Ancient sites opened for Passover holiday, including Solomon’s Pools and short trips into Syrian territory

Many of Israel’s scenic sites have been eerily silent over the last year and a half, closed to the public for security reasons. Now together with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Passover heritage programs have secured access to sites that have been closed, including some locations that have never been open to Israelis before.

Travel within sensitive areas, particularly in the Palestinian Territories, is not often an option for Israelis at the best of times. With pre-organized tours and careful coordination with the army, trips to places like Jericho can be made possible, but many of these sites have been strictly off-limits during the war precipitated by the Oct. 7 attacks. Even sites within Israel proper have been closed in areas vulnerable to attack, especially in the north of the country.