National Defense Museums

The Jewish Legion Museum was established in 1961 by veterans of World War I's Hebrew battalions. It shares the stories and experiences of Jewish volunteers in the British army during the two world wars.

The Clandestine Immigration and Naval Museum (named after David Hacohen) reviews Israel's military naval history from the days of clandestine immigration to Palestine during the British Mandate. It shares the struggles of immigration from 1934 to 1948. It displays the direct connection between clandestine immigration, the Palyam (the naval platoon of the Palmach), and the Haganah naval service before the establishment of the State of Israel, as well as the establishment of the Israeli Navy and its operations.

The Etzel Museum – 1948, located on the Tel Aviv seashore, tells the story of Israel's National Military Organization, an underground organization that fought to establish a Jewish state during the War of Independence. The museum also serves as a memorial for the forty-one Etzel warriors who fell during the Battle of Jaffa. The museum exhibit includes documents, newspaper clippings, photographs, films, artifacts, and visual models illustrating the organization's activities.

The Etzel museum tour highlights the organization's historical significance and the sacrifices its members made, paving the way for Israel's independence.

The Haganah Museum tells the story of one of the defensive forces that was central to the establishment of the State of Israel. The museum reflects the organization's development from the early days of the British Mandate to its contribution to the Jewish community throughout the War of Independence to the establishment of the State of Israel and the IDF.

The "Beit HaShomer" museum was set up by the members of Hashomer (the Hebrew word for the watchmen), to commemorate the organization's heritage. It provides a unique educational experience highlighting their important contribution to establishing the State of Israel and the IDF.

The Lehi Museum, located in Tel Aviv's Florentin neighborhood, reflects the history of the underground Lehi unit and tells the story of its commander, Avraham Stern, who was captured by the British police. The apartment is preserved with the original furniture from Stern's final days.

The Acre Underground Prisoner Museum is located in the Old City of Acre, in a fortress built during Ottoman rule. During the British Mandate, the fort was converted into the Acre prison, where fighters from the underground Haganah, Irgun, and Lehi were imprisoned. The museum presents the prison's history and the stories of the fighters who were held captive.

The Underground Prisoners Museum in Jerusalem is situated in a 19th-century Russian pilgrim's hostel. During the British Mandate, the hostel was converted into a central prison, holding hundreds of Jewish underground warriors from the Haganah, Etzel, and Lehi organizations. Members of these organizations were imprisoned alongside local criminals.

The Palmach Museum covers the legacy of the force through the stories of individuals and groups. By presenting the stories of the organization and its fighters, the museum provides a fascinating look into the establishment of the state. Visitors to the museum join the group of young Palmach recruits from its establishment and advance through the story of the Palmach until the end of the War of Independence.