In the Media
Media Appearances
Media Appearances
As an Israel Tour Guide, no two days are ever the same. Every group I guide — families, friends, congregations, or solo travelers — adds its own special flavor to my job. From time to time, I also work with Journalists, Documentary Teams, and TV Crews who want to better understand Israel. Their needs are different from those of typical travelers, but I give them the same personalized attention: explaining the country’s history and politics, guiding them through key locations, and helping with local logistics. These collaborations have led to several Media Appearances — in International Articles, TV Features, and Online Reports — where I have been credited for my role as Local Expert. Such Press Mentions not only highlight my work, but also show how a Tour Guide in Israel can help bring complex stories to life. Here you’ll find a collection of my Media Appearances, showcasing the variety of projects I’ve been part of and the insights I’ve shared along the way.
August 2023 – Five weeks, fifteen films, and countless unforgettable encounters — the WDR Bustour wrapped up its journey through Israel and the West Bank in the blistering heat of midsummer. Journalist Christian Dassel and his crew looked back at the highlights in the final review episode, Best of Bustour 2023, calling it “the adventure of a lifetime”. As their Israel Tour Guide throughout the production, I was proud to appear in many segments, helping to connect the stories on screen with the reality on the ground. Watch the complete WDR Bustour series, including this special finale, on my YouTube Channel.
August 2023 – On the 15th and final filming day of the WDR Bustour in Israel, Christian Dassel and his team traveled deep into the Negev Desert to meet Ahmad, a Bedouin camel herder whose life revolves around these remarkable animals. At his farm, the crew learned the difference between camels and dromedaries — and even went for a bumpy ride. As their Private Tour Guide in Israel, I joined them in the desert and helped contextualize the encounter against the broader backdrop of Negev life. This colorful episode, Of Camels and Dromedaries, closes the series with both humor and insight. You can watch all WDR Bustour films on my YouTube Channel.
August 2023 – Day 12 of the WDR Bustour took Christian and his crew up to the Golan Heights — a region of breathtaking landscapes and complex geopolitics. The episode, Between Grapes and Tanks, introduces viewers to winemaker Eyal Zair, who shares his passion for cultivating vines in this unique terrain. Later, the team met Ahmad, a Druze merchant selling honey and jam near the Syrian border. Guiding them through these contrasting experiences, I was able to highlight the Golan’s strategic importance and cultural richness. This episode, and all others from the WDR Bustour’s Israeli journey, are available on my YouTube Channel.
August 2023 – On day 9 of the WDR Bustour, journalist Christian Dassel and his crew headed south into Israel’s wide-open desert country. Over the course of a 350-kilometer journey, we explored the vast Ramon Crater, paused at Kibbutz Neot Smadar to take in its striking, avant-garde architecture, and finished with a rush down the Kasui Sand Dunes near the Egyptian border. I accompanied the team throughout as their Personal Israel Guide, adding context and stories along the way. The episode, The Mother of all Tour Guides, is a fast-moving snapshot of Israel’s adventurous side. Watch it — and the full WDR Bustour series — on my YouTube Channel.
July 2023 – Filmed on day 4 of the WDR Bustour, this episode takes viewers to the lowest point on earth, where environmental activist Noam Bedein explains the crisis of the shrinking Dead Sea. Together, we visited a spectacular bay and then sailed its waters to see the ecological damage firsthand. The film, The Dead Sea is Dying, is both beautiful and sobering. I appear briefly in this episode, helping introduce the journey before the crew sets out on their exploration. It is one of the most striking parts of the WDR Bustour series, available in full on my YouTube Channel.
July 2023 – On day 2 of the WDR Bustour, journalist Christian Dassel explored one of the most sensitive topics in the region: The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. The episode From Enemies to Friends features Noor A’wad and Rabbi Hanan Shlesinger, both members of the Roots Network, a grassroots movement promoting nonviolence and understanding between Israelis and Palestinians. I appear briefly at the beginning of the episode, introducing the setting before the journey unfolds. As an Israel Tour Guide, being part of this project was meaningful — it showed how human encounters can cut across conflict lines. You can watch this moving episode, along with the full WDR Bustour series, on my YouTube Channel.
July 2023 – The WDR Bustour is an annual summer travel series broadcast on the German regional TV channel WDR. Each season takes viewers on a journey through a different part of Europe — but in honor of Israel’s 75th anniversary, the 2023 edition ventured beyond the continent to film in Israel and the West Bank. The season’s first episode, Jerusalem with Tour Guide Ofer, opened the five-week journey. Meeting journalist Christian Dassel on the Mount of Olives, I guided him through the sweeping view over the Old City before we set off to explore Jerusalem’s sacred streets and the Judean Desert. This opening film set the tone for the entire Bustour season — combining travel, storytelling, and cultural insight. Appearing in several segments, I shared my knowledge of history, faith, and politics in the city I know best. The complete WDR Bustour series is available on my YouTube Channel.
