Following is a list of IDF events, including open days at IDF bases and other sites, in addition to exhibitions around the country, as part of Israel’s 60th Independence Day. The events will take place on Wednesday May 7th, 2008 and Thursday May 8th, 2008.
IDF bases and sites in Northern Israel:
· IAF base at Ramat David, and the School of Technology in Haifa, will be open for public on Thursday between 9:00-14:00. An exhibition of different IAF aircraft from the past and present as well as weapons and search and rescue equipment will take place. In addition, a flyover will take place at the Ramat David base at 10:00 am. The Public is requested to arrive by car to the parking lots adjacent to the base. Two-wheeled vehicles will not be permitted.
· IDF Naval base in Haifa will hold an event at the Haifa seaport on Thursday between 9:00-14:00. At the port, an exhibition of naval vessels and equipment, including: missile boats, submarines, naval helicopters, Dvora patrol boats, tug-boats, and a display by the underwater missions unit. In addition there will be different performers will appear: a performance by the IDF Military Police band, an exhibition of combat art, a show by the band „Moving Voices” and a show by the dance troupes from Qiryat Bialik and Qiryat Motzkin. Vehicles will not be permitted to enter the site; organized transport will be available from the entrance to the port.
· At the following communities and locations, IDF sites will open for the public on Thursday between 9:00-14:00. Natzrat Illit, Qiryat Shmona, Maalot, Katzrin, Nahariya, Shlomi, Karmiel, Hazor Haglilit and Horfish. In addition, there will be an exhibition of small-arms at the Golani intersection. At these locations, shows and events for the entire family will take place. Various weaponry and other military equipment will be on display as well as well as displays by security forces.
IDF bases and sites in Central Israel:
· Intelligence School (Glilot Intersection) will open its gates for the public on Thursday between 10:00-16:00. An exhibition of the different units of the intelligence branch will be presented at the base and will include displays of special satellite equipment, visual, spying, listening as well as stations manned by the censorship, information security and localization. In addition, guided tours will take place in model tunnels similar to those used for weapon smuggling in Gaza, as well as a tour of a model „nature reserve” used by Hezbollah. The public is asked to arrive with vehicles to the parking lot near the base. Vehicles will not be permitted to enter the base.
· IAF base in Tel Nof, will be open for the public on Thursday between 9:00-14:00. An exhibition of different IAF aircraft from the past and present as well as weapons and search and rescue equipment will be presented. The Public is asked to arrive with vehicles to parking lots by the base. Two-wheeled vehicles will not be permitted.
· At the following communities and locations, IDF sites will open for the public on Thursday between 9:00-14:00. Gush Etzion, Ariel, Maale Adummim, Givat Zeev, Qiryat Arba, Modiin and Alfei Menashe. In addition, an exhibition of small-arms will be presented at Ammunition Hill in Jerusalem, A display at Latrun,(Seventh Brigade Intersection) involving multiple IDF corps, will also take place. Shows and events for the entire family will take place at these sites, equipment and weaponry will be displayed as well as displays by security forces.
IDF bases and sites in Southern Israel:
· At the Naval base in Ashdod, an event will take place at the Ashdod Port on Thursday between 9:00-14:00. An exhibition of naval equipments that will include: missile boats, Shaldag, Dvora and Dabur patrol boats, tug-boats and decompression chambers. In addition, the Snapir Unit, Port Security Unit, and naval schools will present their activities. Vehicles will not be permitted to enter the site; arrival will be possible by organized transport from the entrance to the port.
· The Naval base in Eilat will be open on Independence evening, Wednesday, between 20:00-24:00. An exhibition of naval vessels and equipment will be on display. Vehicles will not be permitted into the base.
· IAF base in Ovda, will be open for the public on Thursday, between 9:00-13:00. An exhibition of different IAF aircraft from the past and present as well as weapons and search and rescue equipment will be presented. The base band and Eilat dancing group will perform. There will be activities for kids at the base and two flyovers by different helicopters. In addition, there will be an exhibition by armored and engineering forces, including tanks, Hummers, and different armored vehicles. The Public is asked to arrive with vehicles to parking lots by the base. Two-wheeled vehicles will not be permitted.
· IAF Museum in Hatzerim, will open its gates for the public on Thursday between 8:00-17:00. A symbolic payment is required for entrance. The tour at the museum includes tour guides, viewing of flights by the Spitfire, Stirman and Zukiot, a flight school game for children and a display of different IAF aircraft from the past and present.
· Natan Camp, Be’er Sheva, will open its gates for the public on Thursday between 8:00-17:00. An exhibition of tanks, Hummers and weapons of different kinds will be on display at the site, as well as a display by the Military Police and the Communication Corps. There will be shows for children as well as magicians, clowns and telepathy.
· „Metzudat Yoav” Museum will be open on Independence Day, Thursday between 8:00-17:00. An exhibition of the Givati brigade from the War of Independence will be on display. Arrival must be coordinated with the museum.
· At the following communities and locations, IDF sites will open for the public on Thursday between 9:00-14:00. The site in Dimona will be open between 9:00-16:00; the site in Rahat will be open between 10:00-17:00; the site in Sderot will be open between 9:00-18:00; the sites in Netivot, Meitar and Lehavim will be open between 9:00-14:00. Different shows and events for the entire family will be featured, as well as displays of different weapons, equipment and displays by security forces.
Entrance with weapons or animals to any base will not be permitted. Identification cards must be presented at the entrance.
In addition, cameras will not be allowed in all IDF bases. Media who wish to over these events should coordinate their arrival with the relevant desk bellow.
The IDF wishes a happy Independence Day to all the people and supporters of Israel.
BreuerPress
