Tzuba, the Crusader Fortress

   Tzuba Fortress, also known as Belmont, was built in 1170 as a Crusader stronghold overlooking the road to Jerusalem. The fortress was occupied throughout history, and has not been restored, which is part of what makes this particular guard post unique.

   When you look around the fortress you can see the different time periods if you know what to look for. A guide can point out the different stone types and the thickness and the types of mortar; each one distinguishes the period of construction. 

To read more about Tzuba, check out the IsraelExperts official blog. 

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IsraelExperts is a fully-licensed Israel tour operator; our head office is in Israel. Comprised of experienced Israel destination professionals, logistics experts, informal educators and accredited tour guides, IsraelExperts works with major organizations around the world in the field of Israel-Diaspora relations and Israel education, and offers you its ability to provide quality innovative programs. You can find us on line athttp://www.israelexperts.com/ or contact us for more information.

People-watching at Mahane Yehuda

   The open-air market, Mahane Yehuda, is the best place to go on Friday afternoon to see all the faces of Jerusalem in one place. My husband and I go to buy our Shabbat vegetables, eat a shwarma, and watch the city move around us.

To read more about people-watching at Machane Yehuda, check out the IsraelExperts blog.

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IsraelExperts is a fully-licensed Israel tour operator; our head office is in Israel. Comprised of experienced Israel destination professionals, logistics experts, informal educators and accredited tour guides, IsraelExperts works with major organizations around the world in the field of Israel-Diaspora relations and Israel education, and offers you its ability to provide quality innovative programs. You can find us on line athttp://www.israelexperts.com/ or contact us for more information.

Israel on Valentine’s Day

   My husband and I celebrate the Israeli version of Valentine’s Day by going to the beach, having picnics and doing other “summer” activities. This is because the equivalent of Valentine’s Day in Israel falls on Tu’B’Av- usually around the middle of August.

   February 14^th is just like any other day of the year in Israel. There are not a lot of flowers bought. Red and white chocolate hearts do not show up in many stores. It leaves those of us who want a romantic Valentine’s Day looking for something special to do.

   This year Shmuel surprised me on Shabbat. When we first started dating, we used to take my laptop and sit 
down on the Tayelet and watch movies together, with Jerusalem in the background. 


To read more about the Tayelet, check out the IsraelExperts blog.


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IsraelExperts is a fully-licensed Israel tour operator; our head office is in Israel. Comprised of experienced Israel destination professionals, logistics experts, informal educators and accredited tour guides, IsraelExperts works with major organizations around the world in the field of Israel-Diaspora relations and Israel education, and offers you its ability to provide quality innovative programs. You can find us on line athttp://www.israelexperts.com/ or contact us for more information.

Skiing in the Hermon

  The cold wind blew across my face as I glanced over my shoulder to find Shmuel somewhere on the hill, cautiously coming down behind me. The snow slipped past as I skied in and out between the other skiers at top speed- a race to get to the bottom first.
   I am not in Aspen or Steamboat Springs Colorado. I am not in Vermont. I am skiing on Mount Hermon, the tallest peak in Israel, in the north of the country.

To read more about skiing in the Hermon, check out the IsraelExperts blog.

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IsraelExperts is a fully-licensed Israel tour operator; our head office is in Israel. Comprised of experienced Israel destination professionals, logistics experts, informal educators and accredited tour guides, IsraelExperts works with major organizations around the world in the field of Israel-Diaspora relations and Israel education, and offers you its ability to provide quality innovative programs. You can find us on line at http://www.israelexperts.com/ or contact us for more information.

Rosh Chodesh Adar Aleph: Transforming a holy place

   During the month of Adar Aleph, the Torah portions discuss the creation of what will be the Temple through the spiritual items that are housed in it.

   We have not had the Temple for 2000 years now, and Jews have found other ways to transform the world of prayer into a celebration of a holy entity, through creative means of joyous commemoration in Israel and around the world. 

For a list of places to celebrate creatively in Israel, Check out the IsraelExperts Blog.

Asking questions at Masada: Does it symbolize Jewish heroism or cowardliness?

   Almost every Jewish tour group goes to Masada. Many get up at 4 am to trek up the snake path and see the sun rising over the Dead Sea at dawn. It used to be the site of the ceremony at which newly inducted Israeli soldiers swore allegiance to the State of Israel. Schoolchildren learn about it in class, and then travel to the site to see where history happened.

    Masada was not always known as the location of a heroic act.

To read more, check out the rest of the blog at blog.Israelexperts.com!

