Mount Hermon is part of the Anti-Lebanon mountain range and “straddles” Israel’s northern border where it meets Lebanon and Syria. Because the more popular sites (Jerusalem, Bethlehem, the Dead Sea, etc.) are populated in Israel’s midsection, the casual tourist rarely glimpses the beauty of this area.
The purple dots on both maps are Mt. Bental, overlooking The Valley of Tears, so called for the heavy loss of life suffered by massively outnumbered Israeli forces who managed to hold their positions against Syria in the surprise attack on Yom Kippur 1973. Even if you’re not a history or war buff, it’s an engaging account of a miraculous feat!
Although I had initially decided to avoid visiting this area, I was told it was a must-see. You, my armchair travelers, deserve my very best efforts.
Mount Bental loomed in the distance as I sped along Rte. 91 in my rented Nissan Micra.
Since I was in Tiberias for a week anyway, it took less than an hour.
Mount Bental is a dormant volcano with an elevation of nearly 4,000 feet above sea level.
My 4-cylinder jalopy groaned and protested as we wound up the ever-increasing grade and I wished for my Jeep.
It was windy and becoming chilly at this altitude, but as we pulled into the parking lot, the sky was brilliant azure with billowy white clouds.
Leah and I were met by this 10 foot red people greeter, formerly a plane fuselage. Much of the wreckage from the wars fought here had been transformed into sculpture.
Leah was visiting me in Tiberias for a couple of days. We had just taken a wooden boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, and someone recommended Merom Golan as a lunch destination.
Coffee Annan- a pun on the former UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, and Hebrew for “Coffee of the Clouds”- is famous for being the highest restaurant in Israel at 1,165 meters above sea level. This was definitely a fun place to have lunch.
http://israeltripplanner.com/golan-heights/golan-heights-restaurants/coffee-anan-restaurant
I’m not crazy about Israeli pizza, but the menu was limited and we ate every bite. Now it’s time to go out and explore!
Stepping outside onto the observation deck, I was not prepared for the staggering panoramic views of Syria and Mount Hermon.
The Golan Heights are considered by the international community to be “Israeli-occupied”. While this is arguable and hotly contested, it is beyond the scope of my knowledge and understanding. I’m here to take pictures, not sides.
UNDOF (Disengagement Observer Force) command post and communications tower sits atop the hill.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_Disengagement_Observer_Force
The task force was established by the United Nations Security Council in 1974, to maintain the ceasefire between Israel and Syria.
The small sign says Quneitra. It points to a once small town of 20,000 people. Israel and Syrian wrestled for control in 1973-1974 and it was reduced to rubble in the ensuing battle(s).
The Golan Heights’ border with Syria proper. The Golan Heights end (and Syria begins) where the farmland ends. In the background is the deserted city of Quneitra in Syria.
Middle sign says Valley of Tears. On the right is New Quneitra. There is a demilitarized zone (DMZ) in there somewhere, as well.
Okay, we’ve been warned. Who wants to go play in the bunkers??
I feel like GI Jane- definitely getting in touch with my inner child.
Where are my Hebrew scholars? Post a brief explanation of what these are in the comments.
This opening was no more than 12″ high; just enough to get a munition positioned.
Luckily, this is the only ‘shooting’ going on in the bunker these days.
Obviously, this area is strategic to Israel’s defense against her enemies and has been hard fought over. In the Yom Kippur War of 1973, this was the site of one of the largest tank battles in history.
The Syrians attacked the Golan with 1,500 tanks and 1,000 artillery pieces. Israel countered with only 160 tanks and 60 artillery pieces.
Although it was great fun, I am happy to be out of the bowels of the earth and breathing fresh air once again.
The sign informs the public how to go about purchasing the sculpture displayed on the grounds.
They were all pretty good, but I’ll share a few of Yoop’s more creative pieces.
The distant mountains have begun to take on a shrouded appearance as the dusk slowly settles in.
I sat down on this pallet for a picture and now I’m stuck in barbed wire and can’t get up. I don’t know why I’m laughing…
Oops! Wish I’d seen this a bit earlier.
Down below, on the west side of Mt. Bental is Merom Golan, an Israeli settlement and kibbutz established in 1967.
Look at the loose dirt around that mountain, people! We’ve seen what flash flooding does in this country, right?
Not to mention this is a volcano…Supposedly there’s a resort down there, as well. Yikes!
It’s been a long day and it’s time to head back to Tiberias. A hug for my big red friend and we’re out of here.
As dusk falls, today’s brilliant blue sky gives way to swirling golds and pinks.
Thanks for riding along today. I’ll bet my hands are dirtier than yours! Leave a comment if you liked it. Peace and love. MH
Enjoying the trip with you. God’s Peace and Love, Dave and Mary Ann
Beautiful pictures, thanks for sharing.
So interesting!
Remarkable again Marie! Thanks for sharing your unprecedented views, explanations and insights from “The Land”. They are rare, unique and enlightening.