Who we are:
The Jewish community of Peki’in in Israel’s Upper Galilee has long been a symbol of the uninterrupted Jewish presence in the Land of Israel from time immemorial. This never exiled Jewish community has existed in Peki’in uninterrupted for over 2,000 years with documented evidence since the days of the Second Temple. Thus it has become an icon to the Zionist movement and the State of Israel. 
Peki’in, now a town with a Druze majority, has an array of unique Jewish archaeological sites and a synagogue typical of the post Second Temple period, with artifacts reputed to have been salvaged from the ruins of the Holy Temple itself. The ancient synagogue of Peki’in is familiar to many. Due to its unique importance it appears on Israel’s currency (the NIS 100.note).
According to the Talmud, Rabbi Simeon bar Yohai(זצ”ל) a bitter opponent of Roman rule in Eretz Yisrael, was forced to go into hiding with his son for many years. They sheltered in a cave in Peki’in. Tradition has it that next to the mouth of the cave a carob tree sprang up and a spring of fresh water gushed forth. Thus provided against hunger and thirst as they wrote the Holy Zohar. The cave, carob tree and spring are protected and preserved to this day for all to see!
Imbued with a sense of social responsibility for the welfare of Peki’in’ s Jewish and Druze residents the Heritage Association strives to further strengthen the unique ties between the two communities and to educate the Israeli public about Peki’in in particular, and the Galilee in general
What we do:
The ancient synagogue complex is being renovated and maintained. As part of their educational activities to strengthen the Jewish/Zionist ethos, the Association offers seminars, walking tours, and religious study sessions in the ancient synagogue to groups of soldiers and officers from the IDF, from throughout Israel and from around the world. Last year alone over 18,000 IDF soldiers and officers where introduced to the unique Jewish history of Peki’in and its importance to our collective identity today!
With the maintenance of ancient Jewish sites in Peki’in, and the exciting educational programs offered, we are witness to benefits for all the residents of Peki’in, Jewish and Druze alike. The village enjoys increased tourism, now barely reaching its potential. The efforts of the Association are of particular importance since the Second Lebanon War and the resulting effect on local economies.
Accomplishments:
To date, the Heritage Association of the Upper Galilee has attracted hundreds of groups to Peki’in from both Israel and abroad, contributing to local tourism and the economy, breathing life into our most ancient community and its synagogue. The Association has overseen the renovation of holy sites including the community’s ancient synagogue, and conducts seminars for over 18,000 IDF soldiers, thousands of Israeli High School students and others bringing the unique history of Peki’in to thousands and thousands annually!
IDF Visitors Center (Unique Naming Opportunity) $ 48,000.
Program for the Reclamation of Jewish properties in the Galilee $ 23,000.
Furnishings for IDF Visitors Center $ 8,000.
Cost of One Day Seminar for IDF Group $180.
