The Palmach Cave and Heritage Center at Mishmar Ha'Emek

Tel: 04-9898946 Fax: 04-9896847

About the Palmach Cave and Heritage Center

In 1941, before the establishment of the State of Israel, Jewish leaders in this land decided to establish a defense organization called the Palmach(an acronym for "Pelugot Hamahatz,” meaning "striking force”). The Palmachwould become the elite unit of the underground military organization, the Hagana.

The Palmach Cave at Mishmar Ha'Emek is where it all began. The cave, which in the more distant past proved itself a safe and secure dwelling place for bedouins, lies at the edge of Kibbutz Mishmar Ha’Emek in the Mishmar Ha'Emek Forest. In 1941, for many of the same reasons, the cave would prove itself a most suitable location for training the Palmach's two secret platoons – the undercover fighters and the German Platoon.

Restoration of the Cave

A little over 20 years ago, Kibbutz Mishmar Ha'Emek restored the cave and the site after years of it lying dormant and in disrepair. Now, an important landmark in the Jezreel Valley, the Palmach Cave and Heritage Center offers a wide variety of services and activities to our guests, both to Israelis (including companies on team building days, army trainees, and students) and visitors from abroad (individual tourists, as well as those participating in groups).

Facilities, Services, and Activities

Tour of the Cave: Yesha Ekron, a military historian and prize-winning tour guide, offers an engaging lecture detailing the extraordinary story of the creation and training of the Palmach. Includes video (available in Hebrew, English and Russian, and a short clip for kids). Tour duration is approximately one hour. Price: 25 NIS per person, including tax.

Volcano Observation Point / Lecture on the Battle of Mishmar Ha’Emek: Learn how and why this 10-day battle would come to be recognized as one of the most important battles of the War of Independence. Before the Palmach would arrive, young and old members of the kibbutz bravely defended this strategic point in the Galilee from enemies whose intention was to conquer the Galilee and then move on to take over Haifa. Tour duration is approximately two hours. Price: 35 NIS per person, including tax.

Volcano Observation Point and Lecture, PLUS walk down through the forest into the Palmach Cave: Includes a guided tour in the cave + warm beverages (tea, coffee). Tour duration is approximately four hours. Price: 45 NIS, including tax.

The Triangle of Heroism Hiking Tour:

This activity begins with a four kilometer hike on a trail featuring beautiful local vegetation and that includes the Mishmar Ha’Emek Warriors Monument, as well as a memorial that stands in honor of the slain members of the Kibbutz Movement. We will also visit wine presses and other regional observation points. Kosher meals will be served outdoors in a comfortable and shaded area. Throughout the activity, lectures related to the heritage of defense in this country will be offered.

Later, participants will gather for an evening with Palmach songs around the campfire, including musical instruments, heroic war stories, coffee and cake.

Additionally, we will:

• Camp in the outdoors – a secured area that is well-kept and clean, with restrooms, picnic tables, cooking facilities, lighting, etc.

• "Survival in the wake of warriors” - around the Jezreel valley.

For additional cost, additional details and reservations:

Laliv +972-52-3236974

www.palmach-mh.co.il | hapalmach.mh@kmh.co.il