israel walking tours

Step Into The Wild With Our Israel Trail Tours

“Walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it” – Gen. 13:17

When our CEO, Avihai Tsabari, walked the Israel Trail – 700 miles in 54 days – it changed his life. To share this remarkable journey, Via Sabra offers an 11 day (or as many days as you like!) hike-and-drive down the best and most beautiful parts of the Israel Trail. Traveling from the very top of Israel to the farthest point south on the trail, guests take in a stunning and comprehensive view of our incredible country. Click here  to view information about our upcoming trip.

• Lead a trip suitable for almost all fitness levels (even non-hikers!). If you can walk four miles through easy terrain, we can accommodate your speed.
• Show you the best and most beautiful parts of the Israel Trail, a top 10 hike in the world by National Geographic.
• Take you glamping under the stars at Makhtesh Ramon .
• Introduce incredible and varied landscapes of Israel, from green hills to extreme desert, caves, sea, and urban centers.
• Share the diversity of Israeli peoples, from Tel Aviv hipsters and Kibbutznikim to Bedouins and Druzim.
• Share a group meal with a “Trail Angel,” a person who welcomes trail trekkers into his or her home.

We open by leading guests in the  Shehechiyanu , a Jewish blessing for the miracle of the moment, and a “Compass Ceremony” to center our journey.

Via Sabra invites guests on half- or full-day walking tours trekking Israel, including Tel Dan Nature Reserve, Mount Meron, Haifa, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, the Negev, and Ramon Crater.

For half-day hikers, the second part of our days are dedicated to learning about Israel from diverse experts and eating at local hotspots.

Sleep at hotels,  kibbutzim  and under the stars at beautiful glamping sites throughout our adventure.

or keep on reading…

My Trail, Your Trail, Our Trail

Every now and then, I feel a strong pull to go out into nature – to a place not far from home, a place that changes with every season. I think about interesting people I will meet along the way, about stopping under a random tree where I can pull out my stove, boil water to make Turkish coffee, and talk about life and its beauty with my fellow explorers. Spanning more than 1000km across Israel, the perfect place for all of this is the Israel National Trail (שביל ישראל).

The trail has been dubbed one of the world’s most epic trails by National Geographic. But, for one who has hiked the Himalayas, climbed the Alps, made his way through Scandinavian forests and fjords, what could possibly be so unique about the Israel Trail?

I want to tell you a story that will highlight what I mean when I say that the Israel Trail is “so much more than a hike”…

In May, I was hiking part of the trail in the south of Israel, crossing “Makhtesh Ramon”, the Ramon Crater, which usually takes 3 days to hike across. It was hot and dry, so I made sure to carry a lot of water and food. I also knew I could rely on the “ Trail Angels ” – people with great hearts who live close to the trail and assist hikers with whatever they may need – be it to fill water bottles, charge cell phones, provide a hot shower, or any other aid needed. The day was very long, and I ran out of water. The bottles hidden along the trail by the angels were already empty when I saw them. What should I do? There was no mobile reception, and no other random hikers that day because it also happened to be Yom HaZikaron – Israel’s Memorial Day for its fallen soldiers. It’s a day to be with family and loved ones, and very few people travel on that day. I started to worry.

Having only my instincts to follow, I hid from the burning sun, under a rock, for 4 hours. Knowing that I had to make it to the main road (10km from where I was located) without dehydrating, I started walking. After a couple of hours, I saw a camel standing near a bush with two of its legs tied together so it wouldn’t escape. I realized that this meant that there was someone nearby! I crawled into that bush and there he was – an old man, likely a member of a local Bedouin tribe. This man looked at me, and, without exchanging any words, he understood my situation. He shared his tea with me to help me regain some of my strength. He then took my bottle and proceeded to fill it from the camel’s sack.  

Later that evening- while celebrating Yom Ha’Atzmaut – Israel’s Independence Day, at the “kibbutz” next to the main road – I couldn’t help but think about the miracles and legends we hear about the prophet, Elijah. Locals say he appears in various and unknown ways to provide help when needed. Maybe that man was Elijah, maybe he wasn’t. But he was my Elijah that day. This true “angel” exemplifies why this trail is more than a hike – it’s also about the people and the culture that make up this trail.

