Nation's Great Leaders Graves

The graves of national leaders are arranged symmetrically on the southern slope of Mount Herzl with stone markers and landscaped gardens. The burial plots are carefully integrated into the hillside, with pathways that allow visitors to move easily between them.

The burial ground was established in 1951 shortly after Israel's founding to provide a dignified resting place for significant leaders. Over the decades, it became the final location for presidents, prime ministers, and other important figures who shaped the nation's path.

The graves follow Jewish burial customs with simple stones and Hebrew inscriptions that stress equality among national figures. Visitors notice how the plainness of the markers reflects the humility central to these traditions.

The site is open daily from sunrise to sunset, and visitors can walk on maintained paths between the graves. The Mount Herzl visitors center offers tours that explain the story behind each burial.

The grounds hold some of the most influential figures in Israel's early history, including Golda Meir and Yitzhak Rabin. Many visitors do not realize that other presidents and parliament members are also buried here, making it a place where personal and national histories meet.