This week marked a major step forward in the Israeli Ministry of Heritage’s ongoing work to protect and develop historical sites in the Tekuma region, located near the Gaza border.
As part of a delegation visiting New York, Itay Granek, Director-General of the Ministry of Heritage, and Elad Ehrenfeld, CEO of the Government Tourism Corporation, met with Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon.
The purpose of the meeting was to establish a groundbreaking partnership that would facilitate visits by foreign ambassadors and diplomats to key locations affected by the October 7 attack.
This initiative is a core component of the Ministry’s broader plan to preserve the historical record of the events of October 7, 2023, and ensure that the world understands their impact. The tours will provide diplomats with firsthand exposure to sites that were damaged, communities that have since been rebuilt, and personal accounts from residents who experienced the attack.
During their discussions, Granek and Ehrenfeld presented Ambassador Danon with a symbolic mezuzah, crafted by young people from the Gaza border region. The mezuzah was made using wood from trees that were destroyed in the attack on Re’im Forest, serving as a testament to the strength and renewal of the region.
“Preserving and nurturing the heritage space in the Tekuma region and passing on the memory of the October 7 events to future generations is a national mission of the highest order,” Granek emphasized. “Bringing diplomatic delegations to tour these sites is an integral part of our heritage preservation mission. It is important for the world to see with their own eyes the tangible evidence of what occurred and the daily struggles of the survivors. This is heritage that we must preserve and pass on.”
Ehrenfeld underscored the role that tourism plays in maintaining historical memory. “Heritage tourism is an important tool in preserving national memory. Tours of the October 7 terror attack sites represent a clear example of meaningful heritage tourism. Beyond the documentary aspect, these visits will help commemorate the victims and strengthen international awareness of the importance of preserving the heritage of these events.”
Ambassador Danon voiced strong support for the initiative, stating, “We are committed to bringing delegations of ambassadors to see what we have faced in the past and what we continue to face. We will prevail. The battle is not easy, but the truth is on our side.”
As the project moves forward, a structured tour program will be designed over the coming months. It will include key locations tied to the October 7 attack, designated routes specifically tailored for diplomatic visits, and opportunities for delegates to hear from survivors and families of victims. The first tours are scheduled to begin in the spring.
{Matzav.com}