My first-ever visit to Israel and its ancient Jerusalem was a dream come true, a culmination of childhood Bible teachings and a lifelong ambition.
Growing up in rural Ekumfi Obidan, I was captivated by Sunday School stories of Jerusalem and King Solomon’s ancient Temple while at Akweesi Memorial Methodist Church as a Sunday School boy.
The lives of Jewish prophets like Elijah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel, as well as Jesus Christ – and even Judas Iscariot – who walked the same land, left a lasting impression on me.
The Israelites’ pilgrimage to Jerusalem was a tale etched in my heart.
For years, I yearned to visit this sacred land, to reconnect with my childhood teachings and authenticate them personally.
That opportunity finally arose in December 2025, when I received a call from the Israeli Embassy in Ghana.
The caller asked about my passport, and I hesitantly replied, “Yes,” unsure if it was still valid.
I obtained my first Ghanaian passport in 2000, renewing it over the years despite never traveling.
The caller told me the embassy had invited me to join a global delegation attending Planetech Week, a programme in Israel focused on climate technology and innovation. I felt a surge of excitement, sensing my time to explore this part of the world had arrived.
Two days later, an official letter arrived with programme details, and I was scheduled for an interview the following Thursday at 9:00 am.
To avoid the usual traffic on the Kasoa – Accra road, I left home at 5:30 am and arrived at the embassy by 7:30 am. I was well-prepared, thanks to my daughter Amanda’s encouragement, as anxiety had started to set in.
After passing through security checks, I was ushered in for the interview, I mean, my first visa interview.
The process was smooth, and the lady who interviewed me wished me good luck with a smile, providing a return ticket with every detail of the trip, and I returned the gesture and left.
On the appointed Saturday, I boarded an Ethiopian Airlines flight to Israel, transiting in Addis Ababa. The plane departed Accra at 12 noon, arriving in Addis Ababa at 9:00 pm.
The next flight to Tel Aviv took off some minutes after 12 midnight, and I arrived in Tel Aviv at 4:00 am, ready to begin my journey to ancient Jerusalem.
As I stepped off the plane in Tel Aviv, I was greeted with a blissfully cold air, and a mix of excitement and curiosity filled my heart.
Here I was, finally, face-to-face with reality- the ancient city of Jerusalem, a place where history, faith, and culture converge; thanks to the invitation from the Israeli Embassy and Planetech Week organisers, for me to join a global delegation for the week-long climate technology programme.
I was hardly prepared for what this trip had in store for me- a life-changing experience, blending spiritual exploration with cutting-edge innovation and warm Jewish hospitality. There were visits to cutting-edge startup businesses, government agencies, restaurants, shopping centres and what have you.
We also embarked on a sightseeing tour on the last day of our visit.
In the evening, we arrived in Jerusalem, the eternal city, with its labyrinthine streets and towering walls.
My first stop was the revered Western Wall, a sacred site in Judaism, where I felt the weight of history and spirituality.
I also had an opportunity to pray and connect with God.
The stone carvings seemed to whisper stories of the past, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe and reverence.
As I placed my hand on the wall, I felt a deep connection to the generations of people who had stood there before me, their prayers and hopes echoing through the ages.
We had earlier visited the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, a site of immense significance in Christianity, believed to be the tomb of Jesus Christ.
The atmosphere was hushed, with pilgrims from around the world gathered in prayer and contemplation.
I was struck by the intricate mosaics and ornate decorations, a testament to the enduring power of faith.
At the Western Wall, I witnessed soldiers patrolling the area with heightened alertness, their eagles eyes scanning the surroundings.
Known for their reputation in close combat and reserved demeanour towards foreigners, I hesitated to approach one. Yet, curiosity got the better of me, and I greeted the soldier with a simple “hello.” To my surprise, he responded with a warm smile, defying my preconceptions.
