Tel Hai Courtyard Museum

Tel Hai Courtyard Museum recreates the life led in this small, isolated, agricultural settlement, and the events that led to its destruction in March 1920 during a shootout with irregular Arab forces. During this battle, Joseph Trumpeldor was killed. A guided tour is helpful, although a drop-in visit can be worthwhile with some background knowledge. The Battle of Tel Hai and Trumpeldor’s death were important not only because of their immediate consequences, but also because of the mood they created in the country at that time.

VISITING THE MUSEUM

Directions: Enter into Waze “חצר תל חי" or the nearby "Tel Hai Academic College."

Admission: The site is open for individual visits from 9.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. An audio guide is provided. The movie can be seen in English, and this should be requested at the office, although this may be difficult to coordinate if there are multiple Israeli groups. There are tours in Hebrew at 10.00 a.m., 12.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. An English tour can be requested with advanced notice. There is an admission charge. There is an outside shaded area with picnic benches. Their phone number is 04-695 1333.

Public transport: Enter "Tel Hai Museum" into Moovit. There are frequent buses from Kiryat Shmona that stop close to the museum and a somewhat less frequent bus service between Katzrin and Ein Qinya.

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A 7-minute movie can be viewed in Hebrew or English. The museum has a display of agricultural tools used by the pioneers. The audio guide presents conversations that illustrate the challenges of living at Tel Hai in this period. These include a debate as to whether the settlers should engage in cultural activities. Also, a discussion of the idealism of Joseph Trumpeldor in relation to the difficult conditions in which they were living. The living room functions as a memorial to the six men and two women who died here.

For the overview "The Battle of Tel Hai" — see my book "The North of Israel for Everyone: The Best Family Activities, Hikes and Historic Sites."

For the overview "Joseph Trumpeldor — a hero of unification" — see my book "The North of Israel for Everyone: The Best Family Activities, Hikes and Historic Sites."

Display of agricultural implements that would have been used here.