Asia-Pacific Ambassadors Step Back in Time at Israel’s Ancient Tel Megiddo

Asian Ambassadors explored history's trail.

A group of ambassadors from Asia-Pacific countries embarked on a special tour in northern Israel, which centered around a visit to the Tel Megiddo National Park -one of Israel's most significant archaeological sites, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site two decades ago.

The tour was organized by the Ambassador of Vietnam to Israel, Ly Duc Trung​, in coordination with Yoram Naor, Vice President of the Ambassadors Club.

The diplomats were welcomed by site manager Lilia Ibrahim, Rinat Russo - Director of the Visitors' Department at the Nature and Parks Authority, and Gil Lin, Head of the Megiddo Council, who highlighted the site's historical, touristic, and developmental importance.

'Made history'. Ambassadors at Tel Megiddo. Photo: Embassy of Vietnam

Located in the heart of Emek Israel, Tel Megiddo is considered a pivotal point in the history of the region. Due to its strategic location on the ancient trade route between Egypt and Mesopotamia, the site was a battleground for historic conflicts and is referred to in the Bible and the New Testament as "Armageddon" - the prophesied final battle site. During their visit, ambassadors were impressed by the spectacular archaeological findings: monumental gates, ancient temples, and one of the world's most sophisticated ancient underground water systems.

Later in the day, the ambassadors also visited the Wilfrid Museum of East Asian Art at Kibbutz HaZore'a, dedicated to the cultures of India, China, Japan, Cambodia, and Vietnam, a thrilling cultural exchange between East and West. Founded in 1951, the museum is considered a rare cultural gem, hosting rotating exhibitions of contemporary art alongside rich permanent displays.

Amid the tourism crisis during the War of Swords of Iron, the Nature and Parks Authority noted that the visit represents an important vote of confidence from the diplomatic community. In 2019, about 215,000 visitors came to Tel Megiddo, and in 2023, before the war, around 150,000.

The authority expressed hope that such visits will help revive international tourism to the site and Israel as a whole.