In November 2025, entrepreneur Nahum Rosenberger announced plans to develop Israel’s most expensive urban renewal project at the Hasbon (Hesbon) complex in central Jerusalem. The project, with an estimated investment of NIS 3.6 billion (about $1 billion USD), will span about 7 acres and include three high-rise towers of 41, 43, and 45 floors, comprising approximately 950 residential apartments.

Beyond housing, the development will feature extensive mixed-use components, including 8,600 square meters of retail space, 8,300 square meters of office and employment space, around 6,100 square meters of hotel use, and underground parking. Large areas will be dedicated to public use, reflecting the city’s priorities.

The urban renewal is being managed by Eden, Jerusalem Municipality’s economic development arm. Public-benefit allocations will include a 4,300-square-meter library, auditorium, and laboratories, four kindergarten classrooms, three daycare classrooms, a 600-square-meter synagogue, an 1,800-square-meter sports hall, and a 10-dunam public park. Some of the photos released by the developer are shown here.

The project is designed by the internationally renowned Dutch architecture firm MVRDV, in collaboration with Danish architect Jan Gehl, known for people-centered urban design. The local architectural firm is MAARCS, with landscape architecture by Urbanof (Orbanof), led by Lior Levinger.

Once a historic cigarette factory, the Hasbon complex is being transformed into a new, vibrant community and cultural hub in the heart of Jerusalem, aiming to create an innovative urban space that connects community life, culture, and the city center, according to the city, but Israeli-Greek architect Elias Mesinas sees things differently. He writes:

Jerusalem is a city whose urban identity was shaped over centuries through a balance between sacred sites, preserved skylines, and community-driven discussion. Today, that balance is being tested. At Hasbon compound, a proposal for a 50-storey three tower luxury development has triggered more than 200 objections from the local community concerned about the project’s scale, shadows, and long-term impact on public space. The issue is not whether Jerusalem should build or densify, but how it should do so, and for whom.

The city inherited from the British Mandate era three “red lines” in planning: protection of the skyline, building in stone, and preserving the valleys. As the city expanded westward with distinctive garden-city neighborhoods, and to the east with massive, dense but low-rise residential complexes, these principles ensured visual harmony with the Old City and the historic neighborhoods and landscapes and a sense of place for the local community. Recent urban-renewal policies — driven by seismic-risk mitigation (Tama 38), demographic projections for population growth, and mass-transit expansion — have challenged these constraints. The result has been a gradual acceptance of planning and zoning schemes previously considered unthinkable for the city, leading to a wave of approvals for high-density high-rise redevelopment for luxury living rather than affordable units, threatening to push long-time residents out of historic neighborhoods through ‘gentrification.’

Over the past three decades, Jerusalem’s Community Councils have played a critical role in engaging residents in planning processes and ensuring that the voice of the community is heard in planning committees. As someone who has served as an urban planner for one of these Councils, I have seen how local knowledge and civic involvement has improved plans, has protected open spaces and old trees, has increased public amenities, and has ensured that neighborhood character is considered.

Further, in 2023, community action even succeeded in rerouting the light rail planned blue line, to ensure that it does not harm the neighborhood but rather serves it. In the past, community advocacy has even succeeded in rejecting international ‘trophy projects,’ from Frank Gehry’s Tolerance Museum to Moshe Safdie’s residential plan in the Judean Hills, and in 2023, MVRDV’s proposal for the President’s Hotel site in historic Talbieh neighborhood: although significantly reduced in height after strong neighborhood objections — a case in which I personally delivered the community’s position to planners and the design team, ultimately, it was canceled and the property sold to another developer.

This context is essential for understanding the current Hasbon Square controversy. The site’s planning history began with approval for a single 30-storey tower on the old Pazgaz building in 2021. Over the years, through amendments and increasing developer ambitions, the proposal expanded into a three-tower scheme that now aims to also occupy land of Meir Sherman park – part of Independence park – a public park since 1921. Despite the impressive portfolio of the international teams involved — including architects MVRDV and urban planner Jan Gehl — the plan raises substantive planning concerns, and community objections, primarily about quality public space.

The community objects to the loss of meaningful public space. A significant portion of existing green area – Meir Sherman park – is proposed for development. The remaining open space would spend much of the year in shade due to the towers’ half-kilometer-long shadow — one projected to reach in the afternoon near the Old City walls less than 800 meters away. A public space without sunlight risks becoming symbolic rather than usable, inviting and pleasant.

The community objects to private sky courts labelled as public but inaccessible. Private elevated courtyards dramatically increase the project’s volume and height. Although described in the project documents as ‘public amenities’, these spaces are in fact private, for use by the development tenants only, leaving the local community with only a minimal share of accessible public use — around three percent, and a significantly bigger project.

The community raises objections about a compromised public square, the proposed plaza that sits behind tall structures that block sunlight and intensify winds, raising doubts about whether it will function as a comfortable civic space in Jerusalem’s microclimate, as intended.

The community also objects to surpassing the already dominated skyline of the historic city with high rise development planned or under construction. Breaking the existing policy with a 50-storey development, threatens to further compromise both the city skyline – visible from the public and open spaces in the city.

The development raises concerns about a high-end real-estate venture that maximizes returns while offering thin layers of “green” or “public” features. The Hasbon project proposed greenery on terraces 50 floors up does not inherently make the project “green,” nor does it justify expanding building rights or increasing the built volume. Similarly, branding shaded plazas as “vibrant” public spaces does not guarantee they will serve their intended users, given the environmental and micro-climatic conditions of public spaces dominated by high-risers. The project, as currently presented, does not adequately reconcile developer objectives with Jerusalem’s civic, environmental, and cultural needs.

