Leaving from Jerusalem, we travel south along the "Way of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs" towards Hevron.
Before we leave Jerusalem, we can make a stop in Kibbutz Ramat Rachel. This kibbutz stood as guardian along the capital's southern flank, from Israel’s Independence in 1948 until the Six Day War of 1967. During the 1948 War, the kibbutz was over run and liberated three times before finally held by Israel. In addition to viewing the battle sites, we will see significant archeological excavations which have unearthed remains of the First temple period, over 2,600 yeas ago.
Rachel's Tomb (Kever Rachel)
A 2nd important stop as we leave Jerusalem will be the tomb of Rachel. Here is the symbol of Israel's mother welcoming her children back home to the Promised land.
Gush Etzion
This beautiful part of Judea was developed by Jews in the 1920's, and again in the 1930’s and 40's. Each time, Arab attacks drove the Jewish settlers out. The survivors of the 1948 siege and massacre returned to rebuild a fourth time after Israel’s victory in 1967. This settlement area has expanded ten times since then. We can watch a very moving account of the 1948 struggle, presented in a dramatic “sound and light” show.
Hevron
City of our Patriarchs and Matriarchs. Abraham bought the land upon which he buried his wife Sarah. Eventually all the patriarchs and matriarchs were buried here. We will visit the holy and historic site of the Machpelah Caves situatedin the magnificent Herodian structure that stands today.
In 1929, the robust ancient Jewish community living in Hevron was pounced upon by an Arab mob. Sixty nine Jews were murdered in the massacre and the British evacuated the remaining Jews, temporarily ending the Jewish presence in Hevron. In 1967 Israel liberated Hevron, and by 1981 Jewish pioneers (by then, numbering over five hundred) were finally returned to the old ransacked Jewish neighborhoods. Their dramatic and continuing story is a highlight of our visit.
We can visit the tombs of Ruth and Jesse (great-great grandmother and father, respectively, of King David).
Kiryat Arba
This pretty Jewish suburb of Hevron has a population of eight thousand and is home to the world famous local artist, Baruch Nachshon. A visit to his home/gallery is a treat for our more spiritual senses.
Southern Hills
Leaving Hevron itself, we travel to the southern hills and the desert frontier. We can visit some of the pioneering settlements holding the line in this part of the Land. A very interesting tour is of Susiya, a well excavated Jewish town from Talmudic times, where many amazing and intact archeological treasures are to be found.
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