Tour objectives:

• Deepening familiarity with the Shalom region – geographically, socially, and in terms of security.
• A direct encounter with residents and community activists on the front lines, including insights into life in the shadow of ongoing challenges.
• Strengthening the sense of mission and connection to the task of defending Israel's borders based on historical, political, and ethical understanding.
• Examination of the concept of "defensible borders" in the context relevant to the activities of the reserve unit in the sector and in general.

Move:

The tour will begin with a visit to the Steel Division Memorial, where we will learn about the southern border in its historical, settlement, and military contexts, alongside a unique workshop on the concept of "defensible borders": a historical and security journey from the establishment of Israel's borders to the strategic significance of the country's borders today. From there, we will continue to the "Hagadah of the Yamit Region" museum in Moshav Dekel, where we will delve into the story of the settlement in Rafah, the evacuation and reestablishment of the Shalom region – with a contemporary look at the events of October 7 and the story of the female tankers from the “Pera” platoon. The tour will conclude with a direct encounter with a local resident or member of the emergency response team – for a personal conversation about the challenges of life on the front line, the sense of partnership with the security apparatus, and civilian resilience under fire. The tour weaves together the past, present, and future, seeking to anchor the reserve duty mission in a deep understanding of the space and community being defended.

Tour stops:

• Steel Corps Memorial: Observation of The Israel–Gaza–Egypt border junction; Historical Security Overview – "Defense Boundaries" Workshop: Inspired by Yigal Allon's concept, we will examine the borders of the State of Israel as a strategic and moral achievement. The workshop, which is specially tailored for reserve commanders, combines geopolitical knowledge with current defense challenges, focusing on the Israel-Egypt border.
• The "Hagadah of Yamit" Visitors Center in Moshav Dekel: The story of the establishment of the Yamit region, its evacuation, and the establishment of the Shalom region. In addition, a discussion about the story of the female armored corps soldiers in the events of October 7.
• Meeting with a resident From the region or a representative of the local emergency response team: the tense routine at the border, the events of October 7, and the challenges of living in the region.

Additional options to include in the tour

• Gush Katif Museum in Nitzan: A conversation about settlement and dealing with controversies in Israeli society.
• Observation tower in the Kisufim Forest: a strategic view of the Gaza Strip, an alternative venue for discussions about borders.