MARCH 15, 2018 -- DAY 4

We stayed at the Pastoral Hotel, Kibbutz Kfar Blum, in Upper Galilee. In recent years this kibbutz has been supplemented by tourism. Kfar Blum's location is near the Jordan River at the foot of Mt. Hermon.

After a lovely breakfast, the morning started with a walk through the Tel Dan nature reserve, located on the largest tributary of the Jordan River.

As we drove in, we saw the ruins from the Israelite period where our ancestors lived 3000 years ago. During our walk, our guide, BG, pointed out various foliage including a fig tree and a non-bearing pistachio tree.

Once we completed our walk, jeeps were there to meet us for our off road trip to the Golan Heights,

where we walked in the footsteps of Israeli Soldiers and listened to recounts of the stories of the six day war.

What a contrast to the peaceful land where cattle now roam. The main road is the only access to the top of the hill. The land is fenced off and warning signs abound due to unexploaded land mines.

From the top of the hill it is easy to see Israel’s proximity to Syria.

Our jeep tour guides exlained the feelings of living on a volatile border. They love this area and/or their families are from this area, and leaving is not an option. And while we understand what it’s like living on a border, we don’t have to sleep with one ear always listening.

The next stop was Mt. Bental. From the top of Mount Bental, you see Syria, Lebanon, and Israel. 

The dividing lines are so close you understand how quickly situations can change. As BG was explaining the various factions, we witnessed UN peacekeepers and an armed Israeli soldier.

We gathered to say Kaddish for those who have fallen and a blessing for those protecting Israel.

Our next stop was the art community of Tsfat, a center for Jewish mysticism. We met artist Sheva Chaya, who demonstrated glass blowing. We finally got some free time for exploring the many galleries and the retail therapy that came with it.

We returned to the hotel for a nice dinner.

We are ready for an early departure tomorrow to our next stop, Jerusalem.

Erline Gordon
Nina & Fred Hirsh