Geopolitics and the Golan

Let’s start with a clarification. Today we learned about three different geopolitical situations: the geopolitics of today, the geopolitics of the Middle Ages and the geopolitics of 3000 years ago. We began with a jeep tour of the Golan, following the path of the IDF during the 1967 war. We ended our trip at an old Syrian bunker, surrounded by the Eucalyptus trees which gave away their position for a strategic view of the area, and a little snack.

Our next stop: the Tel Dan Nature Preserve and Archeological Park, where we learned about HaMatzav, “the Situation,” 3000 years ago. Along the way we enjoyed a beautiful hike and the Tel Dan wading pool.

Returning to today’s geopolitics we went to Mount Bental, overlooking the border with Syria. To see the border in the photos look for the color on the ground. The Israeli side is green with agriculture, the Syrian side is dusty brown. In addition to an old Syrian bunker, the top of the mountain is also home to a U.N. observation post and a coffee house. See if you can figure out the pun in it’s name!

Our final look at the Northern Border was at Kibbutz Misgav Am, which sits high on a mountain, precisely next to the border with Lebanon. This is the only place in Israel where it is possible to see Syria, Lebanon and the Mediterranean Sea. The kibbutz suffered three terrible terrorist attacks over the course of its history, and its members see themselves as integral to the establishment and defense of Israel’s border. We met with Aryeh ben Yaakov, who had strong views on the situation and was pleased to be direct in expressing them. It was an important and eye opening experience.

Such a full day! Yet wait, there’s more ...

After a wonderful dinner at a local restaurant, we headed off to a lantern tour of Nimrod’s Fortress (which oddly enough, has almost nothing to do with Nimrod). The is a Mamaluk fortress overlooking the Hula Valley, and it was opened late at night just for us. In learning about the fascinating history of the Mamaluks, we gained even more insight into the geopolitical history of this land. All in all, a truly remarkable experience.