Yet this trail is not just about the nature, views and even the angels we encounter along the way – it’s about the chance to connect to one’s self and one’s roots . When I walk along the trail and there is a monument, or a mark of some sort that is connected to Israeli history – be it from biblical or modern times – we feel connected . While my son and I were planning his bar mitzvah, we decided that we would hike the Israel Trail, symbolizing his journey into adulthood . Hiking the Israel trail with him and some of his best friends was a unique way for him to learn about his roots, to explore the land he lives in and to better understand the Israeli chain of generations rooted to these springs, olive and oak trees and limestone rock found along the trails. It was also an incredibly special way for us to strengthen our bond.

So, if you want to connect – to Israel and its culture, and to yourself and your heritage, come hike the “Israel trail”. I guarantee you will come out with a better understanding of at least 3 very precious things – yourself, your neighbor, and the land of Israel.

Segev Ben Shalom Via Sabra Tour Guide

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Dear Folks, The tour was terrific and all I antiipated it would be - experiencing Israel in every way, shape and form everywhere we went! However, at my age the amount of walking was beyond my comfort zone after a several days. I was worn out after 4 days, and totally exhausted after the 6th day, after I'd rested my sore toe in the hotel the previous day! I'm in good shape for my age, however that much walking on unlevel terraine was w-a-y beyond my comfort zone and I'll sign up for that level of intensity again. The tour guides were great and professional. If I were to do another tour, I'll visit half to one/third the number of places we went, relax more, and spend more time at each place. Your foils online that answered all my questions were superb, kind and helpful. That's all, may God bless you all richly!

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Old Akko City Walk

Old akko is full of surprises. historical landmarks, hidden alleys, fantastic sea views, underground tunnels, markets, and street food. our self-guided walking tour will take you on a magical journey between all of them, main landmarks on the tour:.

• Treasures in the Wall Museum.
• The eastern wall
• White Market
• El Jazzar Mosque
• Hammam el Basha
• Turkish Bazar
• Humus Said and the Market Street
• The “Khans” (Caravanserais)
• The Ports (Old and New)
• Templar Tunnel
• St. George Church
• Bahai House
• El Shazliya Mosque
• Underground prisoners Museum
• Knights Halls underground complex

WALKING TUOR MAP

The tour is circular. It starts and ends in the Old Akko information center . There are several parking lots nearby (Paid), and excellent public transportation. If you are arriving by train, take bus #3 from the train station. If you are coming for a day-trip from Haifa, you can also use the boat service and start/end the tour at the port. Some minor streets do not appear on GoogleMaps. For smooth navigation, follow the track on Viewranger , or use our map. If you plan to enter several of the landmarks along the walk, consider purchasing a combination ticket .

The Old City of Acre has a unique atmosphere. The natural bay that protected it from the storms has made Acre the central port city in the land of Israel for thousands of years and attracted many rulers over the centuries. Akko is one of the oldest cities in the country. It was founded about 4,000 years ago, but until the Crusader period, it remained a small fishing town.

During the Crusaders era, the city grew substantially, thanks to the Europeans, who exploited its enormous potential as a port city. The Third Crusade (Lead by Richard Lionheart ) made the city the capital of the kingdom after they failed to conquer Jerusalem. When the Crusader kingdom collapsed, Acre was destroyed, and only about 200 years later, during the Ottoman period, it was rebuilt and flourished again. The fortifications we see today were built around 1750 by Sheikh Dahar al-Omar , a local Bedouin who was granted by the Ottomans with the title ” Sheikh of Acre, Amir of Nazareth, Tiberias, Safed, and Sheikh of all Galilee”. In 1799 following his successful campaign in Egypt, Napoleon marched north into the land of Israel. His journey north was smooth until he encountered the massive fortifications of Akko. Following a failed siege to take over Akko , Napoleon withdrew, leaving many dead and wounded.

Acre is an ancient port city, full of fascinating archeological finds and important historical sites. But On the other hand, Acre is also a modern city, blessed with lovely beaches and a colorful oriental market with a variety of goods: seafood, fruits, vegetables, fabrics, clothes, and various souvenirs.

HISTORY Of AKKO

OLD CITY SELF-GUIDED WALKING TOUR

“Treasures in the Walls” is a small and charming Ethnographic Museum displaying objects and lifestyles from the 19th & 20th centuries in the Galilee Region. Items on display include furniture, kitchenware, tools, and clocks, as well as reconstruction of old market stores and craft workshops typical to the region. Everything is beautifully displayed in a historic fort built inside the old city walls. A must visit!

