A significant milestone in the development of southern Israel’s tourism infrastructure was achieved last night with the festive inauguration of Mitzpe Sderot, an innovative and distinctive new visitor center. The ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including Minister of Tourism Haim Katz, Sderot Mayor Alon Davidi, Keren Hayesod CEO Edna Weinstock-Gabay, Ministry of Tourism Director General Dani Shahar, and Government Tourism Company CEO Elad Arenfeld.

The Mitzpe Sderot Visitor Center promises a unique and impactful experience for both domestic and international visitors. Central to the experience is a compelling film that chronicles the security challenges faced by Sderot residents over the years, viewed through their personal stories. The film powerfully underscores the city’s remarkable resilience and spirit. Additionally, the center offers an immersive Virtual Reality (VR) experience detailing the October 7th battle in the surrounding Gaza Envelope area, developed in collaboration with the “Israeliz” association. For visitor convenience, the center also includes a convenience store, restrooms, and fully accessible access to the observation hill, via a recently added bridge and elevator, with support from the Ministry of Tourism.

The renovation of the visitor center was made possible through joint funding from the Ministry of Tourism, Keren Hayesod, Sderot Municipality, and the Sderot Development Fund, with execution by the Government Tourism Company.

Beyond the Mitzpe Sderot Visitor Center, visitors can also enjoy the nearby Kobi Hill observation point. This strategic location offers panoramic views of the northern Gaza Strip, southern Ashkelon, Sderot city, and the southern Hebron Mountains. The Kobi Hill project, which involved renovation and accessibility improvements, was planned and executed over the past five years. It also features the “Four Fallen Memorial,” commemorating the four soldiers who lost their lives in the Nir-Am tunnel during Operation Protective Edge.

The center is now open to the public, marking another pivotal step in Sderot’s growing tourism initiative, spearheaded by Sderot Tourism.

Minister of Tourism, Haim Katz, emphasized the symbolic significance of the new center: “The inauguration of this visitor center, with the symbol of evil and cruelty visible nearby, is testament to the resilience of Sderot’s residents, their faith in a better future, and our right to build and thrive in our land. The Ministry of Tourism has invested approximately 16 million NIS in developing the city’s infrastructure in recent years. This new center offers a high-quality, accessible, and inspiring visitor experience. I call upon all citizens of Israel to visit Sderot and support the city, its community, and its businesses.”

Mayor of Sderot, Alon Davidi, highlighted several unique aspects of the project: “This place we are inaugurating is special for several reasons. Firstly, its location, adjacent to Mitzpe Sderot, just 1.2 km from the border fence – this represents the strength and resilience of Sderot. Secondly, the great news of bringing tens of thousands of tourists to the city who will learn about the challenges and heroism of Sderot residents throughout the years in this security reality. And thirdly, the unique design of the visitor center by Sivan Priante, the wife of the late Kobi, who was murdered on October 7th, and whom we saw in the film screened here. She transformed this place into a gem. The pain and sorrow of the bereaved families cannot be filled. What Sivan has accomplished here is a great victory for us, which she leads here together with the other dear people in tourism, the fund, the Ministry of Tourism, the Sderot Economic Development Company, the Government Tourism Company, and Keren Hayesod.”

Keren Hayesod CEO, Edna Weinstock-Gabay, expressed pride in the partnership: “Keren Hayesod is proud to be a partner in establishing Mitzpe Sderot – an initiative that connects tourism, education, and commemoration, allowing every visitor to connect with the heroic stories of Sderot and the extraordinary resilience of its residents in an innovative and accessible way. Keren Hayesod donors worldwide are proud to be part of the establishment of the visitor center and observatory, which symbolize the local spirit, its strength, and the steadfastness of the city, even in the most difficult moments. Since the beginning of the war, Keren Hayesod has worked shoulder-to-shoulder with the authorities and residents – from immediate assistance to long-term rehabilitation, as part of our commitment to strengthening Israeli society as a whole.”

Elad Arenfeld, CEO of the Government Tourism Company, underscored the project’s multifaceted value: “Today, we are inaugurating a tourist, technological, and ethical experience – connecting landscape with depth, and local story with national spirit. The Government Tourism Company is proud to be part of this innovative project, which enables an accessible and tailored visitor experience for everyone, alongside the most advanced technologies. I thank the Ministry of Tourism, Sderot Municipality, and all the entities that led and participated in the project, and most importantly, thank you, residents of Sderot, for your resilience and determination.”