This no doubt is a moment of decision. As the objection period comes to a close, the community’s message is consistent and measured: the question is not whether to build, but how to build responsibly and in a way that serves the city and the community. Jerusalem needs seismic reinforcement, affordable housing, and quality public space. But it also needs to preserve the values that make it one of the world’s most cherished cities. Good urban development can achieve both — respecting community, climate, heritage, and daily life.

Jerusalem has repeatedly shown that planning is strongest when residents, professionals, and decision-makers work collaboratively and all voices are heard. The Hasbon development offers an opportunity to reaffirm this approach. A project of this scale should enhance its surroundings, not overwhelm them; it should give more to the city than it takes. The city of Jerusalem and the local community deserve nothing less.

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Tattoo artists might be wondering if they will be out of jobs, or just able to license their NFT designs to a computer? A new Austin-based startup called Blackdot says it has built an AI-powered tattoo machine that is safer and less painful than getting a human-applied tattoo.

Called Aero for Artist Enabled Robotic Operator, Blackdot’s machine uses computer vision, fine control, and very shallow needle penetration to reduce discomfort. It is now installed at Bang Bang in New York, and already operating in Austin.

In some areas of medicine, robotics and machine learning have changed the name of the game and survival outcome for removing cancers like prostate. Robotics can help a human operator be more precise, but are we ready to hand over the controls?

Do we want a machine that takes the craft out of the hand of the artist? I make pottery out of earth because I believe there is spirit in matter. Is a tattoo applied by a machine giving the same vibes as a potter’s mug made in a factory or a violin made on a machine?

According to the people at Aero, the device tattoos in dot-based grayscale patterns, applying many minute points rather than deep continuous lines — a technique they say limits pain and improves precision.

One upside: fewer tattoos gone wrong?

Tattoos, not just in hipster times, have long carried a dual identity: as personal art but also no small part of getting a tattoo is about the pain and the act of bodily risk. Also, I wonder: does a machine-made tattoos open up the practice of skin art at a time when researchers are calling us to pay attention to the risks of the materials in tattoos and a possible link to auto-immune diseases and cancer. As there is little regulation, there is little known about the long-term health effects of tattooing.

What do the world’s religions say about tattoos?

From a Islamic perspective, tattooing is generally considered prohibited (haram) in many schools of thought. The Prophet Muhammad is narrated in hadith literature to have cursed both the tattooer and the tattooed (for altering the creation of God). Some scholars argue that tattoos break the ritual purity (ablution, or wudu) because they alter the skin surface.

We find some literature to back up the Islamic prohibition: ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Mas’ood said: “May Allah curse the women who do tattoos and those for whom tattoos are done, those who pluck their eyebrows and those who file their teeth for the purpose of beautification and alter the creation of Allah.” (Al-Bukhari, al-Libas, 5587; Muslim, al-Libas, 5538).

In parts of Lebanon, Iraq, and Iran, some Shiite communities have historically tolerated or quietly practiced tattooing, especially small religious motifs (like the names of Imams or sacred symbols). And among younger Shiites, especially in diaspora communities, tattoos are increasingly popular as personal or religious expression — though clerical authorities still discourage them.

In Judaism, tattoos are often discouraged based on Torah injunctions and Levitical prohibitions, and tattoos are not encouraged at all.  It is permitted to remove a tattoo and pierce your ears. That said many Jewish people do get tattoos. Common ones include the Tree of Life symbol, Hebrew and biblical expressions (The Nation of Israel Lives), and some people get tattoos of their grandparent’s numbers printed on them during the Holocaust.

In Christian traditions, the picture is more varied. Some conservative or literalist communities may discourage tattoos, particularly when associated with body modification or vanity, but there is no universally binding doctrine rejecting them. Many churches do not formally forbid tattoos, leaving it to individual conscience, church culture, or pastoral guidance. This blog offers some history of Christian tattoos in Jerusalem. The author points out that some conservative or literalist groups still reject tattoos outright, holding to Leviticus as binding.

Many other Christians see tattoos as a matter of conscience, arguing that Old Testament prohibitions were tied to ritual purity, pagan associations, or covenant identity, and are not binding in the same way after Christ. In some traditions (like the Razzouk family in Jerusalem), tattooing is even a Christian devotional act, marking pilgrimage and identity.

Unlike in Abrahamic religions, tattoos (godna in Hindi) have been widely practiced in Hindu culture for centuries. Tribal and rural communities across India have used tattoos for spiritual protection, identity, and beauty. Some designs are linked to deities, mantras, or cosmic symbols.

What about the art of it?

Almost painless tattoos may worry tattoo artists who will be out of jobs unless they figure out how to sell designs as NFTs, and also people who may more liberally get tattoos without possible health or spiritual implications.

In Sci-Fi dystopia, we’ve reported on how tattoos can be used for nefarious purposes, such as IDing and tracking people. Such as the tattoo below, from MIT Media Lab.

Tattoos could be used as a trackpad to remotely control your mobile phone or adjust the volume of the music you tune into. They can track user data and report back to you, like a body-integral Fitbit, with embedded thermochromic displays that change color in reaction to heat, reporting on body temperature, blood pressure, breathing patterns. It might also report on your immediate environment, checking air quality, weather conditions, and alert you to the presence of harmful substances.

After hearing all sides — from health warnings and religious prohibitions to the futuristic promises of AI-driven tattoo machines — I’ve made my choice. I’ll keep my skin tattoo-free, au naturel. For me, my body already carries its own stories.

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On a dry, windy afternoon in late April 2025, the hills west of Jerusalem ignited and burst into an inferno. Flames, fed by the hot desert winds, spread through the Israeli mountains, crossing into parts of the West Bank and forcing thousands to evacuate. Smoke billowed over the country’s capital, shrouding one of the world’s most important and historic cities in a haze.

