He’d tell his sons: “When it’s a life well lived, of course, you are going to be sad, but these things should also be more about celebrating a life than mourning someone lost.”

When we remember Manny – who died in May aged 93 – we remember his wonderful career in the media, his love for our Essex Jewish community and his amazing EJN columns that continued right up until his final days. It truly was a life well lived.

Emanuel Rabinovitch was born on April 11, 1933, the first child of Ray and Sidney. He was close throughout his life with his brother Jeffrey and sister Gilda, whose passing in January of this year, which left him ‘last man standing’, affected him profoundly.

They grew up in Whitechapel in a block of flats called Chelsea Buildings in Princelet Street. His father was a Hoffman presser, his mother a seamstress.

On the night of 19 April 1941, the Luftwaffe launched one of its heaviest attacks on London, dropping a bomb on St Peter’s Hospital in Stepney, where Manny was being treated for dysentery.

His mother wouldn’t know for four days whether he had survived the bombing or not, only then finding out that he, together with the other survivors, had been evacuated to the village of South Mimms. He retained a vivid memory of tulips in the fields outside where he was staying. He was evacuated to Tylorstown in the Welsh valleys for the rest of the war, even attending chapel every Sunday.

Back in the East End, as youngsters, they had nowhere really to go, other than to the local dance hall, the Lyceum or the Royal, or to the local cinema, though sometimes a lack of money meant he often couldn’t afford to go to either.

And so, he joined a new club for Jewish boys, Brady. The purpose of the club, he once said, was to instil some sort of character. To him, Brady was his university. It was a place where they learned how to speak, how to respect their elders, and how to develop loyalties. It was also where he learned to dance – a skill to be shown off at simchas for years to come.

He became the first boy to edit the club’s magazine, once writing about the visit of Princess Margaret to the Brady Girls’ Club. He also used to go to watch Brady teams at football matches and started to write reports about their games.

And then on a Sunday afternoon after the match, he would write a report and take it down to the local newspaper, the East London Advertiser, and was chuffed when they used his report in the paper without changing a word.

That planted the seed in his mind that maybe he could become a journalist. Committing to this, he would spend his weekends in Fleet Street delivering photographs from picture agencies to national newspapers. It was his way of finding his way round, and from five o’clock in the afternoon until nine o’clock at night, he would be paid 10 shillings, but it gave him an ‘in’.

After National Service, he applied for work on the Stratford Express. The paper served the supporters of two professional football teams, West Ham United and Leyton Orient, and so he was given a job, on the heady salary of £4 a week.

Having told the Editor he liked football, he subsequently found out that none of the other journalists wanted to cover football because it meant working weekends. So he was appointed Sports Editor at the age of 21 and started sending snippets of news from the two clubs to the Evening Standard.

Journalism, at that time, wasn’t really a go-to career for a young Jewish guy from the East End of London. In fact, he became Manny Robinson when it was explained to him that his name needed to change if he wanted a by-line as Emanuel Rabinovitch was just too long to fit across a single column of type.

Eventually he was approached by the Evening Standard and offered a job there. And at 23, he became the youngest journalist at that point ever to get into Fleet Street, combining that work with reporting for the Sunday Express under the alias of Harold Swan. He stayed at the Evening Standard for 35 years, leaving as its longest-serving journalist.

It was a career that afforded him the chance to travel, to New York, to Israel and, memorably, to Birmingham on a wet FA Cup night, when the delayed trains meant he arrived after the final whistle, leaving him to report on a match he hadn’t seen and didn’t even know the score.

When a paper for the local Jewish community in Redbridge, then called The Bridge, launched in 1980, Manny became an essential part of the founding team, which included Israeli Itu Aviram, Frank Cass, Bernard Joseph, Philip Finlay and Geoffrey Phillips.

Manny soon became the Editor, changing the name to the Essex Jewish News, switching the format and pioneering the newspaper that so many still know and love today.

Under his editorship, the Essex Jewish News twice won the Community Newspaper of the Year Award, saw its circulation rise to 20,000, gave a start to numerous young journalists and provided a home for the writing of a number of older ones.

After retiring as Editor, Manny stayed on as Editorial Director and columnist – with his View from the Sidelines pieces always the most popular part of any edition.

