Yad Vashem and children

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bamse
bamse

I read that children (in our case 4 and 2 years old) are not allowed at Yad Vashem (correct?). So we are looking for some child friendly activities to do while one of us is going to the memorial. Ideally they'd be somewhat near Yad Vashem and could keep us busy for as long as one needs to visit Yad Vashem. So far we are considering the Biblical Zoo and the Science Museum. Couple of questions:

  1. How much time should one allow for each of these on average (Yad Vashem, Zoo, Science Museum)

  2. Is the science museum a lot of hands-on or more looking/reading? We recently spent a full day at Phaeno which the children liked a lot.

  3. Any other suggestions of things to do for children? Playgrounds could be fun as well, but I am not sure they'd spent as much time at a single playground.

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shuffaluff
shuffaluff

Children under 10 are not allowed in Yad Vashem. Frankly I can't imagine why anyone would think for a nano-second that it is appropriate for ages 2 and 4.
To go through the whole of Yad Vashem you should allow two to three hours.
Science Museum: http://www.mada.org.il/en
For children as young as yours, I would suggest the zoo. They can also run around and let off steam there.

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bamse
bamse

Thanks for the reply. I am not saying that it is appropriate, but why exclude all children, even tiny ones who would not understand the significance of the place and might as well sleep during the visit?

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mbgg
mbgg

True, but they might not sleep ... and then your bored, crying or noisy children would disturb the other visitors. Yad Vashem is not a normal museum.

I also recommend the zoo:
http://jerusalemzoo.org.il/len/apage/11021.php

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bamse
bamse

Point taken.

Is the zoo good for a full day (basically the time for two visits to Yad Vashem)?

Has anybody been to the science museum and can comment on the experience (suitable for small children, how much time)?

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shuffaluff
shuffaluff

I have been to the science museum, but not with children and not thinking of it as a child might see it. But from what I remember, it isn't suitable for a two-year-old. Four maybe.
The zoo is lovely, in beautiful grounds, with a petting corner for children. You can buy snacks, ice creams etc. there (of course there is nothing to stop you taking your own food).

As for babies in Yad Vashem, even a baby who is usually quiet might cry (and how can anyone guarantee that the baby will sleep?). A total ban on under-10s is the only sensible answer.

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taigatrommel
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shuffaluff
shuffaluff

That kind of behavior is of course inexcusable in anybody, regardless of age or nationality.
But the reason children are not allowed in is not because they may not be able to behave appropriately. The pictures are absolutely horrific, and nobody would want their young children to see them.
This discussion might be of interest:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g293983-i2582-k5204355-Yad_Vashem_no_Children_Policy-Jerusalem_Jerusalem_District.html

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taigatrommel
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bamse
bamse

Thank you for the replies. I had not realized that this only applied to part of the complex (which does of course make sense).

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