Touring Judea and Samaria
Touring Judea and SamariaIsrael news photo

Thousands of Jews, including tourists from outside the country, are taking advantage of spring weather to visit sites in Judea and Samaria during Passover. The IDF has heightened its presence throughout the region.

The major event in Samaria on Wednesday and Thursday is the “Green Festival," from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the industrial park in a nature reserve near the Jewish community of Shaked, located about 10 minutes from the Iron interchange on Highway 6 (Kvish 6).

The theme is "protecting the environment" with special activities and entertainment for children. Tours are available for families.

Another large event on Wednesday is taking place at the nature reserve of Har Kabir, in the northern Samaria community of Elon Moreh, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Jeep tours, activities for children, an area for petting small animals and a display of reptiles are available.

All areas of the Patriarchs Cave (Ma'arat Machpelah) will be open in Hevron ,entertainers are performing and guided tours in the Jewish community are available.

At the ancient city of Susya on Wednesday and Thursday, located between Arad and Hevron in the southern Hevron Hills, actors have recreated the life of the fifth-century city. The featured attraction is the ancient synagogue, whose remains include a mosaic floor. A fee is charged for admission.

Other events include tours on a farm in western Samaria and a review of how the Land of Israel was restored since the times of the prophet of Joshua until today.

On Thursday, travelers can visit wine and cheese makers in Samaria, the Shiloh archaeological site and springs in the Shiloh river bed. The iris flowers are in full bloom near the community of Itamar.

On Friday, tours are available at Yitzhar, in northern Samaria.

For further information, call 09-8841358 or contact [email protected].

Throughout the rest of Israel, the IDF has opened several firing ranges to visitors. Entrance requires advance notice by calling 08-9902926/7 and 02-5305042.