This year’s Sukkot holiday found Israel in a complex security situation, with large areas in the south and north closed to visitors due to the war. However, this did not prevent approximately 70,000 Israelis from heading into nature and enjoying the forests and campsites managed by the Jewish National Fund (JNF), all while adhering to Home Front Command guidelines.
Nevertheless, the numbers represent a significant decrease compared to previous years. The most noticeable change was in tourist preferences, with many families opting to visit forests in the south and center of the country rather than the traditional northern sites.
In the southern region, the leading sites were Re’im, Shachariya Forest, Hill 69 and the Pigeons’ Hill, and Lahav Forest. In the central region, visitors were drawn to Ben Shemen Forest, the Staf, Hulda, and Aminadav. In contrast, the north saw sparse tourist activity, with only Mount Gilboa attracting a small number of visitors, while other public sites remained empty.
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Despite the situation, the Jewish National Fund continued its efforts to maintain parks and forests, providing the public with a safe and green space for family outings and hikes. Activities included maintaining campgrounds, planting trees, opening hiking and biking trails, and ensuring accessibility for people with disabilities.
In Tiberias, due to the special security situation, the JNF took a creative approach and moved all Sukkot activities to shelters and indoor locations. Visitors enjoyed arts and crafts workshops, children’s shows, and interactive activities, which managed to bring joy despite the difficult circumstances.
Yifat Ovadia Luski, Chairwoman of the Jewish National Fund, summarized the period: “Although the number of hikers this year is significantly lower compared to previous years, the fact that around 70,000 people chose to go out and explore the country shows the deep connection Israelis have with nature and green landscapes, even in tough times.”
