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Israel is an important religious location for three prominent world religions. Its vast and interesting history is well known, as is its reputation that has earned the title: ‘The Holy Land’.
Unfortunate conflicts have led to a complicated history, due to the fact that it has changed hands multiple times. There are many sites of great historical significance that the Israel Nature & Heritage Foundation of America (INHFA) has restored or is still seeking to.
These important historical and religious sites are open to visitors who wish to make the trip to Israel and experience the significance of the region up close.
About The Israel Nature & Heritage Foundation of America And Their Mission
INHFA is a philanthropic organization that works alongside the Israel Nature and Parks Authority to restore historical sites as well as protect the 200-plus endangered species that call this area home; provide historical as well as environmental education to underprivileged groups, and promote sustainable tourism in the region. Tourism provides a great economic boost to any region, but it can come at an economical price if not done sustainably. As an organization, they have three main goals:
- Nature conservation
- Preservation of Israel’s heritage sites
- Democratizing Access to nature and heritage
Travelers can learn more about INHFA at their website.
Or, visit their social media
Prominent Sites to Visit
The Israel Nature & Heritage Foundation of America is engaged in many projects throughout Israel. Some of them are in the early stages of restoration while other projects have been completed. Here are some of the prominent sites that are worth checking out.
Tel Ashkelon
The site of a Roman-era basilica, the largest in the world, INHFA is currently working to restore the great structure. These repairs include mounting massive sculpted marble columns that once supported the structure, as well as installing staging and seating so that visitors can observe the restoration. With Ashkelon having long been a city known more for conflict than for its historic significance, it is INHFA’s goal to change that perspective.
Beit She’an
Beit She’an, once a lively city during the Roman occupation, INHFA is working on a massive project to restore the largest Roman theater in Israel. Branded the “Caesarea of the North”, INHFA aims to host live performances here once restoration has finished and proper infrastructure has been installed.
Restoring Synagogues
Another major undertaking of INHFA is the restoration of many of the ancient synagogues in Israel. Ranging in a variety of sizes and states of preservation, they all represent an important moment in history, and it is INHFA’s goal to restore them. Visitors can tour the synagogues and learn a bit about the region's past.
Wildlife Preservation
With such an abundance of wildlife in the region, and with the unfortunate reality of so many on the verge of extinction, INHFA has made it a goal to protect and bring back as many of the endangered species as they can.
Sea Turtle Rescue Center
One of INHFA’s wildlife protection projects is the Sea Turtle Rescue Center they are building. It will be the largest in the Middle East and will be able to treat, care for, and ultimately release these turtles back into the wild. The goal is for the center to be able to treat over a thousand turtles at one time. Travelers will be able to check out the visitor center along the beach and will even be able to see the turtles currently being rehabilitated.
Saving the Griffin Vulture
Once a common sight in the skies over Israel, the Griffin Vulture has suffered and its population has dwindled each year as environmental conditions continue to worsen. These great birds are one of the endangered species that INHFA is attempting to help.
Persian Fallow Deer
Once upon a time, Persian Fallow Deer roamed across Israel as they are native to the entirety of the Middle East. Rampant poaching drove them from the region, until forty years ago when a small number were smuggled from Iran. Now, they have been reintroduced to Israel and INHFA is attempting to encourage the growth of their population though currently, there are only 250 of them left.
Arabian Oryxes
This hearty desert-dwelling oryx once roamed throughout the Middle East but was driven to extinction. Now, efforts from environmentalists have restored the population to over 800 with about a quarter of them living in Israel. It is INHFA’s mission to continue growing their numbers.
Traveling to Israel
With coasts lines along the Dead Sea and Tel Aviv beach, Israel is a stunning location with deep cultural significance. There is so much to discover here between its heritage and amazing food scene. Travelers to Israel can soak in the experience of visiting INHFA's restoration and conservation sites as well as enjoy everything else Israel has to offer.