On Aug. 8 at Goddess and the Baker, 225 N. Lasalle St., the Israel Ministry of Tourism hosted a happy hour.
The most eye-catching display, perhaps, was the rainbow cake peppered with mini-Israeli flags. Next to the cake were brownies and a platter of cookies that read, "ISRAEL: Land of Creation." The appetizers included veggie wraps, caprese sandwiches, avocado toast, salads, egg bites and a vegetable platter with various dips. There were also Israeli wines and beer on ice, as well as a bowl filled with vodka lemonade.
Maps of Tel Aviv, information brochures, flags of Israel and even fake Israeli passports dotted the corner café, laid out on every table.
Jill Daly, the director of the Midwest Region of the Israel government tourist office, spoke briefly, accenting that "tourism in Israel is doing very well.
Starting March 2020, a direct flight from Chicago to Tel Aviv will be available courtesy of El Al Airlines, according to Daly, who also mentioned that the Tel Aviv Pride 2020 dates had been announced. "I encourage you to go and experience [Israel]," she said. "Experience the culture, experience the people."