Getting that Zionist feeling on Independence Day - Travel Features - Israel travel and tourism

Members of the third generation are already experts but do they know that once upon a time, there was also a generation of pioneers here? In honor of Yom Ha'atzmaut (Independence Day), here are five interesting places that will inspire the children with a little Zionism.

If at your house, all those who have not yet finished school are convinced that the first Prime Minister of Israel was Grandpa Tevye from Fiddler on the Roof, perhaps it is worth nudging them in the direction of sites that commemorate our settlement, heritage and security. You will be surprised at the number of attractions that are definitely worth a visit-celebrating 60 years of a state and its independence is a good a reason as any to go, even if you can recite the entire history of independence by heart.

(Photo: AP)

We are the pioneers!

The Palmach museum in Tel Aviv, is one of the most impressive in Israel, featuring the interior of the ship used to bring the immigrants over to mandate Palestine, (including the suffocating smell, the pioneers' suitcases and waves of ocean spray), the inspectors' tents, detention center and even a military post. The exhibits in the museum are ordered chronologically and groups will follow the journey of the Palmach and experience along with them the training and the discussions of military operations with other underground organizations and of course, the announcement of the Declaration of Independence and the War of Independence.

Location: 10 Haim Levanon Street, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv.
When: Sunday, Monday 09:00-17:00; Tuesday 09:00-20:00; Wednesday 09:00-15:00; Thursday 09:00-13:30; Friday 09:00-11:00. Book in advance. The tour takes place in groups of 25 and lasts for 90 minutes.
How much: 25 NIS adults; 15 NIS students and seniors.
Additional information: 03 6436393 or through the Palmach Museum Web site

See also
The Palmach Museum

Defense is the best form of attack

In Israel today, we typically build the railway tracks first and then only afterwards realize that it was not such a good idea. This could well trigger a yearning for the generation who knew how to construct on a grand scale and in an orderly fashion. Take for example, members of the Haganah, who in 1945 were already preparing for the War of Independence. With this in mind, they acquired Polish machines designed to produce rifle bullets. Underneath the laundry buildings and bakery, groups dug a 250 meter hiding place to store their weapons. The Ayalon Institute in Rehovot, deserves praise for its excellent reconstruction of the secret hiding place.

Location: Kibbutzim Hill, Rehovot.
When: Sunday-Thursday 08:30-16:00; Monday, 08:30-18:00 (March-October); Friday 08:30-12:00; Saturday 09:00-16:00. Book in advance.
How much: 17 NIS adults; 13 NIS children.
Additional information: 08 6406552 through the Ayalon Institute website (Hebrew)

Bravery caught on camera

It's a bit hard to believe, even using the imagination, that the place that once witnessed bitter conflict and blood, today organizes events and festivities. Perhaps it is a bit disrespectful, but the refurbished Hatser Tel Hai Museum nevertheless offers impressive displays which depict the story of the heroism and courage of the fighters based at the site. Children's activities are also provided, along with painting and coloring for toddlers and everyone can enjoy the audiovisual show. In addition, there is an art and dressing-up corner available during festivals and holidays.

Location: Hatser Tel Hai, Galil Elion.
When: Sunday-Thursday 08:00-16:00; Friday and erev chag 10:00-15:00.
How much: 18 NIS adults; 15 NIS children.
Additional information: 04 6951333 or through the Hatser Tel Hai Museum Web site (Hebrew)

Old and new

Kibbutz Ein Shemer was built in 1913. You will see for yourselves the size of the dream and the belief held by the kibbutz members that arrived and held onto the place by their fingernails. Even drinking water had to be brought by wagon for 12 years. That is one of the reasons why Ein Shemer has become an exceptional example, and why today the kibbutz is flourishing and exhibits 'The Old Courtyard'-a magnificent refurbished courtyard, surrounded by original and reconstructed buildings, a tractor display, guided tours on the Turkish railway, an audiovisual presentation and even bread-baking. All of this is flavored with the guides' favorite stories and enriched with activities that take place during holidays and festivals.

Location: Kibbutz Ein Shemer, near Gan Shmuel, Caesaria and Binyamina.
When: Sunday-Thursday 08:00-16:00; Friday and erev chag 08:00-13:00; Shabbat and festivals 10:00-15:00.
How much: 16 NIS adults; 14 NIS children; 36 NIS for adults and 34 NIS for children includes a museum tour, film, tractor and train ride and bread-baking. Duration 3.5 hours.
Additional information: 04 6374327 or through
The Old Courtyard Ein Shemer Web site

NILI's British partisans

We had to undergo a lot of suffering and hardship to achieve a state of our own. The first people here were really the first. For the pioneers and the urbanites, everything was totally new. Unlike us, there was no one for them to accuse. NILI was one of the first Jewish underground organizations to be established, founded by a group of boys and girls. The Aaronsohn House Museum in Zichron Yaakov follows the story of the young people who under frightening Turkish rule aided the entry of the British army into Israel. The museum exhibits the tools, furniture and documents from that period and audiovisual presentations provide an additional and thorough explanation of the events that took place.

Location: Zichron Yaakov
When: Sunday-Thursday 09:00-14:00; guided tour on the hour every hour-Tuesday until 15:00; Friday until 12:00. Arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of the tour.
How much: 15 NIS adults; 12 NIS students.
Additional information: 04 6390120 or through the Aaronsohn House Museum Web site (Hebrew)

See also: (Three pearls and a mystery)

City Mouse Guide(www.mouse.co.il)

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