The blaze was one of the largest in Israel’s recorded history. Over 6,000 acres of forest, open land, and human development were burned. Dozens of communities were threatened, and the event prompted a national emergency. But beyond the damage, the fire was part of a larger story: Israel is fighting a climate crisis, and the country’s ability to protect its people, land, and overall environment is being tested like never before.

See Related Article: California wildfires will hurt your lungs as toxic burnt building pollution drifts

The fires did not come out of nowhere. Initially, there were warnings and alerts about the heightened chance of a wildfire. These warnings occurred when a group of fires broke out on April 30th. Neve Shalom, Beit Shemesh, Eshtaol, and Latrun are some of the major hotspots for the origin and spread of the fires. 

In a country where every square meter of land is precious, the mobilization of resources had to be fast. Approximately 200 teams of firefighters, including aerial assistance, were deployed within minutes of the outbreak. Evacuation orders were efficient and precise to ensure no civilian lives were lost. The discipline and respect of the Israelis are the prominent reasons more lives were not lost. Additionally, international aid was provided, and the IDF provided a variety of support to help contain the fire.   

The environmental fallout of the wildfires was severe. Parks, natural lands, and protected lands were wiped out. Habitats for birds, reptiles, mammals, and all natural life were destroyed in hours. 

The burning of the forest was a big blow to the country, not only because of aesthetic, economic, and environmental interests, but also for reasons of patriotism. A big part of modern Israel’s story is the revival of the forest and the battle against desertification. Since Israel was declared a state, trees were planted to help stabilize soil, provide carbon and oxygen, as well as to combat the aforementioned desertification. The loss of all of this wildlife will take years to heal. But, if the prior progress Israel has already made before the fires is taken into account, the public should be hopeful of a quick recovery. Lessons from past fires have been factored into the recovery.  

See Related Article: Greenpeace Responds to Israel Carmel Fire and States “Climate Changes are Already Here”

Wildfires are not a new issue for Israel. However, their size, intensity, and frequency are increasing. A critical cause of wildfires is the increased likelihood and frequency of heat waves. The increasing heat, along with the decreasing amount of water each year, creates a perfect storm for fires to burn.

Like most political, environmental, or humanitarian issues for Israel, there is a trend of intersectionality. The West Bank is connected to Israel, and the fires affected them, too. In parts of the West Bank with limited Israeli authority, unmanaged forests and illegal activities amplify risk. Cross-border cooperation and participation in efforts are needed to help prevent fires.   

The fire exposed Israel’s firefighting resource gap. The Israel Fire and Rescue Authority is severely understaffed. When fires like April’s occur, firefighting resources are stretched thin. There have been announcements of efforts to divert more resources toward fire safety. Additionally, new updates to the forest-management guidelines have been made to help stop fires from becoming too large. 

One effect of the fires was the air quality. Jerusalem’s air quality was the worst in the world for a stretch of days. This caused large public safety concerns and prompted officials to urge residents to stay inside and limit strenuous activity outside. 

Reforestation will continue in the coming months. Volunteers, schools, outside governments, and many other helpful participants have provided support. New fire management and mitigation strategies are being employed. The strength of Israel’s emergency response was tested and will continue to be. Constantly updating guidelines and adding more resources will allow Israel to respond to disasters like this. 

The post Battling the Blaze: Israel’s Wildfire Response appeared first on Green Prophet.

In the heart of Jerusalem, a city often defined by its layers of stone, history, and conflict, a special, quiet scene unfolds daily: a herd of over 100 endangered wild mountain gazelles roaming freely through the grasslands of a restored valley. Even in a time of war, Israeli children can be heard laughing along the winding trails. Birdwatchers hide from migratory birds while viewing their natural beauty. 

See Related Article: Near-extinct gazelle brings Israelis and Palestinians to peace-making plan

This is the Gazelle Valley Urban Nature Park, one of Israel’s first urban wildlife refuges and one of the most powerful symbols of what the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel (SPNI) stands for: a belief the nature belongs to everyone, and that green space-especially in cities- is not just a sanctuary, but a solution.

Founded in 1953, SPNI emerged from a grassroots protest against the draining of the Hula Valley wetland. This move destroyed biodiversity and compromised the water quality of the wetland in northern Israel. Though the campaign failed in its goal of stopping the project, it gave rise to one of Israel’s and the world’s first environmental NGOs.

Today, SPNI operates a diverse portfolio that encompasses biodiversity conservation, sustainable urban planning, education, and advocacy. “If you learn about nature, you’ll love nature, and you’ll want to protect it,” says Jay Shofet, Director of Partnerships and Development at SPNI, who has lived in Israel for over 40 years.

See Related Article: Why is the Society for the Protection of Nature (SPNI) in Israel Supporting Settlements in the West Bank?

While SPNI’s base and roots are in wildlife protection, preserving nature reserves, restoration, and defending against habitat loss, its focus has shifted to cities where over 90% of Israel’s population resides. This shift is embodied in SPNI’s “Promoting Urban Nature” initiative. The goal of this initiative is to combat pressure to utilize land reserves for housing. SPNI works with the Israeli government and, more importantly, municipal leaders to create plans to make Israel’s cities greener. The key to this is creating and lobbying for urban nature sites. The sites offer residents a unique experience of nature in an urban setting, distinct from traditional parks. They emphasize natural biodiversity. The sites not only help nature but also help people. Their work is also “About protecting nature for our health and enjoyment,” says Shofet. SPNI emphasizes the mental health and physical health benefits that nature has. 

No site better captures this philosophy than Gazelle Valley. Located in western Jerusalem, the valley was once planned for the construction of 30,000 living units. However, with passionate residents by their side, SPNI organized a campaign to preserve it—the result: Israel’s largest urban nature site. Gazelle Valley boasts 64 acres of restored open space, where mountain gazelles, one of hundreds of species, roam freely with wetlands, food, and care at their disposal. 

