Gods and Men ● Israel

At the crossroads of worlds, Israel does not leave anybody indifferent. By its history, and its actual situation, the country stands out and invites to all kind of fantasies. Whether you are Jewish, Muslim or Christian, you will come to look for tangible elements, heritage of past centuries. If you are an atheist, you will certainly find a dose of mysticism.
From California style beaches of Tel Aviv, to the pious Jerusalem, a dizzying trip among men...in the land of gods.
Jerusalem. The Wailing Wall gathers prayers Jews from all backgrounds.
Jerusalem. The Wailing Wall gathers prayers Jews from all backgrounds.

Tel-Aviv. On the seafront, different worlds mix. Families cross shady characters, bums or prostitutes...
Tel-Aviv. On the seafront, different worlds mix. Families cross shady characters, bums or prostitutes...

Jerusalem, Wailing Wall. Women are directed to a dedicated and restricted space for prayer. Men occupy most of the place. For children, there is an exception, girls can accompany their fathers.
Jerusalem, Wailing Wall. Women are directed to a dedicated and restricted space for prayer. Men occupy most of the place. For children, there is an exception, girls can accompany their fathers.

Jerusalem.
Jerusalem.

Tel Aviv. An army veteran begging at the entrance of a market.
Tel Aviv. An army veteran begging at the entrance of a market.

Tel-Aviv.
Tel-Aviv.

Jerusalem. The different communities in the city brush in the streets, without necessarily mix.
Jerusalem. The different communities in the city brush in the streets, without necessarily mix.

Tel-Aviv.
Tel-Aviv.

Tel-Aviv. Extreme tanning is the fashion, and gives a false air of French Riviera ...
Tel-Aviv. Extreme tanning is the fashion, and gives a false air of French Riviera ...

Jerusalem. More than 900,000 people live in Jerusalem. In the old city, schools of the many different communities take advantage of the limited space available.
Jerusalem. More than 900,000 people live in Jerusalem. In the old city, schools of the many different communities take advantage of the limited space available.

Jerusalem. The interstices of the Wailing Wall gather the words of believers who come to pray with fervor. Twice a year, the place is cleared of all the words deposited, which are buried on the Mount of Olives.
Jerusalem. The interstices of the Wailing Wall gather the words of believers who come to pray with fervor. Twice a year, the place is cleared of all the words deposited, which are buried on the Mount of Olives.

Kalia, Dead Sea. The mud baths provide a relaxing escape for locals.
Kalia, Dead Sea. The mud baths provide a relaxing escape for locals.

Jerusalem. The Church of the Holy Sepulcher is a high place of pilgrimage for Christians. Again, it comes back to communities. The church is divided between several groups: Armenians, Ethiopians, Catholics, Greeks or Syriacs ... each one is in charge of his own sector.
Jerusalem. The Church of the Holy Sepulcher is a high place of pilgrimage for Christians. Again, it comes back to communities. The church is divided between several groups: Armenians, Ethiopians, Catholics, Greeks or Syriacs ... each one is in charge of his own sector.

Kalia, Dead Sea. Russian babouchkas at the beach...
Kalia, Dead Sea. Russian babouchkas at the beach...

Jerusalem, Church of the Holy Sepulcher. The (sometimes excessive) fervor of some, faced with the simplicity of others.
Jerusalem, Church of the Holy Sepulcher. The (sometimes excessive) fervor of some, faced with the simplicity of others.

Jerusalem.
Jerusalem.

Jerusalem. An Armenian priest and his censer.
Jerusalem. An Armenian priest and his censer.

Jerusalem. The ‟Jerusalem syndrome‟ is a known mental disorder, and palpable for anyone who visits the city. Some are so troubled by the city and its history, that they sink into mystical delusions, or take themselves for a historical religious figure. Dozens of people are treated every year by the city's hospitals.
Jerusalem. The ‟Jerusalem syndrome‟ is a known mental disorder, and palpable for anyone who visits the city. Some are so troubled by the city and its history, that they sink into mystical delusions, or take themselves for a historical religious figure. Dozens of people are treated every year by the city's hospitals.

Jerusalem. Celestial tramps populate the streets after dark. Between illuminated and beggars, the city takes an unexpected turn.
Jerusalem. Celestial tramps populate the streets after dark. Between illuminated and beggars, the city takes an unexpected turn.

Jerusalem. Wailing Wall.
Jerusalem. Wailing Wall.

Jerusalem. Wailing Wall.
Jerusalem. Wailing Wall.

Jerusalem. The Via Dolorosa procession has to do with the many checkpoints that punctuate the city.
Jerusalem. The Via Dolorosa procession has to do with the many checkpoints that punctuate the city.

Tel-Aviv.
Tel-Aviv.

Jerusalem, Wailing Wall.
Jerusalem, Wailing Wall.

Jerusalem, Wailing Wall.
Jerusalem, Wailing Wall.

Jerusalem. Faith beyond poverty
Jerusalem. Faith beyond poverty

Jerusalem, Church of the Holy Sepulcher.
Jerusalem, Church of the Holy Sepulcher.

Jerusalem. Every Friday, a Christian procession crosses the city, following Via Dolorosa, the path traditionally taken by Jesus before his crucifixion
Jerusalem. Every Friday, a Christian procession crosses the city, following Via Dolorosa, the path traditionally taken by Jesus before his crucifixion

Jerusalem, Wailing Wall. In front of the wall, the large square is filled with children. It is a protected (and unreal) playground for traditional songs and dances.
Jerusalem, Wailing Wall. In front of the wall, the large square is filled with children. It is a protected (and unreal) playground for traditional songs and dances.