Am I with a real Israeli soldier? I asked myself. When I revealed I was from Ghana, he asked, “Africa?” I nodded, and with his permission, we took a photo together – a heartwarming display of Jewish hospitality.
From the Western Wall, our delegation headed to Jerusalem’s vibrant Machane Yehuda Market, affectionately known as “the Shuk”.
This bustling marketplace is a sensory overload in the best possible way, especially on Thursday afternoons and Friday mornings when locals prepare for the Jewish holiday, Shabbat.
The air is filled with the aromas of fresh produce, spices, and street food, while colorful stalls and energetic crowds create a truly immersive experience.
Our licensed tour guide, Shuki Haidu, immersed us in Jewish hospitality, leading us through shops and eateries to sample local delights.
The Shuk’s streets were a flurry of activity, with shoppers hurriedly gathering goods, creating an infectious atmosphere of community and tradition.
Beyond the ancient walls, I explored the vibrant city of Tel Aviv, with its stunning beachfront, modern architecture, and bustling supermarkets.
The contrast between old and new was striking, with sleek skyscrapers standing alongside historic buildings.
I strolled along the Mediterranean coast to my first story on the promised land, feeling the sea breeze and soaking up the sun, as I marvelled at the city’s unique blend of Bauhaus and Mediterranean Revival styles.
But it wasn’t all sightseeing – our delegation was in Israel for a purpose.
The Planetech Week programme brought together global leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs to tackle the pressing issue of climate change.
I was blown away by Israel’s cutting-edge tech and innovative solutions, from water conservation to renewable energy.
It was clear why the country’s startup scene is the envy of many – it’s a hotbed of creativity and problem-solving
The enthusiasm and passion of the Israeli people were palpable, and I was struck by the country’s commitment to using technology to create a better future.
And then, of course, there was the food.
I had heard about the exceptional Jewish hospitality, and I was not disappointed.
From traditional falafel and shawarma to fine dining at upscale restaurants, I indulged in the rich flavors and aromas of Israeli cuisine, and of course, the plush Jewel Hotel in Tel Aviv. You people are amazing.
Each meal was a celebration of community, friendship, and generosity, with warm hosts and warm hearts.
Every restaurant and office you visit has free brands of coffee and tea.
As I took a stroll with my camera on the magnificent Tel Aviv Waterfront beach, watching the sun set over the Mediterranean, I reflected on the profound impact of my journey.
I had come to Israel to immerse myself in its complex historical narratives and spiritual essence, and I had found that, but I’d also discovered something more. In Israel’s cities, every restaurant offered Wi-Fi, and even buses were equipped with internet connectivity.
It was a striking blend of ancient tradition and cutting-edge tech, a testament to the country’s innovative spirit, but I had also discovered something more.
I had experienced the power of innovation, the warmth of Jewish hospitality, and the enduring spirit of a people and a city that have shaped the course of history.
This journey had been a transformative experience, one that would stay with me for a lifetime.
As I departed, I knew that I would carry the memories, lessons, and connections of this incredible trip with me, and I looked forward to sharing them with the world.
The trip was a thrilling adventure, albeit with a dash of anxiety as a first-time international traveller.
My worries began in Addis Ababa when I couldn’t find my luggage, fearing it had been left behind in Accra.
My heart raced at the thought of the hassle ahead, but thankfully, someone clarified that I’d collect it at my final destination.
The flight itself had its ups and downs – literally. Turbulence hit, accompanied by lightning flashes, making for a nail-biting experience.
Despite this, I’d say Ethiopian Airlines is a top-notch African carrier.
The airhostess noticed my love for coffee and kept me fuelled with hot Ethiopian coffee, even ensuring I didn’t miss my favorite Fortune Coffee brand in Ghana.
One highlight was the cockpit announcements, particularly the Arabic phrases and the pilots’ warm tone. It added a touch of local flavor to the experience.
I thank H. E. Roey Gilad, Israeli Ambassador to Ghana, Ran Natanzon, Noa Beck, and Dana Honen.
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