Atlit Detainee Camp

Exploring Israel's Shoreline

The Atlit Detainee Camp was a detention center in Atlit, near Haifa, that operated from 1940 to 1948. During this time, the British Mandatory authorities and later the newly established State of Israel used the camp to detain Jewish immigrants who attempted to enter Palestine without proper immigration certificates.


Atlit Detainee Camp
Credit: Heritage Conservation Outside The City, Zeev Stein, Pikiwiki Israel, CC BY 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons

So Atlit Detainee Camp was situated near the Med coast and had several buildings, including a hospital, dining hall, and detention area. Over the course of its operation, thousands of Jewish immigrants were detained in the camp, including Holocaust survivors and illegal immigrants who sought to escape persecution in Europe and start a new life in Palestine.

Top 5 Things to Do in Haifa

The Conditions in Camp

Furthermore, the conditions at the camp were harsh, with many prisoners suffering from disease and malnutrition. The prisoners were also subjected to forced labor; some were abused and mistreated by the camp’s guards. Despite these conditions, the Atlit Detainee Camp played a significant role in the Jewish immigration to Palestine during the British Mandate period and the early years of the State of Israel. Many immigrants detained in the camp contributed to the state’s development and the Jewish community’s growth in Palestine.


Atlit Detainee Camp Dorms
In This Photo: The Barracks Where the Inmates Lived
Credit: Shaula Haitner Pikiwiki Israel, CC BY 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons

Today, the Atlit Detainee Camp serves as a museum and a memorial to the Jewish immigrants detained there. It symbolizes these immigrants’ struggles and sacrifices to fulfill their dream of building a new life in Palestine. The museum provides visitors with a unique opportunity to learn about this important chapter in the history of Israel and the Jewish people.

Important Info:

Opening Hours:

Sunday-Thursday: 9 am to 5 pm

Friday: 9 am to 1 pm

Tours can be arranged. However, gotta be arranged in advance!

Tours last for about one hour.

Price: Adults: 32 NIS Child and Seniors:

27 NIS Groups:

Directions: The Atlit Detainee Camp Museum is 15 km south of Haifa and only 3 km north of downtown Atlit. From Haifa by car, take Route 2 south to Route 7110.

arik-about

Hi! My name is Arik, an Israeli native who dedicated his life to sharing my passion for the Holy Land with those interested in knowing more about this incredible piece of land. I’m the Chief Guide at ‘APT Private Tours in Israel’.

Did you know the Hoopoe is Israel's national bird?! For more cool info about Israel, join our ever growing community and get exclusive travel tips, and giveaways!

Bible Lands Museum

RELATED POSTS

The Museum of Yarmukian Culture

The Museum of Yarmukian Culture stands as a gateway to the fascinating world of the Neolithic Yarmukian culture.

Bethsaida National Park

Bethsaida is an archaeological site on the Sea of Galilee. An ancient city where it told Peter and Andrew came from. Don't miss it!

Israel’s Coastline Best Eateries

So you’re driving along the amazing shores of the Holy Land. But where can you find the very best eateries on Israel’s coastline? So here ...

Rujum Al-Hiri

Rujm el-Hiri is an ancient megalithic monument found in the Golan Heights. It is made up of 42,000 stones which is purpose is not clear.

Ilana Goor Museum

The Ilana Goor Museum is an art museum located in Old Jaffa. The museum was founded in 1995 by the artist, designer, and sculptor Ilana ...

Rehovot

Reḥovot is a vibrant city on the coastal plain in central Israel and the heart of the country’s most productive citrus belt. The town was ...

Montfort Castle

Montfort Castle is one of the most beautiful sites to visit in Israel. Nestled in the Galilee just above Kziv Stream. It's the place to ...

Yodfat National Park

So Yodfat was an important Jewish city during the Second Temple period. Furthermore, its remains are at the heart of the Yodfat mountain range in ...

Best Dead Sea Beaches

Which are the best Dead Sea Beaches? So here is a very short list of the beaches worth going to while touring Israel and the ...

Goren Park

Goren Park is a stunning nature reserve offering various activities and attractions. One of the attractions is the view of Montfort Castle.

Need help?

Skip to content