The real love of Manny’s life was his family. He met Helen at an East End club and they were wed on 10 June 1956, a marriage that lasted until her passing almost 53 years later. In 1960, they were blessed with the arrival of twins, Paul and Stuart, and then five years later, with Howard.

Any visitor to Manny’s bungalow would find it rammed full of pictures of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved nothing better than getting down on the floor and playing with each new arrival, although in recent years getting back up again proved harder!

After Helen’s passing in 2009, Manny found new companionship with Betty, spookily enough called Betty Robinson, and they continued to enjoy travelling until ill health for both made that no longer possible.

In April, the family gathered to mark Manny’s 93rd birthday, enabling him to spend time with all of them together for the last time.

• This tribute is based on the eulogy written by Manny’s son Howard and Manny’s own work documenting the history of the EJN. We are delighted that Howard has taken over the hugely popular View from the Sidelines column.

Tributes from the team

Simon Rothstein: It’s impossible to put into words what Manny meant to me. After taking over as the Editor of the Essex Jewish News, he became not just my guide and mentor, but a true friend. My favourite memories of Manny are sitting in his bungalow, going through articles – which we used to literally have to print out and glue onto pages – and swapping war stories about our careers, the world of journalism and, his favourite of all, the hilarious typos that had somehow made it into print. Manny may be gone but his legacy will live on through this newspaper.

Micaela Blitz: I first joined the paper as the youth reporter, when I was still at school, and was the youngest one at our editorial meetings by a few decades, but Manny always made me feel included and listened to. He was such a kind, good humoured and interesting man full of amazing tales. I will miss his stories and I will miss him.

Linda Newman: Long before I started writing for the EJN, I had been an admirer of Manny Robinson. I was a regular reader – nay fan – of his wise, entertaining and original columns and in fact it was Manny’s work that inspired me, a retired journalist, to volunteer and become a writer for EJN myself. Because I am ‘a newbie’ to the paper, I met Manny only once, but I will always treasure that time and be thankful that he and his brilliant work ‘introduced’ me to the paper.

Pat Lidiker: Manny Robinson was a Fleet Street legend who kept his writing skills, infallible ear for a story and sheer joy of writing almost to the end. Success never went to his head, he stayed the same gentle person he always was – liked and respected by all who knew him. Few of us reached Manny’s heights and skills in giving decades of readers just what they wanted. We were so lucky to have him on our team.

Manny’s incredible family

Children:
Paul and Rona
Stuart
Howard
and Melanie

Grandchildren:
Michele and Joe
Sophie and Aryel
Sarah and Josh
Ella and Darren
David
Noah and Kaylin

Great
Grandchildren:
Reuben
Lottie
Rafi
Rosie
Cole
Nomi

The post A life well lived: A tribute to Manny Robinson appeared first on Essex Jewish News.

More than 1,000 guests gathered at Jewish Care’s Annual Dinner for a moving celebration of the charity’s work, raising an incredible £5.6 million to support its life-changing services.

The evening placed Jewish Care’s clients and families, many from Redbridge and Essex, at its heart, with the charity’s clients, volunteers and supporters becoming the stars of the night.

You can read three of their powerful stories in the Rosh Hashanah edition of the Essex Jewish News.

The record-breaking amount raised will help Jewish Care meet the £20 million it needs each year, at a time of significantly growing demand and when many of its services receive no government funding.

Hosted at Grosvenor House by journalists and broadcasters Emily Maitlis and Rob Rinder MBE, who generously donated their time, the Dinner celebrated the impact of Jewish Care’s transformative services across the community. They highlighted the growing need for care, connection and support at every stage of life.

From Jami’s mental health services, now part of Jewish Care for people aged 11 and over, to specialist support for older people with increasingly complex needs, the evening showcased the breadth of the charity’s work. It also recognised how important this support is at a time of rising antisemitism in the UK and around the world.

Guests heard first-hand stories of the difference Jewish Care makes through its community services, dementia care, mental health support and end-of-life care.

One of those, Barbara Jaye – a regular volunteer in our region – spoke about the friendship and belonging many have found through Jewish Care’s community centres and programmes.

Taking a starring role on stage, being interviewed by former BBC Newsnight host Emily Maitlis, was also a special moment.

