Tuesday May 15th
Tour of the north
Ancient history and modern
Theme: Borders.
Obviously this is a tour where I will talk a lot on the bus.
Itinerary Leaving Ramar Rachel: 7:30
Security at the time will decide which route will be taken:
Either
a) via Jordan valley
Pointing out Jewish and Arab presence, discussion of border for safety and strategic purposes
9:00 Stop at Bet Shean what its like to live in the shadow of the enemy
(bathroom stop)
Or
b) Via Wadi Ara
Pointing out Arab towns, houses, villas discussion of Israeli Arab/ Jewish relationships
Golani Junction east to Poriah, south Kinneret
9:00 Stop at Mitzpeh Tsomet Alumot
View of Kinneret from the tower, overlook to Golan Heights (no longer Syrian) and Jordan to orientate ourselves and to understand the strategic implications..
(bathroom stop)
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9:30 Drive Zemach and round lake from eastern side.
To understand the vulnerability of the settlements by the lake.
Up to Golan
10:15 Kuneitra overlook
Wars, especially Yom Kippur war
10:45 El-Rom the kibbutz. Film presentation Oz 77.
The battle that changed the face of history
(bathrooms, snack)
11:25 battle field, visit bunkers, memorial area
12:25 Head up towards Birkat Ram.
Har Odem for a picnic.
13:15 Drive through Madj el Shams
Discuss Druse/ Israeli relationships on the Golan. Compare with Carmel Druse who go in the army and are loyal to Israel.
Quiet time on bus for an after-lunch nap!
14:00 Through Kiryat Shmoneh, past Kfar Giladi.
Take Lebanese/Israel border road 886.
Discussion of Lebanese war vulnerability of the residents of the North
14:45 Visit to a winery
Rimon winery
For fun! And to show a new branch of Israeli agriculture. Only real wine in the world made from Pomegranates! And talk about Zionist history. Wine growing, Baron Rothschild, land purchase etc in the 19th century.
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Optional extra ONLY if time permits:
Personally I would like to make this a very long day so that it IS possible but it will depend on whether it is decided to have a meeting in the evening back at the conference hall.*
Brief visit to Sfat wander the streets of the Jewish quarter. See tolerant religious Jews! Story of 48 and history of 15th century. Again pointing out presence of Jews for many centuries not just modern State times.
Time for people to get a bite to eat.
18:00 Drive home
* Discussion session in evening of all we saw during the day. Questions and answers.