The Jerusalem Post - The Jerusalem Post Magazine
Eclectic Election Day activities
Election Day is a national holiday, and everyone gets a rare day off from work, so why not seize the opportunity to combine your civic duty with an adventure out in nature with family and friends? Here are a few suggestions on how best to take advantage of the day, which falls on April 9.
SPRING MIGRATION
Election Day 2019 falls right smack in the middle of birds’ spring migration, which offers us a unique opportunity to combine voting and bird-watching. The Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel will be leading a guided walking tour alongside fish ponds and the beach, where visitors will learn about the migration of birds and the far-off places they migrate to each year. In addition, the guide will tell anecdotes about the connection between capturing birds and science, and how and why scientists trap birds in the first place.
The tour is being organized by the Hof Hacarmel Field School.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 12 noon
Price: NIS 84
NEBI SAMWIL
The Israel Nature and Parks Authority will hold a guided tour of Nebi Samwil, a heritage site near Jerusalem that is revered in Judaism, Christianity and Islam. In addition to its religious importance, the ancient site also boasts incredible views of the surroundings, luscious orchards and even a spring.
The main focus at Nebi Samwil, which dates back to the Crusader period, is a structure where it is believed that the prophet Samuel is buried. The guide will enlighten participants with interesting stories about the history, traditions, battles and conquests that took place on that hill.
From the roof of the building, you will have a spectacular view of Jerusalem and all of the surrounding communities. Next, participants will be led through the archaeological park, the ancient quarry, the garden of protected plants and Hannah’s Spring (named after the Prophet Samuel’s mother).
Tours will begin on the hour, every hour.
BEIT GUVRIN
Beit Guvrin National Park, located in the heart of the Land of a Thousand Caves, is preparing a special program for voting day. There are four huge caves inside the national park that were quarried out of the chalk ground: the Bell Cave, the Sidonian Cave, the Columbarium Cave, and the Maze Cave. Inside each cave, an individual will be awaiting your arrival in order to convince you that her cave is the most beautiful one.
The activities will commence at 11 a.m. and end at 3 p.m. At 1 p.m., a polling station will be erected and visitors will be welcome to choose which cave they want to vote for and then cast their vote. The winning cave will be announced at the end of the day on the Beit Guvrin website.