Israel at sixty remains, with all its complexities, contrasts and contradictions, a success story of almost implausible dimensions. Born into poverty and war, upon its inception the young State could barely feed itself. Sixty years later, Israel can gaze with gratification and pride upon its phenomenal accomplishments. Yet, pride by no means translates into complacency. Israel is not all we would wish her to be; of course, no place is. Israel is a work in progress of the Jewish people. In these pages, we try to present a slice of Israel — spirited and sober, Jewish and worldly, introverted and extroverted, impassioned and fun. We invite you to come and visit: explore her cities, climb her mountains, swim in her waters, get a feel for her people, discover her spirituality, sing her songs and taste of her bounty. More