The winners of our 2021 Summer in Israel Photo Contest!

"Taken in Tel Aviv, this photo represents Israel's modernity and the essence of its character. Tel Aviv is a city constantly evolving, representing a city built on ambition. This photo represents an intersection of proud Jewish identity as well as one that has proudly accepted a community barred elsewhere in the Middle East. Proudly representing its LGBT community among its proud Jewish identity, Tel Aviv is a city that shows that the Jewish State is, and continues to be, a proud modern democracy where its citizens can be free and proud of who they are. One of Judaism's guiding principles is to "Love Thy Neighbor as yourself", and I feel this image represents Israel's commitment to do just that. This flag, its iconography, and the backdrop of an old building in Tel Aviv represents the city's history, modernity, and identity." - Mitchell Stein

"The Ben Gurion gravesite in the Negev is a must see for its beauty and inspiration it provides. Israel's first prime minister was a visionary who continues to have a huge influence in Israel's political and biological landscape! Traveling through the vast, hot and humid desert one may think living there is impossible. However, it is possible and being done. The desert is now recognized as a massive untapped housing potential for Israel's fast increasing population, and in the years ahead is expected to continue to see more and more development." - Jonathan Punski