The city walls you are walking on were built around 1750 by Daher al Omar on earlier crusader walls. These are the walls that Napoleon could not pass during the siege of 1799. Walking on the walls rewards you with fantastic views of old Akko and the Mediterranean Sea. The most scenic spot is the southern tip. There is no way down from the tip, and you will need to retrace your steps a hundred meters to the wide staircase that descends from the wall.

The white market was established during the 18 th century. It was built on foundations of an earlier market that was destroyed by fire in 1816. The large market then numbered 64 stores and was the largest shopping center in the area. It is named “White Market” because of its white painted walls and the large windows that enable the sunlight to penetrate inside. During the British mandate, it’s importance declined, and the building remained as a remnant of the glorious history of the Ottoman Empire. The building stayed in ruins until it was renovated several years ago and became a compound of small cafés and restaurants.

El Jazar Mosque is one of the most famous buildings in Old Akko. It dominates the city’s skyline, and Its green dome is seen from afar. It is the largest mosque in the country outside of Jerusalem. The mosque was built in 1781 by Al-Jazar, who was the ruler of Acre and northern Israel. It is considered one of the most magnificent buildings that were built in the Land of Israel during the Ottoman period. The mosque is active and holds five daily prayers. It also provides religious classes and other activities.

At the entrance to the mosque stands a magnificent circular fountain built from marble and covered with a beautiful dome. The courtyard has a lovely garden with a marble stone clock.

Tours inside the mosque compound can be prearranged by phone +97249913039 .

El Jazar built the Hammam in 1795 in a traditional oriental style typical to the Turkish Empire in the 18 th -19 th centuries. The entrance to the Hammam serves as a dressing room, the center of which is a marble fountain. This room leads to a row of warm halls. The biggest and fanciest one is octagon-shaped, and the ceiling is a marble dome standing on marble pillars. The bathhouse structure is magnificent and decorated with marble floors and ceramic tiles. It is recommended to watch the spectacular audiovisual show.

The Turkish Bazar Admission: Free. Opening: Daily 10:00-18:00 Location: Richard Lev Ari St. Direction: From the Hamam, turn left and after a few meters, the entrance will be on your left.

The Turkish bazaar of Acre was built in the late 18th century on top of a crusader period compound. During this period, quite a few public buildings were built, and, among other things, the Bazar was established. The purpose of the market was to provide a workplace for various craftsmen who worked in small shops along the small streets. The market was abandoned in 1948 when the IDF conquered Acre. It reopened In 2012, following a restoration project. It is now a vibrant compound filled with Small souvenir shops, art galleries, cafes, and gourmet restaurants.

The main market street of Akko is a delight for street shopping. Fresh products such as fish, fruits, and vegetables. Traditional Arab street food like Falafel, Baklawa, and Humus. And other small shops of all kinds. One of the most famous spots in the street is Hummus Said, who is rated by many as the best Hummus in Israel. Traditionally, Hummus is a breakfast dish that the hard-working class used to eat before heading out to work. This tradition is well reflected by the unique opening hours of this restaurant, 05:00 AM – 2:30 PM. People from the area arrive very early in the morning to buy fresh Hummus. (The fresher, the better!), and it is not uncommon to find a long line of people outside the restaurant’s door.

The main reason to visit the port is the fantastic view it gives towards the city. The best spot is at the very end of the breakwater.

What you see here, are remnants of the Crusader period port from 800 years ago. ( Further Reading )

The Templars were a military religious order nominated by the Pope. Their task was to help pilgrims who came from Europe to visit the holy places. They first resided in Jerusalem, on the Temple Mount, hence their name. Following the conquest of Jerusalem by Saladin in 1187, the Templars established their seat in Acre and began to build their district in the southwestern part of the city. Here, at the western end of the tunnel, stood their central citadel (Now sunk underwater).

In 1994, construction workers accidentally discovered the tunnel. The 350-meter tunnel probably served as a strategic underground passageway between the citadel and the town. After extensive excavations, the tunnel was opened to the public in 1999. The bottom is hewn in natural rock, while the upper part is built from stones creating an arched ceiling. The walk in the tunnel is a great experience.

END THE WALKING TOUR HERE OR CONTINUE?

The exit from the tunnel is at the backside of Han Al Umdan, near the port and the market street. You can end your tour here and continue to ramble in the market and the port. Or continue with the walking tour.

