In the heart of Israel’s arid desert lies one of the country’s most captivating destinations: Timna Park. More than just a geological marvel, Timna is a place where natural beauty and biblical history converge; thanks in large part to the decades-long dedication of philanthropist David Chudnow and his family through Jewish National Fund-USA.
“My father first got involved in 1984,” Chudnow recalls. “He saw what nobody else could yet see: a hidden gem with the potential to become one of Israel’s great treasures.” That vision began with a miracle;the creation of an artificial lake in the middle of the desert. Against all odds, the team succeeded. “It took a couple of years,” David says, “but it changed everything. People from Milwaukee came out for the dedication and literally jumped in, fully clothed.”
That lake, now a shimmering centerpiece of the park, offers paddle boating, lakeside dining, and serene desert views. Today, it’s surrounded by a modern visitor center, cozy desert cabins, and a gift shop and café; all part of Chudnow’s decades-long partnership with Jewish National Fund-USA to develop the site in phases. “This was a 40-year project,” he explains. “The visitor center is one of our proudest achievements, updated to include the latest archaeological discoveries like the ancient purple dye (argaman) mentioned in the Bible and worn by priests and kings.”
But Timna isn’t just about what humans have built. It’s what nature has carved. “The landscape is stunning,” Chudnow says with enthusiasm. “You’ll see rock formations like Mushroom Rock, King Solomon’s Pillars, and towering hoodoos like in Zion or Bryce Canyon. As someone who’s climbed in Joshua Tree, it feels familiar—and yet uniquely Israeli.”
For the adventurous, hiking trails, rock climbing, and self-guided tours of 3,000-year-old copper mines await. For families, Timna offers bike rentals, guided tours with local rangers, and a peaceful night under the stars in one of the most tranquil places in Israel.
Even more remarkable is the role Timna has played in times of national crisis. After October 7, 2023, Timna housed over 3,000 evacuees and served 7,200 meals a day, offering not just food and shelter, but mental health support. “Timna isn’t just a park; it’s part of the community. It steps up when the country needs it,” Chudnow emphasizes.
Perhaps most powerfully, Timna stands as a testament to Jewish history and continuity. “This land holds physical proof of our past,” Chudnow says. “The ancient mines, the purple cloth from the days of King Solomon; it affirms our presence here for thousands of years. My father used to say, ‘Timna is my legacy.’ And it is.”
Today, visiting Timna means more than just exploring nature. It’s participating in a living story; of family, of faith, of a people who turn abandoned copper pits into life-giving oases.
While most tourists to Israel never venture beyond Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, a visit to Timna Park may turn out to be the highlight of their trip. Just minutes from Israel’s new Ramon International Airport, the World Heritage Site is open year round.
For more information, visit jnf.org/travel or call 877-563-8687.