More than 17 million euros have been allocated to improve infrastructure in Israel\u2019s northern region, alongside upgrades to Jerusalem\u2019s street lighting and targeted interventions in the Old City\u2019s alleys in Safed. These are among the investments announced by the Israeli government to revive tourism in 2025.
\nIn the Jubilee year, the aim is to restore the \u201cnormal\u201d flow of pilgrimages to the country. \u201cBut we are also interested in general tourism: the situation is improving, airlines are resuming flights, and optimism is growing as a result,\u201d said Kalanit Goren Perry, a representative of the Israel National Tourism Office. She spoke to Pagine Ebraiche on the sidelines of an event at Rome\u2019s Jewish Museum dedicated to promotion projects linked to the Jubilee.
\nAmong the initiatives announced is an exhibition in May 2025 marking the 60th anniversary of the Israel Museum, during which the Great Isaiah Scroll will be on display once again. By May, all airlines are expected to resume full operations. \u201cSome will restart in January, others in February or March. Before the war, there were about 100 weekly flights from Italy to Israel. The goal is to return to those levels as soon as possible, with nationwide coverage from northern Italy to Sicily,\u201d Goren Perry explained.
\nItaly remains a \u201ctraditional\u201d market for Israeli tourism, which reached a record-breaking five million annual visitors before the pandemic. In this context, Goren Perry highlighted that \u201cthe government\u2019s decision to invest significant resources in enhancing the tourist offering sends a clear message: we are not just welcoming visitors but adopting a proactive and visionary approach.\u201d
\nIsrael\u2019s new ambassador to Italy, Jonathan Peled, also attended the presentation of the 2025 projects, emphasizing the deep historical ties between Italy and Israel. \u201cRome and Jerusalem have been connected for centuries, and the Jubilee can further strengthen these economic and historical links,\u201d he said.
\nAt the event\u2019s opening, Victor Fadlun, president of the Jewish Community of Rome, expressed relief that \u201cwe can finally talk about tourism in Israel again, focusing on its unique qualities and beauty.\u201d The Jubilee, noted UCEI President Noemi Di Segni, \u201ccan be an opportunity to engage with the Jewish roots of Christianity, which are reflected in these itineraries.\u201d Di Segni described it as a path of \u201creligious coherence,\u201d adding, \u201cthis is the right time\u201d to reinforce such a message.<\/p>\n