Near Gesher, the region’s history offers several perspectives: a guided tour at Gesher HaYashana introduces the surrounding area, the Naharayim Power Plant, and the battles for Gesher during Israel’s War of Independence. Also near Gesher, the courtyard of Gesher HaYashana and an original kibbutz dining hall offer insights into earlier ways of life; at the nearby Agadat Lehem bakery, traditional breadmaking takes center stage.
Tours and History at Gesher HaYashana
The courtyard of Gesher HaYashana tells the story of Jewish settlement in the region since the early 20th century. The battles for Gesher during Israel’s War of Independence are a particular focus. The site serves as an educational center for students, groups, and families. Alongside the historical events, the emphasis is therefore also on sharing the history of the region.
A guided tour introduces the surrounding area and covers the Naharayim Power Plant and the battles for Gesher. The Naharayim at Gesher tour takes a different approach: it introduces the Israeli-Jordanian border region and also covers the power plant, as well as the old bridges over the Jordan River. When planning, you can therefore decide whether you are mainly interested in learning about Gesher’s history or would rather focus on the border region, power plant, and bridges.
Another part of the tour takes visitors to the kibbutz’s original dining hall. There, visitors learn about the way of life of former residents and their role in Israel’s War of Independence. The courtyard and dining hall thus offer different perspectives: the courtyard places Jewish settlement and the battles in a broader historical context, while the dining hall focuses on the former way of life and the role of its residents.
The Agadat Lehem bakery is also nearby. It offers breadmaking workshops using a traditional technique and an original brick oven. This provides a different way to experience the region than the history tours: here, breadmaking takes center stage. Check the current availability of workshops before visiting; you should also check the tour arrangements in advance.
Archaeological Sites in the Northern District
In the Northern District, Tel Hazor and Tel Megiddo represent a distinct archaeological context. Tel Hazor is a biblical tell with significant remains of a city with biblical associations; visits focus on the upper city. One of its notable structures is Solomon’s Gate, dating to the 10th century BCE: it has six chambers and two towers. The Canaanite palace was used by the kings of Hazor in the 14th and 13th centuries BCE. The Late Bronze Age palace is described as the most elaborate in Israel and one of the most significant in the Levant.
The water supply system also helps explain the site. Tel Hazor preserves significant remains of an underground water-collection system, an ingenious feat of engineering adapted to the geographical conditions for storing water. An excavated shaft is 45 meters deep, with steps three meters wide carved into its walls. The fortifications of Tel Hazor are considered the finest example of their kind in the area stretching from southern Turkey to the northern Negev. To reach Tel Hazor National Park, Highway 90 leads from both the north and south toward Ayelet Hashahar; check your navigation before setting out.
Tel Megiddo is also a biblical tell with significant remains of a city with biblical associations. Its Early Bronze Age temple complex is exceptional for the number of its temples, the continuity of cult activity, and its documented ritual practices. The orthogonal city plan dates to the Iron Age and has few parallels in the Levant. Tel Megiddo is one of three tells whose significant urban remains are closely connected with events in the Bible. This part of the Northern District thus brings together evidence of urban planning, worship, and fortification.
Discover more destinations: Yizre'el, Midrakh Oz.
For the broader travel overview: Yizrael.