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IsraelExperts is a fully-licensed Israel tour operator; our head office is in Israel. Comprised of experienced Israel destination professionals, logistics experts, informal educators and accredited tour guides, IsraelExperts works with major organizations around the world in the field of Israel-Diaspora relations and Israel education, and offers you its ability to provide quality innovative programs. You can find us on line at http://www.israelexperts.com/ or contact us for more information.

Trekking through Israel: Motza Ilit

   Motza Ilit sits in the shadows of the Jerusalem hills and is home to the Beit Havraah Arza, the vacation retreat for some of the greatest figures of modern Israeli history. The "Camp David of Israel" gave leaders and their families - as well as many simpler workers - a chance to relax, breathe and organize their thoughts in this socialist-style simple hotel, then run as a rest home for the Histadrut labor union's members.

   Such men as David Ben Gurion and Moshe Dayan walked the paths of Arza and planted trees on the grounds.

To read more about Motza Ilit, check out the IsraelExperts Blog.

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IsraelExperts is a fully-licensed Israel tour operator; our head office is in Israel. Comprised of experienced Israel destination professionals, logistics experts, informal educators and accredited tour guides, IsraelExperts works with major organizations around the world in the field of Israel-Diaspora relations and Israel education, and offers you its ability to provide quality innovative programs. You can find us on line at http://www.israelexperts.com/ or contact us for more information.

The Underwater Observatory in Eilat: Seeing Israel from a different point of view

   The Underwater Observatory in Eilat looks at Israel from a different point of view- from the sea.

   Shmuel and I went to see it when we were down in Eilat with a group. Shmuel had not been to see it in 20 years and thus the experience reminded him of his childhood. In another way, the Underwater Observatory took us all back to our childhoods because of the brightly colored fish and beautiful aquariums.

   Over the last 20 years, the Eilat Underwater Observatory has changed a lot, with various new sections added. We were excited to be able to wander through the new rare fish exhibit, as well as the Amazon forest water exhibit and the shark tank.

   There was a 3D movie about sharks which was very enjoyable. The movable seats made it feel as if we were on the boat with the actors as we watched their trip and learned about sharks and shark migrations.

   It was a lot of fun to be able to go out to the underwater observatory to see even more, walking down the stairs to look out at the underwater view of Israel. We also enjoyed going up to the top of the observatory and feeling the wind as we looked at Israel and Jordan. Remember however- hold on to your hat and camera tightly. They will get blown away if you are not careful!

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IsraelExperts is a fully-licensed Israel tour operator; our head office is in Israel. Comprised of experienced Israel destination professionals, logistics experts, informal educators and accredited tour guides, IsraelExperts works with major organizations around the world in the field of Israel-Diaspora relations and Israel education, and offers you its ability to provide quality innovative programs. You can find us on line at http://www.israelexperts.com/ or contact us for more information.

Photo history of snow in Jerusalem

   Jerusalem on average gets heavy snowfalls every 7 years. It is one of the most beautiful sites to see. The city stretches out, covered briefly with a thin layer of white. The streets are quiet, except for the laughter of children who are experiencing snow-- many for the first time.

Snow by the Dome of the Rock 2003



   The largest snow storm in Jerusalem in the century prior to the founding of the State of Israel was in 1920, according to the British Handbook of Palestine. It states that snow was not uncommon during the winters, though that is not the case today.

Children play in the snow in Jerusalem 1921.

   In 1967, a late snowfall covered the city, keeping all but 500 of the thousands of Christian pilgrims away from services at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher on Easter weekend. The full news story can be read here.

   The last snowfall in Jerusalem occurred in 2008. So far, no snow has fallen year.

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IsraelExperts is a fully-licensed Israel tour operator; our head office is in Israel. Comprised of experienced Israel destination professionals, logistics experts, informal educators and accredited tour guides, IsraelExperts works with major organizations around the world in the field of Israel-Diaspora relations and Israel education, and offers you its ability to provide quality innovative programs. You can find us on line at http://www.israelexperts.com/ or contact us for more information.

Tu B’Shvat- Digging through ancient dirt to plant new roots at the Temple Mount Antiquities Salvage Operation

  

   When I was studying my first year in Israel, before I made aliya, we were required to volunteer once a week somewhere in Israel. I and a group of my friends chose to volunteer at the Temple Mount Antiquities Salvage Operation that sorted through the soil that had been removed from the Temple Mount during the excavations for Solomon's Stables.