April 2019 – I had the honor of serving as an Israel Tour Guide for a remarkable group of 17-year-old high school students from Wiehl, Germany, visiting Israel through their town’s partnership with Yokne’am. These sister-city youth exchanges aim to build understanding between young Germans and Israelis by connecting history with real-life encounters. Throughout their Educational Israel Tour, I guided the group through Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and northern Israel — helping them discover not only the country’s sacred sites but also its vibrant modern society. Back in Germany, program leader Gerhard Hermann published an article titled Journey to the Near East, in which he mentioned me by name and reflected on how deeply this shared experience impacted the students.
March 2019 – I had the privilege of guiding a Catholic pilgrimage group from Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany, on a 14-day Christian Tour through Israel, led by Pastor Bernhard Scholz. Together we journeyed from the Galilee to the Negev, meeting people of diverse faiths and backgrounds while exploring the biblical landscapes that form the heart of the Holy Land. Highlights of this Faith-Based Israel Tour included celebrating the Feast of the Annunciation in Nazareth, a thrilling jeep ride through Timna Park, and a memorable visit to the Bedouin town of Rahat. Upon returning home, church leader Jürgen Grieger published an article in the parish newsletter Pfarrmitteilungen titled Israel – Promised Land – We Were There, describing the journey — with me as their Israel Tour Guide — as a deeply meaningful and unforgettable spiritual experience for all participants.
March 2019 – Jim and Kathy Uszler, Americans traveling on a three-week cruise called The Suez Canal Crossing, visited Israel as part of their Middle East itinerary. As their Israel Tour Guide, I led them through Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and the Galilee, showing them the highlights of the Holy Land. Jim, a media professional and radio host, later invited me to appear on his program Passport to Adventure on Huntley Community Radio in Illinois. During the interview, which begins at minute 7:25, I shared my personal journey, spoke about guiding visitors from all over the world, and offered insights into why Israel is such a fascinating travel destination.
March 2019 – In 2017 I had the honor of guiding four German journalists through Israel on a tour sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism. Two years later, journalist Rainer Heubeck published yet another article inspired by that trip, this time in the industry magazine Touristik Aktuell. His story, titled Salt Deserts and Marshes, described our adventurous jeep tour through the Judean Desert, our hike in Ein Gedi, and our visit to the Hula Nature Reserve in the Galilee. Rainer concluded that Israel, despite its small size, offers a stunning variety of landscapes and is a paradise for nature lovers. In his article, he mentioned me by name, highlighting my role as their Tour Guide in Israel.
January 2019 – Journalist Rainer Heubeck published yet another article inspired by the press trip I guided in 2017, organized by the Israeli Ministry of Tourism. His story, Salt Deserts, Waterfalls and Artificial Marshes – From the Dead Sea to the Galilee, appeared in the travel magazine Schwarz auf Weiss. In it, he describes a jeep ride through the Judean Desert, a hike at Ein Gedi, and a visit to the Hula Nature Reserve. The article highlights Israel’s diversity of landscapes and emphasizes the unique role of a knowledgeable Israel Tour Guide in bringing these experiences to life.
September 2018 – Two years after his first journey to Israel, journalist Rainer Heubeck wrote a follow-up piece, Salt Deserts, Waterfalls and Artificial Marshes, published in Forum – Das Wochenmagazin. The article, based on the press trip I guided in 2016 under the title Three Climate Zones in Five Days, recounted our exploration of the Judean Desert, the Dead Sea, and the Hula Valley. Rainer once again mentioned me by name, crediting my role as his Tour Guide in Israel and describing the lasting impression the country’s nature made on him.
July 2018 – German TV channel N-TV, later also aired on cable channel ANIXE, broadcast an episode of its travel series This is my …, where celebrities present a country through their own experiences. Actor Sebastian Ströbel, best known from the popular German series Die Bergretter (The Mountain Rescuers), traveled to Israel with an N-TV crew in January 2018 — and I had the pleasure of guiding him throughout his journey as his Private Israel Tour Guide. Together, we explored Eilat, where Sebastian swam with dolphins, rappelled down a cliff in the Ramon Crater, rode camels at a Bedouin camp in the Negev Desert, and admired the dramatic formations of Timna Park. The days with Sebastian and the crew were filled with adventure and laughter, making the production both exciting and fun. The result was the documentary This is my Israel, in which I myself appear beginning at minute 17:13.
