Meet our expert, resident Trip Leaders
Eric Tomer
"Although Eric’s love of his country was obvious, he always presented a balanced view when discussing controversial topics. He was very enthusiastic and clearly enjoyed sharing Israel’s many treasures with us. He also went out of his way to respond to individual needs and requests. For example, when not enough people signed up for the optional tour to Bethlehem (there were only three of us), he arranged for a private car and driver to take us there instead and was waiting at the door of our hotel when we returned, to make sure we got back okay. He’s a very kind and caring man."
–Angela Decarlo, 10-time traveler, San Francisco, California
100% of OAT travelers rate their experience with Eric on this adventure as "excellent"
Born in: Tel Aviv, Israel
Currently resides in: Herzlia, Israel
With OAT since: 2008
Languages: Hebrew, English, French, Arabic
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, Tour Guide License from Ministry of Tourism
Hobbies/Special interests: Playing sports of all kinds, watching movies, touring Israel, spending time with friends
Interesting Fact about Eric:
He has traveled widely to countries around the world, both for pleasure and as part of his previous career, when he served in a variety of government positions for the Israeli Ministry of Defense and the Prime Minister’s Office. After he retired (with a rank equivalent to colonel), and before he joined OAT, he worked as a freelance tour guide, for both independent travelers and official guests to Israel, including government ministers, high-ranking police and military officers, and parliament members from foreign nations.
Memorable Small Group Experience: Eric tries to make every adventure a memorable one for his travelers, and to him that means not just showing them out-of-the-way places, but also introducing them to the many cultures of Israel. “On every trip, I try to connect travelers with local people,” he says, “whether it’s stopping to talk to an orthodox Jew about his beliefs, or a Muslim woman about her life in Israel, or a soldier (male or female) about their daily life.”
Eric’s Insider Tips:
Food & Dining: “There are several good restaurants near our hotels throughout Israel. In Tel Aviv, I recommend a few restaurants along the seashore, like Ha-Suka ha-Levana, which serves freshly caught fish, and Boya, which features a nice tapas menu, fantastic desserts, and excellent ocean views. In Jerusalem, I recommend Adom—a great Mediterranean-French restaurant in the Jerusalem Courtyard on Jaffa Street. But I also like to take travelers with me to local markets for a simple meal of homemade pita bread with falafel, which they always enjoy … almost as much as I do!”
Special Places & Pastimes: “A one-of-a-kind cultural experience I recommend to travelers is The Night Spectacular at the Tower of David Museum in Jerusalem. This celebration of sight and sound takes place in the courtyard of Jerusalem’s Citadel—a medieval fortress located near the Jaffa Gate. The performance features original music and an elaborate light show that tells the story of Jerusalem, with scenes from the city’s past coming to life on the Citadel’s walls.”