What to Do On Your Second Visit to Israel

Bernie Mermelstein is the chief executive officer and owner of MZ Berger & Co, a privately held New York City-based business with employees and offices around the world. Bernie Mermelstein enjoys traveling and has visited Israel several times.

Most first-time visitors to Israel see the major attractions, such as Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and the Dead Sea. However, there is much more to the country and plenty to see on a return visit. Here are some lesser-explored options:

1. Kishle prison excavations - Go back to Jerusalem and take a look at the newest addition to the Tower of David Museum, an indoor excavation site that showcases Jerusalem history from the First Temple Era (1000 B.C.E.) through the British Mandate period in the early 1900s.

2. Appolonia National Park - North of Herzliya Pituah, Appolonia National Park is best known as the site of a Crusader-era fortress. It is set upon a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and affords panoramic views.

3. Jisr al-Zarqa - Go off the grid and visit one of Israel’s poorest towns, which also offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. As they are rarely visited, these beaches are nearly untouched. The area also includes the Nahal Taninim Nature Reserve, full of clean coastal streams.

What to Expect at Spin Class

Bernie Mermelstein is the CEO and owner of MZ Berger & Co, a privately held family business in Long Island City, New York. When he’s not working, Bernie Mermelstein enjoys working out and takes spinning classes three times a week.

Spinning is a form of indoor cycling that doubles as a cardio workout and is led by a certified spin instructor. Most classes run from 40 to 60 minutes and are set to fun, energetic music. Since participants can determine their own pace and control their workouts, spinning is suitable for a variety of fitness levels, and the class setting can serve to motivate participants. Additionally, the exercise is low-impact, which is of benefit to people who have joint issues or need to alternate between higher and lower impact activities.

When attending a spin class, participants should wear workout clothes that are tight enough that they don’t get caught in the pedals or wheels as well as flat-soled shoes. More frequent spinners might invest in padded shorts and cycling shoes that clip into the pedals. It is also a good idea to bring a water bottle and a sweat towel.

AIPAC's Policy Conference 2017 to Be Held in Late March

Bernie Mermelstein owns MZ Berger & Co (MZB), a family-owned timepiece and accessory maker and distributor. Aside from timepieces, Bernie Mermelstein is passionate about Israeli issues and a supporter of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). AIPAC is currently preparing for their annual AIPAC Policy Conference, which will be held in 2017 from March 26 through March 28.

AIPAC's 2017 Policy Conference will take place at the Washington DC Convention Center. Described as the “pro-Israel community’s preeminent annual gathering,” the Policy Conference attracts more than 16,000 attendees each year. Participants gain access to hundreds of educational events and the chance to participate in pro-Israel advocacy.

Registration for the conference is now open. For non-AIPAC members, registration costs $599. With an AIPAC membership you’ll get a $100 discount, for a discounted price of $499. If you have to cancel your registration, do so before January 6th, 2017. Cancellations after January 6th will not be refunded or applied to any future AIPAC events or conventions.

Learn more about the AIPAC Policy Conference by visiting www.policyconference.org.