April 2018 – For Israel’s 70th anniversary, journalist Katharina Schmidt-Hirschfelder of the German-Jewish newspaper Jüdische Allgemeine set out to collect ideas for a special “70 hours in Israel” journey. In her article Anything but boring, she interviewed German TV actor Sebastian Ströbel — whom I had the pleasure of guiding during the filming of a documentary — as well as myself. Together we shared thoughts, suggestions, and tips for anyone planning their first trip to Israel. I explained why Tel Aviv and Jerusalem form the essential foundation of any itinerary, while also highlighting Haifa as a hidden gem — a city full of character and culture. In the article, I was mentioned by name as a trusted Israel Tour Guide, offering insights into how to make a short stay in Israel both meaningful and unforgettable.
July 2016 – Travel writer and journalist Charukesi Ramadurai from Bangalore visited Israel together with three of her Indian colleagues as guests of the Israeli Ministry of Tourism. As their Private Tour Guide in Israel, I had the pleasure of introducing them to Jerusalem — from its iconic holy sites to its lesser-known corners that reveal the city’s everyday life and hidden charm. In her beautifully written article Notes from Jerusalem, published in LiveMint, Charukesi reflected on her encounters with locals, her impressions of the Holy City, and her fascination with the Israeli way of life. She even explored the meaning of the commonly used term Balagan — “chaos” — which, as she wrote, perfectly captures the vibrant rhythm of daily life in Israel.
June 2016 – Indian travel writer and journalist Anurag Mallick from Bangalore visited Israel together with three of his colleagues as guests of the Israeli Ministry of Tourism. As their Israel Tour Guide, I had the pleasure of leading them across the country — from vibrant Tel Aviv to the ancient streets of Jerusalem and the serene landscapes of the Galilee. In his article So Long and Thanks for All the Hummus, published in The New Indian Express, Anurag shared his impressions of Israel through the eyes of an Indian traveler, blending humor, insight, and curiosity. Reading his piece later, I couldn’t help but relive the unforgettable journey we shared through this remarkable land.
June 2016 – During her culinary journey through Israel, journalist Charukesi Ramadurai from Bangalore explored the flavors and stories that define the country’s diverse food culture. As her Israel Tour Guide, I had the pleasure of accompanying her and her colleagues — showing them how Israel’s cuisine reflects its history as a nation of immigrants. From Middle Eastern street food to Eastern European classics, every meal told a story of origins and adaptation. In her article What’s cooking in Israel, published in The Hindu Business Line, Charukesi concluded that there is no single “Israeli cuisine,” but rather a delicious fusion of cultures — and she mentioned me by name for guiding her on this flavorful exploration of the Holy Land.
June 2016 – Journalist Charukesi Ramadurai from Bangalore, India, visited Israel together with three of her colleagues as guests of the Israeli Ministry of Tourism. As their Israel Tour Guide, I had the pleasure of showing them the country’s culinary and cultural treasures — from the lush landscapes of the Galilee to the vibrant streets of Tel Aviv and the sacred sites of Jerusalem. The group explored Israel’s food scene through bustling markets, cozy local eateries, and family kitchens. In her article Notes from Tel Aviv, published in The Hindu newspaper, Charukesi described how Israeli cuisine reflects the nation’s diversity and energy, mentioning me by name for helping her discover the flavors — and the spirit — of the Holy Land.
June 2016 – Invited by the Israeli Ministry of Tourism, Indian journalist Charukesi Ramadurai from Bangalore visited Israel together with three of her colleagues for a special culinary assignment. As their Private Israel Tour Guide, I introduced them not only to the country’s most breathtaking sites but also to its rich and diverse vegetarian cuisine. From bustling local markets to home kitchens and hidden eateries, every stop revealed a new layer of flavor and culture. Charukesi later published an article on her blog Itchy Feet titled A Vegetarian Food Pilgrimage in Israel, in which she described the quality and variety of Israel’s plant-based dishes — and mentioned me by name for helping her discover the country through its food.
December 2016 – Doug Stephan, the well-known American radio talk-show host, visited Israel once again — this time to broadcast his daily show On Air with Doug, Jen and Victoria live from the Holy Land. During his stay, I had the pleasure of guiding him through Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, showing him both the historic landmarks and the pulse of modern Israeli life. Doug’s openness, humor, and curiosity made this tour especially memorable. On his final day in Israel, he invited me to appear as a guest on his radio show to talk about my work as an Israel Tour Guide, the country’s unique energy, and why it continues to inspire visitors from around the world.
