Tel Amal Stockade & Tower Museum
This is an exact replica of the first Stockade
and Tower settlement, Tel Amal, which saw its beginnings on
December 10, 1936. This first of its kind settlement (raised
literally within a day) subsequently became the model for 57
settlements established between 1936-1939.
Located in the Beit Shean Valley (the natural
continuation of the eastern part of the Jezreel Valley), it was
established by pioneers who had lived in nearby Kibbutz Beit Alpha.
These were the days of rising attacks on Jews that
signaled what would become three years of riots (known in Hebrew as Me’oraot)
beginning in 1936. A decision was made that more settlements had to
be established in Jewish areas (particularly in border areas) and
that the total number of settlers had to be increased significantly.
The element of surprise in erecting new
settlements was crucial. Much preparation was involved and the new
settlements were erected with the help of settlers from the whole
area. Tel Amal and the additional subsequent Stockade and Tower
settlements were built of pre-fabricated wood and were surrounded by
a double wooden defense wall that was filled with gravel (to
withstand bullets).
The size of the fortified settlement was just 38 x
38 yards (35 x 35 meters). Here you can see what life was like for
the pioneers in the post-tent era. The tower at the center of the
settlement had a dual purpose as a lookout post and for communication
purposes.
In this reconstructed settlement you will be able
to see the tower, the small living quarters with period furniture
including beds covered in mosquito netting (as protection from
malaria which was rampant at the time). In the communal dinning hall
you can view a 15-minute audio-visual program about the riots (in
English, Hebrew, Russian or German). Period clothing is available on
site and apparently one of the things visitors enjoy most is dressing
up in pioneer clothes and having their picture taken.
Groups can even order ‘pioneer meals’, and
experience not only what the food of the day was like, but what the
simple plates and utensils of the day were like. Meals are said to be
quite good and include, vegetable salad, pickles, olives, humous “Palmach
Potatoes,” Stockade and Tower chicken legs (or beef), an assortment
of fresh fruits, and coffee or tea.
Tel Amal (modern day Kibbutz Nir David) is located
on the banks of the Amal Stream in the Gan Hashlosha National Park.
Within the Gan Hashlosha/Nir David complex there
are a number of attractions that you can see separately or as a
package. These include Gan Garoo Park Australia-Israel, Museum of
Regional & Mediterranean Archaeology, and an Ancient Flour Mill
(which is currently being renovated). One could easily spend more
than a day just seeing all the sites here.
It is also possible to hold special events
(including evening events) which can include a conversation with an
English-speaking pioneer, or a special performance by actors.
Directions:
The Tel Amal Stockade and Tower at is
located at Gan Hashlosha National Park off Route # 669.
06/658-6219 TEL 06/658-7822 FAX
Visiting Hours:
Sunday – Thursday: 10:00 AM –
2:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Entry fees:
Please check the park website for update pricing information.
Sources: Copyright Text � 2000 Gems
in Israel. Photo Copyright � 2000 Tamar Levi. All rights
reserved. Reprinted with Permission. |