Gazelle Valley is also a fully functioning, living lab. SPNI and other researchers track biodiversity indicators, such as the gain or loss of dragonflies and otters, both indicator species, and collaborate with scientists from various institutions, universities, and private organizations, as well as the government, to monitor numbers and migrations. Educational programs are held on-site that educate youth and members of government and business. 

SPNI is one of Israel’s leading organizations in environmental education, helping to create Israel’s nationwide mandate to integrate nature studies into the school curriculum. The work started over 30 years ago and is now expanding with the support of the Ministry of Education.

“We teach the teachers,” Shofet explains. Through short-term development programs, classroom materials, and outdoor field experiences, SPNI helps facilitate environmental education for Israeli students. Urban sites, such as Gazelle Valley, serve as outdoor classrooms, providing children with the opportunity to learn about ecosystems, biodiversity, and sustainability, even in an urban setting. 

Additionally, education helps inspire and promote environmental activism. “The environment is a great entry point to activism,” says Shofet. “Educate, Love and Protect,” Shofet adds, are the three primary keys to SPNI’s mission.

See Related Article: Waze saves wild lives

As urbanization continues to grow and intensify around the world, Israel may hold a hopeful model. SPNI’s integration of ecology, education, health, and urban planning remains a driving force in this space. SPNI plans to expand its Urban Nature initiative in 2025 and beyond, particularly to Israel’s rebuilding of northern and southern cities. Their goal is simple yet ambitious: to bring nature to every Israeli, regardless of their location or background.

::SPNI

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In a world that is becoming increasingly aware of the need for spiritual growth alongside ecological sustainability, many of us are drawn to ancient wisdoms that transcend time, culture, and religion. One of the most profound revelations is how spiritual concepts across different cultures and traditions share common threads that emphasize unity, interconnectedness, and balance. Today, we’ll explore the intriguing connections between Ka and Ba from Egyptian mysticism, Merkabah mysticism in Kabbalah, and the Ka’bah in Saudi Arabia, and how these ancient ideas may hold valuable lessons for a sustainable future.

The Ka and Ba: The Soul’s Journey in Ancient Egypt

In ancient Egyptian spirituality, the Ka and Ba were two aspects of the human soul. The Ka was considered the life force, the essential energy that flows through all living beings. It represented vitality and the essence of being. The Ba, on the other hand, was thought to be the personality and the soul’s ability to transcend the physical realm, allowing one to journey between worlds.

Together, the Ka and Ba formed the complete soul — the eternal, divine essence of the individual that connects to the cosmos. This union symbolized the journey of the soul towards spiritual ascension, where the individual becomes one with the divine and the universe. In a modern context, we could interpret the Ka and Ba as symbolic of the balance between mind and spirit, the physical and the spiritual — a harmony that is increasingly necessary in today’s world if we are to achieve sustainable living and holistic growth.

The Ka’bah: A Sacred Center of Unity

Fast forward thousands of years to the Ka’bah in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, one of the most sacred sites in Islam. Pilgrims from around the world visit the Ka’bah as part of the Hajj pilgrimage, a physical journey of spiritual significance. The Ka’bah is considered the metaphysical center of the universe, symbolizing the unification of all believers with the divine. Each circle made by pilgrims around the Ka’bah represents a symbolic return to the core, a reconnection to the divine source, and a reaffirmation of the interconnectedness of all things.

While it may seem far removed from ancient Egyptian ideas, the Ka’bah shares a similar theme: the Ka as the life force, and the soul’s journey toward unity with the divine. In this sense, the Ka’bah acts as a sacred, grounding point where the physical and spiritual realms meet — a place of transcendence and connection that draws people from all walks of life to experience unity with the cosmos.

Merkabah Mysticism: Divine Ascension and Sacred Geometry

The Merkabah mysticism of Kabbalah further deepens the connection between these ancient ideas. Rooted in Jewish spiritual teachings, Merkabah mysticism speaks of a divine throne chariot that connects the physical world to the divine realm. Through intense meditation and spiritual practice, the soul can ascend through various levels of consciousness, ultimately reaching a state of divine unity and enlightenment.

At the heart of Merkabah mysticism is the idea of spiritual ascent and purification. In many ways, this concept mirrors the ancient Egyptian belief in the union of the Ka and Ba. It also shares a resonance with the symbolism of the Ka’bah as a point of spiritual convergence. All these traditions emphasize a journey of personal transformation — a movement from individual consciousness to universal, divine awareness.

Additionally, the concept of sacred geometry in Merkabah mysticism and the Ka’bah shares an intriguing connection. Sacred geometry reveals that the universe operates according to certain principles of order, balance, and harmony. The shape of the Ka’bah itself, a cube, can be interpreted through the lens of sacred geometry as a symbol of unity and balance, reflecting the harmonious interconnectedness of all life.

So, what do these spiritual concepts mean for us today? In a time when sustainability and interconnectedness are paramount, these ancient teachings offer profound insights. They remind us that the physical world and the spiritual world are not separate, but deeply intertwined. Just as the Ka and Ba unite to form the complete soul, so too must we integrate our spiritual values with our actions in the physical world, particularly when it comes to caring for our planet.

The Ka’bah, as a central point of unity, teaches us that the world is interconnected — every action we take has a ripple effect. As we seek balance and harmony in our personal and collective lives, we also need to foster a sense of connection with nature, recognizing that we are part of a larger web of life. Just as the Ka and Ba reflect the union of life force and personality, our approach to sustainability must unite the needs of people with the health of the Earth.

The post From the Ka and Ba to the Ka’bah – A Universal Path of Unity and Sustainability appeared first on Green Prophet.

I’ve been working for the Jerusalem Green Fund (JGF) for over 6 years. The JGF is a non for profit organization that focuses on sustainability in the greater Jerusalem area. Most of our activities lie within city limits, while others look regional as a biosphere. We are active in several different neighborhoods on a grassroots level, working with residents, schools and community organizations that are looking to live green, cleaner and healthier lives. 