Barbara told the Essex Jewish News: “I really didn’t know what to expect, but as soon as I arrived the people who work for Jewish Care took me under their wing and explained everything to me… they didn’t leave my side!

“I met with Emily Maitlis, Rob Rinder and the West End star Emma Kingston. Also, Lord Levy seemed to recall he’d seen me at other events!

“Everybody who came up to me before and after my ‘debut’ on stage praised me and that’s what makes me smile. I feel sure the new Sugar & Ronson Campus will make a difference to many people in and around Redbridge and I am very excited that the community events will be moving there too!”

Jewish Care Chair Marcus Sperber said: “Our heartfelt thanks go to our hosts, Emily Maitlis and Rob Rinder, to Emma Kingston, to our table hosts, and to everyone whose time and support made the evening such a success.

“We are especially grateful to the clients and volunteers who shared their stories so movingly and are at the heart of all we do.

“We rely entirely on the generosity of our community to provide the highest quality care and support, rooted in dignity, respect and Jewish traditions and values, and we are immensely grateful to them.”

The post Essex supporters help Jewish Care raise record sum appeared first on Essex Jewish News.

Progressive Jews of all ages came from all over the UK, Ireland and beyond for the sold-out event. Attendees represented 53 different Progressive Jewish congregations and included more than 50 rabbis, cantors and student rabbis.

Among those from our region taking part were members of East London and Essex Liberal Synagogue, Harlow and Chelmsford Jewish Community and Sukkat Shalom Reform Synagogue.

Opening the conference – the first since the merger of Liberal and Reform Judaism – MPJ Co-Leads Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy spoke about the poignancy of the moment and the huge potential of what lies ahead.

Rabbi Josh said: “We have been reflecting on just how emotional this is for us to be here, in this space, not as two Movements but as one. Today, The Movement for Progressive Judaism really is able to say ‘Hineinu, here we are’ together.”

Rabbi Charley added: “Here we are ready to study, sing, explore, dance, renew and refresh. Here we are because we are stronger together. Here we are, inheritors of a remarkable legacy, ready to build upon it. Here we are, ready to help shape Jewish life, British society and the world our children will inherit.”

A packed programme included more than 80 sessions – ranging from Shirei Chagigah’s spaces for joyful harmony, illuminating liturgy through song and exploring non-Ashkenazi melodies from around the world to Hineinu panels and discussions exploring liturgy, identity, practice, prayer, Israel, LGBTQI+, social justice, leadership, activism, community building and the future of Jewish life.

There was also a dedicated crèche and children’s programme – run by LJY-Netzer and RSY-Netzer – including sessions for kids and their adults together.

Joyful, spiritual and musical services harmonised all the different traditions and tunes within Progressive Judaism and its communities.

Cantor Zöe Jacobs, Founder of Shirei Chagigah, said: “It is a gift to be together, and we can hear it in the beautiful harmonies we are singing: We know there are going to be moments when we pray differently together. Please know that your voice, and your minhag (custom) is always going to be welcome even, or especially, when you do something different to us.”

Shabbat services were led by clergy including Rabbi Aaron Goldstein, Cantor Sarah Grabiner and Cantor Rosalie Will (Friday night) and Rabbi Rachel Benjamin, Cantor Josh Breitzer and Cantor Zöe Jacobs (Shabbat morning) with many poignant moments and contributions from members of our region.

Mich Sampson, Music Director at East London and Essex Liberal Synagogue, played a key role throughout the event as part of Shirei Chagigah faculty – leading worship, teaching song and working alongside special guests from North America Cantor Josh Breitzer, Cantor Rosalie Will and Noah Aronson.

Hineinu’s keynote address was given by MK Rabbi Gilad Kariv, who made history by becoming the first ever Progressive rabbi elected to Israel’s Knesset (Parliament) and who was introduced to the conference as “the most important rabbi in the world right now”.

He said: “The creation of this new united movement places British and Irish Progressive Judaism at the very heart of our global Jewish Progressive Movement.

“At a time when we need to strengthen the voice of Progressive Judaism, both in Israel and all around the Jewish world, I want to thank you for carrying out this important, important process.

“I hope that many others learn from you so that we all find ways to work together and to create one Progressive Jewish force that will help us to guard our fundamental values, both in Israel and around the world.”