Until now, we moved between the famous landmarks of old Akko, along the main streets and with very short walking distances. The 2 nd half of the tour has a different character. It involves more walking and takes you into the less touristic parts of the old town. You will walk in narrow stone arched alleys and visits smaller and lesser-known landmarks.

The Greek Orthodox Church is very modest and can be missed easily. It is considered the first Christian place of worship established in Akko, during the Ottoman period. The church was built in 1545 and has since served as a gathering place for Greek-Orthodox Christian residents and tourists. In 1631, the monk Eugene Roja, who visited the city of Acre, wrote about the Greek Orthodox Church, which is why it is believed to be one of the oldest churches in the town.

Bahai House Admission: Free. Opening: The house is under preservation work and can be seen only from outside. Location: Zalman Hazoref St. Direction: Continue on the same street for a few meters until you arrive at a large plaza. Just after the plaza, the house will be on your right.

Allah lived for seven years in a room in this building after he was released from the Acre prison. Here he wrote the Kitáb-i-Aqdas (the central book of the Bahá?í Faith) in 1873, and his son’s wedding was held in this building. The building is now (2020) going through and extensive preservation project. Hopefully, it will be open to visitors in the future.

Nur a-Din El Yashruti, established the Sufi order (Islamic mystic sect) in Akko. He arrived at the city from Tunis in 1849 and established here their word center. In 1862 he opened up the El Shazliya as a Zawayia (A type of Islamic school). It is not possible to visit inside, but you should come here for the delightful sight of the Blue dome of the Zawayia with the White dome of Hamam el Basha peaking behind it.

The Acre Fort was built during the Ottoman period on the foundations of a 12th century Crusader fortress. It served as the governer’s office, and later also as a prison. During the British Mandate, the fortress served as the central prison in northern Israel. Several Jewish resistance organizations struggled the Mandatory government to establish a Jewish state in the land of Israel. The first prisoner was Ze’ev Jabotinsky , the Jewish Defense Commander in Jerusalem. He was arrested in 1920, together with nineteen members of the city’s protectors. Until 1948 hundreds of resistance fighters were imprisoned here, and 9 were executed by hanging. On May 4 th, 1947, a group of resistance fighters broke through the prison walls and freed 27 prisoners. Read more about it here .

Knight’s Hall underground complex Admission: 21 NIS. Opening: Daily 08:30-17:00 Location:  Old Akko information center Direction: Walk east past the museum until you reach a wide stone staircase on your right. Go down the stairs and arrive at the visitor center (Where the walk started)

Under the area of the fortress (Now the underground prisoners’ museum), The remains of a Crusader Hospitaller Citadel are found and archaeologists had gradually unearthed the citadel for decades. Visiting the huge halls takes you to the stories of Akko during the Crusader period. It is One of the most impressive sites in the city.

Written by Erez Speiser

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Some visitors to Israel have a new stop on their tours: Hamas’ destruction in the south

For people visiting Israel, no trip is complete without a somber visit to the devastated south that absorbed the brunt of the assault near the border with Gaza. This is a new kind of tourism that has emerged in the country in the months since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. (AP Video: Ami Bentov)

A group of Israelis on an educational tour visit the home of the Siman Tov family on Friday, June 21, 2024. The parents and three children were killed and their home was torched by Hamas militants on the Oct. 7 attack on Israel, in Kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel. A new kind of tourism has emerged in Israel in the months since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. For celebrities, politicians, influencers and others, no trip is complete without a somber visit to the devastated south that absorbed the brunt of the assault near the border with Gaza. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

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A group of Israelis visit a damaged house following the Oct. 7 Hamas militants attack on Israel in Kibbutz Beeri, southern Israel, on Friday, Jan. 28, 2024. A new kind of tourism has emerged in Israel in the months since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. For celebrities, politicians, influencers and others, no trip is complete without a somber visit to the devastated south that absorbed the brunt of the assault near the border with Gaza. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

Israeli soldiers watch a virtual tour of the destruction of the aftermath of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel near the site of the Tribe of Nova music festival, where at least 364 people were killed and abducted near Kibbutz Re’im, southern Israel, Thursday, May 30, 2024. A new kind of tourism has emerged in Israel in the months since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. For celebrities, politicians, influencers and others, no trip is complete without a somber visit to the devastated south that absorbed the brunt of the assault near the border with Gaza. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