I personally coordinate a Center for Sustainability in the Ultra-Orthodox neighborhood of Romema. Most people would say that is quite unique because that population typically gets a bad rap when it comes to environmental friendliness and that is because the families are large, on average 7.7 children per household and they use a lot of ‘one-time-use’ dishware, therefore producing a large amount of non-recyclable waste.

However, when taking a closer look at their day to day lives, you would notice that they use public transportation much more than owning private vehicles, because of their religious lifestyle they do not travel one and half days a week (no cars/buses/trains/planes) and they tend to have lending libraries which are called “gemachim” in Hebrew, which is an acronym for doing something charitable out of love and kindness –– and for just about every product you could imagine.

There are gemach’s for gowns for fancy occasions to chocolate molds, holy books to baby supplies –– the list goes on. This is characteristic of the Ultra-Orthodox community everywhere, not just in Jerusalem. Although it does not stem from an environmental value or need, but a financial one, surely it reduces consumption. 

Stereotypically, this population is very urban, living exclusively in apartment buildings, and therefore disconnected from nature. That is not to say that there are no individuals who are connected to nature, surely there are, but on a whole it is seen to be true.

It is rare to own a garden apartment and if someone has a porch garden they are very privileged. Striking examples of the disconnect include terrible littering in the public domain –– something which my center deals with a lot. We created a friendly-looking character called Tzachi Pachi (translates to Tzachi, a boy’s name, the garbage can) who is a green garbage can with ginger colored sideburns and a yarmulke who encourages children to throw out their waste correctly.

Ironically, this population is almost obsessed with aesthetics and style, however either in their own homes or themselves personally, and the public domain, which is looked upon as an ownerless space where control is not possible, remains messy and dirty.

I will say that the Mayor of Jerusalem, a modern religious man who received many Ultra-Orthodox votes, has cleaned up the city incredibly generally and specifically in these neighborhoods. I led a focus group of women residents where we mapped out the causes and solutions for keeping the streets and sidewalks clean, then presented it to the mayor’s staff. Those solutions were indeed adopted by the sanitation department, although the habits of people remain.

There is still much progress to be made with this subpopulation of Israeli society, but environmental awareness is on the rise. I have expanded my work beyond Romema and recently gathered a round-table of Ultra-Orthodox Jerusalemites to think in citywide terms. I hope it will bring more action and green ripple effects. 

::Jerusalem Green Fund

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Imagine this: an ancient skeleton wrapped in iron chains, buried under a church altar in Jerusalem. Sounds like something straight out of a history book, right? But it’s not just a relic of the past—it’s a powerful reminder of the lengths people once went to for spiritual enlightenment. And get this: it was a woman.

This incredible discovery, made in a Byzantine monastery site just outside Jerusalem, is rewriting what we know about early Christian spirituality—and the role women played in it. Researchers uncovered the remains of a female nun who lived more than a thousand years ago. But she wasn’t just buried with rings and metal discs; she was bound in chains.

But why would anyone willingly put themselves through this kind of physical pain?Back in the 5th to 7th centuries, asceticism—the practice of extreme self-discipline—was all the rage. And it wasn’t just monks. Nuns were doing it too. The idea was that by denying yourself physical comforts, you could elevate your soul to a higher spiritual plane. Think fasting, self-flagellation, and living in uncomfortable conditions.

This isn’t just some weird niche thing. This type of asceticism was widespread, with monks and nuns stretching across the Byzantine Empire, from Syria to Egypt to Italy. And women? Yeah, they were in on it too—often in secret, or disguised as men, because let’s face it: living out extreme spirituality wasn’t exactly considered a “female-friendly” activity back then.

According to Dr. Amit Re’em, Jerusalem District Archaeologist for the Antiquities Authority, “Ascetic nuns represent a fascinating phenomenon worth dwelling on, and even more so – against the background of International Women’s Day, which is marked this week. These literally extra-ordinary women lived and functioned in a rigid male and patriarchal environment, which inhibited their activities.

“In order to take part in the idealistic religious ideals of the life of nuns and ascetics of that time, which were mostly a male domain, of necessity they had to –according to traditions and legends – disguise themselves as men, and live thusly until their death.”

Here’s Where It Gets Even More Interesting:

The skeleton was found wrapped up in chains and bound by iron rings around her arms, neck, and legs. Researchers even found a small cross buried with her. But here’s the twist: she wasn’t tortured. This was voluntary. According to ancient sources, self-inflicted suffering like this was thought to purify the soul and get you closer to God. So, the more you suffered, the more spiritual “points” you scored.

This practice wasn’t just about personal sacrifice. It was about aligning with nature, minimizing distractions, and living sustainably. In the harsh, arid environment of the Holy Land, extreme asceticism was also a way to live simply and in harmony with the land. These monks and nuns didn’t need all the material stuff we’re surrounded by today; they were focused on the essentials.

So, What Does This Have to Do With Us Today?

In today’s world, sustainability isn’t just about saving the planet—it’s about living mindfully and intentionally. And while extreme self-denial might not be everyone’s cup of tea, the core message here is clear: sometimes, less really is more. Just like these ancient nuns and monks, we can find deeper meaning by living in alignment with nature and prioritizing spiritual growth over material gain.

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While most of us just use the train or bus to get from point A to point B, there are times when the public can move and join together in an event or a mission. Train, subway, and underground rides within cities and between them are the perfect way to add in an experience, either planned or spontaneous. They are moving cabins with a captive audience. Put away your phone and think about the best underground experience you have ever had. My favorite city train ride was on the underground train from Midtown to Harlem in New York City, on a subway train which ended up in acrobatics and a spontaneous dance party. It was the best performance and I was part of the show. No one could plan the art on that train.

