BORN IN ISRAEL

Born in Israel is more than a brand,
it’s an invitation to discover the heart of an extraordinary land.
Unveil the stories, cultures, and spirit that define Israel and its people.
Embrace the journey, whether it’s here on the land or inside your heart.

As a tour guide and an author, I, Shay Figenbaum, invite you to scroll down
and delve into the tales of the land through my books.
Explore the depths of history and the currents of today’s Israel with my newsletter.

Start your journey with me, and let every page bring you,
Closer to the heart of Israel.

Sincerely yours,
Shay

BORN Books

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.

BORN To Travel

They say I need to market myself more, so here’s the part where I tell you
that a trip with me will be the most unforgettable journey you can imagine. There, I’ve said it.
Now, let’s dive in. 🙂

Planning a trip to Israel can be as thrilling as it is complex. It’s an adventure that demands attention to detail—from deciding which historic sites to visit, to tasting the rich flavors of local cuisine, choosing the perfect accommodations, and finding the best shopping spots without stretching your budget.

That’s why I’ve crafted a dedicated page to help you delve deeper into the vibrant tapestry of Israel. Here, you can explore and plan your visit with precision, ensuring you don’t miss out on what truly matters to you. This guide is designed to offer you a personalized, in-depth look at Israel, making every aspect of your trip as enriching as possible.

Best of all, this resource is completely free—a little ‘freebie’ to get you started on your journey! Let me be your guide to planning a memorable and seamless Israeli adventure. Click the Born Voyage button to begin exploring what Israel and I have to offer.

Shay Figenbaum preparing for a toast with a Birthright group in Tzfat, Israel, embodying the city's spiritual heritage.

The Pulse of
Born In Israel

Born from my vision, I am Shay Figenbaum.

Join me as we dive into a story where deep history intertwines with a tour guide’s passion, transforming everyday explorations into enlightening adventures. Experience the unique blend of narrative and discovery that shapes my approach to unveiling the secrets of this ancient land. Come explore Born’s journey.

BORN UnderAttack

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.

A smartphone displaying a messaging app with a group named 'Israel Under Attack 2023'. The screen shows a conversation with various multimedia messages: a photo of a smiling woman in an outdoor setting, a paused video that seems to capture an intense moment, and voice messages. The app interface includes navigation arrows, a message input box, and a 'send' button, reflecting an interactive and engaged user experience.

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.

Contact Me

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.

TM © 2024 – Born In Israel – All Rights Reserved.
Historical newspaper 'The Palestine Post' announcing the birth of the State of Israel on May 16, 1948.


Get frontline updates with the ‘BORN Newsletter.’ Subscribe for insights into Israel’s vibrant culture and current events. Connect with the land’s pulse — concise, informed, and direct to your inbox. 

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