Israelis in Judea and Samaria on Mashkefet to
Israelis in Judea and Samaria on Mashkefet toShachar Cohen

Hundreds of thousands of Israeli visitors have inundated Judea and Samaria during Chol Hamoed, the intermediary days of Passover, reports the tour group Mishkefet ('Binoculars').

"The demand for visits to Judea and Samaria rose beyond our expectations," noted Mishkefet, adding that it had broken a record by holding over 100 tours in the region so far.

Along with the Judea and Samaria tours, Mishkefet held motorized tours in the Negev and Galilee, including vacations at local hotels. All in all, the group reports the highest ever number of participants in its tours simultaneously.

Mishkefet held four types of tours in Judea and Samaria during Chol Hamoed, including tours of Gush Etzion and Efrat, the Binyamin region, Samaria and the Jordan Valley, as well as Har Hevron and the Cave of Machpelah. The tours included lectures and various activities.

The group held tours in buses, as well as motorized tours and organized convoys for families preferring to arrive independently and experience the region hands-on. Hotels recommended by the group to its customers on organized tours were fully booked.

Benny Cohen, CEO of Mishkefet, said Thursday that "the number of participants in Mishkefet activities in the Passover holiday surpassed expectations and logistical limitations. However, we increased our numbers and prepared properly, and succeeded in causing thousands of visitors to enjoy a quality and moral experience."

"We are already facing forward and preparing for the summer with a variety of vacations, with contents, trips and attractions for groups, individuals and the whole family," added Cohen.

Over 10,000 visitors reportedly visited Gush Etzion on Wednesday alone, it being the first day of Chol Hamoed. The number of visitors was reportedly a record-breaking figure for the area.

Tourists enjoy Judea's Gush Etzion Hezki Ezra