The Israel Ministry of Tourism along with the Jerusalem Municipality, the Israel Antiquities Authority, the Jerusalem Development Authority and the East Jerusalem Development Company have announced that after years in the making, almost four miles of alleyways in Jerusalem's Old City have now been made wheelchair-friendly.
In addition, a number of sharp hills throughout the destination were flattened and railings have been added to aid in getting down the steeper alleyways. The city is also currently working on an innovative accessibility system for those who are visually impaired in tandem with a new app called Step Hear, which will provide guides and content for over 60 different holy sites. With these updates, Jerusalem’s Old City is now one of the largest accessible historic cities in the world.
Over the past year, Israel has taken several steps to refurbish historic sites and make popular landmarks and cities more accessible for each and every traveler, with a aim to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
Additional accessibility projects within the country include The Tower of David. As part of a multi-million-dollar renewal project, the Tower of David is adding elevators and ramps to make the historical site, located at the entrance of the Old City at Jaffa Gate, more accessible.
When visiting Israel, a beach day is always highly recommended. In Tel Aviv, Gordan Beach, Frishman Beach, Bograshov Beach, Jerusalem Beach and Aviv Beach all have been adapted with beach access mats that reach the water line.
The non-profit organization, Access Israel, promotes accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities and the elderly in all spheres of life. The Access Israel website, www.aisrael.org, shares accessibility information for tourists including accessible hotels, beaches, tourist sites, and more.
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