Other special guests from abroad included Rabbi David Saperstein – Director Emeritus of the American Reform Movement’s Religious Action Center and the first rabbi to be designated a U.S. Ambassador – and Rabbi Dr Michael Marmur, Professor of Jewish Theology at Hebrew Union College Jerusalem and the son of the late and beloved former Oaks Lane Reform Synagogue (then SWESRS) minister Rabbi Dow Marmur.

As the conference came to a close, participants were given packets of seeds to take back and plant – to signify a commitment made by all those present to go home and grow their communities and Progressive Judaism in their region.

• Pictures by Si Marcus (Addictive Media) and Student Rabbi Richard Greene

The post Inaugural Progressive conference plants seeds for the future appeared first on Essex Jewish News.

Leading members of our local Jewish communities helped the Jewish Joint Burial Society (JJBS) dedicate its first ever Holocaust Memorial, located at the Woodland Cemetery, Cheshunt.

A special service was led by Rabbi Dr Jackie Tabick with readings from Rabbi Professor Deborah Kahn-Harris, Principal of Leo Baeck College, and Movement for Progressive Judaism Co-Lead Rabbi Charley Baginsky. It blended traditional memorial prayers, Yiddish songs, poetry and the writings of Holocaust survivor Rabbi Albert Friedlander OBE.

Attendees included representatives of many of the 46 Progressive, Masorti and Independent communities served by JJBS – including many located in Essex and East London – as well as the Mayor of Broxbourne Councillor Patsy Spears.

Steve Wynne, Outgoing Chair of JJBS and a member of Sukkat Shalom Reform Synagogue in Wanstead, said: “It has long been our desire for the Society to have such a memorial on our grounds, and I am pleased that we have now been able to achieve this.

“We just marked the 82nd anniversary of the D-Day landings. This began the journey which ended with the world learning about the Shoah and stopped the further deaths of so many innocents. This memorial is for all those who died in those horrific times and for years after, their families and descendants.”

He was joined by JJBS Senior Sexton Mitzi Kalinsky and JJBS Honorary President Frank Goldson – both also members of Sukkat Shalom – and Incoming JJBS Chair Cheryl Petar of Harlow & Chelmsford Jewish Community.

The stone, created and donated by Gary Green Memorials, stands at the entrance to the Woodland Cemetery. It bears an inscription from the Book of Lamentations: “For those I weep, stream of tears flow from my eyes because of the destruction of my people.”

It is the first Holocaust memorial at a Progressive Jewish cemetery. A weeping willow will be added to the grounds in October to commemorate those murdered by Hamas in the 7 October 2023 terrorist atrocity.

The Woodland Cemetery gives people the choice to be buried in an ecologically-friendly manner with a variety of areas and options to suit the desires of individuals and their families.

It allows couples to be buried together – including Jewish people with their non-Jewish partners – in double-depth graves.

To find out more about the Woodland Cemetery, please visit www.jjbs.org.uk/cemeteries.

The post Local leaders help dedicate Woodland Cemetery’s Holocaust Memorial appeared first on Essex Jewish News.

By Pat Lidiker

The finishing touches are being made to The Sugar & Ronson Campus, set to open in Redbridge in summer 2026.

Jewish Care’s landmark hub will transform the way the charity cares for, connects with and reaches out to the Jewish community in Essex and north east London, bringing its services under one roof in a modern, inclusive and welcoming space.

Our never-before-seen photos show the outside of the purpose-built care and community campus … and we can’t wait to take you through the doors in future issues.

Jewish Care CEO Daniel Carmel-Brown said: “The build and finish stage is complete in The Sugar Family Care Home and the final touches are being made to The Ronson Community Centre and The Dennis Centre for people living with dementia.

“We are looking forward to opening the new first-class Sugar & Ronson Campus this summer, and seeing our long-held vision become a reality.”

The post First look at Jewish Care’s incredible care and community campus appeared first on Essex Jewish News.

The honour recognises Neil’s sustained national contribution across more than two decades of leadership and comes at a time of heightened concern over antisemitism, safety and social cohesion in Britain. It

As CEO of JLGB.org (the Jewish Lads’ and Girls’ Brigade), Neil has led the transformation of one of Britain’s oldest youth movements into a modern national award-winning organisation – expanding access and enabling thousands of young people from disadvantaged and minority backgrounds to participate, while strengthening identity and belonging.

