TOURIST SITES
YOKNEAM-MEGIDDO
Tel Megiddo National Park
Armageddon - the last great battle of the world
Tel Megiddo is one of the most important archaeological mounds in Israel for biblical times. The city was inhabited continuously for more than five millennia (6000-500 B.C.). It contains the remains of historic Megiddo, a fortified city that rested strategically on the ancient main road from Egypt to Syria and Mesopotamia. Because of its location (a connecting point between the sea and the interior of the country) it has also served as animportant junction and battlefieldthroughout history. In 1918 the British defeated the Turks here and in 1948, during the War of Independence, the Israelis overcame invading Arabs forces at nearby Kibbutz Mishmar HaEmek (one of the Partnership’s kibbutzim). Join us on a guided tour and learn about the ancient and recent history of this important site.
Salem Check Point
Antiterrorist Security Fence
Israel’s construction of the antiterrorist security fence was undertaken due to the Palestinian Authority’s failure to fight terrorism. The fence is a defensive, temporary, and passive measure against terrorism: in those areas where the fence has already been completed, terrorism has dropped dramatically.
About 97% of the fence consists of a chain-link early warning system against terrorist infiltrations: less than 3% of the fence consists of a concrete barrier. In keeping with the rulings of Israel’s Supreme Court, in order to avoid causing unnecessary hardship to Palestinian civilians while defending the lives of Israeli civilians, Jew and Arab alike, Israel’s government decided on February 20, 2005 on the current planned route of the fence.
The fence is to run from the Salem checkpoint in the north to Kafr Qasem in the south, while another stretch of fence is planned for the Jerusalem area.
The tour of the fence is conducted by Simcha Naor, Security Officer for the Megiddo Regional Council, who takes us right above the fence where you can see its route and structure for miles. Simcha uses a patrol vehicle donated by the Endowment Fund of the Jewish Federation of Atlanta. Throughout the tour, Simcha shares many interesting facts about the construction and the history of the fence and illustrates it’s necessity for the safety of the Yokneam-Megiddo residents.
Palmach Cave Museum
Plugot Ha’Mahatz – Striking Force
The Palmach (Plugot Ha’Mahatz – Striking force) Units were established as part of the “Hagana” underground organization in May 1941. In the Jews' struggle for existence during World War II, Zionists already in Palestine foresaw the need of a trained Jewish fighting force. The height of the Palmach activity was during the War of Independence where they played a key role in the major battles won during this war. This was not merely a military organization, but a way of life, a social organization. Their bases were situated in many kibbutzim and the members of this special unit participated in military training exercises alongside their agricultural chores. One such Kibbutz was Mishmar HaEmek, in the Megiddo Regional Council.
A hilly region most all covered in trees, this Kibbutz became the perfect area to train battalions in combat operations, including navigation. In addition to its location and terrain, Kibbutz Mishmar HaEmek is home to a cave that housed top-secret training operations. The historical museum that is situated in that cave conveys the inspiring heritage of the Palmach and the Haganah to Jewish youth and adults. In this cave were conducted specialized training courses for undercover units who were dispatched to Germany and to Arab countries during World War II. Remaining in the cave are firearms and other relics from people's lives here. The salt of earth museum curator, Yesha Akron, a well known Zionist history guide, will share personal stories recounting the hardships leading to the birth of the country.
(Hebrew)
Wilfred Israel Museum
Local Gem – Global Story
The Wilfred Israel Museum is a local gem of world-class caliber. Located on Kibbutz HaZorea in the Megiddo Regional Council, this museum of Near and Far East art also offers lectures and workshops for adults and children of all ages. The museum was founded by a truly exceptional man. Wilfred Israel, a German Jew born in 1899, came from a well-established and wealthy Jewish family. At the age of twenty-four, he fell in love with art from the Far East when he traveled to the region. He soon began collecting the art he so admired. After the Nazis came to power, Wilfred moved both himself and his art collection to England. After securing his own safety, Israel determined to save his people. Thus, he paid for 10,000 children and 20,000 adults to be transported out of Germany in the kinder transport. In an effort to save even more Jews, Israel planned a trip to Portugal. However, his private plane was shot down, and Israel died an untimely death in 1943. This extraordinary man bequeathed his art collection to the HaZorea kibbutz. Although a museum in London wanted the art, Wilfred had long desired to live in HaZorea and so left the kibbutz his collection.
The Wilfred Israel Museum is a work of beauty. Mountains covered in trees fill its backdrops. The building itself was designed by the architect who did the Israel Museum. From Wilfred, the museum has a collection of Buddha statues. These relics date from as early as the 2nd century to as late as the 18th century. They originate from Nepal, China, India, Burma, Tibet, and Thailand. The museum also houses a permanent collection of art from Iran. An Israeli family collected this art during the time of the Shah. This art dates back to 5000 BCE, and includes work from the 12th-13th centuries and the 19th and 20th centuries.
Wilfrid Museum offers a wide variety of temporary exhibitions and themed workshops thus might be of interest both for adults and children. As of the writing of this summary, the Wilfred Museum had two temporary exhibits. The first consisted of traditional and contemporary mandalas. These are temporary yet elaborate works of sand art. The museum also displayed the bronze statues of an Israeli sculptor named Amos Keinan. All in All, the Wilfred Israel Museum is a local treasure that should not be missed.
