Welcome to Israel. Not as a tourist, but as my guest.
I’m Shay Figenbaum. As a licensed tour guide, author,
and a son of this land, I offer a perspective that goes beyond the guidebooks.
Together, we’ll journey through the ages — from the voices of
Biblical prophets to the realities of today.
We won’t just see the sites; we’ll live the sites — uncovering the stories,
the complexity, and the soul of the land I call home.
Sincerely yours,
Shay
They say I should market myself more — so here it is 🙂
Traveling Israel with me means more than just visiting places.
It’s a chance to relive the Bible — to stand where Elijah called down fire on Mount Carmel,
where Deborah led her people against the armies of Sisera, and where Jesus walked and taught in the Galilee.
The land comes alive before our eyes.
Planning your trip to Israel can feel both exciting and overwhelming.
There’s so much to see, experience, and discover — from ancient sites to local flavors, from where to stay to where to explore.
That’s why I’ve put together a special page to help you plan it all.
It’s simple, practical, and free — a little head start for your journey.
When you’re ready, click the Born Vovage button and start exploring how to turn your trip into something unforgettable.
Every journey has a story. This is mine.
I’m Shay Figenbaum, the founder of Born In Israel.
Here you’ll find the path that led me — as a guide, author, and son of this land — to share Israel’s history, faith, and complexity with others.
It’s not just a profession — it’s my passion.
Click below to explore the story behind Born In Israel.
Every traveler comes with their own questions, dreams, and stories
— and in our first conversation, I’ll ask you a lot of questions too.
Because this is your trip and your dream,
my job is to make sure it comes true in the most meaningful and unforgettable way.
When I prepare for each tour, I always try to imagine what it’s like to see it, hear it, and feel it for the very first time — to
watch the Bible come to life before our eyes.
That’s where every journey begins for me, as I plan each experience for every group and family that comes.
If you’d like to see how we can build your journey, click below and take a closer look at what traveling together can be.
From Ancient Sands to Modern Struggles: Dive Into the Middle East
In an unexpected twist of fate, life led me to authorship, a path I had
never planned. Now, with two books about to be published and a third taking shape on the horizon, I find myself deeply engaged in unveiling the layered complexities of the Middle East. This journey began amid war, fueled by a desire to fill the profound gaps in understanding this complex region.
“Unmasking the Enigma” started as a simple presentation and has evolved into a comprehensive exploration of Middle Eastern dynamics. These books are designed to be accessible to all, striving to clarify the chaos of the region and make it relatable to readers worldwide, regardless of their prior knowledge.
Alongside my writings, I also curate a list of essential readings on my books page. These selections are handpicked to enhance your understanding of Israel, the Middle East, its history, and the extraordinary land we explore.
Dive into these pages soon to uncover the historical and cultural nuances that define the Middle East. Each book is crafted to enrich your understanding and bring you closer to the real stories behind the headlines.
Stay tuned for “Unmasking the Enigma,” release, and prepare to see the Middle East through a new lens.
A pivotal moment came for BORN with the creation of the WhatsApp group during a time of war, transforming BORN from being a series of tours into a digital platform.
In the whirlwind of the ongoing war, I was overwhelmed by heartfelt messages from those who had journeyed through Israel with me. Their concern was deeply touching. To manage the flow and maintain personal connections, I established a WhatsApp group named “Israel Under Attack.” This platform became my voice to the world, offering not just personal updates but also detailed insights into the intricate geopolitics of Israel’s region, aiding friends across the globe in understanding the unfolding events.
As the war persisted, the purpose of the WhatsApp group evolved. It transformed from a channel for simple updates to a curated source of videos, photos, and in-depth analyses, providing a vivid window into the realities we face here. This website now serves as a repository for those initial communications, with detailed updates from the first two months of the conflict readily available for you to explore. The archives of October and November offer a deep dive into the heart of our struggles.
What started as a modest group chat has grown into the ‘Born In Israel Newsletter.’ This newsletter is more than a series of updates—it’s a continuation of our shared journey, a way to remain connected with the evolving story of Israel and its complexities.
Explore the archives to see Israel through unfiltered lenses and join the ‘Born In Israel Newsletter’ to stay connected with ongoing updates and exclusive insights.
Craving for more of me (shay), I know the feeling, can’t blame you 🙂
Send me a message and I’ll get back to you soon.
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