   There was a lot of controversy over the method of dirt disposal and the process of the excavation as discussed in this article, http://www.echad.info/sifting/media/jpost14-4-05.html and a group got together and started sifting through the ruins to recover some of the artifacts that had been thrown out, including ancient coins, pieces of jewelry and many other items dating back thousands of years.

   On Tu B’Shvat, 2005 I had my most meaningful Israel Tu B’Shvat experience while volunteering.

   On the hill, over looking the Old City from just under the Hebrew University campus, where the dig was taking place at Emek Tzurim National Park, a man was planting olive trees. One of the dig volunteers went over and asked him if we could help.

   We spent that afternoon digging through dirt as we normally did, but this time it was not just to recover old artifacts. It was to plant new roots.

   While Tu B’Shvat celebrates the birthday of the trees that are planted throughout the entire year, there is something truly meaningful about being able to plant on Tu B’Shvat, looking over the city of Jerusalem, settling new roots into the ancient soil.

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IsraelExperts is a fully-licensed Israel tour operator; our head office is in Israel. Comprised of experienced Israel destination professionals, logistics experts, informal educators and accredited tour guides, IsraelExperts works with major organizations around the world in the field of Israel-Diaspora relations and Israel education, and offers you its ability to provide quality innovative programs. You can find us on line at http://www.israelexperts.com/ or contact us for more information.

Hiking Yehudia- waterfalls and beautiful views of the north

   Despite the desert-like atmosphere that everyone assumes about a lot of Israel, this is not always the case. When my husband and I first started down the path of Yehudia, he commented, "I feel like I am in a rainforest."

   The hike started out winding through the ruins of an ancient village, which archeologists believe used to be Soganey, one of three Roman-Byzantine period fortresses in the Golan that were built by Josephus at the time of the Roman Revolt.

   The low hanging trees, cool breeze and sun made the day absolutely perfect, except for the heat from which we soon found relief when we approached the first water hole. It was so inviting that we were thankful we had brought our swimsuits, and immediately put them to use, and also changed out of our hiking shoes and into our water sandals. Splashing in the cool water, we felt comfortable in the summer heat, and it was hard to believe we are in the midst of a drought this year.

   We then continued on, following the water, hiking along the edge, and every once in a while traipsing through the water. We then reached another water hole, and a ladder leading down the waterfall, to enter it and move forward. It was incredible to transcend the ladder, once more dipping our feet into the water, and then almost completely submerge. I treaded water, waiting for my husband (who is not a wonderful swimmer) and then we made our way to the side, a very short distance away, together. We were thankful that we had been warned not to bring cameras with us. If you must bring a camera, ensure that items like that and car keys stay dry. Bring waterproof bags, or double pack them in zip lock bags and try to keep them out of the water.

   We then sat down and had a picnic lunch in the sun on a flat rock, as we caught up on our suntans and dried off.

   There are 11 different possible hikes in Yehudia, and appropriate ones can be chosen to suit ages, abilities, etc. It’s a beautiful place to hike, and to not only see but also to experience the beauty of Israel.

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IsraelExperts is a fully-licensed Israel tour operator; our head office is in Israel. Comprised of experienced Israel destination professionals, logistics experts, informal educators and accredited tour guides, IsraelExperts works with major organizations around the world in the field of Israel-Diaspora relations and Israel education, and offers you its ability to provide quality innovative programs. You can find us on line at http://www.israelexperts.com/ or contact us for more information.

Trekking through the Castel



Under the Castel is a secret room which is a lot
of fun to  explore.  Just make sure you have a
light with you!



   The ruins of the Castel sit upon the top of Moaz Zion, overlooking the road to Jerusalem. "Castel" was the Arabic name for the older side of Meveseret, and was taken from the English word "Castle," named for the castle on the hill, built during the Second Crusader Period. If you are going by public transportation, you need to ask for "the Castel," not Meveseret Zion. While the town is officially Meveseret, the natives still refer to it only as the Castel.  

   In 1948, the battle of the Castel was the key fight which opened the road to Jerusalem, allowing for the conquest of the western part of the city. There is a wonderful story of how this was accomplished, but you need to see the place to really understand it.

   My husband's family was one of a community of Kurdish Jews who moved into the area right after the Independence war. The Castel is still predominately Kurdish in origin as the families stay close to one another. My husband and I reside next to my in-laws.

   One of our favorite Shabbat hikes is going up to explore the Castel. What is fascinating is that the remains of the main building show all the different time periods, from the Crusaders until the 1948 War for independence.