November 2016 – Birgit Querengäßer, a journalist for the German women’s magazine Jolie, visited Tel Aviv to research a feature on the city’s vibrant vegan scene. Together we explored markets, cafés, and an organic farm just outside Tel Aviv, uncovering how Israel became a global capital for plant-based living. The journey continued to Jerusalem, where we searched the Old City for the most delicious hummus — and found plenty of contenders! By the end of her trip, Birgit declared she had discovered “veggie heaven.” Her article, aptly titled In Veggie-Paradise, appeared in Jolie magazine in February 2017 and mentioned me by name as her Private Israel Tour Guide during this flavorful adventure.
September 2016 – As part of a press tour organized by the Israeli Ministry of Tourism, I had the pleasure of guiding five German journalists through Israel under the theme Three Climate Zones in Five Days. Among them was journalist Rainer Heubeck, who later published an article in the newspaper Neue Westfälische Zeitung titled Salt Deserts, Marshes and Biblical Places. In his piece, Rainer described our journey through the Judean Desert, the oasis of Ein Gedi, and the Hula Nature Reserve in the Galilee — highlighting the country’s stunning contrasts and natural diversity. The article also mentioned me by name, noting my role as their Israel Tour Guide throughout this fascinating and varied expedition.
September 2016 – I had the pleasure of guiding a group of five German journalists through Israel on a special press trip organized by the Israeli Ministry of Tourism under the theme Three Climate Zones in Five Days. Beyond exploring the country’s diverse landscapes — from desert plains to lush valleys — my guests were deeply curious about everyday life and the complex realities of Israeli society. To help them gain a fuller perspective, I arranged personal meetings with locals representing different backgrounds, faiths, and political views. Following the trip, journalist Corinna Kuhs published an article in the Aachener Zeitung titled Contrasts create the magic of Israel, in which she mentioned me by name and reflected on how these encounters revealed the unique energy and depth of the country.
September 2016 – A truly special celebration took place in Nahariya, the northernmost city on Israel’s coast. The bride, Hadas from Israel, and the groom, Hans from Austria, had met years earlier on a trip to India — and now returned to Israel for their wedding. The bride’s family asked me to plan and organize an unforgettable Israel journey for the Austrian guests, made up of Hans’s friends and family. As their Private Israel Tour Guide, I had the joy of showing them this country’s landscapes, people, and culture — all wrapped in the excitement of a cross-cultural wedding celebration. After returning to Austria, Andreas Rath, a close friend of the groom, wrote a feature in the regional online news portal meinbezirk.at entitled A special wedding in Israel, in which he mentioned me by name and described the trip as both heart-warming and full of discovery.
February 2016 – Markus Rosch, the Middle East correspondent for Germany’s public TV network ARD, contacted me to appear in his weekly video blog The Near East Close Up. He asked me to share my insights as an Israel Tour Guide and local expert in front of the camera, speaking about Masada — the legendary fortress built by King Herod the Great and a powerful symbol of Jewish resistance. Though it was my first time being filmed for television, I embraced the challenge and enjoyed discussing this iconic site overlooking the Dead Sea. The resulting segment, titled The Masada Mythos, aired as part of ARD’s news coverage and gave viewers an insider’s glimpse into one of Israel’s most meaningful historical landmarks.
November 2015 – A group of teachers from Bavaria visited Israel — not just colleagues, but lifelong friends who had been traveling together for 17 years. As their Private Israel Tour Guide, I spent a full week with them, journeying from the lush hills of the Galilee in the north to the desert landscapes of the south. Along the way, we shared stories, laughter, and countless discoveries. At the end of the trip, group leader Wolfgang Lippert took me aside and said, “Ofer, we’ve been doing these trips for 17 years. Of all the guides we’ve had, you were the best!” Upon their return home, the group published an article in the Bavarian online newspaper Onetz, entitled Where Jesus Dwelled And War Raged, which mentioned me by name and reflected on the unforgettable experiences we shared in the Holy Land.
Now is the Time
You have been thinking about visiting your family in Israel for a long time already? You have always wanted to visit the Holy Land and walk in the footsteps of the Bible? You have been wondering why Israel is in conflict with its neighbors and whether the stories you hear on the news reflect the reality on the ground? These are only some of the reasons why you should get in touch with me in order to start talking about your Trip to Israel. Let me enlighten you with regards to the adventures awaiting you on one of my Private Tours, which I will tailor to your individual preferences in order to make this an experience you won’t soon forget. Click on the button on the left in order to be taken to the Contact Form page.