Neveh Shalom

If the thought of visiting a community comprised of different cultures and faiths that live fluidly and peacefully together excites you, then you must make a stop on your trip to Israel to Neveh Shalom. The first Jewish-Arab settlement to exist in Israel, Neveh Shalom or Wahat al Salaam is a community of harmony and peace. Located in the heart of the coastal plain on a hill top overlooking the Ayalon Valley and Trappist Monastery, Neveh Shalom is peacefully rural setting. Established by a group of Arab and Jewish citizens in 1969 with a desire to follow the Dominican monk, Bruno Hussar, Neveh Shalom has grown to a community of approximately 50 families and 1,800 residents. Neveh Shalom prizes and works toward maintaining harmony and understanding between Jews and Arabs. Everything in Neveh Shalom attests to the true coexistence of the two groups-educational activities are in both Arabic and Hebrew and the body of managing citizens is chosen annually by residents, rotating between Arabs and Jews. The setting around Neveh Shalom is beautiful and full of natural adventure-hiking, cycling, walking, etc. Many tourists on tours of Israel enjoy the absolutely delicious wineries that have developed over the past decade as well as the local monasteries. The House of Silence, built on the side of a hill in a beautiful, isolated spot, is the perfect place to relax or enjoy spending some time in contemplation. Another attraction near Neveh Shalom is the Mini Israel Exhibition, where concerts are sometimes held. If you would like to stay overnight in Neveh Shalom, you can take refuge in their quaint guesthouse located near the visitors' center.