My trip to Israel was one of the most impressive experiences I have ever had. It took me to three cities, each of which had a special significance and told its own story: Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa. During this trip, I gained a deep insight into the history, culture and everyday life of a country that is more diverse than almost any other.

I started in Tel Aviv, a city that combines modernity and history in a way that immediately captivated me. As soon as I arrived, I felt the vibrant energy of this young, dynamic metropolis. The wide boulevards, lively street cafés and colourful markets conveyed a sense of joie de vivre and openness. I was particularly impressed by the famous Bauhaus architecture that has earned Tel Aviv the nickname ‘White City’. The clean, elegant lines of the buildings seemed like a silent tribute to the time in which they were built, giving the city a timeless, almost nostalgic flair.

The beaches of Tel Aviv were another highlight. Here, life seemed to pulsate in its purest form: families playing together, friends laughing in the sun, and young people playing beach volleyball or simply enjoying the view of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. This relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere was contagious. I spent hours on the beach, watching the colourful hustle and bustle and letting my gaze wander over the wide sea. It felt as if Tel Aviv was not just a city, but a way of life that invited you to savour the moment and celebrate the present.

After a few days in this modern, cosmopolitan city, I left for Jerusalem – a change that I could feel almost physically. The contrast between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem could hardly be greater. While Tel Aviv seems young and vibrant, Jerusalem is steeped in history and imbued with a spiritual atmosphere that can be felt everywhere. When I entered the Old City, it felt like entering another world. The narrow, winding streets, the old stones and the mixture of sounds and smells transported me to a time that seemed to reach far back.

The Wailing Wall was one of the places that particularly moved me. As I stood there, surrounded by people absorbed in prayer, I realised the immense significance of this place for Judaism. It was a moment of silence and reflection in which I could feel the power of faith and tradition. Equally impressive was the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, a central place of Christianity where the history and symbolism of the religion could be experienced in an intense way. Jerusalem is a place where the paths of the world's major religions intersect, and this fact was everywhere present – be it in the Muslim quarter with its bustling markets, on the Temple Mount or in the synagogues and churches that characterise the city.

After the intense experiences in Jerusalem, I longed for a place where I could process the many impressions, and Haifa was just the right place for that. This city, picturesquely situated on the slopes of the Carmelites, radiates a calm and serenity that immediately captivated me. The Bahá'í Gardens, which climb up the mountain in terraces, were particularly impressive. These gardens are not only a masterpiece of landscape architecture, but also a symbol of the unity and peace of humanity. This message touched me especially in a region that is so often marked by conflict.

I spent a lot of time exploring the gardens, marvelling at their symmetry and beauty and savouring the silence that they exude. The view from Mount Carmel over the city and the Mediterranean was breathtaking and allowed me to perceive the vastness and diversity of the country once again in a very special way. Haifa offered me the opportunity to pause, reflect and review all the impressions of my trip.

On this trip, Israel showed me how diverse a country can be. In Tel Aviv, I experienced the vibrant modernity and spirit of a young, dynamic society. Jerusalem revealed to me the spiritual depth and historical significance of a place that has attracted people from all over the world for thousands of years. Haifa, finally, gave me the peace and beauty of nature, coupled with a message of peace and unity that moved me deeply.

This journey was not only geographically, but also emotionally and intellectually enriching. Each city told its own story, and yet they were all connected by the threads of a shared culture, history and humanity. It was like walking through an intricately woven tapestry, where every colour, pattern and knot held meaning. Israel has left a lasting impression on me, and will remain in my memory forever, with its diversity, history and beauty.