We packed our bags and checked out of the Grand Court Hotel. Leaving Jerusalem, we traveled north, skirting around the West Bank. Our security guard believed it would be unsafe to travel through the West Bank.
During the three hour trip, Michael gave us a historical overview of the Land, from biblical times to today.
Our security guard spoke of his time as a military commander in Gaza. They destroyed Hamas tunnels in 2014. The day after they withdrew, Hamas was already rebuilding them.
We crossed the mighty Jordan River and entered the Hula Valley.
We visited a moshav (like a kibbutz but more economic autonomy for the members) in the Golan Heights. They are far enough from the border to not be evacuated. The couple who welcomed us are believers. We planted trees for the 1200-tree memorial the moshav is doing for the 1200 victims of October 7.
A good friend (and tour guide) from previous trips, Ohri, is stationed nearby he was able to get permission to drive over and see us. It was great to see him again.
While we were visiting I heard a distant boom. Ohri said that’s just the Iron Dome getting a rocket. He said we had nothing to worry about as they’re not targeting where we were.
The sun was getting low as we finished up.
We drove down to Tiberias to a great hotel on the Galilee. Dinner was delicious. Time to quit and get some rest for tomorrow.
