Bank Hapoalim is proceeding with its Poalim Israeli cultural project in a renewed format after canceling the initiative earlier this year due to the Roaring Lion war, offering free entry to 54 museums, heritage sites and parks across Israel throughout May in an effort to support cultural institutions and the local tourism sector affected by the conflict.
The private sector initiative will provide free access over three weekends: May 8-9, May 15-16 and May 29-30, excluding the Shavuot holiday. Entry will be available on Fridays and Saturdays, subject to advance registration. The bank said the decision to proceed despite the earlier Passover cancellation stems from a desire to continue supporting cultural institutions and the local tourism sector, which were affected during the conflict, especially in the northern and southern regions.
Private Sector Support for War-Affected Areas
The initiative represents a market-driven response to economic challenges facing Israel's tourism and cultural sectors following the Roaring Lion war. Sites taking part include the Israel Museum, the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, ANU - Museum of the Jewish People, Timna Park, the Jerusalem Walls Promenade and LUNADA - the Children's Museum. Nature sites operated by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority will also participate, including Nimrod Fortress National Park and Susita National Park, along with regional museums and heritage sites across the country.
For the first time, small businesses in the south are included through a collaboration with the tourism association of the Shikma-Besor region, including agricultural farms, visitor centers and experiential workshops. This expansion directly addresses economic hardship in areas most affected by the conflict, channeling support to private enterprises without government intermediation.
Two-Decade Track Record
The project has been running for about two decades and is described as one of the most prominent cultural and leisure initiatives in Israel, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The long-standing nature of the program demonstrates sustained private sector commitment to cultural preservation and tourism promotion through voluntary corporate action rather than government mandate.
Entry to all sites is subject to advance registration via the project's website and will be carried out in accordance with Home Front Command guidelines, ensuring security protocols are maintained. The article is by Meital Sharabi/Maariv and was published May 8, 2026 at 15:00.
Economic Recovery Through Market Mechanisms
The bank's decision to revive the program after the wartime cancellation reflects corporate discretion in allocating resources toward economic recovery. By targeting regions most affected by conflict—particularly the northern and southern areas—the initiative directs assistance where market conditions have been most disrupted, while the inclusion of small businesses provides direct support to local entrepreneurs rebuilding after the war.
Why This Matters:
This initiative demonstrates how private sector institutions can address economic challenges without government expenditure or bureaucratic oversight. Bank Hapoalim's voluntary commitment to supporting tourism and cultural sectors affected by the Roaring Lion war shows market-driven solutions responding to regional economic disruption. The program's two-decade history reflects sustained corporate citizenship that operates independently of political cycles or budget constraints. By including small businesses in the south for the first time, the bank is channeling support directly to entrepreneurs in conflict-affected areas, promoting economic recovery through increased visitor traffic rather than subsidies. The advance registration requirement and adherence to Home Front Command guidelines show private enterprise can balance accessibility with security needs while supporting institutions that preserve national heritage and generate economic activity.