Once we bought family tickets to ride the train to nowhere in India. It was pretty funny. We had feet in our faces and got to make friends and eat strange treats, even other peoples’ home cooking. At one point my bag was full of scattered and cooked grains sticking all over it and I dumped it out in a garbage bin on a connecting platform. At that moment my husband said: If they were making a movie about Karin, this would be the opening shot. It was a great memory being on that train.

I love the idea of traveling by train as a sustainable way to do tourism and get a sense of place. There is a lover’s train in Norway, and Saudi Arabia is building the world’s most luxurious slow travel trains as it opens to tourism. But we aren’t looking for love or luxury. Just simple fun: so we took the question to the Internet, and readers responded with some great ideas. What are the best train tourism experiences in the world? There is a techno train, a sauna train, an accordion and beer train, a no-pants train, a supper train and a train where you can speak with professors. Or maybe the surprise train that plays live music and drops you off in an unknown village. All aboard?

Techno Train: Germany’s Eco-Friendly Rave on Rails

In Germany, trains are no longer just for commuting—they’re rolling nightclubs! The Techno Train offers partygoers a chance to dance the night away on a train traveling between cities. This eco-friendly rave is powered by renewable energy and creates a sustainable, low-carbon alternative to driving to music festivals. Not only does it reduce car traffic, but it also promotes eco-conscious partying. While this may seem unconventional, it’s an electrifying way to get more people to choose public transport. Find out about the next Techno Train here.

Scientists on the Trains: Israel’s Physics Professors on Trains

In Israel, professors from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have been known to bring their classrooms to the public transport system. Commuters on specific train lines, at certain times of the year, can listen to free lectures about physics, turning otherwise mundane commutes into educational experiences.

Some explore topics like global warming, the creation of Earth and how the brain works. There was one lecture about the love letters between Einstein and his first and then second wife –– a natural choice since Einstein was one of the founders of the Hebrew University in the 1920s. Einstein gave his first lecture in 1923, and upon his death, donated his collection of material to the university in Jerusalem where it is now located in a special museum. Einstein wrote these letters when he was traveling –– by train.

In Taiwan the idea has caught on and in 2020, scientists started doing experiments with school kids on the train. So much you can do with a captive audience. What would you lecture about on a train? Would you want that for your city? A nice add to the educational experience is Mail Rail in London.

Accordions and Beer on a Train, with the Music Winkel Express, Germany

The Winkel Express offers a nostalgic journey between the Czech Republic and Adorf in Germany, traversing the picturesque Ore Mountains.

This unique experience features a vintage German Schienenbus, a diesel railbus reminiscent of mid-20th-century travel. Passengers are treated to live accordion music, enhancing the very convivial atmosphere, while enjoying locally brewed beers served onboard. The journey is particularly enchanting during winter, as snow blankets the landscape, creating a serene and picturesque setting. The combination of musical entertainment, cultural exploration, and scenic beauty makes the Winkel Express a memorable excursion for those seeking a blend of tradition and adventure. Or those just seeking beer and accordions. Get info about getting aboard with German hearty cheer here.

Wabi Sabi gardening on the train, Tokyo and Kyoto Japan

In Tokyo, commuters can easily step off the train and be right inside an urban garden. We experienced this in Ueno and Shibuya and some trains have gardens inside them like the Kyoto Garaku train, and others have gardens on the roofs of the trains stations. Tokyo and Kyoto are cities full of secrets that don’t give them up easily.

Some local transit authorities in Japan have partnered with environmental groups to create small green spaces filled with plants and trees at select transit hubs. Not only do these mini gardens serve as beautiful, peaceful places for passengers to relax, but they also promote biodiversity and air purification. The green spaces also help reduce the urban heat island effect, making them a practical solution for sustainable cities.

Japan is just full of surprises. It’s even possible to buy a Suica card and jump on and off the trains in Tokyo, with no plan and choose your next adventure. Of course the bullet train is also an experience in itself. I felt a bit nauseated when on one, but I am told you get used to the speed eventually. 

London also took on the idea of Tiny Parks. This page has more about them if you are in London. There are currently 9 Tiny Parks in former London Underground ticket office windows. They can be found at: St James’s Park, Belsize Park, Wood Green, Kilburn Park. 

No Trousers on the Tube Day, London

London also has the No Trousers on the Tube Day, every year. You might make a note to avoid public transport on London, on that day. The last one was in January so you are probably good until that rolls around again. The annual No Trousers Tube Ride went ahead this year despite the freezing temperatures in London.

Bare-legged passengers could be spotted throughout the London Underground, including in Westminster, Waterloo, and South Kensington. Started in January 2002 by just seven participants in New York, the event has since grown globally, with dozens taking part in this year’s London edition. Charlie Todd, the no-pants founder said:  “The goal is simply to create unexpected moments of joy, delight, and confusion.”

The Supper Club Train in London

Where London in lacking in pants, they make up for in food. A unique supper club experience has been gaining popularity in London, offering a dining adventure like no other—on a train. This innovative concept transforms an ordinary train ride into a gourmet experience, where guests are treated to multi-course meals while traveling through the city or scenic countryside.

The supper club on a train is more than just a meal; it’s an immersive experience that combines the thrill of travel with fine dining. Passengers board a vintage-style train, which has been thoughtfully restored to exude charm and sophistication. The journey takes them to various destinations, with the train’s luxurious setting providing the perfect backdrop for an evening of culinary delight.

Chefs prepare the meals on board, offering seasonal and locally sourced ingredients in beautifully crafted dishes. The atmosphere is relaxed yet refined, with tables set for intimate dining, accompanied by wines that perfectly complement the courses. Along with exceptional food, the journey itself becomes part of the experience, offering views of London’s iconic landmarks or the tranquil English countryside. The cost is about $85 USD a person.

