Cornerstone Laid for New Accessible Promenade in Samaria

A cornerstone was laid for the "Joshua Trail" promenade in the settlement of Alon Moreh in Samaria, marking the start of the "Bible Trails in Judea and Samaria" initiative. The project, a joint effort by the Ministry of Tourism and the "Eshkol" regional council, aims to develop tourism in the region.

The accessible promenade will be built with an investment of 3.2 million shekels and will feature a suspension bridge connecting the Alon Moreh Heritage Center to the summit of Mount Kabir Nature Reserve. The trail is designed to highlight the area's historical and biblical heritage, offering visitors a connection to the landscapes and stories of the region.

The cornerstone-laying ceremony was attended by Israeli Minister of Tourism Haim Re'em, Minister of Heritage Rabbi Amihai Eliyahu, and Head of the Samaria Regional Council Yossi Dagan. Several other officials and community leaders were also present.

Minister Re'em stated that developing tourism in Samaria is part of building the land and connecting people to its history, envisioning the region as "the Tuscany of Israel" due to its landscapes, vineyards, wineries, history, and heritage.

Minister Eliyahu emphasized the connection between heritage, settlement, and revival, calling the new trail an expression of this link and a national duty to make ancestral heritage accessible. He praised the partnership with Minister Re'em and Council Head Dagan.

Council Head Dagan described the trail as another step in building the land, making the area where the forefathers walked accessible to many visitors. He stated that the response to challenges is to continue building and developing tourism in the "heart of the land of the Bible."