Kokhav Michael has a clear historical focus in the memorial to the 52nd Battalion. Its dedication links the remembrance of the battalion’s fallen in all of Israel’s wars to a specific location.
Memorial to the 52nd Battalion
A separate plaque lists the names of those killed in the battle that took place at this site. This places two layers side by side: the memorial is dedicated to the battalion’s fallen in all wars, while the list of names refers to the battle at this location. The monument therefore encompasses a broader act of remembrance, complemented by the named commemoration of those killed in a particular battle.
The sculptor Tzvi Aldoubi designed and built the memorial at one of the Hulikat positions that controlled the road to the Negev. Its dedication, creator, and location offer different clues for understanding the monument’s history: it commemorates the battalion’s fallen and also stands at a position associated with control of the road.
More perspectives in the broader Southern District destination
The broader Southern District destination offers other historical themes. Avdat National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the route of the ancient Incense Road in the Negev Highlands. Masada is a symbol of the ancient Kingdom of Israel, its violent destruction, and the last stand of Jewish patriots against the Roman army in 73 CE. The site preserves the remains of Herod’s palaces as well as intact Roman siege works, among the most complete of their kind in the Roman world. These historical perspectives differ: the Kokhav Michael memorial refers to a battle at the site; Avdat points to the ancient route, and Masada to siege and resistance.
The Ein Gedi Nature Reserve in the broader Southern District destination offers a different emphasis. It encompasses Israel’s largest oasis, with springs, waterfalls, and flowing streams, as well as ibex and hyraxes. A hiking trail follows Nahal Arugot, which flows year-round, to a hidden waterfall and the pools upstream. Trail conditions may change after floods; check them before planning your visit.
Besor Park (Eshkol) in the broader Southern District destination lies on the river’s eastern bank, at the Ein Besor spring. The oasis features expansive lawns, picnic facilities, and children’s playgrounds. It also has marked cycling trails and a disc golf course. As the operation of individual facilities may change, check the details for the facilities relevant to you in advance.
The broader Southern District destination also includes the visitor center at the Ramon Crater. It connects the life story of Israel’s first astronaut, Lieutenant Colonel Ilan Ramon, with an introduction to the world’s largest crater and its unique natural phenomena. Register in advance through the visit coordination system to secure a place at the visitor center for your chosen visit date; the same requirement applies at Masada National Park. Arrangements may change, so check the registration details before planning your visit.
Ashkelon National Park is also in the broader Southern District destination. The Canaanite Gate was built from mud bricks and kurkar bricks, dates to 1850 BCE, and is considered the oldest vaulted gate in the world. The southern part of the national park is also a nature reserve for the distinctive flora and fauna of the sand dunes.
Discover more destinations: Idan, Ashdod, Mishmar HaNegev, Beersheba, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Amatzia, Mitzpe Ramon, Sapir.
Back to the broader travel overview: Southern District.