Book the supper club here

Solar-Powered Trains, India

This is less of an experience and more of a sweet idea: In India, solar energy is powering the lighting of certain diesel-powered trains. The Indian Railways have launched solar-powered trains that help reduce their carbon footprint and reliance on fossil fuels. Solar panels are not yet able to power a train journey, but do send a nice message about sustainable travel. These trains run lights and charging stations from solar panels installed on their rooftops, providing a clean, renewable energy source.

Interactive Art Installations in Argentina

Buenos Aires is a vast canvas for urban art as well as being an efficient public transport system. The train system underground and above is also a gallery of urban art with 450 artistic projects from 200 artists at stations across the network.Throughout the metro system, passengers can engage with art pieces that involve everything from light projections to touch-sensitive walls.

These installations don’t just provide entertainment; they connect passengers with the culture and vibrancy of the city. It’s a creative way to use public transport as a platform for local artists while fostering a sense of pride in the community. The city also offers free bikes when you get off the train using Ecobici, the 24-hour bike share scheme. Bikes can be taken for up to one hour Monday – Friday and up to two hours at the weekend (you can go for a second spin after a five-minute wait).

Reset and Detox on this Sauna and Surprise Train, Czechia

VlakFest organizes adventurous train trips throughout Czechia and occasionally to neighboring countries, with the twist of surprise destinations. These trips occur throughout the year, featuring themed rides with live music, cultural experiences, and seasonal events like winter wonderland journeys. The adventure also includes saunas on the train, pioneered in Finland, a country known for its sauna culture.

Unique activities include onboard workshops, food tastings, and overnight stays at hidden gems. The sauna car and love music means getting there is 90 percent of the journey. Meet new people and relax. For dates, locations, and booking details, visit VlakFest’s website.

A Conference on Trains, On a Train?

This is something only Europeans could think up and I thank my friends in Finland (remember our cleantech press tour Helsinki?); Tampere University is putting on a conference on alternative experiences by train, on a train that crosses through cities and ends in Istanbul. This is a country that has invented saunas on a train, so you know it’s going to be a wild ride. Have a new idea to share for tourism, art, education or the environment? They are looking for submissions and lecturers in areas such as:

• The railway journey as a narrative trope in literature and film
• Sensory geographies of the railway
• Historical phenomenologies of the railway
• The railway as a multisensory experience in literature and art
• Railways and the aesthetics of speed
• Nostalgic or futuristic railway imaginaries

The CfP for the conference ‘Railway Aesthetics: Experiencing Locomotion across Media and Cultures’ (Vienna-Bucharest-Istanbul, 10-13.09.2025) will be taking place between these cities in September, organized by Tampere University, Sapienza University of Rome, and University of Zurich. The deadline for submissions is May 2, 2025. 

Get on the Folk Train, in England

Folk train fun on the Glossop Line: For a fun evening with a special twist, the all year round program of live music folk trains on the Glossop line in the Peak District of Derbyshire is hard to beat. For just the price of your train ticket, music lovers can sit back and admire the views from the carriage window while being entertained by a live folk music band on board the train. Their Facebook page keeps you updated on who’s running the jam for each month. It’s free with a train ticket. The train leaves Manchester Piccadilly in the evening and returns to Manchester later on.

No extra ticket required – Normal train fares apply. A voluntary raffle is held for a bottle of wine or couple of beers. £2 per ticket plus any other contributions you wish to make, all proceeds go to pay the musicians. There are more folk trains in England. While this page is a bit outdated, there are contacts and links for finding out how to catch folk trains running throughout other parts of England. Groups are allowed but be in touch beforehand. 

Party on the Rampage Express, Belgium

The Rampage Express is a dedicated festival train that takes partygoers from Brussels and Antwerp to the Rampage Open Air festival in Belgium. It’s not just a ride—it’s a pre-party on wheels! The train is filled with excited festival-goers, creating an electrifying atmosphere before you even reach the event. People are decked out in festival gear, music is pumping, and the energy is contagious. It’s a great way to meet fellow fans and get the party rolling. We we

Rampage Open Air is a premier drum & bass and dubstep festival held annually in Lommel, Belgium. The 2025 edition is scheduled for July promising an electrifying experience for bass music enthusiasts. The festival boasts seven stages and over 300 artists, aiming to attract around 60,000 attendees. Book the festival and train here.

The Dutch Sziget Express Party Train from Amsterdam to Budapest

The Sziget Express is a unique party train that transports festival-goers from the Netherlands to the Sziget Festival in Budapest, Hungary. Departing from Amersfoort on August 4, 2025, and arriving in Budapest on August 5, this journey transforms travel into an unforgettable pre-festival celebration. The return trip leaves Budapest on August 12, reaching Amersfoort on August 13.

Onboard, passengers can expect a vibrant atmosphere with DJs, a bar carriage, and ample opportunities to socialize. The train offers comfortable seating, with baggage included in the ticket price. For those traveling with friends, group seating requests are accommodated, provided all have the same ticket type.

Tickets for the Sziget Express start at €299, with package deals available that include festival passes at discounted rates. Given the train’s popularity and limited capacity, early booking is highly recommended to secure a spot on this extraordinary journey to one of Europe’s premier music festivals. Years ago, many years ago when I went to a Rolling Stones concert in Zurich I found myself on a party bus taking us there. Getting the party to a destination festival by rail is so sustainable, leaving out all that space needed for cars that will not be used for days.

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Moshe Basson, chef, food historian and owner of the famous Eucalyptus restaurant in Jerusalem, has finally published his cookbook. Its title is, naturally, The Eucalyptus Cookbook. The foreword is by Claudia Roden, an international authority on the foods of the Middle East and the Mediterranean.