His work also includes producing Yom HaShoah UK – the Jewish community’s annual Holocaust memorial – and chairing the Interfaith Youth Trust, which supports grassroots interfaith projects across the UK.

The King has a longstanding and warm relationship with the Jewish community, including through Holocaust remembrance, interfaith engagement and as a Patron of Jewish organisations including, fittingly, JLGB.

Speaking following the ceremony, Neil – who was born in Ilford and now lives in South Woodford – said: “This is a deeply humbling moment, not as a personal recognition, but as a reflection of an extraordinary community. It was particularly special to speak to The King about this, and the challenging times we are facing, and to hear of his support.

“I stand on the shoulders of giants. Everything this honour represents has been built by generations of young people, volunteers, partners and families who show up every day with commitment, resilience and belief, determined to be a credit to their community and their country, and to pay it forward to the next generation.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Neil Martin CBE (@neilsmartin)

In a moving Instagram post (above), he thanked his wife Ginny and their children saying: “Last time I stood here, before His Majesty The King, then the Prince of Wales, to receive my OBE, I was a son, standing with my parents. This time, I stood here as a father, with my own children, to receive my CBE.

“The day was made all the more special with Ginny at my side once again. With the many roles I am privileged to hold, I often come home with very little left to give, while Ginny holds our family together behind the scenes.”

The award of the CBE has also prompted praise from senior civic leaders across Government and public life.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “London is proud of leaders like Neil, whose work has brought communities together, supported young people across our city, and ensured that the lessons of history are never forgotten. His CBE is richly deserved, and I congratulate him on this national recognition.”

Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, added: “Neil has spent two decades strengthening the fabric of British society through youth empowerment, Holocaust remembrance and interfaith understanding. His elevation to CBE is a testament to his tireless service and unwavering commitment to building a more cohesive, resilient and compassionate country.”

Ruth Marvel OBE, Chief Executive of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, added: “Neil has played an instrumental role in expanding access to the DofE Award for thousands of young people who might otherwise have faced barriers. His leadership has helped ensure that opportunity is truly inclusive. We at DofE are delighted to see his contribution recognised with a CBE.”

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Robert’s career spans more than 20 years in UK politics and public policy, with senior roles in Parliament, the London Assembly and Government. He has served as a Special Adviser at DEFRA, Head of Office for the Conservatives on the London Assembly – where he worked closely with then Mayor Boris Johnson – and Head of the Leader of the Opposition’s Office for Kemi Badenoch (pictured above).

Robert, who grew up in Southend and was a member of Southend and Westcliff Hebrew Congregation, is widely recognised for his work building constructive engagement between politicians, institutions and local communities.

He said: “I’m incredibly honoured and proud to have been awarded an MBE. It has been a privilege to work at all levels of government, alongside colleagues and communities who care deeply about public service and making a difference.

“I’m grateful to the many people I’ve had the opportunity to work with and for over the years, and to everyone who has supported me along the way.”

Daniel served as Chair of Tottenham Hotspur FC from February 2001 until September 2025, becoming the Premier League’s longest-serving executive in that role. During that time, he worked very closely on charity and local community projects – using sport to try and change lives.

Daniel said: “Tottenham Hotspur has always been more than a football club to me. It is part of the fabric of the local community, and I am immensely proud of the role we have played in helping to regenerate the area through our initiatives in education, employment, health and social inclusion.

“While our stadium development and on-pitch results often took the headlines, I hope that my legacy will be the positive and lasting impact we have made on the lives of people in Tottenham and beyond. Football clubs have a unique role to play in their local community and at Tottenham Hotspur we always took this responsibility very seriously.”

These honours add to the success of local JLGB CEO Neil Martin, who was appointed CBE in New Year Honours List.

The post Robert Rams and Daniel Levy add to Essex honours appeared first on Essex Jewish News.

WHEN Rabbi Rafi Goodwin first took up boxing as a hobby, he could hardly have imagined it would one day lead him into the ring. Although he may be better known for his sermons than his right hooks, the ‘Boxing Rabbi’ of Chigwell and Hainault Synagogue will be stepping between the ropes this April to take part in a white-collar boxing match.

