Tuesday May 15^th

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 She’an – what it’s 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 19^th 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 15^th 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.