Day 102: Aaronson House

In addition to their fine wines (see yesterday's post), one of Zichron Yaakov's most interesting tourist attraction is the Araonson House.  Once a private dwelling, the house is now a museum that chronicles the life of the Aaronson family.  The family was involved with NILI, a Jewish spy ring that worked for the British Military during WWI.  At that time, the Ottoman Turks were in control of Palestine and the British has plans to take over.   The Jews believed that supporting the British would help lead to the birth of a Jewish nation.

The village of Zichron Yaakov served as an important center of activity for the members of NILI,  and especially its leaders.  Led by Avshalom Feinberg and Aaron Aaronson, the leaders of NILI recruited others in the community to spy on behalf of the British.  Two of the recruits were none other than Aaron's two sisters, who were both in love with Avshalom. 

While visiting the Aaronson House, visitors learn all about NILI, their secret codes, and the epic stories of the Aaronson family - which range from romance to intrigue to tragedy.  This museum is not recommended for children.