Shoham park

Shoham park is a park located east of the town of Shoham, Israel, between Highway 444 to the west and Highway 6 to the east, and between the "Bareket" industrial area to the north and Nahal Beit Arif to the south.

Geography and history
The park's area is about two square kilometers, its length from north to south is 1,750 meters, and its width from east to west is 1,250 meters. It spans several hills with heights ranging from 60 to 140 meters above sea level. Despite the park's name, the forest within it is quite sparse, and most of it is a rocky and rugged area. The Israel National Trail crosses the park from north to south in its western part.

The Jewish National Fund began developing the park in 1987 as part of the "Hill Axis" program, intended to connect forest areas, nature reserves, and agricultural lands, from the sources of the Yarkon in the north to Canada Park in the south. Walking and mountain biking trails, off-road vehicle paths, and picnic areas were prepared in the forest. Three underground passages beneath Highway 444 connect the park to Shoham. Additionally, an observation deck was prepared at the top of the "Cupmarks and Mortars" hill, offering a view westward to the coastal plain and eastward towards the Samarian hills. The observation deck includes a memorial site for Sergeant Guy Soday, who died in Lebanon in 1994. The hill got its name due to the various-sized depressions carved into the rock. The small depressions are called "cupmarks," possibly used as ancient altars; the larger ones are called "mortars" and were used for grinding grains and herbs.

In the park area, remains of settlements from the Mishnah and Talmudic periods and several ancient caves were discovered. At its center are the remains of "Horvat Tinshemet," where the remains of the Bacchus Church from the Byzantine period were uncovered. The church was exposed in 1995 during rescue excavations and is dated to the 6th century. Its area is about 100 square meters, divided into three naves by six columns. The church features a mosaic floor in black, white, red, and orange colors, with a Greek inscription reading "of Saint Bacchus," which gave the church its name. The mosaic includes geometric designs, an amphora from which vines with grape clusters emerge. In a geometric frame, an artichoke with leaves on both sides is depicted. Near the church, a replica of the Madaba Map mosaic was placed, identifying Horvat Tinshemet with "Beto-melgezis." Near the church, an oil press and a water pool were found. The site is accessible and organized.

In 2016, development works were approved in an abandoned quarry area in the southwestern part of the park as part of a fast-track preferred housing plan. Under this plan, it was permitted to establish public facilities related to the forest. Nevertheless, various developers and the Shoham Economic Company later promoted plans to build a theater for mass performances in the abandoned quarry area and even beyond it. Following protests from citizens and environmental activists, concerns were raised that the plan might harm the delicate ecological fabric of the forest, traffic arrangements, and the quality of life of the area's residents. In August 2023, after thousands of supporters called for rehabilitation that considers the health of the environment and residents, some candidates for the Shoham Council elections declared that they would consider changing or canceling the plan.

Fauna and flora
The park serves as a home for wildlife and plants, some of which are endangered. Among the mammals living there, one can count the common fox, Indian porcupine, golden jackal, wild boar, and the mountain gazelle (globally endangered). Alongside a variety of trees, shrubs, and rocky hills, the park is also a habitat for special wild plants that can be used for medicinal purposes, such as common hyssop, pink savory, common thyme, white-leaved savory, two-colored sage, and three-lobed sage. Additionally, the park is home to blooming wild plants such as the common cyclamen, winter crocus, and autumn crocus.