An Israeli reservist poses for a picture with a tourist from Mexico, who is holding the soldier’s M16 rifle, at the site of the Tribe of Nova music festival, where at least 364 people were killed and abducted during the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, near Kibbutz Re’im, southern Israel on Thursday, June 20, 2024. A new kind of tourism has emerged in Israel in the months since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. For celebrities, politicians, influencers and others, no trip is complete without a somber visit to the devastated south that absorbed the brunt of the assault near the border with Gaza. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

A group of Israelis on an educational tour visit a house that was torched by Hamas militants on the Oct. 7 attack on Israel in Kibbutz Nir Oz, on Friday, June 21, 2024. A new kind of tourism has emerged in Israel in the months since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. For celebrities, politicians, influencers and others, no trip is complete without a somber visit to the devastated south that absorbed the brunt of the assault near the border with Gaza. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

People look at the Gaza Strip through binoculars from an observation point in the town of Sderot, southern Israel, on Thursday, June 20, 2024. A new kind of tourism has emerged in Israel in the months since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. For celebrities, politicians, influencers and others, no trip is complete without a somber visit to the devastated south that absorbed the brunt of the assault near the border with Gaza. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

FILE - Danny Danon, a member of the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, left, and Nikki Haley, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, visit a home torched by Hamas in Kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel, Monday, May 27, 2024. A new kind of tourism has emerged in Israel in the months since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. For celebrities, politicians, influencers and others, no trip is complete without a somber visit to the devastated south that absorbed the brunt of the assault near the border with Gaza. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo, File)

A woman stands next to photos of people killed and taken captive by Hamas militants during their violent rampage through the Nova music festival in southern Israel, which are displayed at the site of the event to commemorate the Oct. 7, massacre near Kibbutz Re’im on Thursday, June 20, 2024. A new kind of tourism has emerged in Israel in the months since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. For celebrities, politicians, influencers and others, no trip is complete without a somber visit to the devastated south that absorbed the brunt of the assault near the border with Gaza. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

Israeli soldiers look at pictures of revelers killed on Oct. 7, 2023 at the Nova music festival by Hamas militants during a cross-border attack, as they visit the site in Re’im, southern Israel near the Gaza border, Thursday, Jan. 28, 2024. A new kind of tourism has emerged in Israel in the months since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. For celebrities, politicians, influencers and others, no trip is complete without a somber visit to the devastated south that absorbed the brunt of the assault near the border with Gaza. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

A woman stands next to a shelter at the site of the Tribe of Nova music festival, where at least 364 people were killed and abducted during the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, near Kibbutz Re’im on Thursday, June 20, 2024. A new kind of tourism has emerged in Israel in the months since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. For celebrities, politicians, influencers and others, no trip is complete without a somber visit to the devastated south that absorbed the brunt of the assault near the border with Gaza. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

A group of Israelis on an educational tour visit the dining hall that was damaged during the Oct. 7, Hamas attack on Israel in Kibbutz Nir Oz, on Friday, June 21, 2024. A new kind of tourism has emerged in Israel in the months since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. For celebrities, politicians, influencers and others, no trip is complete without a somber visit to the devastated south that absorbed the brunt of the assault near the border with Gaza. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

People look at the Gaza Strip from an observation point in the town of Sderot, southern Israel, on Thursday, June 20, 2024. A new kind of tourism has emerged in Israel in the months since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. For celebrities, politicians, influencers and others, no trip is complete without a somber visit to the devastated south that absorbed the brunt of the assault near the border with Gaza. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

Ultra-Orthodox Jews from central Israel visit a bomb shelter where Israelis were killed during the Oct. 7 Hamas militants attack on Israel, near Kibbutz Beeri, southern Israel, on Friday, June 21, 2024. A new kind of tourism has emerged in Israel in the months since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. For celebrities, politicians, influencers and others, no trip is complete without a somber visit to the devastated south that absorbed the brunt of the assault near the border with Gaza. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

KIBBUTZ NIR OZ, Israel (AP) — A new kind of tourism has emerged in Israel in the months since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. For celebrities, politicians, influencers and others, no trip is complete without a somber visit to the devastated south that absorbed the brunt of the assault near the border with Gaza .

Jerry Seinfeld, Elon Musk , Michael Douglas, former presidential candidate Nikki Haley , and Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner are a few who have visited, at times posing for photos in front of burned-out homes. Many Israelis, including soldiers and security officials, are also visiting on organized trips.

“It’s our personal story, but it’s also the story of all of the state of Israel,” said Irit Lahav, spokeswoman for Kibbutz Nir Oz, who gives many of the tours.

