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See the Sights I Eat, Travel, Enjoy

The National Library I Photo by Albatross

The National Library I Photo: Rami Cohen

04 | Discovering cultural treasures The National Library Even if ancient books aren’t exactly your thing, the new National Library is well-worth a visit. CNN went as far as to declare it one of the ten most beautiful buildings in the world. From the outside, the structure looks like an open book, and it sprawls across eleven floors of halls and galleries, including a giant three-story reading hall that meanders around the central open space. Each floor has numerous reading stands and hundreds of shelves laden with centuries-old books, manuscripts, photographic albums, archival documents, and more. Permanent and temporary exhibitions, interactive installations, and events are regularly organized, and robots positioned throughout the library help you find whatever you’re looking for. Guided tours are available daily, and we recommend ending your visit with a walk around the beautiful gardens and enjoying a coffee in the adjacent café. It’s important to note that the library is child-friendly and regularly

organizes story time afternoons, as well as children’s plays and events. nli.org.il/en 05 | Refreshing natural springs Ein Sajma and Dubek’s Pool The Ein Sajma, or Ein Yitzhak, natural spring is located inside the Gush Etzion area and was refurbished in memory of Dr Yitzhak Weinstock who was killed in a terrorist attack. The spring is surrounded by shaded picnic tables. A few meters away, visitors can enjoy the 1.5m deep

pool called “Dubek’s Pool”, built in memory of Dov Weinstock who everybody called “Dubek”. Dubek led field expeditions across the area and was an important figure among Gush Etzion youths. After his death, this pool was built in his memory, filled by the waters of the adjacent Ein Yitzhak spring. A new asphalt road has recently been built here for easy access by all vehicles, and the Gush Etzion bike trail also passes through here, including a 35km singletrack. ˆ

The Ein Sajma pool I Photo by Gush Etzion tourism board

16 ATMOSPHERE MAY 2025