JERUSALEM — Hundreds of thousands of Israelis visited sites across Judea and Samaria during the weeklong Sukkot holiday, according to figures cited by the Yesha Council.
In the Binyamin region north of Jerusalem, tens of thousands visited heritage sites, springs, farms and hiking routes during the holiday. Ancient Shiloh recorded its highest visitor numbers ever, with attendance rising approximately 80 percent above its previous record.
Shiloh holds particular biblical significance. Scripture describes the congregation of Israel assembling there and setting up the Tent of Meeting after entering the land. The site is also connected with Hannah, who prayed for a son and later brought Samuel to serve before the LORD.
Elsewhere in the Binyamin region, more than 4,000 people participated in guided hiking and horseback riding tours. More than 400 visitors also toured biblical Gibeon after the site reopened for public tours, allowing visitors to explore its ancient water systems and archaeological remains.
The record tourism numbers came during Sukkot, one of the three biblical pilgrimage festivals described in Scripture.
For Whole Bible believers, the strong interest in places such as Shiloh provides a connection between the biblical record and locations that can still be visited today. During Sukkot, thousands of families had an opportunity to explore the landscape and history connected with the Scriptures.
Reference:
israel.fm/lifestyle/sukkot-holiday-tourism-surged-judea-samaria/
Category:
Israel / Biblical History / Sukkot