I’ve often eaten at The Eucalyptus, and to my delight, I found recipes in the book for dishes I’ve enjoyed there, such as chicken makloubah, Basson’s signature dish. Chicken and vegetables are cooked with rice, then the pot turned upside down on a platter to present a savory cake. I cooked it. It’s delicious, and elicits a “Wow!” from impressed guests. Read a personal interview with Moshe Basson.

The contents begin with vegetable recipes and go on to soups, grain and bean-based foods, meat, chicken, and fish, sweets, cocktails, and condiments and basics.

Peppered throughout the book are beautiful photos of the dishes and the chef himself at work.

There are recipes for all varieties of eaters. Vegans and omnivores alike will find appetizing recipes in the vegetables, soups, and grains and beans sections. Bonus: here’s a vegan maklubah recipe, with portobello mushrooms, cauliflower, and eggplant. It must be said though that the list of meat dishes is the longest in the book. And very delicious they are, as I’ve had occasion to find out.

As the Eucalyptus Restaurant is kosher and serves meat, the desserts don’t include dairy in any form. Almond and soy replace milk and cream. In the few places where butter is listed (a nod to tradition as in the baklava recipe), sunflower oil is the suggested alternative. It must also be noted that there are no artificial ingredients in The Eucalyptus recipes.

The book is a great read for food lovers. Basson loves to tell stories, and you’ll find many there. His recounts vignettes from his childhood in the Judean hills with his Iraqi immigrant parents, and from his travels and present home life. He tells of his early culinary inspirations, often quoting his mother, Spirons. He combines his passion for reviving biblical foods (with delicious variations) with references from Jewish and other historical sources. He meditates on beloved dishes central to family life, especially dishes for Shabbat and holidays, such as the hamine overnight stew, Iraqi style.

Read carefully, and you’ll find little humorous asides, like this tip for cooking Jerusalem artichoke soup: “Don’t lift the cover during the first 25 minutes – Jerusalem artichoke is a crazy vegetable and a draft of cold wind may prevent the tubers from ever getting soft.” He also recommends that when you grind his cilantro pesto with a mortar and pestle, you should “raise your voice in song, because the sound is good for the spices.” Well – that’s if you choose the ancient way over your food processor.

Especially endearing are vignettes like the one in which we see Basson’s mother cooking Aruk chicken fritters and keeping an eagle eye on hungry grandchildren getting ready to filch them. I don’t know if I could resist those savory patties, myself (mouthwatering photos and recipe on pages 136-139.)

Recipes with wild greens cast an interesting light on foraged food. I’ve eaten Basson’s gnocchi based on mallows with much pleasure, and as nettles are just coming up in the backyard, I’ll soon be opening the book to the nettles soup page.

From simple daily foods like humus to sumptuous party dishes like figs stuffed with chicken in tamarind sauce, the Eucalyptus Cookbook offers over a hundred recipes to choose from. Browse its pages, and be prepared to cook.

The Eucalyptus Cookbook

Moshe Basson with Sharon Fradis

Levin Press, Israel

243 pages.  ISBN 978-965-93115-0-7

More ethnic and foraged foods below:

Chef Moshe Basson’s Za’atar Pesto

Turkish vegan bulgur balls in eggplant and tomato sauce

Two dips from the Lebanese cuisine: ful medames and musabaha

Chickpea and Wild Beet Greens Soup

The post The Eucalyptus Cookbook by Moshe Basson – Our Review appeared first on Green Prophet.

We will forever keep the eternal spring

According to Jewish legend, in the first days of creation when water and land were separated, the world’s first water, a spring gushed forth out of the center of Jerusalem. The water source is still accessible under the Western Wall, the original wall that surrounded the Jewish Holy Temple. Could ancient pottery from China, found in Jerusalem, mean that the ancient Chinese knew about living water wisdom?

Archeologists from Germany and Israel found a 500-year-old Ming Dynasty shard on Mount Zion under a church which was built during the Ottoman Empire. It is the first piece of evidence that goes so back linking China to the Holy Land.

The rare 16th century CE Chinese inscription was discovered on a porcelain bowl fragment, reading: “Forever we will guard the eternal spring.”

Could the Chinese know and believe that under the city of Jerusalem lay the eternal spring?

This past summer, during routine procedures for the upcoming excavation season, Michael Chernin, an archaeologist at the Israel Antiquities Authority, suddenly spotted a colorful object sticking out of the dirt that had been cleared away while preparing the site.

When Michael pulled out the object and washed it, he recognized that there was an inscription on its bottom. Dr. Anna de Vincenz, pottery specialist, identified the inscription to be Chinese. At this point— the vessel was examined by the Hebrew University in Jerusalem’s researcher Jingchao Chen, who deciphered the inscription as reading, “We will forever guard the eternal spring.”

The bowl dates back to 1520-1570, and originated in the Ming Dynasty. “Ancient Chinese porcelain vessels were previously found in Israel, but this is the first to bear an inscription,” say the researchers.

Related: living water protector Peter Steel in Canada

How did a dish make its way from China to Mount Zion? Historical writings indicate close 16th century trade relations between the Chinese Empire and the Ottoman Empire, then ruling the Land of Israel. According to Ming Dynasty annals, about 20 official Ottoman delegations visited the imperial court in Beijing during the 15th-17th centuries.

The trade relations between these empires are also described in travel books of merchants from this period. Thus, the writings of the Chinese scholar Ma Li from 1541 note colonies of Chinese merchants in Lebanese coastal cities such as Beirut and Tripoli. The work even mentions other important cities in the region such as Jerusalem, Cairo and Aleppo.

According to Israel Antiquities Authority Director Eli Escusido, “In archaeological research, evidence of trade relations between merchants in the Land of Israel and the Far East is known even from earlier periods – for example, of various spices. But it is fascinating to meet evidence of these relations also in the form of an actual inscription, written in the Chinese language, and in an unexpected place – on Mount Zion in Jerusalem”

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