A quarter of the approximately 400 Nir Oz residents fell victim to the attack. Hamas militants killed more than 20 and kidnapped over 80. In the dining hall, a wall of post office boxes is plastered with stickers — red for killed, black for kidnapped, blue for released.

While it’s uncomfortable to open the community to visitors, she said it’s important for people to “come here and smell the burned smell of death, to imagine your friends or parents here.”

Hamas militants killed around 1,200 people as they rampaged through southern Israel, and kidnapped around 250. Health officials in Hamas-run Gaza say more than 37,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war that followed.

Prior to Oct. 7, Lahav ran a tourism company. Now she has turned those itinerary-building skills to the kibbutz where she grew up. Her tour includes the spot in the fence where Hamas militants stormed the kibbutz, along with small details that humanize the scale of destruction, like the candy eggs that melted when the general store was torched.

Many of the kibbutzim and towns that experienced the worst destruction are closed to the public, accessible only via organized tours like those for dignitaries or celebrities, or by invitation from a resident.

A group of Israelis on an educational tour visit a house that was torched by Hamas militants on the Oct. 7 attack on Israel in Kibbutz Nir Oz, on Friday, June 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

Nir Oz decided that the guides must be residents. Rena Bazar, who lives with most of the community in temporary housing elsewhere, is among those giving tours.

At first, it was difficult to return to Nir Oz. She didn’t like the idea of strangers on the lawns and in the dining hall with its bullet-riddled windows. But eventually, she understood the importance of helping visitors understand not just what happened, but also what life had been like before Oct. 7.

“I want to make it less about the combat and more about the personal stories of people who were there,” Bazar said.

For visiting dignitaries and VIPs, trips to Israel have long included stops at famous religious or cultural sites, such as the Western Wall, Masada, the Sea of Galilee or the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, and the national Holocaust memorial, Yad Vashem. The visits to the battered kibbutzim and border towns are the latest way to build support and solidarity with Israel’s allies abroad.

Other parts of southern Israel are open to the public and encouraging visitors — both foreigners and Israelis from elsewhere.

People look at the Gaza Strip through binoculars from an observation point in the town of Sderot, southern Israel, on Thursday, June 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

The city of Sderot runs “resilience tours,” connecting groups with survivors who share their memories of Oct. 7 or highlight cultural or culinary offerings. In contrast to the hardest-hit kibbutzim like Nir Oz, most of Sderot’s residents have returned.

Hen Cohen, the city’s tourism director, estimated that about 200,000 visitors have come during the first half of 2024, compared with 100,000 total in a normal year. Most come via solidarity missions from abroad or are local visitors such as soldiers and police officers on educational tours.

Birthright Israel, an organization that provides 10-day free trips to Israel for Jewish Americans, said that nearly all of the 13,500 participants expected this summer will visit Sderot and the site of the Nova music festival, where at least 364 people died. These visits provide an economic and morale boost to residents, Cohen said.

The Sderot police station, where 10 officers were killed on Oct. 7 in a standoff that left the station in ruins, is a main attraction. Visitors stop at the local museum, and watch security footage of what happened on Oct. 7, then walk to the empty lot where the police station stood. Twisted metal remains. Israeli flags flutter in the wind. A sign says a memorial will be built there.

People look at the Gaza Strip from an observation point in the town of Sderot, southern Israel, on Thursday, June 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

“In this dark hour, I wanted to do my part to make sure the people of Israel know that the people of the United States are with you,” former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said while visiting the site. Seinfeld later cried while talking about his own visit to a kibbutz, describing it as “the most powerful experience” of his life.

Zehava Ben Zaken, a lifelong Sderot resident, said it has taken time to adjust to seeing visitors every time she walks by. “I’m happy they come to see this place, so they can understand and stand with us,” she said.

Hearing the booms from Gaza a few kilometers (miles) away, she hoped that visitors can finally understand Sderot’s precarious security situation. “We’re totally broken,” she said.

South of Sderot, the site of the Nova music festival has become a pilgrimage site for hundreds of visitors per day. Photos of victims are arranged around what had been the main stage. Loved ones have left candles, sculptures, photos and other mementos.

Israeli soldiers look at pictures of revelers killed on Oct. 7, 2023 at the Nova music festival by Hamas militants during a cross-border attack, as they visit the site in Re’im, southern Israel near the Gaza border, Thursday, Jan. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

Standing there helped her understand the enormity of loss of life, said Naomi Hanan, a medical student from San Francisco. “It’s right in front of your face and there’s no denying or ignoring what you’ve been hearing or seeing through the media,” she said.

