Gilad Ratman has been selected to represent Israel at the Venice Biennale.

Since the establishment of Israel in 1948, writers have reflected the tumultuous history of their country and have attempted to understand the emergence of Israeli identity, and its manifestation in the broader canvas of Jewish culture.

Jerusalem born artist Dor Guez's work focuses on the plight of marginalised communities in the Middle East; reflecting his own mixed Christian Palestinian and Jewish Tunisian heritage.

Israeli artists are currently responding to political, historical and religious issues using dynamic and experimental artistic practices. As Israel’s art figures strengthen global relations, the country has seen an influx of curators, artists and creatives.

Contemporary Israeli cinema tends to display an acute social consciousness and a willingness to explore the complex social and political landscape of Israel, as was evident in the wide variety of Israeli films released in 2012.

The West-Eastern Divan Orchestra is an attempt to bring together young Israeli and Palestinian musicians in an effort to promote cultural exchange.

Known to many as the definitive exponent of the Jewish literary tradition, Nobel Prize winner Shmuel’s Yosef Agnon’s oeuvre is permeated with his sense of religious and ethnic identity.

Tel Aviv’s first luxury hotel, with an outstanding central location close to restaurants, cultural sites and a beachfront location, the Dan started out as a small hotel in the 1950s, and was transformed through a series of expansions and renovations. Book it.

Located in Tel Aviv, the hotel offers maximum comfort in its trendy suites. With a range of boutique suites and many rooms with views of the ocean, visitors are perfectly situated to explore Tel Aviv’s many art galleries, theatres, museums and more. Book it.

The King David Hotel Jerusalem, one of the world’s legendary hotels, is a major landmark in a unique city. Blending the past and old world refinement, the hotel is unquestionably the most famous of all Jerusalem hotels. Book it.

Nestled in Tel Aviv, the hotel is in a restored 1920s building with just 12 elegant boutique rooms. Not only does the hotel boast of a multi-language private library, each room is also decorated with unique contemporary art by young and emerging Israeli artists. Book it.

Located in the heart of the Mamilla neighbourhood that connects the old and new city. Designed by Moshe Safdie and Piero Lissoni, Mamilla Hotel combines intimate design with a contemporary edge and offers magnificent views of the Old City walls. Book it.

This historic building once served as the haven for the family of Horatio Spafford who is known for writing the Christian hymn ‘It Is Well With My Soul’. Now a deluxe boutique hotel, situated in East Jerusalem, is famous for its neutrality in the nation’s political affairs. Book it.