We begin at Castel, a crucial high ground overlooking the road to Jerusalem. Here, one of the fiercest battles of Operation Nachshon took place. This operation, named after Nachshon ben Aminadav, who courageously stepped into the Yam Suf before it split, was the first large-scale offensive of the Jewish forces before statehood was declared.

At Castel, we’ll walk through the preserved trenches, learning about the brutal hand-to-hand combat that took place here. The capture of Castel was a turning point in the battle, helping to weaken Arab control over the supply routes to Jerusalem.

➡ Key Takeaways:

• The significance of holding the high ground in battle.
• The intense fighting that took place and the high price paid for victory.
• How this victory helped shift the momentum in favor of Jewish forces.

Next, we’ll pass by Kiryat Anavim, home to the first Jewish agricultural settlement in the Jerusalem hills and later the resting place of 168 fallen soldiers of the Harel Brigade. These brave men, led by Yitzhak Rabin, played a critical role in escorting convoys and breaking through enemy lines.

➡ Key Takeaways:

• The sacrifices made by young soldiers for the sake of Jerusalem.
• The emotional stories of those who fought and fell on this very ground.
• How the Harel Brigade became legendary in the battle for the roads to Jerusalem.

At Khan Sha’ar HaGai, we’ll stand at the very bottleneck that once determined whether Jerusalem would survive or fall. This narrow pass was the key to controlling the road to Jerusalem, and during the siege, Arab forces constantly attacked Jewish convoys attempting to bring food, water, and medical supplies to the city’s starving residents.

We’ll visit the interactive museum, where we’ll hear firsthand testimonies from those who drove the armored convoys under constant fire. You’ll step into their shoes as you experience the tension, fear, and courage of the fighters who risked everything to break the siege.

➡ Key Takeaways:

• The importance of logistics and supply routes in warfare.
• How Operation Nachshon and later battles helped secure the road.
• The legacy of those who braved the dangerous convoys to keep Jerusalem alive.

The Latrun fortress, originally a British police station, became one of the toughest battle sites during the War of Independence. Despite five failed attempts to capture it in 1948, Latrun remained under Jordanian control until it was finally taken in the 1967 Six-Day War.

At the Latrun Armored Corps Museum, we’ll explore the tanks, weaponry, and strategies used during these battles. We’ll also discuss the heroic yet heartbreaking attempts to take Latrun in 1948, where many young soldiers—many of them Holocaust survivors who had just arrived in Israel—were sent into battle with little training or proper weapons.

➡ Key Takeaways:

• Why Latrun was so difficult to capture and why it mattered.
• The bravery and resilience of the undertrained soldiers who fought here.
• How Latrun’s final capture in 1967 changed the map of Israel.

Our journey takes a thrilling turn as we hop into jeeps for an adventure on the Burma Road, the secret supply route built in just a few weeks to bypass enemy-controlled roads.

As we drive along this rugged path, we’ll learn about how Israeli forces, in the dead of night, carved out a passage through the hills, allowing supply trucks to reach the besieged residents of Jerusalem. We’ll make stops at key points to hear about the engineering challenges, the bravery of those who built it, and how this road ultimately saved Jerusalem.

➡ Key Takeaways:

• How Israeli forces created an alternative supply route under enemy fire.
• The ingenuity and determination that ensured Jerusalem’s survival.
• Experiencing firsthand the difficult terrain and strategic significance of the Burma Road.

After a powerful and emotional day, we’ll conclude with a special BBQ with active-duty IDF soldiers. This is an opportunity to meet the modern-day protectors of Israel, hear their stories, and express gratitude for their service.

As we sit together, we’ll reflect on the sacrifices made in 1948 and how they connect to today’s reality. The road to Jerusalem was secured with courage, faith, and resilience, and today, that spirit continues with the soldiers who stand guard over the Land of Israel.