Castel is a national park at a historically significant location in Israel.
background
During the Israeli War of Independence, the strategically important position of the hill in the Arab village of Al-Castal was fiercely contested, as the place played a key role in the blockade Jerusalem by the allied Arab troops. A national memorial was built at the site of the historically significant battle.
history
On the connecting route between Jerusalem and Jaffa resp. Tel Aviv there was probably a fortress already in Roman times. A crusader fortress was established here in 1168 Belvoir or Beauverium erected, which was razed by the Muslim units as early as 1191/2; no more witnesses have survived from these epochs.
Between 1838 and 1940 there was an Arab village with about 50 to 90 inhabitants in a handful of houses.
Between the decision on the partition plan of the United Nations in November 1947 and the declaration of independence on May 14, 1948, the Arab troops increasingly tried to block the connection road between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem by irregular units and thus block the Jewish population in Jerusalem due to a shortage of water and food and move ammunition to surrender. The convoys on the road to Jerusalem were repeatedly hit by sniper shots. With the "Operation Nachshon" the ring of belgeries around Jerusalem was to be blown up.
The Arab town of Al-Qastal resp. Castel, from Abu George's Coffeshop, the convoys were regularly shot at, was a strategically important point on the connecting axis and was on 2/3. Occupied April 1948 by Jewish troops and by 100 militants under Abd al-Qader al Husseini, the counterattack took place in the afternoon. From 5th to 7th April, the Jewish position is attacked practically non-stop by the Arab vacationers and outposts have to be given up. Early in the morning, the commander of the Arab freelance groups, Abd al-Qader al Husseini, was shot unrecognized by the Jewish defenders while on a scouting tour; the Arab troops suspect that he has been captured and attack the Jewish positions in Castel incessantly with a strength of over 1,000 men. Around noon, the completely overtired and exhausted defenders had to organize a retreat. From this phase the order is issued that the soldiers withdraw and the officers behind them cover the retreat; few of the defenders manage to escape.
On April 9, the Palmach units attack Castel with massive artillery fire and, to their astonishment, find the village completely deserted. Practically all Arab irregulars had left the place to attend the funeral of Abd al-Qadar al-Husseini in Jerusalem - from that day the hill with the ruins of the "House of the Mukhtar" remained in Israeli hands. A little later, the main point of the blockade of the route to Jerusalem to the Tegart Fort of Latrun relocated, which remained in the hands of the Arab Legion provided by Jordan until the Six Day War and a bypass road to supply Jerusalem ("Burma Road") had to be used.
A national park was set up as a memorial, and various activities introduce (young) visitors to the virtues of Israeli soldiers.
landscape
The park area consists of a rocky hilltop in the north, which is enclosed by the residential quarters of Kibbutz Ma'oz Tsiyon. The barren terrain is criss-crossed by trenches and defensive walls.
Flora and fauna
The region's typical Mediterranean flora, Helichrysum sanguineum (blood-red straw flower), red poppy and Persian cyclamen grow in the park area. Later on, Sarcopoterium spinosum (thorny beagle), Phlomis viscosa (sticky smut herb), Cistus salviifolius (sage-leaved rockrose) bloom here, while kermes and olive trees grow in the area.
climate
The predominantly dry Mediterranean climate prevails on the western slopes of the Jerusalem mountains.
getting there
The highway 1Jerusalem - Tel Aviv one leaves at the Har'El Junction and drives on the 3965 in a southerly direction Mevasseret Zion or Ma'oz Tsiyon. After this Local Council, the municipal administration, turn right (signposted) and follow the road that goes around the park area along the fence.
Fees / permits
14/7 NIS
mobility
The park area can easily be explored on foot; A circular route is marked on the hilltop, which is criss-crossed by protective walls and trenches.
Tourist Attractions
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- 1 Castel National Heritage Site. Tel.: 972 (0)2534 2741, Fax: 972 (0)2579 5274. Open: summer 8 am-5pm, winter 8 am-4pm, on Friday evening the park closes an hour earlier.Price: 14/7 NIS.
- First, a short film (English, Hebrew) in a pavilion (up to this point accessible for wheelchair users,
) about the strategic importance of Castel. At various stations where young people can get to know the meaning of military virtues in group activities, the path leads up to the ruins of the Cominos hill of Castel House of the Mukhtar. From here you can enjoy a great panoramic view of Jerusalem and the importance of the strategic position over the connecting road to Jerusalem becomes immediately clear. Over a few steps and a winding trench (
) you get into a cistern that served as a command post during the fighting. A multimedia animation (English, Hebrew) leads through the various phases of the battle for the fort in the spring of 1948. The way back leads via further viewpoints back to the park entrance.
activities
- Visit the site of one of the most important events in the Israeli independence war
shop
- Water, drinks and snacks are available at the park entrance.
kitchen
accommodation
By prior arrangement, you can stay overnight in a tent at the parking lot in the park area. The nearby Jerusalem with a number of accommodation options can be reached quickly.
security
The security situation is harmless; You are not allowed to climb around on the ramparts and trenches.
trips
- to Latrun, the site of the battle for Latrun