   The lookout from the top of  Castel is the best (in my opinion) of the surrounding hills of Jerusalem, with a 360 degree view. The Arab Israeli village of Abu Gosh stands just over the hill, making the connection between the cities obvious by their close proximity. Jerusalem is in the distance on the other side. The hills are mapped out on a monument  and it’s easy to see why this was such an important place in the history of the land of Israel, as a look out, a connection between the cities, and a welcoming post on the way to the city of Jerusalem.

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IsraelExperts is a fully-licensed Israel tour operator; our head office is in Israel. Comprised of experienced Israel destination professionals, logistics experts, informal educators and accredited tour guides, IsraelExperts works with major organizations around the world in the field of Israel-Diaspora relations and Israel education, and offers you its ability to provide quality innovative programs. You can find us on line at http://www.israelexperts.com/ or contact us for more information.

The Organic Botanical Gardens of Eilat

The Organic Botanical Gardens is a new, peaceful way to spend the morning of your Eilat vacation. Shmuel and I were down there last month and were thrilled to be able to walk through a lush green chemical-free rainforest in the middle of the desert.

The gardens just opened this past June, after 12 years of hard work.
We walked in through the main gates and the sand. A twisted tree greeted us and the guide informed us that this tree was one of only 3 trees there that predated the Organic Botanical Gardens.

Walking along the path, there was a cool breeze, and the trees whispered. I did not feel like I was in the middle of a desert, but instead, in the middle of a rainforest. The plants were labeled with hand made boards.
This site was an observation point for the Israeli Army during the 1973 war with Egypt. The plants surround the remains of the guard post.

In the rainforest we got a cooling mist as the sprinklers went on-- not enough to get us very wet, but enough to bring relief from the heat. We ended our visit in the cactus garden, before making our way down the steps and back to the main gate.

All furniture, gates and hand rails on the stairs were recycled from plants in the garden. We stopped and looked at the nursery before leaving, wishing we had room in our car for a plant to take home. This self sustaining, organic, desert botanical garden is truly an oasis of beauty in the middle of a sandy desert.

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IsraelExperts is a fully-licensed Israel tour operator; our head office is in Israel. Comprised of experienced Israel destination professionals, logistics experts, informal educators and accredited tour guides, IsraelExperts works with major organizations around the world in the field of Israel-Diaspora relations and Israel education, and offers you its ability to provide quality innovative programs. You can find us on line at www.israelexperts.com or contact us for more information.

Rosh Chodesh Sh'vat- בא: to come or to leave?

Today we begin the Hebrew month of Sh'vat. The Torah portion is "Bo/בא" or "Come" in Hebrew.

Despite the name of the Torah portion - about coming - the story is actually about the 10 plagues, and ends with the Jews leaving Egypt. Why is it that we call the Torah portion "Come" when we are going?

In his commentary, Rav Aryeh Kaplan distinguishes between the interpretations of בא with the explanation - "Go. Literally, "Come." Alternatively, this may be an idiomatic use of the word come."

We have here a word whose meaning cannot be predicted from the meanings of the constituent words. Instead, we are required to look at the bigger picture. Where were they arriving at the end of their journey? This Torah portion is the physical beginning of the Jews’ trip from Egypt to Israel.

The definition of 'come' is to approach or move toward a particular person or place while the definition of 'go' is to leave a place; depart. The Torah specifies that this action, coming to Israel, is a progressive action. Coming to Israel is not dependent on where you are coming from, which shows the importance of Israel in the big picture of the Torah and the Torah portion.

A trip is not special due to its origin. What is special is where you end up. Thus the name of the Torah portion specifies this, with the name "Come" or "בא" .

Have a happy Rosh Chodesh Sh'vat and we hope to help you "Come" to Israel in the near future.

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IsraelExperts is a fully-licensed Israel tour operator; our head office is in Israel. Comprised of experienced Israel destination professionals, logistics experts, informal educators and accredited tour guides, IsraelExperts works with major organizations around the world in the field of Israel-Diaspora relations and Israel education, and offers you its ability to provide quality innovative programs. You can find us on line at www.israelexperts.com or contact us for more information.

See it in Israel

Now you can find out more about places in Israel through our interactive IsraelExperts Map.


View See it in Israel in a larger map

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IsraelExperts is a fully-licensed Israel tour operator; our head office is in Israel. Comprised of experienced Israel destination professionals, logistics experts, informal educators and accredited tour guides, IsraelExperts works with major organizations around the world in the field of Israel-Diaspora relations and Israel education, and offers you its ability to provide quality innovative programs. You can find us on line at www.israelexperts.com or contact us for more information.

