The Society for Preservation of Israel Heritage Sites

Contact: Tamar Tuchler, Head of the Department of International Affairs & Regional Director Society for Preservation of Israel Heritage Sites: Mikve Israel 58910, Israel Tel: 972-3-5017774 Fax: 972-153-3-5017774 www.shimur.org/english

The Society for Preservation of Israel Heritage Sites The Society for Preservation of Israel Heritage Sites (Shimur) was established in 1984 on the recommendation of the Committee of Education and Culture of the Knesset, as the national protector of sites of historic importance. The headquarters of Shimur are located in Mikveh-Yisrael, the countrys first agricultural school founded in 1870. As the sole authority charged with preserving Israels historic sites, the Society is not only responsible for their restoration, but also protects them against demolition orders from ill-conceived master plans. It also influences public response to Israels planning of its regions, cities and towns. It promotes the use of restored historical sites as cultural centers and for special youth activities. Shimur sees education for preservation as a primary goal. It is active in promoting the preservation of Israels national history, both within schools and universities as well as with the general public, and develops educational programs relevant to each restored and protected site. The Society promotes special active preservation projects for children and youth learning about the past and the environment by experience. It also coordinates the activities of 120 heritage sites throughout Israel, which comprise educational activities in many fields including preservation. With the help of concerned individuals and organizations, as well as its well-planned work and its untiring efforts, the Society has established a solid reputation as a highly professional and effective body in heritage preservation Each project is individually budgeted and financed, with monies contributed by local authorities, public and private foundations, industrial enterprises, national institutions and the Israel government. The Society also established a special body to help in fundraising. Shimur has already restored and protected more than 1000 buildings and sites all over the country. The work was done by experienced professionals and in some of the sites with the help of local youth. In our new Department of International Affairs we are promoting international projects with different countries and institutes in planning and conservation issues. We would be more than happy to create a joint project with you In the following pages we would like to share some of our projects with you.

Saving more than 500 historical sites (Before & after)

More than 120 Historical Museums

Protection of National Historical Sites

Educational activities

Conservatino in Arab village

The white city of Tel Aviv

Technical and mechanical elements preservation

Jerusalem

Conservation of histiric water towers

National Historical Sigan

The Hejaz Railway