The Golan Heights

On Friday morning, we drove to Capernaum Vista Olive Farms in the Golan Heights, where we were treated to a special sampling of a multitude of olive oil products, ranging from flavored olive oils to skin care products that made our hands and faces feel like a baby’s bottom.  After our olive excursion, we got back on the bus with our skin a bit softer and our wallets a bit lighter and headed north.

Soon we arrived at the pickup point for our Jeep ride through one of the most high-tech kibbutzes in the Golan Heights, if not the world.  According to our tour guides, so many cows had been stolen from the farmers that they had found it necessary to install infrared cameras that detect suspicious motion even in the dark of night.  A quick picture message to their smartphones ensures that no cow is left for dead.  Or stolen.  It was a beautiful day, and the bumpy ride was a scenic high point.

After a quick ice cream break, we headed to a movie theater to view a movie about the Yom Kippur War and the Valley of Tears, “Oz 77”. It was nice to learn more about the history of the Golan Heights.

After lunch, we headed to the day’s final touring destination, the mountain of Tel Dan.  On top of one of the highest points in the Golan Heights, we could see for miles.  The sky was bright blue, and we could clearly see Mt. Hermon and the Syrian city of Kunetra.  We explored a bunker on the mountain, took some scenic pictures, and then headed back to the hotel to prepare for Shabbat.

Services, a wonderful dinner, workshops, and some fun games provided a relaxing way to welcome Shabbat.  It’s hard to believe that we’ve only been here for one week!  So much has happened since we touched down at Tel Aviv-Jaffa last Friday morning.  After reflecting on our amazing week, we relaxed and prepared to make the most of our remaining and now fleeting time here in Eretz Yisrael.  Shabbat Shalom!

Marty Strauss and Jenna Whisler