As you may have noticed, there haven’t been any updates of the DIY Tel Aviv guide since 2023. For a while, this didn’t matter, as nobody was going to Israel anyway, so nobody was buying my guide. Recently, I’ve noticed some people are.
So for those of you who have bought my book recently, unfortunately some of my favourite places have closed during the war, while others changed, so this means some information is definitely out of date, but there’s still plenty to keep you busy.
I am not planning on making any until the war is over. I simply cannot write about fun things to do in Tel Aviv while hostages are dying in Hamas tunnels and the Israeli government destroys Gaza and kills countless children and other innocent civilians for the sake of keeping a corrupt, criminal, and murderous coalition afloat (all of this while being investigated for actual treason, too).
Until the day comes when the hostages are home, the war is over, and Israelis and Palestinians can start rebuilding, I’d like to highlight a couple of Israeli-Palestinian initiatives that could use your support:
Clean Shelter
A grassroots initiative set up by Israelis and Palestinians living in Berlin who are in my personal extended network through friends. I can therefore personally vouch for this organisation. Has been doing amazing work providing displaced Gazans with clean water, hygiene infrastructure, tent shelters, and more, using local resources. Set up to receive tax exempt donations in the US and are now also on Benevity, for those who’d like to donate through a relevant company. Find out more and donate here.
Don’t Stand By
Somewhat of a poor translation for the name, but this is an initiative set up by a few Israeli and Palestinian peace organisations to provide aid to Gaza. It has been recommended by an Israeli activist I trust. Actions are coordinated with the Israeli authorities, which means your money won’t go to waste and the aid will go where it’s supposed to. Find out more and donate here.
Gaza Soup Kitchen
A local grassroots organisation that sources food in Gaza and provides clean water and simple meals for as many people as they can, including hospital patients. Find out more and donate here.
And of course, if you can’t bring yourself to support organisations that try to prevent Palestinians (and Israelis) from dying horribly in a senseless war, you can maybe donate to the Hostage and Missing Family Forum, who are also working to end the war so that their loved ones can come home. You can do this here.