In Biblical times, this area was known for its cattle and it's oak trees (Amos 4:1-2, Zechariah 11:2, Isaiah 2:13). In the present day, the Golan Heights is a strategically significant area closely guarded by Israel and it's neighbors Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon. Do check out my post: Israel Travel Itinerary for more tips and inspirations.
Golan Heights is the third site we've visited on day 3 for our Israel pilgrimage. On our way to this site, we've met lots of Israeli military vehicles and saw lots of bunkers and military posts. Yes, from what I've mentioned above this place is heavily guarded.
That snow-capped mountain on the photo above is Mount Hermon. Mount Hermon is Israel's highest mountain (1,968m). "Hermon" in Hebrew can be translated as "the mountain set apart".
Gunshots
The sceneries from the pictures look peaceful but actually, we could hear the exchange of fire between ISIS and Hezbollah. Somehow, I don't understand the reason why these two groups aren't united. No, I wasn't afraid to hear the shots.
First, the exchange of fire happened beyond the hills. You can't even notice the hills on the picture because it's very far from where we are standing. Second, our tour guide made sure that the area is safe before we went. This place is usually skipped from the itinerary because of the imminent threat from the neighboring countries.
I honestly salute the people who are living in Israel especially those who are near the borders. It could be peaceful today but who knows what tomorrow might bring.
From the top of the Israeli military bunker shown on the photo below, you get to see the borders of Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan.
It's finally time for lunch. I'm excited to experience lunch at a Kibbutz community.
What's A Kibbutz Community?
A Kibbutz community is a collective community in Israel that was traditionally based on agriculture. Kibbutzim began as utopian communities, a combination of socialism and Zionism. In recent decades, some kibbutzim have been privatized and changes have been made in the communal lifestyle. A member of a kibbutz is called a kibbutznik. ~ source wiki
We were charmed by the beautiful views on our way down to the Kibbutz community from the Golan Heights. We saw workers on the fields, a herd of cattle treading the slopes and the villages of Lebanon and Syria from a distance.
Look, how close we are to Syria. Notice, the white poles on the photo below the second column right side. That's the border between Israel and Syria. It's only a few feet away from us.
I felt so grateful to be able to set foot on the Golan Heights. It's one hot property on the face of the earth and it is usually skipped on tourists itinerary because of the imminent danger. Yay! Felt to blessed. Praise Jesus!
And oh, the lunch at the Kibbutz community was awesome. It was a buffet lunch.
UP NEXT: Caesarea Philippi.