Lotem Integrated Nature Studies Farm
Emek HaShalom – Peace Valley
Lotem is the leading non-profit organization in Israel that provides guided hikes and outdoor activities for populations with special needs. Located in Emek HaShalom, amidst a green nature preserve, Lotem is a center for creative activity in nature. The farm provides nature workshops, classes, and activities for diverse disabled populations. The highly-qualified staff works to instill a sense of belonging, satisfaction, and self-confidence in all participants.
Hagana Museum
Juara Training Camp
Juara Museum is located in a building dating from the Ottoman period situated in a gadna (youth corps) military camp in the Megiddo Region. The museum recounts the story of the training of the Hagana (pre-state underground defense organization) members for positions of command throughout the years of the organization’s activity. The visitor observes an exhibit illustrating the officers` training course of that period, the spirit of volunteering, and the importance of training an army for the state in the making. The museum exhibit includes: passage through a military parade opening the officers` training course, a film on the period of the British Mandate, a display of the names of graduates of the Hagana officers` training course throughout the years, an exhibit on "A Day in Juara" – demonstrating a day in the officers` training course in the days of the Hagana, and a description of the Kibbutz Mishmar HaEmek battle which took place in April 1948.
Morad Winery
Exquisite wines & liqueurs from fruits and vegetables
Mr. Yaakov Morad Yaakov was born in Iraq in 1944. His family immigrated to Israel in 1949. In 1984 he established the first winery in Yokneam. Yaakov's wines and liquors are produced from fruits and vegetables, using the expertise and know-how cherished by his family. These unique wines and liquors are famous due to their excellent taste and fine aroma.
(Hebrew)
Kibbutz Experience
Kibbutz Ramat HaShofet
Kibbutz is an Israeli collective community. Although other countries have had communal enterprises, in no other country have voluntary collective communities played as important a role as the kibbutzim have played in Israel. Combining socialism and Zionism in a form of practical Labor Zionism, the kibbutzim are a unique Israeli experiment, and part of one of the largest communal movements in history. The kibbutzim were founded in a time when independent farming was not practical. Forced by necessity into communal life, and inspired by their own socialist ideology, the kibbutz members developed a pure communal mode of living that attracted interest from the entire world.
The kibbutzim have given Israel a wildly disproportionate share of its military leaders, intellectuals, and politicians. Though the kibbutz movement never accounted for more than 7 percent of the Israeli population, it did more to shape the image Israelis have of their country, and the image that foreigners have of Israel, than any other Israeli institution.
Our visit to Kibbutz Ramat HaShofet will give you a peak into this unique life style. You will join in milking the cows, visit the children’s nursery, local museum dedicated to Ramat HaShofet history (preserved rooms, authentic "artifacts", archive photos etc.), meet with some of the veteran members to hear their personal stories how they made their dream of Eretz Israel become a reality.
Alexander Kirzner
Yokneam Moshava
Alexander Kirzner is a Russian-born sculptor who made aliyah 32 years ago. He has turned his house into a mini-museum, and his garden is full of his sculptors as well. Alexander uses dancing and music as his inspiration for his work. Visitors can take the guided tour around the house and the artistic garden.
Noam’s Smithy
Yokneam Moshava
Noam’s Smithy is a blacksmith workshop and gallery located in Yokneam Moshava showcasing the work of Noam Engel. Engel, himself born and raised in the Moshava, uses nature as his main source of inspiration in his blacksmith work. He combines iron with natural materials such as wood, stone, and glass to achieve a rich natural harmony. Engel creates both artistic products and useful ones, such as doors, tables, and gates. In the workshop, visitors can view a demonstration and learn about the work process.
Etz Ve’etza gallery
Yokneam Moshava
Slick and artistic tree work in a typical Moshav courtyard.
Aliza arts and gifts gallery
Kibbutz HaZorea
This art gallery boasts magical and unique works of art. Here you can find decorative crafts for the home. While there, visitors can peruse the nearby furniture store.
Khomer tov ceramics studio
Yokneam Moshava
Vered Lev, a graduate of the art department in Tel Chai College, displays and sells her ceramic dishware in this ceramics studio. Vered also offers private sculpting lessons.
Studyonat drawings
Kibbutz Ein Hashofet
Yonat Katzir is a well-known Israeli illustrator. A graduate of the Center for Design Studies in Tel Aviv, Katzir has illustrated over forty children’s books using various techniques. Katzir also creates ketubahs and wedding agreements. Yonat’s work is showcased in various exhibits all over Israel.
Dag-Bakfar Fishing Park
Yokneam Moshava
The fishing park “Dag Bakfar” was created in 1989 and combines agriculture with tourism. Located in a natural and enjoyable setting this fishing park is a perfect place for families to hike, picnic, fish, and enjoy nature together.
Shining Valley Farm Riding School
Yokneam Moshava
Riding lessons are available to children ages 10 to 17, consisting of two different activities. Additionally, a family swimming pool and bicycles are available.