Speaking to the Essex Jewish News, he explained: “It started when a member of the community convinced me to try boxing training at a local gym run by Team Macattack. I really enjoyed it, and found that it has been great for my fitness and wellbeing. When my instructor suggested I take part in a bout, I thought, ‘Why not?’”

The event, which will take place at the Sir James Hawkey Hall in Woodford on Sunday 26 April, sees amateur fighters come together to test their skills in front of a live audience. The evening will also include entertainment, with a comedian and singer performing before the main event.

The Orthodox rabbi is taking on the challenge in aid of the Community Security Trust (CST), raising funds for the organisation’s work protecting Jewish communities across the UK. He has been regularly training over the last few months and is hoping the community will be firmly in his corner for a memorable evening.

“I’m not sure whether it’s a mid-life crisis or just wanting a new challenge,” he joked. “But I’m really looking forward to stepping into the ring, and I hope plenty of people from the community will come along to cheer me on.”

If you would like to support the Boxing Rabbi, please get in touch by emailing rabbirafi@chigshul.org.uk.

The post Let’s get rabbi to rumble appeared first on Essex Jewish News.

A 50% increase on last year’s attendance, participants spanned the entire cross-section of the community – from secular to religious, from people seeking entry level jobs to those looking for senior roles, and from students starting to build a career to job seekers in their 60s and 70s.

Held in Central London, the flagship event featured a mix of talks, Q&As and workshops covering all aspects of the job search.

Opening the day, Work Avenue CEO Debbie Lebrett spoke about the challenges people are facing. She said: “We are in a time when the economy is very challenging, the labour market has been cooling, vacancies are falling, graduate roles are tight, and finding employment and building a meaningful career at any stage of life can be tough.

“That’s why Work Avenue is here, firstly to smile and to tell you that it may be all doom and gloom out there, and then to provide a caring, listening ear alongside practical support to help you succeed. We are here to make things work and help our clients to earn a living.”

A very well received opening discussion, hosted by Charlotte Collins (Editor-in-Chief, Sheerluxe), saw employers share their practical advice on what they look for in candidates. The panel gave insights including how to identify transferable and soft skills, the need to customise a CV to a job description, and the importance of fully researching a company and its people before any interview.

In two of the breakout sessions that followed, attendees learned how to turn two common career concerns – the threat of AI and worries about age – to their advantage.

Work Avenue Employment Adviser Richard Linden, who is originally from Southend, looked at how to use AI tools in the job search, helping to research roles, craft CVs and cover letters, and prepare for interview.

Work Avenue Head of Employment Melanie Pearl guided a session on turning experience into employability. She said: “There is age bias out there, that’s just a fact. But how you present yourself makes a difference. It’s time to reframe the narrative and show the strengths organisations need in uncertain times – experience-based judgment, well-developed communication skills, professional maturity and the ability to handle pressure.”

The third session, for which there was standing-room-only, was Launch into Law: Early Careers Unlocked. Attendees were guided through the steps to break into the legal sector, covering trainee solicitor and paralegal pathways, building compelling applications, and positioning transferable skills effectively, even for those without a formal law degree.

After a series of skills taster sessions led by the Work Avenue team – covering career choice, CV, interviews and identifying transferable skills – Adam Taub hosted a final discussion entitled Because You Are Worth It.

Adam, one of the UK’s leading presentation coaches, focussed on how the greatest challenge in securing a job is often believing that you are the right person for it – giving advice on building confidence, creating a network and demonstrating personal strengths.

He concluded: “Getting the job is not just about being yourself… but being the best version of yourself. Employers need to feel you are somebody they want to work with, not just somebody who will be good at the job – but somebody they want to have in the office.”

The event also gave the Work Avenue team the opportunity to lay out the full range of courses and workshops they have in the months ahead. These included the brand-new Career Reboot for Women course, which will offer a mix of practical training, confidence-building and mentoring for women, and includes free Ofsted registered childcare.

Job seekers described New Year, New Career as “practical and inspiring”, “a real lift to my confidence”, and “what I needed to help me find a new job this year.”

On 1–2 February, Work Avenue will run a 36-hour fundraising campaign to ensure they can raise the £1.2million budget it costs to fund their employment and business services.

