Israelis flock to countryside for Independence Day
Tens of thousands of Israelis make their way to various sites throughout the country; four heritage sites have been closed due to overcrowding.
The shores of the Sea of Galilee are crowded with about 70 thousand Israelis, some of whom slept there overnight. The Sea of Galilee Association have sent out teams handing out garbage bags and explaining how important it is to keep water sources clean.
Four heritage sites have been closed due to an overload of visitors. The Council for the Preservation of Heritage Sites of the Ministry of Culture and Sport reported that the Atlit detainee camp , The Khan Museum in Hadera, Ayalon Institute in Rehovot and the Menachem Begin Heritage Center in Jerusalem were closed to additional visitors. Kishon Park is also closed due to overcrowding.
Many have visited JNF sites throughout the country. The JNF requested not to come to Hulda Forest nor to Ben Shemen due to their being at full capacity.
Hundreds of people packed the parking area of the 188th Armored Brigade at Givatayim park. There is an exhibition of tanks, combat vehicles and machine guns. In addition, fighters from the 188th Brigade visited the site.