Happy New Year from IsraelExperts

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IsraelExperts is a fully-licensed Israel tour operator; our head office is in Israel. Comprised of experienced Israel destination professionals, logistics experts, informal educators and accredited tour guides, IsraelExperts works with major organizations around the world in the field of Israel-Diaspora relations and Israel education, and offers you its ability to provide quality innovative programs. You can find us on line at www.israelexperts.com or contact us for more information.

Air Force Memorial

Last week I joined a synagogue group on their journey from Tel Aviv towards Jerusalem. Instead of taking the main highway, the guide instead took the back road, winding through the hills that looked like something out of Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, and eventually pulled into the Air Force Memorial, as a special surprise for one of the enthusiastic youngsters who had been talking excitedly about planes throughout the entire trip.

We wound up the hill, away from the quiet road, and then got out and walked into a memorial garden. Set up like a maze, the site marked the location of an Israeli airplane crash in 1948.

The Israel expert pointed out the first memorial to the group—remains of the inside of the plane formed into a small sculpture. He shared different amazing stories of the pilots’ wars. As we wandered through the forested maze we stopped to look at the names carved on each stone - all four sides, pointing up towards the sky. The stone felt cold under my hand, as I felt the names of those who had died in war and in air accidents since the founding of the country.

When we found our way out of the maze of trees, we saw a guard tower stretching up towards the sky. The entire experience was amazing and very meaningful, and the quiet surroundings made me feel like I was suspended in air, as I looked out over the view of the Jerusalem Hills.

This memorial is very beautiful and should not be missed.

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IsraelExperts is a fully-licensed Israel tour operator; our head office is in Israel. Comprised of experienced Israel destination professionals, logistics experts, informal educators and accredited tour guides, IsraelExperts works with major organizations around the world in the field of Israel-Diaspora relations and Israel education, and offers you its ability to provide quality innovative programs. You can find us on line at www.israelexperts.com or contact us for more information.

A Christmas story in Israel: different perspectives

   At IsraelExperts, as in many companies, it is customary to bring colleagues candy from the country visited when one returns from abroad.

   Ros Roucher returned from the US last week and brought with her green and red M&Ms. As co-workers happily discovered them in the kitchen, people kept coming into our office with remarks. Some were excited. Some were confused and some were sentimental, but as we listened to the various comments, Ros and I discussed the perspectives which were almost dictated by where the people grew up.

   After things quieted down, Ros sent out the following email to the company:

Little did I know that bringing in red and green M&Ms would begin a conversation of culture and ideology!

As an American, red and green screams out Christmas to me.

However, in the short hour since the chocolates have sat in the kitchen, I've had the pleasure of hearing the different reactions:

• American born see Christmas
• Israeli born see the Palestinian flag
• In Europe- Christmas is red and white (who knew?)
• And one South African born person saw 'Smarties' and when pressed admitted to Christmas tree.

Underneath it all, it's just chocolate.  But the conversation has been fascinating to me!

Roslyn Roucher

Senior Education Consultant

IsraelExperts - Initiatives in Education

P.O.B. 298, Gedera 70700  Israel

Israel Tel: 072-277-4425  Mobile: 054-210-2470

Fax: 972-8-857-3813

USA: 212-796-4111 ext. 425

Roslyn@israelexperts.com                 www.israelexperts.com

   After the email went out, I realized how important it was to look at the different perspectives and how happy I was that this is something done often at IsraelExperts. Perspectives are formed from our experiences, and the examination of the different perspectives is something that gives a clarity to a situation, no matter what it is. There are different perspectives for every situation, and the realization and explanation helps to truly educate and inform. 

   Have a happy holiday, from whatever perspective you approach it.

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IsraelExperts is a fully-licensed Israel tour operator; our head office is in Israel. Comprised of experienced Israel destination professionals, logistics experts, informal educators and accredited tour guides, IsraelExperts works with major organizations around the world in the field of Israel-Diaspora relations and Israel education, and offers you its ability to provide quality innovative programs. You can find us on line at www.israelexperts.com or contact us for more information.

Taking a look at first temple period ruins of Zippori to commemorate the siege of Jerusalem

Dionysus in the Roman villa

   Asara b'Tevet (the fast commemorating the first siege of Jerusalem) is a minor fast day in the Jewish calendar. My husband and I like observing holidays of this sort by visiting locations that were pertinent during that time period and/or event.

