This week I found myself at the Ayalon Institute Bullet Factory several times for meetings.
I can't tell you how happy it made me to see this beloved flagship heritage site supported by Jewish National Fund-USA slowly coming back to life.
One of the saddest things to witness over the past few years, through Covid, October 7, and nearly three years of war, was a place that was once filled with visitors of every age, standing almost empty for so long.
This week, though, it felt different.
The beautiful new lobby echoed with the boisterous chatter of a class of Israeli schoolchildren. In one corner, a cheerful group of seniors from a southern kibbutz laughed together. Nearby, a group of sunburnt American teenagers on an Israel summer program relaxed between tours. The phone at the reception desk kept ringing with people asking about opening hours and tour availability.
It wasn't just the sound of visitors returning. It was the sound of life returning.
After such a long period of despair, we are finally beginning to look ahead and dare to dream again.
One sign of that optimism is that, throughout the summer, the Bullet Factory will be extending its opening hours. And after a long time of being closed on weekends, it will once again be open on Saturdays.
The beautiful new lobby is also fulfilling exactly the role it was designed for. More than simply welcoming visitors, it has become a lively gathering place for workshops, cultural events and community activities.
We even hosted the wedding of our spokesperon, Shahar Hermelin, beautiful daughter, Michal at the site!
The site will come alive this summer with a packed program of family-friendly experiences celebrating the remarkable story of the secret underground bullet factory. Expect interactive tours, treasure hunts, costumed characters, puzzles and hands-on missions for all ages. The season will conclude on August 26 with a festive evening of classic Israeli songs and locally brewed craft beer. If you're in the area, we'd love to see you there!
Looking ahead
Over the years, Jewish National Fund-USA has partnered with us on some truly transformative projects at Ayalon, from the beautiful new visitor lobby and accessibility upgrades to the Ayalon Garden, created in memory of David Iselin z"l.
Even during the difficult years, we never stopped planning for the future.
Our vision is to transform the Ayalon Institute into a world-class educational destination while preserving every ounce of the authenticity that makes it so special.
While we have many more plans for Ayalon in the pipeline, I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for the wonderful role you play in making the Bullet Factory the incredible success story it is today. By investing our time, effort and passion in these places, we can help ensure that the stories of courage, ingenuity and sacrifice that built Israel continue to inspire generations to come.
May these summer months and those that come after them continue to bring with them dreams, aspirations and the laughter of children.
Wishing you a peaceful Shabbat and a wonderful weekend.
Warmly,
