's Old City begin at the Jaffa Gate in the shadow of David's Tower. Is it really the Tower of David? Find out in this 96th episode of Yalla Israel.

In this episode, we reflect on the 10 years since Leontine emigrated to Israel. 

In this episode, we celebrate the holiday of trees, Tu B'shvat, by escaping to the Ein Hemed nature park with a beautifully well preserved Crusader farm at it's center. 

In this episode we visit and talk about the beautiful and not so creepy Kiryat Annavim Cemetery nestled in the Jerusalem Hills. Some people might feel a bit uncomfortable visiting a cemetery, but the mood here, surrounded by so much history, stories of bravery and sacrifice is exhilarating. 

At a time of great joy, sadness, and trepidation over the latest ceasefire and hostage release, we lighten things up a bit by sitting in a cafe on the charming Emek Refaim Street in the heart of Jerusalem's German Colony talking about.....Emek Refaim Street.

In this episode we take our listeners to "Alan's Shul" on the Jerusalem Promenade or what locals call the tayelet with one of the most spectacular panoramic views of the "City of Gold."

Today is the 4th day of Hanukkah. So, the topic in this episode is "sufganiyot," a Hannukah delicacy similar to donuts. Israeli bakeries have mastered the art of frying these oily, sweet and sugar coated pastries of goodness. Only one will rule supreme in 2024! In this episode, we take you through Yalla Israel's process of finding the best sufganiyot of 2024. Drum roll, and the winn...

In this episode, we honor the upcoming festival of Hanukkah by traveling to the area of Modi'in in search of the long-lost "Tomb of the Maccabees" described in the Book of Maccabees and the writings of Josephus.

It is starting to feel a lot (or a little) like Christmas at the historic Jerusalem International YMCA in this episode.

In this Thanksgiving holiday episode, learn about the vibrant nightlife in Jerusalem. You might be surprised to hear there is a lot happening after dark in the "Holy City!"

Following a week of turmoil; the election of Donald Trump, the firing of Defense Minister Gallant, the anticipation of missiles from Iran, we escape to the serene gardens of the Benedictine Monastery in Abu Ghosh, an Arab Muslim village just a 15 minute drive from Jerusalem. In the monastery's beautiful Romanesque Crusader Church, you can see frescoes dating back to the 12th century, and if y...

In this week's episode, we record from section 18A of Israel's national military cemetery, Mount Herzl, where Avraham "Avi" Yosef Goldberg was laid to rest. This episode is dedicated to the memory of Avi, who fell in Lebanon last week defending the State of Israel. Avi was a shining light, a Rabbi, a scholar, a teacher, a husband, a father, a musician, a warrior, and a friend.

This week we record close to home in the beautiful San Simon Park. On this hilltop in the Katamon neighborhood, a fierce battle took place in 1948 during the War of Independence which determined Jerusalem's destiny.

As the Sukkot holiday began this week in Israel, news broke about the elimination of October 7 mastermind, Yihya Sinwar. In this episode, we put Sinwar behind us and record from Mount Ora on the outskirts of Jerusalem talking about two off the beaten track memorials; Yad Kennedy and Yad Rubenstein. Yad means monument. Yad Kennedy is an impressive monument commemorating the 35th US president John F...