The Valley of Ayalon stretches along the Mediterranean coast through Israel's heartland. Israel's busiest highway crosses the Valley of Ayalon from Tel Aviv up to Jerusalem. In the foothills of the mountainous region surrounding Jerusalem lays the small town of Latrun. Today Latrun is home to Israel's Armored Corps Museum displaying over 100 tanks and armored personnel carriers spanning Israel's short but violent history.

Plaza looking over Valley of Ayalon

Some of the more than 100 tanks on display

Many of the exhibits were confiscated from Israel's enemies during the course of battle. Syrian and Egyptian tanks captured in the Six Day War of 1967 as well as a Russian radar station captured from the Syrians during the same conflict. The museum is well worth the visit and male children of all ages cannot help but make machine gun noises and explosion sounds as they climb on and in the tanks.

Confiscated Russian radar taken from Syria

Possible future tank commander

The Valley of Ayalon has been a strategic keystone throughout history. Latrun and the surrounding towns overlook the easiest route up to Israel's capital city of Jerusalem. Historically, whoever controlled the entrance to this mountain pass controlled the fate of Jerusalem. Many empires and world conquerors have fought their way through this very valley on their way up to Jerusalem. This valley is also the location of one of Israel's most miraculous victories, when Joshua asked God for a longer day in which to destroy five kings which came against Israel. God answered his request and the sun stood still over the valley of Ayalon providing Israel enough time for a victory.

The Valley of Ayalon

Some of the more than 100 tanks on display

During Israel's War for Independence in 1948 the area was controlled by Trans-Jordanian legionnaires. The Legion kept a stranglehold on Jerusalem by cutting off the main road leading up to Jerusalem. Israel eventually bypassed the main road but was unable to militarily take Latrun from the Legion until the Six Day War of 1967. Israeli soldiers who heroically gave their lives in the Valley of Ayalon have their names inscribed on a memorial wall in the museum plaza.

Museum Exhibit

Wall of Rememberance of fallen Soldiers

View more pictures from Israel's Armored Corps Museum in the town of Latrun.