   This year we drove north to take a look at Zippori, a city which was built around the 7^th century BCE, and was the center of the northern region of Israel during the Assyrian, Babylonian, Hellenistic and Persian rule, when it was called Sepphoris. It was a location where many Jews escaped to after the siege of Jerusalem following the destruction of the Second Temple.  The Sanhedrin (supreme Jewish religious and judicial body), headed by Rabbi Yehuda Hanasi, was located in Zippori at the beginning of the third century.

   There were a few highlights in the national park that we particularly enjoyed:

The view: There are some who say that the name was changed to Zippori because of the root- Tzipor, or bird, because of the bird’s eye view. From the top of the hill the view is indeed breath-taking.

   The Mona Lisa of the Galilee: In the floor of the ancient Roman villa which was destroyed by an earthquake, the remains of an ornate mosaic were uncovered during excavations. Researchers called it the "Mona Lisa of the Galilee," due to the intricate detail done with tiny tiles. The image is almost lifelike.

   The Crusader Tower: Overlooking the rest of the park, this is a great place to take in the view.

Also, don’t miss the excavated town! As he led the tour, our IsraelExperts guide pointed out the carvings in the street of an ancient game (kind of like tic-tac-toe) and a menorah. You can also see the ancient mikvot (ritual bath houses) and synagogue, as well as the Roman amphitheater. 

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IsraelExperts is a fully-licensed Israel tour operator; our head office is in Israel. Comprised of experienced Israel destination professionals, logistics experts, informal educators and accredited tour guides, IsraelExperts works with major organizations around the world in the field of Israel-Diaspora relations and Israel education, and offers you its ability to provide quality innovative programs. You can find us on line at www.israelexperts.com or contact us at education@israelexperts.com for more information.

Trekking through Nimrod's Fortress

   Nimrod's Fortress, first known as "the Fortress on the Cliff," is an Arab-built fortress which sits on a hilltop and can be seen from all directions as you approach. Once you follow the signs to the main entrance, you lose sight for a moment, before driving up the winding road to park along the walls next to the canteen.

   Built around 1229 by Saladin’s nephew Al- Aziz Uthman, the fortress now resembles a botanical garden. It is a partially restored ruined fortress with plants growing all along the paths.

   Shmuel and I went up there recently with a group and had fun exploring every nook and cranny. The views from the hidden rooms are not to be missed! It’s pleasant in the summer, with a cool wind blowing from the surrounding hills.

   It is truly an experience to walk along the paths, with stone slabs edging on one side, and a forest down the middle. It’s peaceful, with the noise and bustle of society blocked by the trees, walls and distance. My favorite place is the Beautiful Tower- a tower in the middle, with stones carefully crafted.

   After the Port of Akko was conquered, Nimrod’s Fortress lost its strategic value. It fell into disrepair until it was used again during the Ottoman period as a luxury prison for exiled Ottoman nobles. 

   For further reading on Nimrod's Fortress, check out the article from the Jewish Times Asia http://www.jewishtimesasia.org/tourism-israel-topmenu-58/33-tourism/1083-nimrods-castle-lets-the-imagination-run-wild ..

   The August torch-light tours are an experience which will be remembered by all members of the family, but must be carefully planned in advance due to timing and location. However, if you have to choose between a trip during daylight hours or at night, go for the daytime trip, as the view of the deep Hermon Valley is something that should not be missed, and will not be clearly visible at night.

   Nimrod's Fortress was named for the hunter Nimrod, grandson of Noah, who was first depicted in the book of Genesis. Sir Walter Raleigh discussed the "Land of Nimrod" in his History of the World (1616). Tradition says that Nimrod was the leader of those who built the Tower of Babel. Different versions of Nimrod are also recounted in Armenian and Hungarian legends, and in some stories, was one of the founding fathers of the Free Masons. This area in the Golan Heights is, according to legend, where Nimrod hunted, and thus, the fortress is now called Nimrod's Fortress.

   While Nimrod's Fortress is off the beaten path and a bit of a drive away from civilization, it is definitely a site that should not be missed for a well travelled tourist who is looking for something different.

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IsraelExperts is a fully-licensed Israel tour operator; our head office is in Israel. Comprised of experienced Israel destination professionals, logistics experts, informal educators and accredited tour guides, IsraelExperts works with major organizations around the world in the field of Israel-Diaspora relations and Israel education, and offers you its ability to provide quality innovative programs. You can find us on line at www.israelexperts.com or contact us at education@israelexperts.com for more information.