• Pictures by Leivi Saltman.

The post Work Avenue event helps growing number of Jewish job seekers appeared first on Essex Jewish News.

By Simon Rothstein

“Eilat is an amazing city,” Mayor Eli Lankri tells me. “It is beautiful, innovative and constantly evolving.”

That the Mayor spent part of an evening with me and three other journalists from Jewish papers in the UK, waxing lyrical about Eilat and taking us around Terminal Park, highlights just how seriously the city takes diaspora tourism.

Once an annual destination for many families in the UK, visitor numbers from these shores have dropped in recent years for three key reasons – Covid, war, and a lack of flights.

The first two are over, hopefully for good, while El Al solved the latter earlier this year – resuming direct winter flights to the city from Israel’s main international airport, Ben Gurion in Tel Aviv. Wizz Air have now also announced plans to open a mini-base at Eilat’s Ramon Airport this spring.

The result is that this incredible city, with so much to offer, is once more easily accessible.

If you want to be at one with nature, go to Eilat. If you want to ride camels in the desert or snorkel around Moses Rock, go to Eilat. If you want to lie in the sun any month of the year, go to Eilat. If you want to take the kids go-karting, climbing or to see dolphins, go to Eilat. If you want tax-free shopping, go to Eilat.

You get the idea!

Four days in the city told me that the Mayor’s words weren’t a sales pitch or hyperbole, but a genuine description of one of Israel’s gems.

If you’re planning a trip to Israel this summer, I’d strongly recommend putting Eilat on your agenda. And if you do, here is my guide to the best things to see, do and eat.

WHAT TO DO

Underwater Observatory Marine Park
Website: coralworld.co.il/en
The city has a genuine tropical sea right on its doorstep, teeming with hundreds of species of fish and invertebrates. And what better way to see them all than from the deepest underwater observatory on the planet. Walking down to six metres below the surface, into a natural reef, is quite the experience. Relaxing, educational and truly something you won’t find at home, this is somewhere I could stay all day.

The Eilat Bird Sanctuary
Website: eilatbirds.com/en/
As the only land bridge connecting Europe, Asia and Africa, Eilat is one of the most important places in the world for migratory birds and this centre is where they are supported and protected on route. Entry is free and the aim is simple: changing hearts about conservation by letting you get close enough to see these wonderful creatures on their epic trek. I loved every second I spent here – as do the 150,000 visitors and millions of birds that come through each year.

Coral Beach Nature Reserve
Website: en.parks.org.il//reserve-park/eilat-coral-beach-nature-reserve-2/
My new favourite place! Snorkelling around Joseph Rock and Moses Rock is an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experience. The water is remarkably clear, offering a front-row seat to one of the most densely populated coral reefs in the world, with hundreds of species of tropical – and very colourful – fish darting just inches from your mask.

Dolphin Reef
Website: dolphinreef.co.il/en
Think the polar opposite of Sea World and you will have Dolphin Reef. The two current resident dolphins, Nana and Nikita, live in their natural environment and are free to leave for the open sea whenever they choose. The site is all about freedom of choice; there are no forced tricks or jumps, just the chance to watch these majestic creatures up close.

Stalbet Relaxation Pools
Website: dolphinreef.co.il/en/stalbet
It’s not just the dolphins who are well looked after. This adults-only spa provides heated sea-water pools, in a botanical garden setting, that let you drift, float and truly relax. If you want the full experience, book the ‘Watsu’ treatment where a therapist moves you through the water to help you completely switch off.

Camel Ranch
Website: camel-ranch.co.il/en/
Ever pictured yourself riding a camel for a trek through the Israeli desert? Nor me! But I’m so glad I did. The Camel Ranch is a must on any trip to Eilat, especially as it offers so much more – including quad-bike style EZ Riders, electric mountain bikes and its spectacular Feast event with unlimited meats, drinks and live entertainment. Just remember to leave with a pack of their famous Bedouin tea.

Top 94
Website: top94.co.il
This is a massive indoor space in the industrial zone that’s a godsend when the sun gets too hot or the kids get too restless. Its 30 activities offer something for everyone – from archery and go-karting to high ropes and the tallest indoor climbing wall in Israel – with friendly and patient staff to help you get to grips with it all.