In a eucalyptus grove near the site, an organization called Triumph of the Spirit offers virtual reality tours of three kibbutzim, including Nir Oz. The tours are currently only open to soldiers on official educational visits, but an English version will be available in the coming weeks for international tourists.

“I feel like I’m in Fortnite!” one soldier said as he slipped on the headset, then went silent as images of destruction appeared.

The videos were created by Miriam Cohen and Chani Kopolovich, who had created such tours of Auschwitz for a Holocaust education experience for people who don’t travel to Poland.

“We’ve made it accessible to go on this tour without damaging peoples’ privacy,” said Pinchas Tosig, who runs the tent and has 300 to 700 soldiers visit per day.

Some residents of southern Israel are looking beyond the visitors to the future.

In the coming weeks, Nir Oz will start demolishing some buildings to make way for new construction. Residents wonder how to preserve what happened while making space for new lives. Some say part of the destruction should remain. Others don’t want reminders — or visitors.

On one tour, Bazar pointed out the safe room where she spent hours hiding on Oct. 7. Her home was mostly spared. Others were burned. She doesn’t want the destruction to remain inside Nir Oz and hopes any future memorial will be elsewhere.

“I don’t want any child to be impacted by the ruins,” she said. “Our cemetery is full. Isn’t that memorial enough?”

Follow AP’s coverage of the war in Gaza at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war

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Jerusalem Night Tour

Most tourists visit Jerusalem during the day, but few go out and explore its Old City at night. On this private walking tour, we’ll go on a night tour of Jerusalem and see its famous landmarks after dark, including the Western Wall, King David’s Tomb, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. This is a highly recommended tour for the hot summer days and also for people who don’t like the crowd.  

Tour highlights

The western wall at night.

The Western Wall – the last remnant of the Holy Temple – is open 24/7 for people who want to visit and pray. On our Jerusalem night tour, we’ll visit the Western Wall after dark and experience this holy site from a different point of view.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre at night

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is the holiest site for Christians all around the world – believed to be the site of the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.. We’ll visit this magnificent church close to sunset or after sunset, which means much less crowd. 

Walking through the empty alleys

If you’ve been to the Old City before dark, you’ll be shocked to discover how quiet the alleys are during the night. The shops and restaurants are closed, most attractions are closed, and there are only a few people making their way to pray at the holy sites or to their homes in the Old City. 

Suggested itinerary

• Meet at Jaffa Gate (or your hotel)
• Church of the Holy Sepulchre
• King David’s Tomb on Mount Zion
• The Jewish Quarter
• The Western Wall

The tour is fully customizable. So, please let me know what places you want to see and what you want to do!

I might change the itinerary based on the weather or other circumstances to make sure you have a safe and good time.

Optional additions:

• The Ramparts Walk – Enjoy beautiful views of Jerusalem from the top of the Old City walls. Only open late in July-August. Additional cost- 25 ILS per person.
• Machane Yehuda Market – If you would like to experience the lively “Shuk” after dark, we can either add it at the beginning or the end of the tour. 

Tour details

Meeting point: We can meet at Jaffa Gate or your hotel. We’ll walk from there to the first point of the tour. It’s also possible to start from other locations based on the sites you want to see.

How long does it take? Private Jerusalem Night Tours typically take about 2-3 hours, depending on your pace and interests. But it’s flexible, so it can take less or more.

When does the tour start? You’re the boss. Tell me when you want to start the tour, and I’ll be there on time. The best time to start this tour is anytime between 7 to 8 PM. 

What do you need to bring? I’ll send you a list before the tour starts, but in general, it’s recommended to bring good walking shoes because the Old City pavements are slippery. Also, modest clothing is required as we will be visiting holy sites. 

How much does it cost? The tour price is 1,000 shekels (about 270 USD) for up to 6 people. This covers my preparation for the tour as well as the guiding itself. Any entry fees and public transportation are not included. 

More about me

I’m Lior, and I’ll be your guide on this tour. I love Israel and have completed my tour guiding course in 2019. The beautiful city of Jerusalem transforms after dark into something extremely magical that I hope to show you on this tour. Read more about me here .

Fill the form below to enquire about this Jerusalem Night Tour or contact me at [email protected]