A picture is worth a thousand words.
Discovering fresh perspectives to explore a country is always enriching. In April 2019, we embarked on an expedition to uncover the wonders of Israel from a novel vantage point— the skies. This aerial adventure involved traversing the entire country in a helicopter, offering a unique viewpoint that went beyond the typical airborne experiences I had encountered before.
Previously, I had gazed upon Israel from high-altitude views through the windows of large commercial planes, both arriving and departing from the country. Additionally, I had observed the landscape from domestic flights, like the memorable journey from Eilat to Tel Aviv. My aerial encounters weren’t limited to commercial travel; I had participated in military helicopter exercises and even had the privilege of accompanying guests on private helicopter tours, providing an expedited means to traverse the nation and witness its borders and iconic sites, including the Old City of Jerusalem and the fortress of Masada.
However, what distinguished this particular aerial exploration was the camaraderie within the team.
The team comprised Donn Delson, a globally acclaimed aerial photographer and artist, Yuval Aharoni, a seasoned airforce and police pilot, and myself, an Israel tour guide-educator. Right from our initial phone call, there was an instant connection, and it was evident that we would form a harmonious team. However, the full extent of our collaboration only became apparent once we took to the skies together. Each member brought a unique set of expertise and passion, revealing that the synergy of one plus one plus one was far greater than the sum of three.
Don, an avid traveler with his camera, has explored various corners of the globe, employing the overhead 90-degree shot method on previous occasions. Notably, we accommodated his unique approach by removing a helicopter door, allowing him to safely hang out during his shots. His professionalism shone through not only in this daring setup but also in his deliberate choice of work hours—favoring the golden hours at dusk and dawn—and his meticulous attention to the angle and composition of each photograph.
From our initial conversation, it was evident that Don sought something distinct from the usual expectations. While iconic sites like the Old City of Jerusalem and the desert fortress of Masada were on the list, he expressed a desire to capture locations that embodied specific characteristics: patterns, textures, shades, lights, and machinery. This request led us to circle around sites multiple times, ensuring he could achieve the perfect angle and height for each shot.
Through Don’s lens, the Land of Israel transformed into a canvas of artistic exploration, unveiling hidden aesthetics and beauty that many of us may overlook or take for granted.
Yuval stood out as the finest and most adept pilot for this assignment. His tranquility, composure, and assurance during the flight instilled a sense of calm within our team. With an intimate knowledge of the county from the air, he navigated through logistics and authorities with unparalleled professionalism. Yuval seamlessly accommodated Don’s requests, swiftly adapting to his needs, fostering an organic and efficient collaboration.
A genuine Bitzu’ist at heart and in action,[i] Yuval embodies the essence of Israeli resourcefulness. Beyond his piloting skills, he is a true Tzabar, deeply rooted in Jewish and Zionist ethos and culture. Born to distinguished archaeology and historical geography professor Yohanan Aharoni and Miriam Gross-Aharoni, Yuval carries the weight of millennia-old traditions and a profound attachment to the Land of Israel. His love for the modern identity of the country reflects a deep connection to its outstanding present and the promising future as the home of the Jewish people. In the words of Israeli Poet Shaul Tchernichovsky, Yuval is indeed “A man is but the imprint of his native landscape.”
As a tour-guide educator, my passion lies in leading visitors through the land I proudly call home. I boast a substantial history with the Land of Israel, the State of Israel, and its people. I’ve traversed its trails, strolled along its streets, and marveled at panoramic views from mountain peaks to skyscraper summits. Engaging in both casual Chet chats and profound conversations with individuals at street corners and camp sites has been a part of my journey. I’ve savored its diverse cuisine, tasted local beverages, and basked in the warmth of its sun. I’ve never been one to tally up kilometers; rather, I’m the type to absorb it all. I strive to understand the significance of every mountain, flower, and wall I encounter. Being a people person, I initiate conversations with fellow travelers along the way – Anashim tovim, be’emtza haderech.
For me, the Land of Israel and the State of Israel constitute my religious, national, and cultural landscape. I perceive its essence in both present and ancient times, reflecting on its events and the memories they evoke. Archaeology, history, language, anthropology, plants, and animals are interwoven into the fabric of my homeland’s landscape. Each aspect stirs every emotion within me, reinforcing my profound connection to my people and heritage.
Following a meticulously devised plan, we embarked on a six-day aerial journey to cover extensive ground across Israel. Up in the sky, Don’s artistic vision guided us as he searched for the perfect shots. As locals, we provided valuable context, pointing out significant sites and urging Don to capture what we fondly termed ‘shots for the archive.’ This endeavor resulted in a library of high-quality images, preserved with the potential for a future book showcasing Israel from above.
They say a picture speaks more than a thousand words. The culmination of our journey is a collection of images not only showcasing the breathtaking beauty of Israel but also eliciting emotions ranging from curiosity and confusion to awe. These pictures reflect the depth, emotions, and creativity of our team.
One standout piece, “Light From Within,” magnificently captures the Old City of Jerusalem in all its glory. As night descends and city lights illuminate, the symbolism of “the light of the world” radiates from the iconic centers—the Temple Mount, Western Wall Plaza, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
The Holy Land Collection comprises awe-inspiring images that encapsulate the beauty of our land in its natural, historical, cultural, and human landscapes. Each photograph stands as a testament to the profound way in which we captured the essence of the Holy Land.
[i] But Ben-Gurion was singularly focused on building the state, by whatever means. He had no patience for experimenting with policies that he believed were simply designed to validate Marxist ideology. In his view, every policy- economic, political, military, or social- should serve the objective of nation building. Ben-Gurion was the classic Bitzu’ist, a Hebrew word that loosely translates to “pragmatist,” but with a much more activist quality. A bitzu’ist is someone who just gets things done.
Bitzu’ism is at the heart of the pioneering ethos and Israel’s entrepreneurial drive. “To call someone a bizu’ist is to pay him or her a high compliment,” writes author and editor Leon Wieseltier. “The bizu’ist is the builder, the irrigator, the pilot, the gunrunner, the settler. Israelis recognize the social type: crusty, resourceful, impatient, sardonic, effective, not much in need of thought but not much in need of sleep either.” While Wieseltier is describing the pioneering generation, his words fit those who risk all to found start-ups. Bitzu’ism is a thread that runs from those who braved marauders and drained the swamps to the entrepreneurs who believe they can defy the odds and barrel through to make their dreams happen.
Dan Senor and Saul Singer, Start Up Nation: The Story of Israel’s Economic Miracle (Twelve, 2009) pp. 106-107