Terminal Park
Website: terminalpark.co.il
Another great spot for the family is Terminal Park, the city’s brand-new project, built on the runway of the old airport that many readers will have flown to in the past. A community-focused space, it’s part amusement park, part urban hang-out – with a Ferris wheel, extreme sports areas, outdoor cinema and food trucks.

Timna Park
Website: parktimna.co.il/en/timna-park/
Exploring Timna Park – 15,000 acres of desert landscapes, ancient history and fascinating geology – is something that will stay with you long after you leave, especially if you do the night-time lantern tour. There’s Solomon’s Pillars (massive sandstone columns lit up after dark), the Mushroom (a rock formation sitting on 6,000-year-old copper mines), and the Arches (natural stone windows you can actually climb through). It really does feel like you’ve walked back into the days of the Bible.

WHERE TO EAT

Pedro
Website: pedro.co.il
A classy dinner venue for meat lovers, seafood lovers and, especially wine lovers, this restaurant is located in a quiet neighbourhood and has great service – giving you the best of all worlds. For fans of steak, Meat Monday is a must.

Omer’s
Website: omers-eilat.com
If you like meat in bread, you will love Omer’s. Courses so large and filling that I’m afraid I can’t tell you what the desserts were like. A fun and inexpensive place for a lovely lunch as you hop from one place to another.

Dolphin Reef Restaurant
Website: dolphinreef.co.il/en
Dolphin Reef is somewhere you will want to spend at least half a day. Don’t take a packed lunch though… as its restaurant should be a standalone part of your itinerary. Quick brunch type bites are its forte, with a shakshuka to die for. The nicest part? Eating, while listening to the sounds of the birds and waves.

DnA Burger
Website: instagram.com/dnaburgerr/
Sometimes the best food really is on your doorstep. I discovered this hip burger joint, tired and hungry after a flight, as it was opposite our hotel… and one of the tastiest burgers I’ve ever eaten (and that wasn’t just the hunger talking).

WHERE TO STAY

Isla Brown 42
Website: brownhotels.com/eilat/isla
This five-star new build is elegant and centrally located. With gorgeous pool area, huge rooms and a breakfast buffet that never ends, the Isla Brown is a luxurious place to enjoy your stay.

Timna Park
Website: parktimna.co.il/en/timna-park-accomodation
Choose from guest rooms, caravans, camping or glamping for an evening under the stars and a morning of spectacular desert and lake views. A really special experience for a night of your trip.

KIBBUTZIM TO SEE:

Neot Semadar
Website: neot-semadar.com/en/
Recently recognised by UN Tourism as one of the world’s Best Tourism Villages, Neot Semadar fully deserves the accolade. It combines striking architecture, ecological agriculture and a deep commitment to creativity, all built and run by the people who live there. The on-site winery and art shop are ideal for picking up gifts to take home for others… and yourself.

Kibbutz Elifaz
Website: elifaz.co.il
A quietly compelling slice of desert life, Elifaz gives a taste of the ‘traditional’ Israeli kibbutz. A cooperative community focused on agriculture, solar energy and small-scale tourism, it’s a place to notice the little things that make life special.

WHO TO SHOW YOU AROUND

Shai Cohen Tour Guide
Website: instagram.com/cohensh1/?hl=en
If you want to see any city properly, it’s best to have a local tour guide. Shai knows every single square inch of Eilat and everyone in Eilat knows Shai. His insights not only into the attractions of the city but also its geography, culture, history and geopolitics make him the ideal host. Shai would often time a journey to pass a certain place at a specific moment, just to see it in its full splendour, or take a quick detour if he thought there was something our group shouldn’t miss. He’s that good.

Ministry of Tourism Eilat
Website: eilat.city/en/ministry-of-tourisem
Get in touch with the tourist board for maps, event schedules, advice and any other information a tourist might require – offered in 14 languages. The Essex Jewish News would like to thank the Ministry of Tourism Eilat along with Itamar Elitzur and Sharon Ofer of the Eilat Hotel Association, Hollie Wright of UK Office of the Israel Ministry of Tourism and Jo Rosenblatt of Noteworthy Communications for making sure we got to see everything Eilat has to offer.

Now it’s your turn to visit…

The post Travel: It’s time to get back to Eilat appeared first on Essex Jewish News.