The graves of David and Paula Ben-Gurion overlook a breathtaking view of the Tsin canyon and the Avdat highlands in the heart of the Negev. The path from the parking lot to the tranquil grave site goes through a garden of carefully nurtured local flora that can thrive in the arid climate and saline conditions of the local soil.
David Ben-Gurion, who declared the establishment of the state of Israel and became its first prime minister, was arguably one of the most outstanding figures of the 20th century. Not only did he dream that the Negev could flourish, he and Paula practiced what he preached by becoming members of Kibbutz Sde Boker in 1953. In 1963 the couple retired to a modest ‘hut’ on the kibbutz, where they lived a simple life-style that amazed the bevy of world leaders who visited Ben-Gurion at home over the years.
The ‘hut’ on Kibbutz Sde Boker is now a museum managed by an institute dedicated to preserving Ben-Gurion’s heritage. A fee is charged for a visit to the hut (for details call 08-653-2717).
How to get there:Off the Be'er Sheva-Mitspe Ramon road (no. 40), near Midreshet Ben-Gurion (Ben-Gurion College)
Length of tour: 30 minutes
Best season: year-round
Don't miss: view of the Tsin canyon
Other attractions: wheelchair access, picnic area, souvenir shop, information station
All day
Phone: 08-655-5684; 08-655-4418 Fax / Email: 08-657-0536
Free
In the Ben-Gurion's Tomb National Park adaptations to make the site accessible to people with disabilities are being made. Adaptations currently in place include:
