Israel is so bursting with ancient history that all a museum needs to do is rope off an area and lead tours through it. Such is the modus operandi of The Jerusalem Archaeological Park, which researches and displays the many layers of archeological discoveries made in Jerusalem's Old City.

For an up-close look at one of the War of Independence's lesser-known chapters, set aside some time for a visit to the free Mount Zion Cable Car Museum the location of A secret cable car that was constructed during the war.

Yad Vashem takes full advantage of the emotional and historical resonance of its location, spinning the beauty of its surroundings and the oppressive somberness of its subject matter into a potent allegory of national destruction and redemption.