The Israel Nature and Parks Authority is inviting the public to celebrate the upcoming Purim holiday with a wide range of family-friendly activities at national parks and nature reserves across the country.
In honor of the holiday, visitors can take part in guided tours, craft workshops, Megillah readings, audiovisual performances and special programming marking Nature Conservation Month, which this year focuses on protecting wildlife. Alongside the costumes and festivities, the events emphasize environmental responsibility, as well as a connection to heritage and history.
Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman said Purim is “not only a holiday of costumes and joy, but a holiday that reminds us of the strength of a people that knows how to stand up for its identity and preserve its path.”
“When we go out into nature, visit heritage sites and celebrate in the heart of the land, we strengthen the deep bond between people, place and future,” Silman said. “I invite the public to come, tour and celebrate in the national parks and nature reserves, and to remember that our joy also carries responsibility — to protect the nature and heritage sites that are part of our shared story.”
Rinat Russo, head of the Visitors Division at the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, said the Purim events allow children and adults alike to discover nature in an engaging and surprising way.
“This is an opportunity to see wildlife up close, understand the importance of protecting it and celebrate the holiday in a unique atmosphere that connects nature, culture and history — even in costume,” she said.
Some of the activities will take place under the banner of Wildlife Month, offering visitors a chance to learn about Israel’s wild animals, why they must be protected and how to observe them responsibly from a distance.
Highlights in the North
At Gamla Nature Reserve in the Golan Heights, visitors can attend a public reading of the Book of Esther overlooking the dramatic landscape and the ruins of the ancient city of Gamla. Guided tours will focus on conservation efforts and the importance of keeping a safe distance from wildlife, including the griffon vultures that nest in the cliffs.
At Kochav HaYarden National Park, a Crusader fortress site overlooking the Jordan Valley, guided tours will combine stories of medieval knights with lessons on protecting local wildlife. A special mask-making workshop inspired by native animals will be held for Purim.
At the Hai-Bar Carmel Nature Reserve, which is dedicated to breeding and reintroducing biblical-era species to the wild, visitors can learn about efforts to restore populations of Persian fallow deer, Carmel deer and griffon vultures. A family-friendly activity trail outside the reserve will allow participants to track signs of wildlife and understand why loving nature means keeping a respectful distance.
Nahal Me’arot Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site also known as the Caves of Mount Carmel, will host a “Prehistoric Purim,” inviting families to step back 500,000 years. Activities include ancient-style crafts, ochre body painting and guided tours about early human life.
At Beit She’an National Park, the popular nighttime audiovisual show “Nights of Beit She’an” will bring the ancient Roman city to life through large-scale projections and storytelling.
Other northern events include spring flower hikes and a family activity trail at Tzipori National Park; late hours and evening soaking in the hot springs at Hamat Tiberias National Park; and mosaic-themed mask workshops at Beit Alpha National Park, home to one of Israel’s most impressive ancient synagogue mosaics.
Events in the Center
At Tel Ashkelon National Park, the Ashkelon Municipality, the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel and the Israel Nature and Parks Authority will host a day dedicated to urban wildlife. The highlight will be a performance of “Living Legend,” a musical-zoological show by Israeli singer Shahar Even-Tzur of the band Monica Sex, celebrating wild animals in both city and countryside.
At Apollonia National Park in Herzliya, families are invited to dress as pirates and learn about the legendary pirate “Red” Godrick in a seaside celebration that includes interactive training activities and crafts.
Visitors to Beit Guvrin National Park can pre-order picnic baskets stocked with wine, cheeses, spreads and bread, to be collected on arrival and enjoyed in designated picnic areas among the park’s caves and rolling hills.
In Judea and Samaria
At Einot Tzukim Nature Reserve, also known as Ein Feshkha, families can take part in large-scale outdoor games and challenges focused on wildlife conservation in the desert oasis near the Dead Sea.
In the South
At Masada National Park, the traditional public reading of the Book of Esther will take place in the ancient synagogue atop the desert fortress. In addition, the nighttime multimedia show “From Sunset to Sunrise” will be projected onto the western face of the mountain, combining video mapping, advanced lighting and an original score.
At Tel Arad National Park, visitors can attend an evening Megillah reading under the stars inside the biblical-era fortress.
Hai-Bar Yotvata Nature Reserve near Eilat will host a “Wild Purim” carnival featuring costume contests, animal-themed craft stations and guided tours, all emphasizing the importance of observing wildlife from afar.
'Junior Ranger' Costume
In addition to the events, the Israel Nature and Parks Authority is offering a “Junior Ranger” costume kit designed to introduce children to the world of conservation. The kit includes a ranger-style vest, toy binoculars and magnifying glass, a rechargeable flashlight, compass, bag and branded hat.
For full details and registration information, the public is encouraged to visit the Israel Nature and Parks Authority website.